Best Charlotte And Tara Podcasts (2024)

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Episode #49: How to host an online cookery or baking course 21:55

3d ago21:55

21:55

How to host an online cookery course is a great way to earn some extra revenue in your business. Creating an online cookery course allows you to connect with new customers, establish yourself as an authority, and diversify your income. However, before you dive headfirst into filming, there are a few key things to consider. Listen to this week's epi…

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WRITER 599: Becky Holmes on her memoir 'Keanu Reeves Is Not In Love With You' 59:45

4d ago59:45

59:45

Introducing Story Seeds! A month’s worth of writing prompts that you get for free. Find out how to get Story Seeds for May. The episode features Becky Holmes, author of Keanu Reeves Is Not In Love With You, a memoir and exploration into online romance scams. Becky shares her journey from opening a Twitter account during lockdown that led to interac…

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Episode #48: How to stay organised & save money in your food business - Interview with Tara McDaid-Sly 28:17

11d ago28:17

28:17

Tara is a tech VA for coaches. She specialises in organisation through helping you to find the perfect systems and processes in your business to save you time, reduce stress and get you back doing what you love in your business. In this week's episode, she shares her top tips on how to stay organised and simplify processes in your food business Fin…

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WRITER 598: Mary Anastasiou, picture book author and managing editor at Five Mile. 51:01

11d ago51:01

51:01

Meet Mary Anastasiou, picture book author and managing editor at Five Mile Press, as well as a former creative director at Larrikin House. Mary shares her journey from aspiring writer to influential figure in the children's book industry, highlighting the challenges and rewards of publishing picture books. She discusses the importance of illustrato…

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Episode #47: How Special Events Can Increase Sales & Customers 22:11

18d ago22:11

22:11

In the competitive food industry, standing out from the crowd is crucial. But how can you do that and simultaneously bring in new customers? Events can increase sales & customers and offer a solution. They create a buzz, generate excitement, and provide a platform to showcase your culinary skills and unique offerings. In today’s episode, I share so…

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WRITER 597: Kell Woods on her novel 'After The Forest'. 52:50

18d ago52:50

52:50

Meet author Kell Woods, who discusses her approach to writing, her novel After the Forest, a sequel to Hansel and Gretel, and the blend of history and fantasy in her work. Kell shares insights on the research and discipline required to weave together historical accuracy and compelling storytelling. Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and liste…

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Episode 25: "Austerlitz" by W.G. Sebald, translated by Anthea Bell, w/ special guest Mark Haber 56:32

21d ago56:32

56:32

We’re joined today by Mark Haber of Coffee House Press (formerly of Brazos Bookstore in Houston). Mark is the author of two novels, Reinhardt’s Garden and Saint Sebastian’s Abyss, and the forthcoming novel Lesser Ruins, as well as a forthcoming novella, Ada. We chat about his work as well as Austerlitz by W.G. Sebald, translated by Anthea Bell. A q…

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Episode #46: Why you should get involved with food festivals - Interview with Charlotte White 40:34

25d ago40:34

40:34

Charlotte White is an author, presenter, and educator. Having run Restoration Cake as a bespoke cake company for over a decade, Charlotte found herself hosting and curating a theatre within a travelling food festival. She is now focused on writing and teaching - though not in the fields of expertise that you may expect. Her career has been a journe…

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WRITER 596: Carrie Sun on her memoir 'Private Equity' 1:10:26

25d ago1:10:26

1:10:26

Meet Carrie Sun, whose memoir Private Equity explores her journey from a high-paced finance role to embracing a writing career. Carrie discusses her writing process, the challenges of memoir writing, and the transformation she underwent during her time in the finance industry. Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast co…

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Episode #45: How social media can get more sales & customers 21:52

1M ago21:52

21:52

In today's digital world, social media is an essential tool for any food business owner looking to get more sales. It allows you to connect directly with customers, showcase your delicious offerings, and build a loyal following. But with so many platforms and strategies to consider, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this episode, I …

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WRITER 595: Jodi Gibson on the world of indie publishing and her latest novel Reinventing Emily Brown 50:40

