Shows
Journeys of Empowerment#63 | Anna Fedusiv | "A decent life and ripple effects!"#63: A decent life and ripple effects!Fascinating convo with Anna Fedusiv, CPCC, ACC, founder of Empowerment LAB and a Ukrainian coach and community builder who brings clarity, depth and lived experience into conversations about work, identity and what it means to live well.Anna grew up in post soviet Ukraine in a time of scarcity, hustle and emotional absence, shaped by entrepreneurial parents and a culture focused on survival. Her journey moved through a corporate marketing career, leadership roles, motherhood, burnout, grief, war and a deep inner reckoning. What stood out in our c...
2026-02-171h 24
Journeys of Empowerment#62 | Krystal Wu | "You’ve got the key!"#62: You’ve got the key!A fascinating deep dive with Krystal Wu 吴漾 wu, founder of WayBeyond Coaching and an intercultural strategy partner who supports managers to lead across differences with more clarity and care and who is also building a platform and community where coaches and clients can find each other through real connection.Krystal’s story begins in southeast china in 1995, shaped by the one child policy and the hidden reality of being born as a second child. She was moved between caretakers from the age of one and grew up carrying questions about home, be...
2026-02-101h 27
Journeys of Empowerment#61 | Yann Ghisalberti | "ADHD: Diagnosis is the start!"#61: Diagnosis is the start!In this episode, i connected with Yann Ghisalberti, a former it project and program manager who rebuilt his life after a fifth burnout led to an adult diagnosis of adhd and later autism and who now supports others as a coach and founder of Coach4ADHD in amsterdam, with a special focus on neurodivergence, trauma and belonging.Yann grew up learning how to cope with being different before he had language for it. He carried years of stress, control and self-blame, until his body finally forced a stop. What moved me...
2026-02-031h 25
Journeys of Empowerment#60 | Senneh Kamara | "Courage in motion!"#60 Courage in motion!Fascinating deep dive with Senneh Kamara, a young man whose life changed overnight and who chose courage instead of collapse. Born in Sierra Leone and now living in the Netherlands, Senneh lost his hand in a severe car accident at a young age. What followed was shock, grief, isolation and a long road of physical and emotional recovery. Rather than hiding, he learned to speak up, to be seen and to rebuild confidence on his own terms. Today he is stepping into education, community and voice, not defined by what he lost b...
2026-01-271h 19
Journeys of Empowerment#59 | Gabriela Alvarez Burgardt | "Owning life now!"#59 Owning life now!In this episode, I connected with Gabriela Alvarez Burgardt, a global inclusion leader now Global Senior Director People & Culture at House of Inclusion, whose life was reshaped by moments she never chose, yet chose to meet with intention.Raised in Brazil and long successful in international corporate roles, Gabriela’s life changed radically during pregnancy when she temporarily lost her sight, followed years later by a near-fatal Covid experience. Those moments forced a reckoning with time, values and agency. Instead of retreating, she chose to move forward consciously. Today she liv...
2026-01-201h 17
Journeys of Empowerment#58 | Christoper O.H. Williams | "Living without regret!"#58 Living without regret!A deep dive with Christopher O.H. Williams, NACD.DC, a writer of C.O.U.R.A.G.E: 7 Choices for Living a Life Without Regret, thinker and former global corporate leader who has spent much of his life wrestling with one quiet but persistent question: What does it really take to live without regret?Born in Sierra Leone and educated in the United States, Christopher built an impressive international career. Yet somewhere along the way, success stopped feeling like alignment. In 2018, that inner tension became impossible to ignore. W...
2026-01-131h 35
Journeys of Empowerment#57 | Rumailah Burden-Tuuk | "Unapologetically becoming self!"#57 Unapologetically becoming self!In this episode, I connected with Rumailah Burden-Tuuk, a woman whose life has been shaped by courage, responsibility and an unwavering commitment to stay true to herself. We met in a crowded room at Microsoft NL and something in her presence stood out immediately. This conversation reveals why :)Rumailah grew up as the daughter of Filipino immigrants, became a mother at nineteen and was underestimated more times than she can count. Instead of shrinking, she chose to play big. Today she works as an AI advisory solution consultant at ServiceNow, translating complexity...
2026-01-061h 33
Journeys of Empowerment#56 | Mirjam Heldmann | "What if it all works out?"#56 What if it all works out?In this episode, I connected with Mirjam Heldmann, a trail ultrarunner and deep democracy facilitator whose life bridges intensity, intuition and the steady work of becoming fully herself. Raised in the German Alps and adopted as a baby, Mirjam grew up with loving Buddhist parents and a deep sensitivity she could feel long before she understood. Running entered her life at fourteen as a way to regulate her nervous system and return to herself, and it grew into both a physical practice and a spiritual anchor. Today she combines h...
