Play It By Your Rules – Détails, épisodes et analyse

What if your biggest transformation starts with just 90 seconds of courage?

This episode unpacks how impromptu speaking can help you rewrite not just your script - but your identity.

Tara Gopal Chattopadhyay is a Distinguished Toastmaster, global tech leader, and culture-shifting communicator - and President of the Impact Toastmasters Club in Geneva. He shares how leaving his hometown - and later, his comfort zone - helped him find his voice in every room.

We covered:

• Breaking free from the “stay quiet” script of his upbringing — and discovering the power of self-expression

• Why Toastmasters feels like walking into a bookstore — everyone is a story waiting to be heard

• How public speaking sharpens leadership — from boardrooms to job interviews

• Cultural cues and communication: why some teams speak up in writing but stay silent in meetings

• Why stories stick — and how emotion beats metrics when it comes to influence

• Listening as an underrated leadership skill (and how Toastmasters trains that muscle)

• Using AI as a copilot — without outsourcing your originality

✨ Practical Takeaways:

• Try impromptu speaking (like table topics) to stretch your voice and spontaneity

• Journal longhand — it sharpens your thinking, voice, and self-trust

• Let AI be your brainstorm partner, not your ghostwriter - keep your voice human

Your life. Your rules. For more freedom, flow, and fun.

Links: 🔗 Connect with Tara on LinkedIn 🎤 Join us at Impact Toastmasters Geneva 🌐 Find a Toastmasters Club near you

From redefining ambition and walking away from the climb, to finding your non-negotiables and building a career with joy and presence - this is for anyone standing at a crossroads and craving more freedom, flow, and fun.

🎧 Listen now on all major podcast platforms. Just search Play It by Your Rules or Meggi Rombach and hit follow!

💬 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review or share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps spread the vibe.

👉 Want more? 🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn 🌐 Visit mindset-mastery.ch

What if the traits we label as “too much” — too intense, too detailed, too sensitive — were actually your team’s biggest untapped advantage?

In this episode of Play It by Your Rules, I sit down with Xenia Matthies — business psychologist, systemic consultant, and founder of NeuroSynergy® — to explore how neurodivergence can become a competitive edge in leadership and team design.

We dive into:

• The many shades of neurodivergence - and why our brain (and nervous system) work differently.
• “Spiky profiles”: what they are, how they show up, and why they can be a superpower for teams.
• Co-regulation as the next frontier of leadership - tuning into energy, creating safety, and leading with presence.
• Moving from awareness to action - building workplaces where everyone can thrive.
• The four pillars of neuroinclusion - at the individual, team, and leadership level: self-awareness, co-regulation, clarity, and structural support.
• Practical tools like cognitive team mapping and team playbooks - turning inclusion into daily practice.

✨ Practical takeaways you can try today Xenia’s 4 micro-rules for everyday neuroinclusion (or simply good management): 1️⃣ Ask instead of assume. 2️⃣ Share instead of expecting. 3️⃣ Observe before you interpret. 4️⃣ Together - rather than against each other.

Because the future of leadership isn’t just about emotional intelligence - it’s about neuro-intelligence.

🎧 This episode runs a bit longer to give space for a deeper dive into concepts such as co-regulation - what it is, how it works, and why it might just be the next leadership frontier. Tune in and see how these insights could reshape the way you lead, live, and collaborate.

🔗 Explore Xenia’s work - mostly in German: 🌐 Website: www.xeniamatthies.com

🎥 Online Keynotes:

• Führung braucht Klarheit (Online recording – paid): Watch here

• Abenteuer Neurodivergenz – Mein Survival-Kit für ein selbstbestimmtes Leben (Free): Watch here

📚 Books:

• Playbook Neuroinklusion — practical guide to neuroinclusion: Read here

• Manifestieren aus dem Nervensystem: Amazon link

• Mein Kind hat ADHS – und jetzt?: Amazon link

🎧 NeuroLeadership Podcast: www.xeniamatthies.com/podcasts/neuroleadership

"Pausing is like adding salt to food; it brings out depth, balance, and texture." 

In this episode, I speak with Jean-Philippe Jacques, scientist-turned-mindfulness-trainer and co-director of Ressource Mindfulness, who has spent the past 30 years exploring meditation, flow, neuroscience, and leadership. Jean-Philippe, a former molecular biologist, humanitarian worker, and high-performance athlete brings a unique and deeply grounded lens to flow, leadership, and the human experience.

We explore what it means to work and lead with intention, presence, and authenticity, and how slowing down might just be the secret to performing at your best.