1M ago50:40

50:40

Is indie publishing right for you. Discover the intricacies of indie publishing with author Jodi Gibson. Delve into Jodi’s journey across traditional and independent publishing avenues for her novels. She highlights the distinct processes involved in each. Jodi shares valuable tips for indie authors, ranging from understanding why you want to indie…

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Episode 24: "The Tanners" by Robert Walser, translated by Susan Bernofsky, w/ special guest Spencer Ruchti 1:04:00

1M ago1:04:00

1:04:00

Today Spencer Ruchti of Third Place Books joins to chat about The Tanners by Robert Walser, translated by Susan Bernofsky. We actually recorded this back in November and are glad to get it out into the world. Early on Spencer dips out momentarily due to an alarm in the store, but all ended up being right with the world. At least in that instant. Th…

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Episode #44 - How email can get you more sales in your food business: Interview with Kirsty Bartholomew 27:42

1M ago27:42

27:42

Kirsty Bartholomew is an email marketing strategist. She has been an online entrepreneur for over a decade where she’s grown her travel websites to help thousands of people every month. Her love of communicating through writing helps other businesses connect to their audiences through email which turns their list into more than an asset that they '…

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WRITER 594: Charlotte Barkla on her latest novel '11 Ruby Road: 1900'. 40:27

1M ago40:27

40:27

Meet Charlotte Barkla, who discusses her latest novel 11 Ruby Road: 1900, a series set over a hundred years in the same house, capturing the essence of family, friendship, community, and historical events. Charlotte shares her journey from engineering and teaching to becoming a children's author, the challenges and joys of writing for young readers…

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Episode #43: How to Stand Out From the Crowd With Your Food Business 22:37

2M ago22:37

22:37

The food industry is can often feel very competitive with countless cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and independent food businesses all trying to get customer attention. How to stand out from the crowd is a question that many business owners ask. It's not just about the food though that is obviously important. In today's experience-driven economy, cu…

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WRITER 593: Liam Pieper on his latest novel Appreciation and his ‘day job’ as a ghostwriter for bestselling books. 49:55

2M ago49:55

49:55

Meet author and ghostwriter Liam Pieper about his latest novel Appreciation. The novel centres around a famous artist trying to rehabilitate his fame with the help of a ghostwriter. Liam also discusses his “day job” as a ghostwriter, the importance of getting along with the client and shaping their narrative according to their needs. Read the show …

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Episode 23: "Being Here is Everything" by Marie Darrieussecq, translated by Penny Hueston, w/ special guest Tara Cheesman 1:02:28

2M ago1:02:28

1:02:28

Kicking off 2024 we welcome Tara Cheesman to the podcast with her recommendation, Being Here Is Everything: The Life and Times of Paula Modersohn-Becker by Marie Darriussecq, translated by Penny Hueston. Tara is a freelance critic, former judge of the Best Translated Book Award, and she brings us our first work of nonfiction. We have an absolutely …

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Episode #42 - Why Food Safety Can Build Brand Loyalty: Interview with The Food Safety Expert 30:18

2M ago30:18

30:18

In this week's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking witt Natalie Stanton, debunking the myths of food safety and chatting about how you can easily get a 5* hygiene rating in your kitchen. Natalie Stanton is a Chartered Environmental Health Officer with over a decade of expertise in food safety and health and safety. She’s worked as a regulator f…

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WRITER 592: Karina May, author of Never Ever Forever, on publishing 3 books in 15 months. 50:43

2M ago50:43

50:43

Meet Karina May, author of Never Ever Forever, who talks about author branding, the business of writing and publishing 3 books in 15 months. Host Valerie Khoo also chats to author Nat Newman on her writing tip for the week, Valerie’s involvement in the 100-day project, a global initiative that encourages creatives to commit to producing something n…

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Episode #41 - How I grew my food business to 6 figures within 6 months 23:35

2M ago23:35

23:35

The dream of turning a food passion into a thriving business is one shared by many aspiring entrepreneurs. While the journey undoubtedly requires hard work, dedication, and a constant willingness to learn and adapt, achieving financial success within your first six months is certainly within reach. In this week's podcast, I'll delve into the key st…

