Embracing mindset changes through life, business and faith. Many of us are held back from personal growth because we view life through the filter of old mindsets. I believe God created us with the resources needed to live the life we desire. Join me every Saturday as we dive beneath the surface to expose limiting mindsets, and learn how to live from the inside out, using your natural gifts. More at toksaruoture.com
Episodes
Saturday Oct 12, 2024
Saturday Oct 12, 2024
In this episode, I had an incredible conversation with Shadé Akande, founder of ONE X LEAGUE. Shadé, raised as a first-generation American by Nigerian parents, shares her experiences of navigating culture clashes, embracing risk, and learning to trust herself—lessons that shaped her personal and professional journey.
You can watch this episode on YouTube
We dive into:
•Growing Up Nigerian-American: Shadé talks about the culture clashes of being raised by Nigerian parents in the United States and how those experiences influenced her career choices and personal growth.
•Career Evolution: From the fashion industry to HR at some of the biggest global companies like Google and Verizon, Shadé explains how each step in her career taught her more about people and herself.
•Launching ONE X LEAGUE: Shadé shares the mission behind ONE X LEAGUE, a private membership for Black and Afro-Latina executive women, and the upcoming ONE SUITE RETREAT, a retreat for Black executives, both male and female, happening in February next year.
•Risk-Taking and Resilience: We discuss the importance of taking risks, learning from failures, and building resilience in the face of entrepreneurship challenges.
•Building Your Tribe: A major theme of our conversation revolves around creating a supportive network. Shadé shares insights on how to build a tribe of mentors and supporters and reflects on our own trip to the Amalfi Coast, where we strengthened our community of women.
•Mentorship: We also explore how mentorship plays a vital role in personal and professional growth, and how to find the right mentors if you’re just starting out.
Shadé’s story is filled with practical insights and powerful lessons for anyone looking to take charge of their career, build resilience, and create a supportive network.
Next Steps:
If you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe and leave a review! You can connect with Shadé and learn more about ONE X LEAGUE at onexleague.com. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations, and follow us on @toksa to never miss an episode!
Saturday Oct 05, 2024
Saturday Oct 05, 2024
Welcome back to Living Inside Out! After a brief hiatus, we’re back with a fresh new look and an exciting direction for the podcast. In this first episode of our new season, Toks Aruoture reflects on the journey so far, shares some of the lessons learned along the way, and gives you a sneak peek into what’s to come.
Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s episode:
• Why taking a step back and pausing to reflect was so important.
• A deep dive into the lessons Toks has learned over the past few years, including insights on faith, burnout, and personal growth.
• An exciting new direction for the podcast, with more interviews, deeper conversations, and transparency about Toks’ own personal journey.
• A look ahead at some incredible upcoming guests—people you’re familiar with and new voices to inspire you.
• How this season has been designed with YOU in mind, offering insights and conversations that will help you live a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Key Lessons from Today’s Episode:
• “Nothing has meaning except the meaning you give it” – A powerful reflection on how we can frame our experiences and challenges.
• The importance of aligning with your purpose and reassessing where you’re headed.
• How to take care of yourself in the process and avoid burnout while still moving forward in life.
We’re thrilled to be back and can’t wait to continue this journey with you!
Your next steps:
If you loved today’s episode, be sure to:
1. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to catch the new video episodes, interviews, and more.
2. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode—whether it’s Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
3. And don’t forget, the waitlist is still open for our Get Unstuck program which begins on the 1st of November. It’s your chance to join a transformational journey to move forward in life with purpose and clarity.
Join the wait list to be considered
Resources
The Future is Superior to the Present
Toxic Friendships: Six Types of Friends to Avoid
If you need support, email pa@toksaruoture.com. As a certified coach, I help individuals overcome limiting thoughts. Connect with me on social media @toksaruoture.
Have you subscribed to this podcast? Why don’t you do so on your favourite podcast app? Then head to Youtube.com/toksaruoture to watch and subscribe to my show, Living Inside Out.