2025-12-301h 26
Journeys of Empowerment#55 | Susan Vrolijk | "Standing strong in the light"#55: Standing strong in the light!This time I sat down with Susan Vrolijk, whose story carries both the softness of island life and the weight of a childhood marked by silence, survival and a long road toward healing. Born in Curaçao to Aruban parents, Susan grew up between cultures languages and expectations, with a childhood shaped by warmth and family rituals and also by one of the deepest wounds: sexual abuse at a very young age. What followed was years of independence, imagination as escape and the instinct to protect her mother by staying st...
2025-12-231h 10
Journeys of Empowerment#54 | Belén Hein | "Meaningful connection & interactions"#54: The art of meaningful connection!My conversation with Belén Hein unfolded as a quiet exploration of identity, movement and the inner compass that guides us through change. Born in Argentina, shaped by Germany and the United States, and now rooted in Utrecht, Belen carries a life marked by transitions. Those shifts taught her to build home from within and to meet the world with openness and curiosity rather than fear.Belén spent seven years as co-founder of Neurolytics, where she blended psychology, technology and a deep belief in human potential. Leaving her own co...
2025-12-161h 28
Journeys of Empowerment#53 | Jamila van de Voort | "Leading with heart"#53: Leading with heart in a world built on head!An open conversation with Jamila van de Voort, founder of ChangewithJamila, whose journey moves from early survival into a grounded vision for a more human way of working. After more than a decade in change and transformation roles she saw how strategy fails when people feel unseen. Her own life taught her what fear instability and hypervigilance do to a child and how resilience becomes a way of navigating the world. All of that shaped The Love Strategy: a framework built on empathy openness resilience and c...
2025-12-091h 34
Journeys of Empowerment#52 | Bea Salomma | "Returning to the true you"#52 Returning to the true you!In this episode, I connected with Bea Salomma, whose path moves from corporate leadership into a life shaped by intuition creativity and the courage to rebuild identity from within. Bea began her career in advertising but stepped into an entirely new chapter when a layoff pushed her toward fashion and later toward guiding women to express their true selves through style. Her journey holds themes of identity rebirth motherhood playfulness and the slow return to who she always was beneath the labels.She grew up in Poland and b...
2025-12-021h 15
Journeys of Empowerment#51 | Sabine Bakkum | "Dedication meets vulnerability"#51: When dedication meets vulnerability!In this episode, I connected with Sabine Bakkum CEO and founder of VitsAll®, whose journey moves between high performance, resilience and a very human search for balance. From growing up in a family of doctors to pursuing elite gymnastics from the age of four to becoming an entrepreneur at twenty three, her path carries both discipline and vulnerability.She trained more than twenty hours a week, broke bones, chased perfection and still believed she wasn’t good enough. Leaving gymnastics pushed her into a long stretch of identity searching. At the sam...
2025-11-251h 28
Journeys of Empowerment#50 | Lara Ferreira | "Don't postpone joy"#51: What if joy was never meant to be postponed?In this episode, I sat down with Lara Ferreira 🍄, founder of Mindful Experiences, a platform that helps individuals and organizations rediscover balance, purpose and joy through mindfulness, embodiment and conscious microdosing. After more than a decade in global corporate roles across LATAM and Europe, burnout forced Lara to pause and realign her life. Her journey is one of unbecoming, letting go of the roles and beliefs that no longer served her.And learning to live from presence rather than performance!Deep dive talk...
2025-11-181h 08
Journeys of Empowerment#49 | Nuthan Manohar | "Happiness rebuild"#49: Can happiness be rebuilt after everything falls apart?In this episode, I connected with Nuthan Manohar, a happiness researcher, two-time TEDx speaker and founder of Me Met Me and The Happiness Tour.Once a corporate strategist leading global projects across Asia Pacific, Nuthan’s world came undone through depression, anxiety and chronic insomnia. What emerged is a life devoted to helping others reconnect with joy and resilience through science-backed, sensory-rich experiences.Deep dive talking points:👉🏾 The anatomy of happiness: why joy is not a mood but a practice rooted in awareness and phys...
2025-11-111h 14
Journeys of Empowerment#48 | Hartini Kandari | "Coming home to self"#48: What if coming home means returning to where your story began?In this episode, I connected with Hartini Kandari, a Dutch-Indonesian therapist, author and musician whose journey moves between loss and belonging. Born in Indonesia and adopted to the Netherlands at four months old, she lost her cultural identity overnight only to spend decades finding her way back. Today, as she prepares to remigrate to Bali, her story bridges healing, heritage and faith.Deep dive talking points:👉🏾 Adoption and identity: how language, smell and ancestry shape belonging beyond nationality;👉🏾 The body reme...
