Shows
I'm Back!Embracing Change with Aman ZaidiIn this episode, host Serena sits down with Aman Zaidi, a leadership and executive coach focused on organizational transformations, well-being, and education. They discuss the meaning of resilience, the importance of community, and how acceptance and adaptability play crucial roles in personal growth and professional success.Aman's Linkedin2025-07-1621 min
I'm Back!Working during a Genocide with Jannah BachroucheIn this episode, Serena hosts Jannah Bachrouche, founder and CEO of Herc HR, for a deep and poignant conversation on the intersection between our daily work, ethical leadership and the ongoing genocide in Palestine. This episode delves into the emotional and professional challenges faced by everyone during times of extreme conflict, focusing on personal reflections, decolonization of the mind, and finding purpose. Serena and Jannah discuss the difficulties of returning to work while witnessing a genocide, how to hold space for one's emotional realities, and the importance of community and solidarity in these trying times.Jannah's Linkedin2025-07-0232 min
I'm Back!Finding Balance with Andrew GottWorthIn this episode, Serena is joined by Andrew GottWorth, an advocate for the International OCD Foundation and leader of the Berlin OCD work. Together, they discuss the journey of returning to work after facing mental health challenges. Andrew shares his personal experiences with OCD, depression, anxiety, and ADHD, revealing the importance of a supportive environment and the power of taking things slowly. The conversation delves into redefining success, accepting limitations, and finding joy in new paths. Tune in for an insightful discussion aimed at providing support and encouragement for those overcoming similar struggles.Andrew's Linkedin2025-06-2317 min
I'm Back!Flowing into your true path with Aditi RaghramIn this podcast episode, Serena interviews Aditi Raghuram, an executive leadership and wellbeing coach, to explore the concept of bouncing back from difficult situations and the challenges associated with it. The conversation dives deep into themes such as resilience, self-compassion, and re-defining success and wellbeing, both personally and professionally.Aditi's LinkedinAditi's website2025-06-1632 min
I'm Back!Back on Your Feet with Neha Lagoo RatnakarIn this podcast episode, Serena speaks with Neha Lagoo Ratnakar about the challenges and rewards of restarting a career after a break. Neha, a champion for women reentering the workforce, shares her personal journey and offers insightful advice on overcoming self-doubt, embracing patience, and finding support. They discuss societal pressures, the importance of learning from mistakes, and the relevance of being present in the moment. Neha also talks about her book, 'Back on Your Feet,' providing listeners with practical wisdom for their career comebacks.Neha's LinkedinNeha's book: Back on you FeetNeha's new book...2025-05-2618 min
The Happy EntrepreneurThree real stories of changeOur previous episode covered the theory along with Laurence, Carlos and Lana’s own stories of change, both small and large. On this episode, we invite some of our now 120-strong Vision 20/20 alumni – aka the Vision Tribe – to share their stories.These 3 amazing humans have been living their excite strategy by working out loud. Others have connected with their story, and helped them to reach their own goals.Ray Martin is an author, coach and explorer who just just published a book – Life Without a Tie – about this 13 year (yes thirteen) adventure around the worldBeccie D'Cunha is the founder of C...2024-04-0250 minThe Happy EntrepreneurHow to harness your story of changeOne of the core models shared with participants of the Vision 20/20 programme is the Story of Change. Based on the Satir Change Model developed by Virginia Satir (family therapist and author), the Happy Startup School uses it to describe the transformation they wish for others.Rather than build products and services that they hope people will buy, members advocate a more design thinking approach that's based on understanding the change that people want to see in their lives. This helps them focus on making things that matter and creating actual value in people's lives.On th...2023-11-2149 min
I'm Back!Being laid off, with Benjamin DeratSerena talks with Benjamin Derat, a facilitator, artist, and creative mastermind. They explore being laid off, how EI supports coming back to work, Benjamin's unique career book, AI's impact on job security, embracing chaos, self-creation, and celebrating achievements. Benjamin shares insights on giving space and time in a quick wins culture. They discuss trusting oneself and the role of AI in Benjamin's book. Benjamin offers advice for those feeling lost and encourages embracing change and pursuing joyful paths. Tune in to this thought-provoking conversation!2023-11-0628 min