I would LOVE to connect with you on social; let's stay in touch at toksauoture.com and hang out together on Instagram- @toksaruoture and on Facebook, Living Inside Out.
See you next time on Living Inside Out!
Saturday Aug 03, 2024
Saturday Aug 03, 2024
Welcome to episode #100! Thank you for sticking with me through 100 episodes of this podcast journey.
This episode marks a special milestone—my continued conversation with Suzy, where we dive deep into the theme "Talk is Cheap, Actions Speak Louder than Words." Yes, it's a powerful message, and I'm thrilled to share it with you.
We often hear the saying, "Listen closely with your eyes." This episode is all about that—paying attention to the actions around us and the stories they tell. Suzy and I discuss how actions reveal true intentions and character far more than words ever could.
Reflecting on my past journals, I talk about the importance of not comparing one circumstance to another. Life gives us trials, but we are equipped to handle them. Comparing our past selves to our present can be a trap; instead, we should embrace our journey and growth.
Join us in this episode, part two of two, of Life Lessons with Suzy and Toks.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch the recording to see our cheerful faces 😊.
Connect with Me: I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on social media and stay updated with the latest news and events:
• Email: pa@toksaruoture.com
• Instagram: Toks Aruoture
• LinkedIn: Toks Aruoture
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Welcome to episode #99! I thank you for riding with me through 99 episodes of my podcast.
This episode has been a long time coming—my conversation with Suzy on the life lessons we learned in 2023! Yes, I know, 19 months later, but we made it, and that’s what counts, right?
One cannot quantify the benefits of having the right people in your space. Besides having good friends who watch your back, make great company, and lend a listening ear, we should have wise people who plant words of life in and around us.
We also have a responsibility to ourselves to learn the lessons that life teaches us. Last year, I learned that life is not a straight line. Somehow, we were led to believe that the kinks and bends in our paths should be straightened. Consequently, many of us have spent months fixing what isn’t broken because the idea of an imperfect journey doesn’t sit well with us.
Since our last conversation, which was well received, Suzy’s divorce has been finalised, and she is living her best life. At the time of our previous recording, it was impossible to imagine the freedom she would experience. Yes, we knew it would happen, but when you are in the trenches, all you can see is mud and dead weight. Meanwhile, I have survived a long, challenging season of my own and share some of the lessons that came out of it and some tools to navigate rough terrains.
Join us in this episode, part one of two, of Life Lessons with Suzy and Toks.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch the recording to see our cheerful faces 😊.
Connect with Me: I would love to hear from you! Connect with me on social media and stay updated with the latest news and events:
• Email: pa@toksaruoture.com
• Instagram: Toks Aruoture
• LinkedIn: Toks Aruoture
Contact Information
• Email: pa@toksaruoture.com
Sunday Jun 30, 2024
Sunday Jun 30, 2024
This week on Living Inside Out, we dive deep into the roots of weariness and its impact on our lives and goals. Toks explores how chronic disappointments can spiral into discouragement, hopelessness, apathy, and even depression. Discover practical strategies to stay energised and focused on your God-given purpose, despite the enemy’s attempts to derail you.
Episode Highlights:
• Understanding Weariness: Learn how repeated disappointments lead to discouragement, and how this can devolve into hopelessness and depression. Depression is described as a dark pit of hopelessness, a place where defeat feels inescapable.
• Spiritual Perspective: Understand how the enemy uses weariness to prevent us from fulfilling our purpose. Explore how God’s purpose aligns with our deepest desires, and why staying energised is crucial to achieving our goals.
• Personal Testimony: Hear a personal story of unwavering belief in a future vision, despite facing logical reasons to give up. Discover the power of holding onto your dreams even in the face of weariness.
• Common Causes of Overwhelm: Identify key factors contributing to weariness, such as overwork, stress, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and emotional burdens.
• Three Dimensions of Existence: Delve into the interconnectedness of our physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Get a sneak peek into how spiritual battles influence our weariness and the hope in God’s promise of overcoming the world.