2025-11-041h 22
Journeys of Empowerment#47 | Samantha V.P. Noten | "Loving yourself an Art"#47: What if loving yourself could become an act of service?In this episode, I've had an amazing convo with Samantha V.P. Noten, a Dutch-Surinamese artist whose Ikigai-inspired creations bridge art, self-love and soulful connection. Her journey has moved through loss, anger and awakening, from corporate life and caretaking roles to a deeper calling as a visual guide who helps others remember they are enough. Through her intricate pen-and-ink symbols, Sam translates emotion into reflection, creating art that reminds people to return to their essence.Deep dive talking points:👉🏾 The language of symb...
2025-10-281h 19
Journeys of Empowerment#46 | Isabel Fonseca | "Becoming her"#46 Isabel’s journey of becoming: what if leadership begins when women reclaim their own voice and redefine success on their terms?In this episode, I connected with Isabel Fonseca: leadership coach, founder of Nextfem Leaders School, and a someone who has turned loss and transition into a powerful mission of empowerment. Born in Uruguay and with a career that began in finance, Isabel’s journey has woven together corporate strength and spiritual depth. Her story is one of grief transformed into growth, of intuition reclaimed, and of helping women in corporate spaces lead with confidence, clarity and auth...
2025-10-211h 18
Journeys of Empowerment#45 | Veroniek Vermeulen | "Choosing presence"#45 Veroniek’s quest for presence: what if real success begins when you stop ticking boxes and start listening within?In this episode, I connected with Veroniek Vermeulen, founder of Silatha, who turned her own search for meaning into a mission to bring more psychological safety into workplaces. Moving from a career in engineering and corporate leadership to meditation retreats and entrepreneurship, Veroniek is reshaping conversations around taboo topics and creating cultures where people can show up as their full selves.Deep dive talking points:👉🏾 Breaking taboos: why topics like menopause, monthly cycles, and men’s em...
2025-10-141h 19
Journeys of Empowerment#44 | Alexandra van Viegen | "Bridging trust"#44 Alexandra’s leap into entrepreneurship: what if trust was the missing bridge between promise and product?In this episode, I connected with Alexandra van Viegen, founder of Onboardly, a company reimagining how SaaS businesses keep momentum after the sale. With a background in mathematics and machine learning and as a mother of three, Alexandra made the leap from corporate stability into the unpredictable world of startups. Her journey is rooted in resilience and fueled by an intrinsic drive to build not only a business but a model of trust, relationships and self-care that her children can...
2025-10-071h 13
Journeys of Empowerment#43 | Salmaan Sana | "Presence over performance"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 43What if showing up exactly as you are is the most powerful thing you can offer?In this episode, I had the honor of sitting down with Salmaan Sana, facilitator, trainer and infinite student of connection and purpose. His story is a gentle yet profound invitation to shift from performance to presence, from doing to being.In our conversation, we explored the small but powerful moments that shape our lives and work, from picking up your child while moderating a big event, to letting go of ego just befo...
2025-09-301h 33
Journeys of Empowerment#42 | Vassia Sarantopoulou | "From perfectionism to presence"#42 Vassia’s work to normalize loneliness: what if loneliness wasn’t a sign that something is wrong, but a signal that something deeper is ready to be seen?In this episode, I connected with Vassia Sarantopoulou, founder of Anti Loneliness, a practice that’s grown from a solo effort to a thriving team of 12 psychologists supporting internationals around the world. Through her own journey as a therapist and expat, Vassia is reframing the narrative around loneliness, burnout and the high cost of perfectionism.What we explored:👉🏾 Loneliness as signal: breaking stigma and naming what so many...
2025-09-231h 16
Journeys of Empowerment#41 | Elisa Viaud | "Transcendence, trauma & truth"#41 Elisa’s Journey to integration: some people walk through fire. Others learn how to turn the ashes into meaning.In this episode which marks the 🥳1 year anniversary🥳 of ✨Journeys of Empowerment✨, I sat down with:Elisa Viaud, organizational psychologist, therapist and someone who knows what it means to carry complexity and create from it. From growing up as a cultural outlier to navigating burnout at Tesla and personal healing from early trauma, Elisa's story is a rich tapestry of dualities: pain and hope, intellect and emotion, light and dark. Her work is about weaving them together.
2025-09-161h 23
Journeys of Empowerment#40 | Simone Mink | "Boundaries, burnout & boldness"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 40Simone’s rebellious rise in tech: some careers follow a roadmap. Others are built by those who dare to redraw the map entirely.In this episode, I had the chance to speak with Simone Mink, Product Operations Lead at Mendix and a self-described “rebel with a cause” Her path from leisure management to tech leadership is anything but linear and that’s exactly what makes it powerful. Her story invites us to embrace discomfort, show up fully and redefine success from the inside out.What we explored:👉🏾 From le...
2025-09-091h 09
Journeys of Empowerment#39 | Angligène Servania-Woods | "Beyond the law"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 39Angligène’s path to inner freedom & self-leadershipWhat if the truest version of leadership doesn’t come with a title but with the courage to be fully yourself?I had the pleasure of speaking with Angligène Servania-Woods, founder of The Bridge and co-founder of The Lead In. Her journey of resilience, empowerment and transformation is a true testament to defying expectations and creating meaningful change. In our conversation, we explored key challenges, turning points and the moments that reshaped her path to success.What we explore...