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WRITER 591: Jane Tara on her novel 'Tilda is Visible'. 46:21

2M ago46:21

46:21

Meet Jane Tara, who discusses her latest novel Tilda is Visible, where the female protagonist is diagnosed with invisibility as she progresses into her 50s. Jane discusses experiences of feeling invisible, implications on self-perception, the way society views aging, and the healing journey of self-discovery. Read the show notes Connect with Valeri…

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Episode #40: Becoming Britain's Best Bakery: Interview with Lovingly Artisan 41:35

2M ago41:35

41:35

In this week's podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting to Aidan Monks, the owner of Britain's Best Bakery - Lovingly Artisan. After starting his first bakery in Kendal in the late 1980s, Aidan was introduced to real, slow-fermentation breadmaking by the French baker who sold him his first batch of artisanal flour. He has spent his life as a baker l…

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WRITER 590: Jamelle Wells on going bush for 'The Outback Court Reporter'. 54:58

2M ago54:58

54:58

Meet Jamelle Wells, author of The Outback Court Reporter. Both a newsreader and senior court reporter for ABC, Jamelle reveals the intricate and sometimes unexpected dynamics witnessed during her time covering diverse cases in city and rural courts. She chats about the cultural differences, compelling cases, struggles of court reporting, and the im…

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Episode #39 - 5 Reasons why you should focus more on your customers 23:05

2M ago23:05

23:05

In the competitive world of cafes, bakeries, and independent food businesses, it’s easy to get caught up in perfecting your products. While exceptional offerings are undoubtedly essential, shifting your focus to your customers can yield remarkable benefits for your business. In today's episode, I share 5 Reasons why you should focus more on your cu…

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WRITER 589: Natalie Murray on her contemporary romance novel, 'Love Just In'. 41:32

2M ago41:32

41:32

Meet author Natalie Murray on her journey to becoming a writer and her contemporary romance novel, Love Just In. Natalie discusses how she's co-written novels, tips on how to work on characters and plot lines, and the benefits of doing courses at Australian Writers' Centre. Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast commu…

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Episode #38 - Creating a Couture Cake Design Business: Interview with Savanna Timofei 24:32

3M ago24:32

24:32

In this week’s podcast, I’m delighted to be speaking to Savanna Timofei, who is the creative force behind Savanna Fei Couture Cake Design - creating elegant wedding cakes covering the north west, UK. Beyond baking, she runs The Cake Business Academy - helping other cake makers grow their cake business through online courses like "Digital Cake Desig…

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WRITER 588: Liz Foster on her novel 'The Good Woman's Guide to Making Better Choices' 1:06:46

3M ago1:06:46

1:06:46

Liz Foster shares her journey from discovering writing as a creative outlet during recovery from breast cancer, to becoming a published author with The Good Woman's Guide to Making Better Choices. The podcast episode explores Liz’s habits and strategies for success, including the importance of setting micro-goals, maintaining a daily 1,000-word cou…

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Episode #37 - 5 ways to make more sales in your baking business 21:40

3M ago21:40

21:40

Running a successful baking business goes beyond just creating delicious treats; it's about effectively marketing and selling your products. In this weeks episode, we'll explore five powerful strategies to enhance your sales and elevate your baking business to new heights. Support the show Find out more: Buy my PRICING CALCULATOR: the ultimate reso…

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WRITER 587: Stepping into Success with Author Jenna Lo Bianco 52:36

3M ago52:36

52:36

Stepping into Success with Author Jenna Lo Bianco. Are you ready for the upcoming special writing event on Romance writing? Meet special guest Jenna Lo Bianco, author of The Italian Marriage, discusses her journey from aspiring writer enduring rejections to being a successful author. Jenna shares her strategic approach to market her book, the proce…

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Episode #36 - Why you don't need qualifications to start your baking business 20:53

3M ago20:53

20:53

How many of you feel like you're underqualified to start a baking business? Let me tell you, you're not alone! When I opened my café, bar and bakery, I had never run a business before and I wasn't a professional baker. But within the first six months my revenue was over 6-figures and I'd employed over 17 members of staff. My business also won multi…