• Recognising Signs of Weariness: Learn about the physical and emotional signs of weariness, from chronic fatigue and headaches to irritability and lack of motivation. Understand how our modern habits, like consuming short content on social media, contribute to emotional and mental fatigue.
Practical Tips to Stay Energised:
1. Physical Health: Prioritise sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise to maintain energy levels.
2. Mental and Emotional Well-being: Practice mindfulness, take regular breaks, and nurture positive relationships.
3. Spiritual Practices: Engage in regular prayer and meditation for peace and rejuvenation, and connect with a faith community for support.
Saturday Jun 15, 2024
Saturday Jun 15, 2024
Welcome to The Living Inside Out podcast. I’m your host, Toks Aruoture. This is episode 97: “Challenges to Opportunities: Steps to Help You Change Your Perspective.”
Hello, my friend. I hope you are well. If you’re in the UK and have a 16-year-old, congratulations! The exams are over. I, too, have a 16-year-old, and now that exams are done, I told him he’d need to get a job. Initially, I thought providing everything was a sign of love, but I’ve realised the importance of work ethic and early skill acquisition.
If this is your first time listening, thank you. Please rate and review this podcast and share it with your network. If you’ve been with me for a while, welcome back and thank you for your consistency. A couple of announcements: I have spaces for my PR workshop on 27th June. Also, for our 100th episode, I want to record in front of a live audience. Email pa@toksaruoture.com if you’re interested.
Recapping last week, we discussed how our perspective on circumstances affects our growth. Today, we’ll delve into the benefits of seeing circumstances as neutral. This perspective enables us to see opportunities even in difficult times.
Recently, I faced a tough week, but through it, I learned to trust in God’s invisible realm beyond our physical world. This trust helps us navigate challenges with the understanding that God is working for our good.
To change our perspective during tough times:
1. Embrace dual realities. There can be good amidst challenges.
2. Rest when tired, don’t quit. Busyness can drown out divine guidance.
3. Acceptance. Identify the lies in your thoughts and counter them with God’s truth.
If you need support, email pa@toksaruoture.com. As a certified coach, I help individuals overcome limiting thoughts. Connect with me on social media @toksaruoture.
Before we go, let’s pray. Dear Jesus, I pray for the listener. Help them navigate this season, fulfil their potential, and take the next step. Amen.
Thank you for listening. God bless you.
Show Notes:
• Spaces available for PR workshop on 27th June.
• Interested in attending the 100th episode live recording? Email pa@toksaruoture.com.
• Follow me on social media: @toksaruoture.
• For coaching support, email pa@toksaruoture.com.
• Visit my website for mindset courses and workshops: toksaruoture.com.
Saturday Jun 08, 2024
Saturday Jun 08, 2024
Episode Summary
In this episode, we explore the concept that circumstances in themselves are neutral, and it is our thoughts about them that shape our emotional responses. As always, I draw from personal stories, reflections, and examples, to see how our perceptions and attitudes can transform our experiences of pain, so we are not crippled by it, but instead we advance in spite of it.
Episode Highlights
• Introduction to the Concept:
• Statement from the previous episode: Circumstances are neither good nor bad.
• The idea that it is our thoughts about circumstances that determine our emotions.
• The Influence of Our Perception:
• Factors influencing perception: personality, culture, mood, mental state.
• Personal story of discovering and embracing this concept.
• Personal Story About Pets:
• Childhood experiences with pets in Benin.
• Decision to get pets for children despite potential for pain.
• Realisation that the doorway for pain is the same doorway for joy.
• Embracing Pain and Disappointment:
• Reflection on Earl Nightingale’s advice to embrace pain and disappointment.
• Choosing to embrace rather than fight against life’s challenges.
• Perspective on Tough Seasons:
• Conversation with friend Shade about tough seasons and blessings.
• Realisation that what we have today was once something we prayed for.
• Comparing Pain:
• Thoughts on the Gaza-Israel conflict as an example of different perspectives on the same circumstance.
• Discussion on the futility of comparing one’s pain to others’.
• Emphasis on pain being felt internally, not externally.