I'm Back!AI and coming back to work, with Benjamin DehantSerena talks with Benjamin Dehant, a facilitator, artist, and creative mastermind. They explore being laid off, how AI supports coming back to work, Benjamin's unique career book, AI's impact on job security, embracing chaos, self-creation, and celebrating achievements. Benjamin shares insights on giving space and time in a quick wins culture.They discuss trusting oneself and the role of AI in Benjamin's book. Benjamin offers advice for those feeling lost and encourages embracing change and pursuing joyful paths.Tune in to this thought-provoking conversation!2023-11-0628 minI'm Back!Adaptive fashion, with Kathryn Paylor-BentSerena talks with Kathryn Paylor-Bent, an Adaptive Fashion Designer, Disabled Entrepreneur, and Northern Power Woman on the Future List 2023. They discuss the importance of adaptive fashion and how Catherine is creating a new narrative around fashion that can adapt to different bodies. They also talk about Catherine's personal journey as a disabled CEO and the challenges she has faced in the fashion industry. Tune in to learn more about the opportunities in adaptive fashion and how to create the perfect outfit. Don't miss Kathryn's upcoming projects, including a collection for London Fashion Week. Enjoy the episod...2023-10-3041 minI'm Back!Adaptive fashion, with Kathryn Paylor-BentSerena talks with Kathryn Paylor-Bent, an Adaptive Fashion Designer, Disabled Entrepreneur, and Northern Power Woman on the Future List 2023. They discuss the importance of adaptive fashion and how Catherine is creating a new narrative around fashion that can adapt to different bodies. They also talk about Catherine's personal journey as a disabled CEO and the challenges she has faced in the fashion industry.Tune in to learn more about the opportunities in adaptive fashion and how to create the perfect outfit. Don't miss Kathryn's upcoming projects, including a collection for London Fashion Week.Enjoy the...2023-10-3041 minI'm Back!Significance of rituals, with Nynke VossSerena talks with Nynke Voss, a Ritual Designer, Facilitator, and Co-Founder of Community Rituals in this insightful episode. They discuss the significance of rituals in our daily lives, exploring their importance in both personal and professional contexts. Nynke shares her indigenous roots and how they influence her work. They delve into the challenges of creating rituals in Western society and highlight the benefits they offer. From the role of community to the power of dance, Serena and Nynke provide practical advice for embracing rituals in our routines and workplaces. This episode prompts listeners to explore th...2023-10-2537 minI'm Back!Significance of rituals, with Nynke VossSerena talks with Nynke Voss, a Ritual Designer, Facilitator, and Co-Founder of Community Rituals in this insightful episode.They discuss the significance of rituals in our daily lives, exploring their importance in both personal and professional contexts. Nynke shares her indigenous roots and how they influence her work. They delve into the challenges of creating rituals in Western society and highlight the benefits they offer. From the role of community to the power of dance, Serena and Nynke provide practical advice for embracing rituals in our routines and workplaces.This episode prompts listeners to explore...2023-10-2537 minI'm Back!Coaching transitions, with Joerg SauerSerena talks with Joerg Sauer, ACC ICF Coach and a leader that is empowering individuals, teams, and organizations with coaching. Currently, Joerg is the CIO of a multinational company in Indonesia. He is also the community leader for Morphosis Coaching Indonesia. In our conversation, we discussed why coaching is so important within an organization, how coaching can create a safe bubble to express yourself and discover yourself, and how can coaching really transform your life.You can discover more about Joerg here:Joerg's LinkedinMorphosis Coaching2023-07-3152 min
I'm Back!Growing Parents, with Katerina Di MarcoSerena talks with Katerina Di Marco, mum of little Berenika, consultant, facilitator, and embodiment coach. She's currently building her own business Pause to Move. She's also responsible for the learning cluster "Parents Grow Too" under the Community L&D Shakers. You can discover more about Katerina here:Katerina's LinkedinL&D Shakers Community2023-07-1629 min
The Belonging Project PodcastHidden Disability & Belonging, with Serena SaviniWhat’s a hidden disability? A hidden disability is a disability that may not visible or immediately obviouswhen looking or talking to someone but can have a significant impact on aperson’s life. 'Hidden disabilities' is an umbrella term that captures a spectrum ofdisabilities, and can include: Sensory Disabilities Mental Health Conditions Specific learning differences Autism Long-term and physical health conditions*not and exhaustive listFor The Belonging Project Podc...2023-07-1037 min
We Not MeComing back to a team with Serena SaviniWe too often prioritise work over our own needs. This is compounded if you have a disability that might take you away from work for a time, if a new baby has entered your life, or if you’re grieving. Serena Savini lives with a chronic illness and had an accident at work that shed light on this realisation.Serena is an HR expert, coach, and podcaster who believes that those re-entering work need to be supported in every way possible. For her, the most important thing is to create a comfortable environment where everyone is re...2023-02-1730 min
I'm Back!Empowering Inclusion, with Olla JongeriusSerena talks with Olla Joungerius, Founder of the BerLearn Community & Inclusion and Global Learning & Development Architect at Nortal, about the role of HR in welcoming back employees, about the new challenges on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and about the role of vulnerability to create a meaningful work environment.You can discover more about Olla here:Olla's LinkedinBerLearn Community2023-01-1335 min
I'm Back!Listening to your music, with Sara HuangSerena talks with Sara Huang, Heart ♥️ based consultant & human-centered facilitator, about using facilitation skills to support people who are coming back to work, the importance of creativity and music in finding your way back and how can we deal with power dynamics in a more caring way.You can discover more about Sara here:Sara's LinkedinSara's website2022-11-2728 min