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WRITER 586: Developing skills and techniques as an aspiring writer: Novelist Jo Riccioni reveals her secrets 49:02

3M ago49:02

49:02

Developing Skills and Techniques as an Aspiring Writer: Interview with novelist Jo Riccioni. Host Valerie Khoo and Jo discuss Jo’s latest novel The Rising, the process of writing a duology, her love for fantasy writing, and the importance of cultivating a detailed and authentic world in fantasy literature. Jo also shares how she came up with names …

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Episode #35 - 5 Mistakes To Avoid When Pricing Your Bakes 22:16

3M ago22:16

22:16

Setting the right price for your baked goods is crucial for the success of your baking business. While it may seem like a straightforward task, many bakers often make common mistakes that can impact their profitability and sustainability. In this week's episode, we'll explore five mistakes to avoid when pricing your products, ensuring that your del…

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WRITER 585: Michelle Upton on writing her novel 'Emergency Exit Only'. 1:06:03

3M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

Host and CEO of the Australian Writers' Centre, Valerie Khoo, shares her recent experiences, including mentoring members of the freelance writing masterclass program and editing a manuscript. She also talks about the importance of creative curiosity and not limiting yourself to one passion. The guest for this episode is Michelle Upton, an author wh…

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Episode #34 - 5 Tips for Setting Your Baking Business Goals in 2024 22:22

4M ago22:22

22:22

As we step into a new year, it's the perfect time for reflection and setting ambitious yet achievable goals for your baking business. 2023 was a rollercoaster of learning experiences, triumphs, and perhaps a few challenges. Now, it's time to harness those insights and set the stage for a successful and fulfilling year ahead. Here are five tips to g…

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WRITER 584: Michael Thompson's debut novel, How To Be Remembered, is being adapted into a movie. 50:09

4M ago50:09

50:09

Meet Michael Thompson, a journalist, producer, media executive, and author of the novel How To Be Remembered. He shares his journey from being a journalist to becoming a published novelist, his inspiration behind his unique book premise, tackling numerous rejections, the movie deal for his novel, his writing process, and advice for aspiring writers…

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WRITER 583: Vikki Conley on her success with 11 picture books. 53:52

4M ago53:52

53:52

Meet author Vicki Conley. As an award-winning author with 11 internationally published picture books, Vicki shares her journey starting from her childhood experiences, writing career in marketing and journalism to her success as a writer. She discusses the themes and inspirations behind her books and also provides valuable advice for aspiring autho…

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Episode 22: "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" by Muriel Spark 1:06:11

4M ago1:06:11

1:06:11

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is upon us and it does not disappoint. Too much to say about this one and, as always, we could have gone an hour longer and still not covered it all. An absolutely fantastic novel and one that certainly lives up to the hype and praise that surrounds it. Titles/authors mentioned: The Secret History by Donna Tartt O Cale…

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Episode 21: "The Bachelors" by Muriel Spark 57:17

4M ago57:17

57:17

We stand on the precipice, one episode away from THE PRIME! Before that, though, we discuss The Bachelors, a fantastic novel chock full of some of the strangest characters Spark has written, which is really saying something. Mediums, epileptics, blackmail, criminality, and much, much more abound in this one. And one of the funniest scenes yet invol…

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WRITER 582: Chris Hammer on 'The Seven' and adapting his novels to TV 1:01:39

4M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

How to navigate the challenges that often emerge towards the end of the year. Valerie also discusses her own personal career reinvention from accountant to writer. An interview with leading Australian crime author Chris Hammer, where Chris discusses his latest best-selling novel, The Seven, and his approach to telling stories through multiple timel…

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WRITER 581: Alli Parker on her novel 'At The Foot Of The Cherry Tree'. 46:31

4M ago46:31

46:31

Meet Alli Parker, author of the Australian historical fiction novel, At the Foot of the Cherry Tree. The novel is based on the real-life story of Alli's grandparents, who were among the first Australian-Japanese couples after the Second World War. The discussion covers Alli's journey as a writer, her transition from screenwriting to novel writing, …