• Seeking Joy in Difficult Times:
• Reflection on the brain’s tendency to seek joy and avoid pain.
• Personal story of seeking joy through prayer during challenging times.
• The importance of finding joy and peace within, regardless of external circumstances.
Key Takeaways
1. Circumstances are Neutral: It’s our thoughts about them that create our emotional responses.
2. Embrace Challenges: Choosing to embrace pain and disappointment can give us more control over our lives.
3. Avoid Comparison: Pain and joy are internal experiences, and comparing our circumstances to others’ can be misleading and unhelpful.
Announcements
• PR Workshop: Join us for an upcoming PR workshop where you’ll learn the essentials of public relations, effective communication strategies, and how to elevate your brand. Stay tuned for dates and registration details.
• Coaching and Workshops: Explore our range of coaching services and workshops designed to help you achieve personal and professional growth. Whether you are looking to improve your mindset, enhance your entrepreneurial skills, or navigate life’s challenges, we have something for you.
Connect with Me: I would love to hear from you! Connect with me on social media and stay updated with the latest news and events:
• Email: pa@toksaruoture.com
• Instagram: Toks Aruoture
• LinkedIn: Toks Aruoture
Contact Information
• Email: pa@toksaruoture.com
Listener Challenge
Reflect on a time when you prayed desperately for something you now have. How do you feel about it now? Consider how your thoughts and attitudes have influenced your emotions towards it.
Subscribe & Review
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to provide valuable content.
Next Episode Teaser
Stay tuned for the next episode where we will continue exploring the neutrality of circumstances and how to harness our thoughts to navigate life’s challenges.
This podcast is brought to you by Living Inside Out; a platform where we explore the intersection of mindset, entrepreneurship, and faith. For more insights and inspiration, visit our website and stay connected with our community.
Saturday May 25, 2024
Saturday May 25, 2024
We’re just five episodes away from our 100th episode, and we’re planning to celebrate big! I have some exciting ideas, including recording in front of a live audience. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, so please let me know what you think.
Embracing Challenges
This week, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to graduate students in Brazil, and it has left me on a high. It got me thinking about the challenges we all face in life.
After months of waiting for a challenging season to end, I’ve finally embraced it as a part of life. Have you ever found yourself waiting, like being in a valley, hoping someone will hoist you up to the mountain? Life in the valley is something we all experience. It’s a stop on our journey but not where we’re meant to stay. If you’re in a valley, surrounded by mountains and obstacles, know that this too shall pass.
The Power of Perspective
Recently, I had a revelation about our thoughts, emotions, and circumstances. It’s not the circumstance that causes us to feel discouraged, sad, or angry—it’s our thoughts. Circumstances are neutral; they don’t carry any power. It’s our interpretation of them that shapes our emotions. This explains why two people in the same situation can react so differently.
A Personal Anecdote
I’ll share a recent personal experience to illustrate this. I changed my phone provider, moving from a high business tariff to a much lower one. The switch-over process wasn’t smooth, and the new company only offered live chat support. You can imagine the frustration! During my first interaction, I was getting annoyed. I even felt like cursing out the agent, but I managed to keep my anger in check 🙈
Although the problem wasn’t resolved by the third conversation, my reaction was different. I felt irritation rising but managed to push it down. Here’s why:
- I had a chat with myself after the first interaction.
- this conversation was at home, at the start of the day, when I was at peace and not stressed.
- It was a different day—Friday, to be exact!
Shifting Your Mindset
Recognising that circumstances don’t directly dictate our emotions allows us to work on our internal responses. Here are three mindset shifts to adopt during challenging seasons:
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Accept that everyone goes through challenges.
When I lost my business in the 2008 recession, it helped to know that it wasn’t just me—many were affected. Understanding that challenges are normal in life can help us feel less burdened and more focused on moving forward. Resist the temptation to compare your life to others. Accepting that challenges are universal and neutral stops you from searching for the cause of your pain and allows you to nurture your soul. -
Resist the urge to medicate the pain.