I'm Back!Treating yourself nicely, with Tina DreisickeSerena talks with Tina Dreisicke, Agile Learning Professional, Coach & Entrepreneur , about how can we apply the Agile Methodology to coming back to work, the challenge of well being and practical advice to create a welcoming environment at work.You can find more information about Tina hereTina's Linkedin2022-11-1522 min
I'm Back!Seeking Happiness, with Puneet Singh SinghalA really special episode for the International Stuttering Day 2022. Serena talks again with Puneet Singh Singhal, Founder of Ssstart and Disability Activist, about Stammering, a new perspective on Diversity and Inclusion and about the importance of joy, pleasure and happiness.You can find more about Puneet here:Ssstart Linkedin page, a non-profit that promises patience, empathy, and freedom of communication.Ssstart Website Puneet Singh: Linkedin profileStamma Blog: Puneet's blogArticle from Kanthari: the story behind SsstartEducation World -Article2022-10-1128 min
I'm Back!Being yourself, with Cinzia Silvia MelogranaSerena talks with Cinzia Silvia Melograna, Talent partner and Recruitment expert, about how recruitment has changed during the pandemic, how can you propose yourself when you are coming back to work to a new company and how you can take care of yourself after a rejection.You can find more information about Cinzia here:Cinzia's Linkedin2022-09-1924 min
I'm Back!Giving a voice to the voiceless, with Rita OfiliSerena talks with Rita Ofili, the number 1 wheelchair model in Nigeria, about the importance of giving a voice to the voiceless, disability in Nigeria and in Africa, becoming a model and being intentional in building our own future.You can find more information about Rita here:Rita's LinkedinRita's Instagram: @iamritaofili_official2022-07-1219 min
I'm Back!The Hero's Journey, with Leon TehSerena talks with Leon Teh, Transformative Coach & Facilitator and Self-Love Speaker & Advocate, about the importance of self-love & self -care, the challenges of listening to our heart's desires, tools to come back to work and to life.You can find more about Leon here:Leon's LinkedinLeon's websiteLeon's youtube channel2022-06-2824 min
Ear Brain HeartThrowing stories at demons“It’s really easy to make a podcast”, they say. “Everyone deserves to tell their story”. But what if your story is too hard to tell, no matter how important it feels to set it free? HR expert and now podcaster Serena Savini faced these questions and stared down her demons in order to tell her story.
Serena was born with a congenital heart disease that kept her from doing the things most kids love: running, playing, even attending some birthday parties. When this combined with an accident at work, a spark was lit that would allow her not on...2022-06-1943 min
I'm Back!Exploring Self-Compassion, with Véronique PéronSerena talks with Véronique Péron, Coach, Leadership Trainer, Founder & Host of Explore and Sense, about the importance of self-compassion, the role of leaders in welcoming back employees and the challenge of coming back to work every day.You can find more about Véronique here:Véronique's LinkedinExplore and Sense - a project around the importance of Emotional Intelligence for Leaders2022-06-1421 min
I'm Back!Hugging limiting beliefs, with Lena NasiakouIs it possible to accept our limiting beliefs? Hug them and thank them?Lena Nasiaskou is an Embodied Coach, Trainer and Facilitator, and she will guide us in a powerful meditation on limiting beliefs, we will discuss the impostor syndrome, the importance of the body and pratical tools to feel grounded.You can find Lena here:Lena's moves: her websiteLena's Linkedin profile2022-05-2922 min
I'm Back!Listening to your Heart, with Patrick DunnIs it possible to love our heart? Patrick Dunn is the Program Director, at the Center for Health Technology and Innovation of the American Heart Association and in this conversation we discuss the importance on Cardiac Rehab, the need of a support system, how can we learn to take care of ourselves. More info here:American Heart AssociationPatrick Dunn's Youtube ChannelKnowing your Heart : Cardiac Rehab & more2022-05-1627 min
I'm Back!Healing through depression, with Rachel GooenSerena talks with Rachel Gooen, Facilitator & Therapist, on her healing journey through depression, setting the right boundaries and creating the right environment to recover.You can find more about Rachel here:Rachel's website 2022-05-0218 min
I'm Back!Recognising our value, with Puneet Singh SinghalSerena talks with Puneet Singh Singhal, Founder of Ssstart and Disability Activist, about the importance of acceptance, the challenges of living with a disability in India and in the world, and the beauty of recognizing our self value.You can find more about Puneet here:Ssstart Linkedin page, a non-profit that promises patience, empathy, and freedom of communication.Ssstart Website Puneet Singh: Linkedin profileStamma Blog: Puneet's blogArticle from Kanthari: the story behind SsstartEducation World -Article2022-04-1823 minI'm Back!Working through rejection – Serena’s own storySerena is joined by a former manager Lori Gustavus, to discuss the story that led her to create this podcast.2022-04-0430 min
I'm Back!Reinventing yourself, with Lana JelenjevSerena talks with Lana Jelenjev on the importance of community and rituals when returning to work after surviving breast cancer.LinksLana's websiteCommunity Alchemy - Lana's Newletter2022-03-2121 minI'm Back!Introducing I'm Back!Serena Savini is an HR expert. Her professional story changed six years ago when she had a bad injury at work. She was a top performer before, but became a low performer afterwards.I'm Back is a podcast for people who are returning to work after an illness, injury, maternity, or a lot more. Our lives are full of pivotal moments, positive or negative, happy or difficult. New episodes are released every two weeks2022-03-1802 min