Shows
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#29: Building a school where kids love learning, feel supported, and grow into future innovators | Talk with Marv Shamma - Founder & CEO @ Flow Elementary SchoolsIn this episode, I talk with Marv Shamma, founder of Flow Elementary Schools, about building a school where kids enjoy learning and feel supported.Marv shares how becoming a father changed the way he looks at education. He explains why he started Flow Elementary and what he wanted to do differently, not by fighting the system, but by adding more care, meaning, and real life context to learning.We talk about project-based learning and why kids learn better when there is a clear reason behind what they are doing. Marv shares stories from the classroom...
2025-12-291h 05
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#28: How to build genuine connections in a tech-driven world | Talk with Margaux Miller - TEDx speaker, community builder, host and moderatorIn this episode, I sit down with Margaux Miller, a natural connector who helps people build meaningful relationships in digital spaces. As a moderator, public speaker, and community builder, Margaux has spent years bringing people together in ways that feel effortless and genuine.Her TEDx talk, "6 ways to make better connections online", is now featured on TED.com and has reached over 350,000 views, proving just how much people crave better ways to connect.We talk about her journey, what makes networking actually work, and how entrepreneurs and remote professionals can build stronger, more authentic relationships...
2025-03-191h 05
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#27: Navigating mortgages and life insurance in Czechia | Talk with Kateřina Bendová - Personal Finance AdvisorPersonal finance advisor Kateřina Bendová returns to explore mortgages, life insurance, and how to protect your financial future.
This conversation covers the key steps to securing a mortgage, the hidden costs beyond interest rates, and why choosing the right financing matters more than just securing a low rate. Kateřina also shares how life insurance provides financial stability in case of unexpected events, helping you plan with confidence.
A practical, no-jargon discussion filled with real life insights to help you make better financial decisions today. Tune in to learn more.
Feel free to...
2025-02-021h 34
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#26: Living as a digital nomad and helping women with self-development | Talk with Lenka Kosmatová - Digital Nomad, Personal Brand & Self-Development CoachCurious about life as a digital nomad? 🌍 We sit down with Lenka Kosmatová, a coach who’s passionate about self-development and personal branding. Having lived in over 70 countries, Lenka shares her journey as a digital nomad and what inspired her to help women grow both personally and professionally.
We explore how to shift to an abundance mindset, the first steps to start a nomadic lifestyle, and her unique perspective on the differences between life in the Czech Republic and Latin America. Lenka also shares some of her most memorable stories from the road, offering a mix of practi...
2025-01-201h 16
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#25: Managing your energy to have a better life | Talk with David Papa - Executive Coach, Talent Developer, Resilience CoachFeeling drained and want to boost your life at work and home? Listen to my chat with David Papa. We talk about the types of energy that matter, where to begin for a sense of awe, what to avoid, and simple techniques you can try today.
Feel free to follow David's journey on his LinkedIn.
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If you have any feedback and suggestions for upcoming episodes or would like to suggest more guests, you can connect with Ricardo Monagas.
2025-01-1649 min
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#24: Getting rid of your fear and becoming a confident speaker | Talk with Juraj Holub and Denisa Žideková from Speaking HeroesHave you ever felt nervous about speaking in front of others? Join us for a conversation with Juraj Holub and Denisa Žideková from Speaking Heroes, who make public speaking easier for everyone.
In this episode, they talk about:
Overcoming fear when giving a presentation
Simple tips for structuring your speech
How to confidently introduce yourself at networking events
The power of non-verbal communication
What you can gain from their workshop, Train the Speakers
Their favorite resources and recommendations
If you’ve ever wanted to speak with confidence, this is for you.
Fe...
2024-12-271h 06
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#23: Simplifying personal finance for locals and expats in Czechia | Talk with Kateřina Bendová - Personal Finance AdvisorJoin us for a chat with Kateřina Bendová, a personal finance advisor in the Czech Republic who loves helping locals and expats simplify their finances and improve their financial well-being.
In this conversation, Kateřina shares her story, her approach to personal finance, and her best tips for managing money. She talks about starting your personal finance journey, managing shared finances for couples, saving for kids, and teaching children healthy money habits. Plus, she explains tax deductions, private pension funds, and life insurance in simple terms.
Feel free to follow Kateřina's journey on her Li...
2024-11-281h 23
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#22: Improving your daily life with progressive training | Talk with Michal Vrátný - Founder @ Železná KouleJoin us for a chat with Michal Vrátný, the founder of Železná Koule, a gym with a mission to help people feel better every day through practical exercises.