It’s natural to want to avoid pain, but sometimes, the path to our destination involves facing difficulties head-on. There’s treasure to be found in dark places, but only if we resist the urge to numb ourselves with distractions like alcohol, shopping, or binge-watching TV. -
Don’t search for someone or something to blame.
Blame is a common response to crises, but it doesn’t help us move forward. Instead of pointing fingers, take responsibility for your life. This doesn’t mean blaming yourself—it means owning your journey. By doing so, you remain in control and can more effectively navigate challenges.
Final Thoughts
Challenges often involve deception, which blinds us to the goodness around us and amplifies our struggles. Remember, deception is simply a lie posing as truth. The best way to counter it is by internalising and speaking the truth—God is good, and His plans for you are to prosper you and give you hope and a future.
Announcements
I'll be hosting a PR workshop on the 27th of June to teach and share with you the nitty-gritty of building your personal/business brand. These are the strategies I used to grow from $75 in the corner of my room to the destination for luxury baby furniture in London.
Here's what you can expect to take away from the workshop: Learn MY tips and strategies that got me featured in top publications such as The Telegraph, The Times, The Metro, etc.
- Discover how to build a strong online presence that attracts clients and opportunities and makes you feel confident and visible!
- Master the art of storytelling to make your brand stand out, and get access to exclusive insights you won't find elsewhere
- Learn how to craft pitches that land you on top media platforms and make your voice heard!
Join me on Zoom on 27th of June,2024 and take the first step towards elevating your brand with PR mastery.
Register now on the website or send an email to PA@TOKSARUOTURE.COM.
Action Point
Be especially mindful this week and watch your emotional response to uncomfortable situations; then ask yourself, what thought created this feeling, or what did I just think? This will help to self-regulate emotions as opposed to being at their mercy.
Saturday May 18, 2024
Saturday May 18, 2024
Full Circle Moment
Practical Tips for Authentic Living
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Daily Practices: Journaling, mindfulness, and setting boundaries help stay connected to yourself.
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Mindful Consumption: Curate your environment to minimise negative influences.
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Setting Personal Goals: Align your goals with your true self, not external expectations.
Final Thoughts
Announcements
Next steps
Saturday May 11, 2024
Saturday May 11, 2024
Are you an overwhelmed entrepreneur struggling to find balance? In episode 93, we dive into practical strategies for overcoming overwhelm and reclaiming control of your business and life.
Overwhelm is a common challenge for busy entrepreneurs, but it's not insurmountable. Join us as we explore actionable solutions to help you navigate overwhelm and achieve greater freedom in your entrepreneurial journey.
In this episode, we discuss:
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Recognising the Normalisation of Overwhelm: Discover why overwhelm has become normalised in entrepreneurship and how it can negatively impact your business and well-being. Learn the importance of setting boundaries, prioritising self-care, and combating burnout.
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Addressing Unrealistic Time Management: Explore the pitfalls of unrealistic time management and how it contributes to overwhelm. Learn practical time management techniques, including the Pomodoro Technique, to boost productivity and efficiency while reducing stress.
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Confronting Mental Distractions and Lack of Focus: Uncover the impact of mental distractions and information overload on entrepreneurial overwhelm. Discover strategies for enhancing focus, practising mindfulness, and minimizing social media distractions to regain clarity and control.
Resources and Links:
EXCITING NEWS! I'll be hosting a PR workshop titled 'Transform Your Stories into Headlines.' this coming 18th of May at 7pm via Zoom. Learn storytelling, media relations, and guerrilla tactics for personal and business brand success.
Want to learn more? Check out all the details and secure your spot at this link.
- Pomodoro Technique
- Tomi Rotimi on Instagram
- Tomi Rotimi on amazon
- Episode 6: Joy or Pain - Emotional Decision Making
Don't let overwhelm prevent you from achieving your entrepreneurial dreams. With practical strategies and a proactive mindset, you can overcome overwhelm, reclaim time, and find greater freedom in your business and life. Subscribe to the Living Inside Out podcast for valuable insights and support on your entrepreneurial journey.