2025-09-021h 39
Journeys of Empowerment#38 | Daan Schmidt | "Returning to the stage"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 38From pulpit to platform, Daan’s call to speak..again..What if the story you’ve been living quietly is the one that could set others free?I had a fascinating conversation with my friend Daan Schmidt, founder of StoryBrand Nederland and Buzzlytics. His journey from pastor to purpose-driven entrepreneur shows how transformation doesn’t erase your past...it gives it new meaning!In our convo, we explored the defining moments, inner pivots and unshakable values that continue to shape how Daan leads, lives and now prepares t...
2025-08-261h 12
Journeys of Empowerment#37 | Marie Chaproniere | "Unmasking truth at work"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 37Behind the Mask, Marie’s movement to humanise the workplace..What if taking off your mask at work was the most radical leadership act of all?I had the pleasure of speaking with Marie Chaproniere, founder of the Behind The Mask Community, an invaluable movement reimagining what it means to be authentic in professional spaces. Her path shows how personal adversity can be transformed into a platform for collective healing and workplace change!In our deep dive aka learning XP on steroids (at least for me), we exp...
2025-08-191h 31
Journeys of Empowerment#36 | Khaled Shaaban | "From conflict to code"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 36From conflict to code, Khaled’s mission to rebuild through tech..What if your refugee story became the blueprint for empowering an entire generation?An open conversation with someone I deeply admire: Khaled Shaaban, Syrian refugee, social entrepreneur and founder of Subul Impact Outsourcing. His journey of resilience, empowerment and transformation is a true testament to defying expectations and creating meaningful systemic change. In our deep dive, we explored key challenges, turning points and the moments that reshaped his path to success!What We Explore...
2025-08-121h 15
Journeys of Empowerment#35 | Kimberly Fuqua | "Grief, growth, purpose, power"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 35Lighting the Way, Kimberly’s Path from Grief to GrowthWhat if the most painful loss of your life became the spark that illuminated your purpose?Feeling privileged to have had a deep dive with Kimberly Fuqua, Microsoft's EMEA Director CX, transformation lead, DEI advocate and founder of Luminous Leaders. Her journey of resilience, empowerment and transformation is a true testament to defying expectations and creating meaningful change. In our convo we explored the grief that shaped her, the mission that drives her, and the leadership philoso...
2025-08-051h 32
Journeys of Empowerment#34 | Neil Schambra Stevens | "Leading with kindness"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 34Leading with kindness: Neil’s mission to humanize work and lifeWhat if the most disruptive leadership tool of the future… is kindness?I had the pleasure speaking with Neil Schambra Stevens, founder of Mercury Jam Coaching and former CMO for brands like Vans and Polaroid. His journey of resilience, empowerment and transformation is a true testament to defying expectations and creating meaningful change. In our conversation, we explored key challenges, turning points and the moments that reshaped his path to success!What we explored...
2025-07-291h 10
Journeys of Empowerment#33 | Alisher Jafarov | "From drivenness to depth"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 33From drivenness to depth: Alisher’s mission to rethink hiring with purposeCould a billion-euro business problem be solved by asking better questions of ourselves first?I had the pleasure of speaking with Alisher Jafarov, founder and CEO of Avery, a B2B SaaS company revolutionizing how companies hire. His journey of resilience, empowerment and transformation is a true testament to defying expectations and creating meaningful change. In our conversation, we explored key challenges, turning points and the moments that reshaped his path to success.What...
2025-07-221h 05
Journeys of Empowerment#32 | Peter Zerp | "Procurement with purpose"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 32Procurement with Purpose: Peter’s Path to Inclusion & AuthenticityWhat if your professional role became a gateway to create systemic change in business and in society?I had the honour of speaking with Peter Zerp, Inclusive procurement strategy expert at Accenture, ESDP board chair and NGO board member. His journey of resilience, empowerment and transformation is a true testament to defying expectations and creating meaningful change. In our conversation, we explored key challenges, turning points and the moments that reshaped his path to success.What we explor...
2025-07-1558 min
Journeys of Empowerment#31 | Tessa de Flines | "Visibility, vulnerability & angel investing"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 31Visibility, vulnerability & angel investing: Tessa’s Journey of Empowering Women! How do you go from structured boardrooms to backing bold founders all while staying true to your own story?I had the pleasure of speaking with Tessa de Flines, co-founder of Nearwater Consultancy, angel investor and former board member of Female Ventures. Her journey is a masterclass in combining business strategy with emotional depth, showing how personal and professional transformation go hand in hand.In our conversation, Tessa shared how years in the corporate world led to a conscio...