Michal shares his story of starting Železná Koule, the importance of strength training to living longer, and how kettlebell workouts can make a big difference. He also explains the role of breathing in exercise, how his app Online Koučink works and gives tips for getting started, plus some resources he recommends for anyone ready to start their fitness journey.
Feel free to follow Michal's journey on his Li...
2024-10-261h 19
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#21: Finding calm in a busy world with Mindzero | Talk with David Semerad - Co-Founder & CEO @ MindzeroJoin us for a chat with David Semerad, Co-Founder and CEO of Mindzero. Mindzero aims to create quick, calming spaces to help you de-stress and refocus, even on a busy schedule.
David talks about his entrepreneurial journey starting at age 17 with STRV, finding his partners, and how challenges led to the creation of Mindzero. He discusses what Mindzero offers, his vision for it, and the importance of having big goals and staying disciplined. David also shares tips for living a happier life, the significance of your romantic partner, his views on vulnerability, and some resources he recommends.
2024-07-141h 12
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#20: Helping people find the best version of themselves | Talk with Denisa Dědičová - Personal and Professional Development ConsultantJoin us for a conversation with Denisa Dědičová, a personal and professional development consultant. Denisa helps people become the best version of themselves, inspired by her favorite quote: "Better self, better world."
In this talk, Denisa shares:
Her motivation for working in this field
Tips for building a happy life
Details about her webinars and courses designed to help personal growth
How she makes these experiences engaging
Tools to boost self-esteem, reduce imposter syndrome, and increase assertiveness
Recommended resources for further development
Don't miss this chance to learn from Denisa's insights and practical adv...
2024-06-141h 14
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#19: Guiding parents on family-friendly places and activities | Talk with Sintija Meissner - Co-Founder @ MámapyJoin us for a chat with Sintija Meissner, the creator of mámapy.cz, an urban guide for parents in Prague. Sintija will talk about what inspired her to create mámapy.cz, her vision for the platform, and her journey in developing innovative products for startups and companies. She'll also share tips and resources for anyone looking to start their own digital product.
Some of the resources she recommends are:
mamapy.cz
https://startupkitchen.community/no-code-for-startups/
https://www.momtestbook.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Money-Japanese-Making-Peace/dp/1501188372
https://noahkagan.com/mdwbook/
Feel free to follow Sin...
2024-05-3058 min
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#18: Mobilising the world to protect and restore our natural ecosystems | Talk with Šimon Michalčík - Managing Director @ Plant-for-the-planet Czech RepublicCome listen to Šimon Michalčík, who leads Plant-for-the-planet in the Czech Republic. They are teaching kids how to help our environment by restoring ecosystems. They have also helped with tree-planting projects in parts of Ghana.
He’ll be sharing his journey with Plant-for-the-planet, explaining what ecosystem restoration is, and why it matters so much. He'll talk about his TEDx talk, "The Untold Climate Story," discuss ways you can help tackle climate challenges, and share some resources and people who inspire him. Join us to learn how you can stay hopeful and active in making our planet bette...
2024-05-091h 20
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#17: Leading a business hub and inspirational place for Czechia | Talk with Hana Kučerová - CEO @ OPEROJoin us for a conversation with Hana Kučerová, the leader of OPERO, a vibrant business hub in the heart of Prague. Hana will talk about how she unexpectedly came to lead OPERO and what the space offers to local entrepreneurs. She’ll share inspiring stories from those who work there, details on upcoming events and programs, and the core values that guide her leadership. Hana will also discuss how she continues to learn and grow professionally. This is a great chance to hear from someone making a real impact in the Czech community.
Feel free to follow H...
2024-04-241h 00
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#16: Helping leaders unlock the power of emotional intelligence | Talk with David Papa - Co-Founder @ The Change Tribe & Business CoachJoin us for a talk with David Papa, who helps leaders get better at understanding their feelings to make better choices.
In this chat, David tells us how he became a coach and what The Change Tribe does. He explains why knowing your emotions is key for anyone leading a team, how to avoid making fear-based decisions, simple ways to help yourself grow, how to plan your goals starting from the end, and how to use improvisation at work. He also shares where he learns new things.
Feel free to follow David's journey on his L...
2024-03-3057 min
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#15: Building your personal brand and self-confidence | Talk with Veronika Marešová - Style Coach & Author of the book Dress for SuccessCome meet Veronika Marešová, a warm-hearted style coach and the author behind "Dress for Success." She's all about helping folks embrace their unique style, personal brand, and mindset.
