The Power of Asking "Why Not?" with Lola Akinmade Åkerström (Re-Release)

Note to listeners: we're currently on hiatus, returning with new episodes in April 2025. Until then, we're sharing some of our favorite episodes from the archive each week. Today, we're speaking with Lola Akinmade Åkerström, an award-winning storyteller, travel photographer, writer, creator, TED speaker, and multi-book author. She's a Hasselblad Heroine and she runs the Stockholm-based travel consultancy, Geotraveler Media and the Geotraveler Media Academy. In this episode, Lola shares how the manuscript for her novel was rejected 70 times (that’s right, seven-zero!) before being picked up and how the book is now out with four different publishers. We cover pitching, rejections, and being prepared when National Geographic comes knocking on your door. Reminder: I'm running a 10-day group trip to Jordan this May. The trip runs from May 18th to 27th and you can get all the information by visiting here. Throughout February, you can save $150 off your booking by using code GOINGPLACESFEB when you join our trip. The code expires on Fri, Feb 28. Original Air Date: Aug 18, 2021.What you’ll learn in this episode:Lola shares the story behind one of her most memorable photographsWhy Lola defines herself as a multipotentialiteLola's advice for those reliant on a job but eager to make the transition to full-time creative work: find anchor clientsTips for navigating rejection during the pitching processHow to stop putting yourself in a box and live beyond the expectations of others; the power of asking “why not?”Why blindly following trends is like trying to swim in a raging sea; be a surferLola speaks candidly about the challenges she has encountered on her journeyWhy Lola believes that comparison does not benefit creative entrepreneursFeatured on the show:Follow Lola on Instagram | @lolaakinmadeFollow Lola on LinkedIn | Lola ÅkerströmCheck out Lola’s website at akinmade.comLearn more about Geotraveler Media AcademyWatch Lola's TED Talk, The power of asking "Why not?" Order Lola’s book, In Every Mirror She’s Black on AmazonLearn more about our upcoming trip to Jordan in May hereGet more information at: Going Places website Going Places is a reader-supported platform. Get membership perks like a monthly group call with Yulia at goingplacesmedia.com!For more BTS of this podcast follow @goingplacesmedia on Instagram and check out our videos on YouTube!Please head over to Apple Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE to the...