2025-07-081h 26
Journeys of Empowerment#30 | Trishanka Smaal | "From pain to purpose"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 30From pain to purpose! Trishanka’s journey of healing, identity & unconditional Love.Some stories don’t just inspire, they shift your entire perspective.I had the pleasure of speaking with Trishanka Smaal, a powerful voice of resilience, transformation and self-acceptance. Her journey rising from the depths of abuse, violence and rejection to healing, wholeness and empowerment is nothing short of extraordinary!In our conversation, we explored raw moments, bold choices and the sacred process of becoming who you truly are.What we explored:👉🏾 Identity & authe...
2025-07-011h 36
Journeys of Empowerment#29 | Kuhu Singh | "When healing meets code"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 29When healing meets code...building an AI therapist called Amber-mind!What if the therapist you needed as a teenager...was the one you built as an adult?So much enjoyed speaking with Kuhu Singh, founder of Amber-mind, an AI-powered mental health companion designed to offer 24/7 support. Her journey of resilience, empowerment and transformation is a true testament to defying expectations and creating meaningful change. In our conversation, we explored how personal pain became purpose and how technology is now helping to democratize access to mental health care!𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱:👉🏾 The birth of Amber: from teenage diary e...
2025-06-241h 08
Journeys of Empowerment#28 | Kemo Camara | "Bicultural by design"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 28Bicultural by design...not by defaultWhat if your deepest strength is the part of you that never fully fit in?I had the honour speaking with Kemo Camara, founder of Omek, a global community built to empower biculturals of African descent. His journey of resilience, empowerment and transformation is a true testament to defying expectations and creating meaningful change. In our conversation (for me education on steroids), we explored how bicultural identity, when embraced consciously, becomes a superpower for navigating our complex world.𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱:👉🏾 From Guinea to global citizen: Kemo’s personal migration jo...
2025-06-171h 22
Journeys of Empowerment#27 | Emily van Putten | "The courage to be who you are"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 27Becoming Emily the courage to be who you areWhat if the bravest thing you could ever do…is simply be yourself?I had the pleasure of speaking with Emily van Putten founder of SheUnfolds, speaker, activist and tech professional whose deeply personal journey of gender transition, emotional resilience and purpose-driven advocacy is nothing short of transformative!! Her story is one of confronting pain, embracing truth and becoming whole in her own words, by following her ❤️.𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱:👉🏾 Growing up in disguise: navigating childhood in a gender that didn’t align with her inner truth;👉🏾 Drag as a doorway: how...
2025-06-101h 31
Journeys of Empowerment#26 | Kasia Pokrop | "The 3M's of Women's Health"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 26The 3Ms of Women's Health: Menstruation, Motherhood & MenopauseWhat if we approached women’s health the way we do language learning habitual, inclusive and empowering?I had the pleasure of speaking with Kasia Pokrop, co-founder of 3mbrace Health | Formerly Mamamoon Health. Her journey of resilience, empowerment and transformation is a true testament to defying expectations and creating meaningful change in the health sector. In our conversation, we explored the critical gaps in women's health and the solutions she's pioneering to close them.𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱:👉🏾 Reimagining women's health: why the 3Ms (menstruation, motherhood, menopause...
2025-06-031h 09
Journeys of Empowerment#25 | Jeena Earthiva | "Reclaiming your voice, rewiring the mind"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 25The lotus blooms in muddy water. That’s what makes it beautiful!Finally I had the pleasure of speaking with Jeena Earthiva, artist entrepreneur, former Bollywood singer, and founder of Conscious Music Code. Her journey is a profound reminder that healing and creativity often rise from our deepest struggles. Jeena didn’t just lose her voice for three years..she lost a sense of herself. But what she uncovered in that silence was even more powerful: her truth, her mission, and her music.At the peak of her Bollywood...
2025-05-271h 18
Journeys of Empowerment#24 | Magdalena Szumna | "From burnout to belonging"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 24Sometimes, burnout isn’t a breakdown..it’s a breakthrough!I had the pleasure of speaking with Magdalena Szumna, founder of Indigo Diversity Consulting. Her journey from feeling out of place in the corporate world to becoming a bold voice for intercultural empathy and inclusion is a testament to how reclaiming your truth can lead to meaningful change..not just for yourself, but for entire teams and organizations.In our conversation Magdalena shared the moments that reshaped her path, from the spark of curiosity ignited by a family story in Poland...
2025-05-201h 16
Journeys of Empowerment#23 | Adis Sophie Frémont, Sarlani | "Designing a life beyond boundaries"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 23Sometimes, your gut knows long before your mind catches up..Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Adis Sophie Frémont, founder of Beyond Boundaries Consulting. Her journey from competitive swimmer to corporate professional and now conscious entrepreneur is a powerful reflection of resilience, self-awareness, and the courage to start over on your own terms!In our conversation, we explored key challenges, turning points, and the unexpected joys that come from tuning into your intuition and choosing alignment over approval.One moment that really stayed with me was...