In our chat, Veronika shares simple tips to enhance your image and boost self-confidence. Discover how she embarked on this journey over a decade ago and learn about her down-to-earth coaching approach. Plus, find out the easy steps you can start taking today to revamp your style game.
We'll dive into why colors matter when it comes to dressing and explore the inspiring resources and people th...
2024-03-111h 06
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#14: Baking delicious pastries for every special event | Talk with Tereza Janíková Gondková - Co-Founder @ OlliesMeet Tereza Janíková Gondková, the co-founder of Ollies, a place where pastries bring smiles to parties and work events. With her brother by her side, they’ve grown Ollies from a family project into a chain of 6 must-visit spots in the Czech Republic, and they’re just getting started!
In this episode, Tereza shares the story of how her parents sparked the Ollies' adventure, what it’s like creating amazing pastries, teaming up with her brother, and the rollercoaster ride of running a family biz. She’ll also share her top tips for anyone dreaming of starting th...
2024-02-061h 03
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#13: TEDx UNYP, personal finance & communication tips | Talk with Amit Grinvald - TEDx UNYP organiser, financial advisor, and communication coachMeet Amit Grinvald, an organizer at TEDx UNYP, and an expert in personal finance and communication coaching. If you're looking to set financial goals and improve your communication skills, Amit can help you both in your personal and professional life.
In our conversation, Amit talks about his work in finance, communication, and with TEDx UNYP. He shares advice on how to achieve financial goals, improve communication in presentations and daily talks, lessons from TEDx UNYP speakers, and resources he uses to keep learning in his varied career.
Feel free to follow Amit's journey over here:
2024-01-171h 15
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#12: Helping expats feel at home in the Czech Republic | Talk with Andrea Tkačuková - Co-Founder & CEO @ Foreigners GroupMeet Andrea Tkačuková, the Co-Founder & CEO of Foreigners Group. She's your go-to person for making the Czech Republic feel like home if you're an expat.
In our conversation, Andrea talks about how she got started, the services Foreigners Group provides, popular jobs for expats in the Czech Republic, tips for running a successful business, balancing work and motherhood, and the folks who inspire her in business and real estate.
Get ready for some practical insights into expat life and business in the Czech Republic!
Feel free to follow Andrea's journey on her Linke...
2023-12-231h 25
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#11: Improving your communication skills for daily life | Talk with Mathias Durand - Public Speaking Coach, TEDx Speaker, Head of Curation @ TEDx UNYPMathias Durand is a public speaking coach and the Head of Curation at the TEDxUNYP. His mission? To make sure that individuals and companies take their communication and soft skills to the next level.
In this episode, Mathias opens up about his journey as a personal development and public speaking coach. He shares tips for becoming a good communicator, both on the TED stage and in your day-to-day life. He dives into the world of a growth mindset, shares tips on boosting critical thinking, explores the link between goals and habits, and even chats about the potential...
2023-12-061h 10
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#10: Living longer and healthier now and in the near future | Talk with José Luis Cordeiro - Futurist & Author of the book The Death of DeathJosé Luis Cordeiro is a futurist and author of the book The Death of Death who is passionate about helping people live longer, healthier lives.
In this episode, he shares his journey from engineering to longevity, the motivations behind his book, his daily health routine, his favorite longevity companies to watch, and his favorite resources for learning about the future, exponential technologies, and longevity.
Feel free to follow José's journey on his LinkedIn.
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If you have any feedback and suggestions for upcoming episodes or would like to suggest more guests, you can c...
2023-11-0352 min
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#9: Delivering premium organic bedding to your home | Talk with Petra Čuřínová - Founder & CEO of GIVILIPetra Čuřínová is the Founder & CEO of GIVILI, a company that produce premium organic home textiles with the greater good in mind.
In this episode, Petra talks about how she started her company from scratch, her routines for staying motivated and healthy, her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who are building direct-to-consumer products, and the resources she follows to learn new things.
Feel free to follow Petra's journey on her LinkedIn and get to know more GIVILI on their website.
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If you have any feedback and suggestions for upcoming ep...
2023-10-201h 07
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#8: Helping companies keep their finances in order for growth and success | Talk with Šárka Pelikánová - CEO of Connect Economic Group (CEG)Šárka Pelikánová is the CEO of Connect Economic Group (CEG), a company that helps other companies with their accounting and tax needs. CEG is based in Prague, Czech Republic.