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Episode 20: "The Ballad of Peckham Rye" by Muriel Spark 51:47

4M ago51:47

51:47

We’re edging closer to THE PRIME, but today we chat about The Ballad of Peckham Rye. Spark’s novels are incredibly fun, but this might be the wildest, featuring an incredible character name (Dougal Douglas), a lot of absenteeism, a textile factory, a Nun Tunnel, and dancing. Lots of dancing. Click here to subscribe to our Substack and find us on th…

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Episode #33 - End of Year Q&A 20:17

5M ago20:17

20:17

It's the final episode of the year! In today's episode, I'll be answering some of your questions from how much you need to bake when opening your business to how to know when you're ready to quit your job. Support the show Find out more: Buy my PRICING CALCULATOR: the ultimate resource to take the guesswork out of pricing: https://www.bakingboss.ne…

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WRITER 580: Benjamin Stevenson on his latest novel 'Everyone on this Train is a Suspect' 57:34

5M ago57:34

57:34

We chat to award-winning stand-up comedian and author, Benjamin Stevenson, about his latest novel, Everyone on this Train is a Suspect and the success of his previous novel, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone. Benjamin discusses his unique skill set of being both a mystery writer and a comedian, and how he fused both in his books. He also sha…

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Episode #32 - How To Save Time & Money In Your Baking Business 21:10

5M ago21:10

21:10

Do you ever think about how much money your baking business is costing you, or how many sales you are missing out on which could easily be avoided? In today's podcast I share five ways you can save both time and money in your business. Support the show Find out more: Buy my PRICING CALCULATOR: the ultimate resource to take the guesswork out of pric…

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Episode 19: "Tell Them of Battles, Kings, and Elephants" by Mathias Énard, translated by Charlotte Mandell 53:03

5M ago53:03

53:03

This week we discuss Tell Them of Battles, Kings, and Elephants, an absolutely wonderful gem of a novel from French author Mathias Énard, translated by Charlotte Mandell. In 150ish pages Énard recreates the Constantinople of the early 16th Century and the brief time Michelangelo resided there to build a grand bridge. If you’ve not read Énard before…

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WRITER 579: Jillian Cantor on her gripping novel 'The Fiction Writer'. 43:39

5M ago43:39

43:39

We chat to best-selling author Jillian Cantor. Jillian shares her experiences with the writing process, and her newest book The Fiction Writer. Discussing her transition from historical to contemporary fiction, how she develops characters, and her writing routine. She also shares her top three tips for aspiring writers. Additionally, Valerie takes …

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Episode #31 - How to fail and be successful in your baking business 19:56

5M ago19:56

19:56

Owning a baking business is a rollercoaster ride filled with successes and sometimes failures. When you own a baking business, there are going to be challenges and things that don't go to plan, but they can also be the secret ingredient to your ultimate success. In this week's podcast, l share my experience of failures and what I did to turn them i…

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WRITER 578: Christos Tsiolkas on his latest novel 'The In-Between'. 1:02:41

5M ago1:02:41

1:02:41

In episode 578 of 'So You Want To Be A Writer', Valerie Khoo, the CEO of the Australian Writers' Centre, talks about her passion for fostering a love of reading in young people, her Christmas shopping struggles, and ongoing writing projects. Special guest Nat Newman shares her experiences with theatre and film productions, and offers advice on corr…

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Odin Lonning on his Tlingit art, respect for nature & leaning into teaching 46:53

5M ago46:53

46:53

In this episode, we sit down with Odin Lonning! Odin is a prolific and award-winning Tlingit artist based here on Vashon Island. Born and raised in Alaska, Odin has a deep knowledge of and relationship with the natural world that is reflected and celebrated in his art. With his wife Ann Stateler, who many of us know as Orca Annie, Odin is a tireles…

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Episode #30 - What's your role in your baking business? 20:21

5M ago20:21

20:21

In the busy world of baking, your role within your business can significantly impact its success. Whether you've got a team of people in your business or it’s just you, understanding your position within your in business is crucial. In today's podcast, I share my experience of owning a café, bar and bakery and what I did to define my role in the bu…

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