2025-05-131h 16
Journeys of Empowerment#22 | Sara Alaoui | "Reclaiming intimacy, rebuilding trust"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 22Healing doesn’t mean forgetting..it means reclaiming the parts of you that were never truly lost!In episode 22 I had the honor of speaking with Sara Alaoui, founder of The Safe Space Club and co-founder of The Global Collaborative. Her journey from survivor to global advocate is one of unimaginable courage, deep transformation, and fierce commitment to breaking generational cycles of abuse.In our conversation, Sara opened up about the pain of her past—and the purpose she found in turning that pain into power. She shared not only her p...
2025-05-061h 46
Journeys of Empowerment#21 | Raisa Sambo | "Trust, self-acceptance and advocacy"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 21What does it take to truly embrace your identity and trust the journey, even through the challenges? I had the pleasure of speaking with Raisa Sambo, a passionate advocate for inclusion and queer rights, and founder of her own organization. Raisa shared her journey of coming out, finding love, and using her experiences to create more inclusive workspaces through training and VR simulations.Raisa's story of self-discovery, advocacy, and overcoming personal and family struggles is a powerful reminder of the importance of vulnerability, unconditional love, and the role of spiritu...
2025-04-291h 36
Journeys of Empowerment#20 | Dirkjan Hupkes | "Empowering women in tech"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – 🥳 Episode 20🥳Celebrating Milestones and Making an Impact! This episode is extra special not only because it marks our 20th episode, but also because of the inspiring conversation I had with Dirkjan Hupkes, a seasoned financial services professional turned entrepreneur and founder of True Story Company. Dirkjan’s journey from corporate life to launching a podcast Women Disrupting Tech focused on promoting women in tech is a testament to the power of resilience, transformation, and the drive to make diversity, equity, and inclusion a non-issue by 2032.About the 20th episode milestone: it's a big one...
2025-04-221h 10
Journeys of Empowerment#19 | Paola Brignoli | "Empowerment, hope and courage"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 19What if well-being at work was the foundation for innovation and business growth? Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Paola Brignoli, an expert in workplace well-being and leadership coaching. Paola’s personal and professional journey is a testament to the power of empowerment, hope, and courage in both personal growth and creating inclusive, mentally healthy workplaces.Paola Brignoli’s journey from finance to workplace well-being is a powerful example of how embracing self-compassion, embracing change, and prioritizing mental health can transform not only individuals but entire organizations.What w...
2025-04-151h 13
Journeys of Empowerment#18 | Reindert Kriek | "Letting go of control"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 18What happens when we stop trying to control everything and start embracing vulnerability? In today’s conversation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Reindert Kriek, an HR leadership consultant and founder of dare. His experiences in leadership, personal growth, and his struggles with rejection and control offer invaluable lessons for anyone on a journey of empowerment.Reindert Kriek’s journey is a powerful reminder that true leadership begins with self-awareness, compassion, and the courage to heal deep-seated emotional wounds.What we explored:The power of self-compas...
2025-04-081h 22
Journeys of Empowerment#17 | Alex Tavassoli | "Empathy in Action"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 17Alex Tavassoli’s Mission to Break the Cycle of ViolenceToday's episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Alex Tavassoli, founder of Enliven Empathy. Alex’s journey is nothing short of transformative, his innovative work in using virtual reality (VR) technology to infuse empathy into learning, training, and family interventions is reshaping how we understand and address complex social issues.In our conversation, we touched on key challenges, turning points, and the profound moments that have shaped Alex’s path to success.What We Explored:Empathy Thro...
2025-04-011h 19
Journeys of Empowerment#16 | Irene Anggreeni | "Healing through transformation"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 16What if one conversation could change your entire perspective on mental health? Today, I’m joined by Irene Anggreeni, a mental fitness coach who transformed her life from a challenging upbringing in Indonesia and a demanding engineering career to a journey of healing, advocacy, and empowerment. Her path from battling depression and burnout to championing mental health is nothing short of inspiring.We Dive Deep Into:Career Reinvention: how leaving a conventional engineering path paved the way for a fulfilling role in mental fitness coaching;Trauma & Recovery: the raw reali...
2025-03-251h 28
Journeys of Empowerment#15 | Kobi Ampoma | "Redefining Talent and Fairness"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 15What if one transformative conversation could reshape your career? In this compelling episode Kobi Ampoma, reveals how a single conversation with a deacon set him on a path of personal and professional evolution. Now at the helm of Heineken’s talent recognition team, Kobi shares candid insights on navigating competitive markets, embracing self-reflection, and truly understanding one’s worth!Beyond career, our conversation touched on something equally profound: relationships and parenthood. Kobi’s unwavering commitment to his family is truly inspiring. Married for 25 years, he and his wife prioritize growth, connec...