In this episode of the podcast, Šárka shares her story of starting the business with her mother. She also talks about the key elements to consider in business accounting, her advice on business networking, and how she keeps grounded and reduces the risk of burnout. Finally, she discusses how she approaches the operation of a business that started as a family business.
Feel free to follow...
2023-10-1652 min
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#7: Challenging the status quo in the Talent Economy | Talk with Blake Wittman - European Business Director of GoodCallBlake Wittman is the European Business Director of GoodCall. They bring a refreshing way of doing talent recruitment.
During this episode, Blake shares his story of moving to the Czech Republic, starting his career in talent recruitment, and what makes GoodCall innovative. He also talks about his approach to cold calling and networking, his advice on balancing work and personal life, and how his life has changed after a ski accident.
Feel free to follow Blake's journey on his LinkedIn.
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If you have any feedback and suggestions for upcom...
2023-10-021h 04
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#6: Offering mental health support to expats in Prague | Talk with Amanda Mataija - Founder & CEO @ Prague IntegrationAmanda Mataija is the CEO & Founder of Prague Integration. They offer mental health services, programs and events that support the community of expats living in Prague.
During this episode, Amanda shares her story and motivation behind Prague Integration, how she has funded her company, what are her recommendations to start a business, what is mental health for her & how to improve it and, what are the resources that she follows to learn more.
Some of the resources shared by Amanda are over here:
Podcast How I Built This w...
2023-08-1439 min
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#5: Advising & Investing in Tech Startups | Talk with Raja Skogland - Founder @ The Visionary CompanyRaja Skogland was born in Morocco, grew up in Switzerland, and currently living in Oslo, Norway. She is the founder of The Visionary Company. Previously, she has been managing projects like TheFactory Academy (https://www.thefactory.no/) and the hub (https://thehub.io/).
During this episode, we talk about her path to work in Oslo, how she advises startups founders and angel investors, what are the lessons she usually gives to company owners/founders, her journey as an angel investor, valuable lessons to build a network when you arrive in a new city and what’s coming in...
2022-01-0844 min
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#4: Talk with Dimitris Polychronopoulos - Director @ Founder Institute NorwayDimitris Polychronopoulos was born in the United States, has lived in 7 countries, and currently living in Oslo, Norway. He is leading the Founder Institute Norway - helping startups to improve their business ideas and grow.
During the episode, we talked about his journey, how he has learned different languages, how he got involved with the Founder Institute, the startup & angel investment ecosystem in Norway, valuable lessons for startups and resources, and his future goals.
2021-10-1947 min
The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#3: Talk with Vladimira Mesko Briestenska - Co-Founder @ Neem Exponential and Co-Founder & CEO @ The Future FarmVladimira Mesko Briestenska was born and raised in Slovakia and currently living between the UK and Pakistan. She has good experience building and advising different impact-driven companies.
During the episode, we talked about the best practices to make a successful and scalable company, how was her story to kickstart a business in Pakistan, what are her sources of knowledge and inspiration to keep doing a great job in a daily basis, her motivations to kickstart Neem Exponential and The Future Farm, personal advise to maintain mental health, what’s the current impact of her companies and what are...
2021-08-071h 17The Ricardo Monagas Podcast#2: Talk with Tomas Sluka - Co-Founder & CEO @ CREALTomas Sluka was born and raised in the Czech Republic and currently living in Lausanne, Switzerland. We talked about his journey as a researcher and later kickstarting his venture called CREAL. Also, we talked about the technology he's currently working on and how it has been the process from idea to reality.
About CREAL
CREAL is a startup company developing a near-eye light-field display which will replace the flat screens in today’s Virtual and Mixed Reality glasses. Our light-field display adds correct one-eye depth cues to virtual images allowing their seamless mi...
2021-07-1649 minThe Ricardo Monagas Podcast#1: Talk with Arman Anatürk - Co-Founder & CEO @ FoodHackTalking with Arman Anatürk about his personal life, journey around different countries, business experience, and his current plans with FoodHack - where Arman is the Co-Founder & CEO.
FoodHack is a community where Food & FoodTech professionals come to get the inside scoop on industry news and meet partners, friends, mentors, investors - and everything in between.
Arman has origins from Turkey and currently living in Lausanne, Switzerland. He has shared with us his journey as an expat-entrepreneur, successes, and lessons learned. Enjoy the conversation and we expect you get useful insights for your personal and en...
2021-07-0238 min