2025-03-181h 05
Journeys of Empowerment#14 | Samar Morshedi | "Resilience Fuels Bold Futures"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 14Have you ever wondered how a setback can fuel your greatest transformation? In this open conversation with Samar Morshedi, whose transition from co-founding a startup that developed innovative burnout prediction software to becoming Head of Recruitment at Bunq is nothing short of extraordinary!Facing challenges from startup failures to cultural hurdles stemming from her Iranian upbringing, Samar reveals how listening to feedback and leaning on community networks has been central to her growth. Her advice to her younger self...to trust in her abilities echoes throughout her journey, inviting you to...
2025-03-111h 12
Journeys of Empowerment#13 | Warner van der Veer-Jehee | "Intuition Ignites Transformative Leadership"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 13Imagine one decision that completely transforms your career path...That’s exactly what happened for Warner van der Veer-Jehee, KLM’s program manager for safety culture, whose bold move into organizational behavioral management is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, Warner recounts his journey in aviation and how he shifted his focus to people-centric safety practices at KLM, sharing powerful insights on intuitive leadership and the transformative power of diversity and inclusion.Key Themes We Explored:Reinventing Safety Culture: transitioning from technical procedures to focusing on what really mat...
2025-03-041h 10
Journeys of Empowerment#12 | Julie Hemels-Hoff | "Breaking Barriers, Embracing You"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 12What happens when you challenge the status quo in business, identity, and impact? Julie Hemels-Hoff, CEO & co-founder of Blueyse Agency, didn’t just build a marketing agency; she transformed it. Merging her inclusive marketing firm with her father’s traditional advertising agency, she faced resistance, lost clients, and still stood firm in her mission: to create marketing that truly represents everyone.Her journey isn’t just about business...it’s deeply personal. As a queer woman, Julie knows firsthand the power of representation. From navigating self-acceptance to fighting against discrimination...
2025-02-181h 19
Journeys of Empowerment#11 | Mustafa El Maghrabi | "Revolution Begins with You"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 11 Imagine moving across continents, navigating major life changes, and still having the drive to create something bigger than yourself. That’s the story of Mustafa El Maghrabi, a founder, innovator, and someone deeply committed to redefining how companies support their people.From launching a startup during university to working at Booking.com, Mustafa saw a massive gap in employee perks and benefits, one that left too many people unsupported. So, he built Novu, a platform designed to empower employees with flexible benefits that actually work for them.In this conversati...
2025-02-041h 12
Journeys of Empowerment#10 | Sacha Martina | "Go Woke Or Go Broke"✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 10 This episode feels personal – and for good reason. I had the privilege of sitting down with my dear friend and powerhouse advocate, Sacha Martina 💁🏽♀️ co-founder of House of Inclusion, Public Speaker, future Author and so much more..From the moment we connected in 2021 through the ScaleUpNation Board Membership Program, Sacha's unshakable spirit of inclusivity and community building has left a lasting imprint on my life!In this open, and sometimes vulnerable conversation, Sacha opens up about her transformative journey, navigating career hurdles, personal challenges, and ultimately, 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱. From embracing her bicultural identity to leading with empathy and resilience, her story is a masterclass in strength and authenticity✨ What We Explored:
2025-01-211h 24
Journeys of Empowerment#9 | Robin Imthorn | "The Strength To Rise"✨ Journeys of Empowerment ✨ - Episode 9In this episode, I’m honored to sit down with Robin Imthorn, Marine, Author, Public Speaker, and living proof that healing is possible even in the face of deep trauma. Our conversation dives into resilience and the power of storytelling, tracing Robin’s path from military service to personal transformation.Robin’s journey is one of raw honesty and unwavering strength, shaped by his experiences growing up as a sensitive boy in a challenging family dynamic, navigating bullying at school, and ultimately pursuing his dream of becoming a Marine. We explore how...
2025-01-071h 22
Journeys of Empowerment#8 | Virginia Scheele | "Inclusion Through Transformative Travel"✨ Journeys of Empowerment - Episode 8 ✨I’m beyond excited to welcome Virginia Scheele, the incredible founder of Life of Gini, a travel company that’s on a mission to empower overlooked minority groups through the transformative magic of travel.I first met Virginia at Demo Day of the DNNL network, where she stood out as one of the 11 cohort '24 members, passionately pitching Life of Gini. From the moment I heard her story, I knew she had something special to share.In this episode, we dive into resilience, identity, and the power of turning p...
2024-12-231h 27
Journeys of Empowerment#7 | Nicolette Lazarus | "Strength Through Authentic Vulnerability"✨ Journeys of Empowerment ✨ - Episode 7The first time I met Nicolette Lazarus, I found myself surrounded by an incredible group of women during the “Where Serendipity Fuels Impact” Walky Talky. As the only man in the circle, I witnessed the profound energy of vulnerability, connection, and collective purpose. It was during that inspiring moment that I truly saw Nicolette's passion for creating safe spaces where women can share, connect, and grow without judgment.So today, I’m honored to feature Nicolette, the visionary Founder and Chief Connection Officer of Womanship!In our conversation, Nicolette...
2024-12-101h 10
Journeys of Empowerment#6 | Farzan Najmeddin | "Empowering Leadership, Embracing Humanity"✨ Journeys of Empowerment - Episode 6✨Today, I’m excited to welcome Farzan Najmeddin, founder of Team Human.ai [formerly Insight People & Culture], a visionary leader revolutionizing leadership development through AI-powered, human-centered coaching.In this episode, we dive into a deeply inspiring conversation about unconditional love, human connection, and transformative leadership. Farzan shares his journey from Kurdistan to the Netherlands, highlighting how his experiences shaped his mission to empower first-time and mid-level managers with personalized leadership training focused on empathy, conflict management, and emotional agility.What I especially admire about Farzan is his commitment to fos...
2024-11-251h 08
Journeys of Empowerment#5 | Lara Morgan | "Resilience in Action"✨ Journeys of Empowerment - Episode 5! ✨Today, I’m excited to welcome Lara Morgan, an inspiring Career and Mindset Coach and founder of a transformational female-only 1-1 coaching program called SHE Thrives. In this episode, we dive into a deeply enriching conversation about the power of purpose, resilience, and the journey to self-empowerment.Lara’s mission centers on guiding growth-driven women to uncover their true potential and create careers they are passionate about. Through her bespoke Conscious Career Coaching, she helps individuals navigate life’s most pivotal moments—from overcoming self-doubt to making transformative career chang...
2024-11-1254 min
Journeys of Empowerment#4 | Navid Mohamadi | "Bridging Gaps, Building Futures"🌟 Journeys of Empowerment - Episode 4 🌟Today, we’re joined by Navid Mohamadi, founder of SHEXON. We met at the DNNL Demo Day Event, where Navid delivered one of the 11 highly energizing pitches from a group of inspiring social-impact entrepreneurs, each on transformative missions. The DNNL program is a 12-week journey of intensive training, coaching, mentorship, and guidance, perfect for rising stars like Navid.Navid’s story is one of turning his own early childhood experiences & experience as an international student into a mission to bridge the gap for others. With a Ph.D. in supply chain and...
2024-10-291h 04
Journeys of Empowerment#3 | Yasmina Khababi | "Changing the World Meal by Meal"🌟 Journeys of Empowerment - Episode 3 🌟In today’s episode, I sit down with Yasmina Khababi, founder of Freshtable and the Freshtable Foundation. Yasmina is a true rebel with a cause, leading efforts to create social inclusion through sustainable food solutions, while providing meaningful job opportunities to refugees and those distanced from the labor market. Her journey is one of turning frustration into passion, and in this conversation, she shares the pivotal moments that shaped her mission.We explore how Yasmina's commitment to helping refugees was inspired by witnessing the injustice of seeing only very very few find...
2024-10-151h 00
Journeys of Empowerment#2 | Karim El Oteify the Human ChatGPT on Wheels of Impact🌟 Journeys of Empowerment - Episode 2 🌟In this first conversational episode, a true friend who I sometimes call the Human ChatGPT on Wheels: Karim El Oteify, founder of The Wheels of Impact, shares his personal journey that weaves through the complex intersections of identity, power, and privilege. From a deeply painful experience of racism and exclusion to finding inspiration in a Role Model for Systemic Change, Karim’s story sparked his mission to uplift international communities by amplifying their voices. As the conversation unfolds, we explore the vulnerability of these experiences and the profound insights they bring.The co...
2024-10-0156 min
Journeys of Empowerment#1 | Solo Episode: "What to Expect" | Michiel Sujeet Reith🌟 Journeys of Empowerment - Episode 1 🌟Welcome to Journeys of Empowerment! I’m Michiel Sujeet Reith, and in this solo episode, I’m giving you a taste of what’s to come.The future episodes will be about discovering the power within you—your ability to face life’s challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth and impact. In each episode, I’ll be speaking with inspiring individuals who’ve transformed their struggles into a force for good, both for themselves and the world around them.You can expect stories that challenge you to look at your own...
2024-09-1609 min
Oops! I'm BiasedMental Health Matters to Candidates61% of professionals would consider leaving their job if their mental health needs are not met, and 80% of gen Z and millennials find mental health policies important when considering an employer.
In this episode, Katharina Koidl, Community and Event Manager at Equalture talks to Eva Joosten, Career Coach and freelance Talent Acquisition Lead, Michiel Sujeet Reith, Wellbeing Rainmaker, and Danielle Chan, People and Culture Manager at Equalture to discuss how companies can meet their candidates’ expectations regarding mental health and wellbeing initiatives already in the recruitment process.
We have decided to...
2023-06-2034 min