💡 Tune in to discover: ✔️ The neuroscience of flow: how to reduce stress hormones and activate dopamine and serotonin ✔️ Why mindfulness is a foundation and flow is the performance-enhancing result ✔️ The power of the pause; even in high-stakes humanitarian missions ✔️ How small daily practices can shift your mindset, your body, and your leadership ✔️ Why flow is not about shortcuts; but about intentionality, awareness, and resilience

🌟 Plus: Jean-Philippe shares practical tips for accessing flow through posture, intention, and breath; and invites us to rethink success not as output, but alignment.

Whether you're facing burnout, decision fatigue, or just too much noise, this episode offers both science-backed strategies and a much-needed breath of calm clarity.

Key Ingredients of Flow:

• Clear direction and a motivating challenge

• The right balance between boredom and anxiety

• Feedback and presence in the task

• A conscious pause; through breath, intention, and emotional awareness

• Reduced distractions and a slower brainwave state (yes, really)

🎧 Listen now! Available on all major podcast platforms, just search Meggi Rombach Leadership Insights or Navigating Career and Life.

🔹 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a rating and review; it really helps more people find the podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe/follow, and if it resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Let’s lead with more presence, purpose, and peace.

“Is this a scam, a spam, or simply not for you?” 

In this special solo episode, I take the mic to explore a growing concern I’ve seen across LinkedIn: shady offers, suspicious connections, and too-good-to-be-true opportunities—especially when you're job searching and vulnerable.

But here’s the catch: the real question isn’t just whether it’s a scam. It’s whether it’s relevant and aligned with your goals. If it isn’t, I’d argue it doesn’t matter whether it’s a scam, a spam, or a valid offer—it’s just noise.

💡 Tune in to hear: ✔️ Four real-life LinkedIn encounters—from fake headhunters to paid speaker slots ✔️ How my mantra “Be open yet skeptical” helps me triage so-called opportunities ✔️ Why we all need to clean up our LinkedIn connections (and how to start) ✔️ How to protect your professional network—not just yourself—from low-trust actors ✔️ The difference between followers and connections—and why it matters now more than ever

Whether you’re job hunting, building your brand, or simply navigating today’s noisy digital world, this episode offers practical steps to stay grounded, vigilant, and aligned.

🎧 Listen now!

🔹 Enjoyed this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps more people find the podcast.

Don’t forget to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, and if you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who could benefit! Your support makes all the difference in spreading these insights further.

“It’s not about your next job—it’s about where you want to be in five years.” 🌟

In this episode, I sit down with Nancy Bonamy, a career transitions coach with deep experience in the humanitarian sector—and someone who understands how closely tied our identity can be to our work. From the ICRC to expat life to building her own coaching practice, Nancy brings clarity and compassion to the often messy, non-linear process of career change and re-evaluating who we are when our roles shift.

Whether you’re facing job cuts, burnout, or simply sensing a shift, Nancy shares practical advice for taking back control—because, as she puts it: you can’t outsource your career.

💡 Tune in to discover: ✔️ Why clarity starts with where you want to be—not just what job to take next ✔️ What UN and INGO professionals should consider when moving into the private sector ✔️ How to highlight “invisible experience” (like parenting or volunteer work) as transferable skills ✔️ Why you need to own your story—and how to talk about transitions with confidence in interviews ✔️ How job transitions often raise deeper questions of identity—and how to navigate them

🌟 Plus: We explore a sailing metaphor for transitions—what it means to be caught in a storm, how to find your compass, and why having a north star matters. If you’re feeling lost at sea, this conversation will help you start navigating forward.

If you’ve ever questioned your next move or wondered whether you “deserve” to go for something more—this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now!

🔹 Enjoyed this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps more people find the podcast.

Don’t forget to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, and if you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who could benefit! Your support makes all the difference in spreading these insights further.

"Don’t reject yourself from opportunities—let the opportunity say no to you." 🌟

In this episode, I sit down with Neha Thakkar—a bold, curious, and deeply thoughtful leader whose journey spans satellite engineering, journalism, public policy, and global mobility. From growing up in a small town in India to working with top global organizations, Neha shares candid reflections on courage, privilege, and the importance of using our platforms to uplift others.

💡 Tune in to discover:

✔️ The mindset shift that propelled Neha from modest beginnings to Harvard and beyond ✔️ Why failure wasn’t an option—and how that shaped her resilience and sense of purpose ✔️ What it means to recognize your privilege and use it to open doors for others ✔️ How to find your tribe—those who challenge, support, and help you grow

Throughout, Neha reminds us that your career doesn’t need to follow a straight line—and that being multi-passionate, or unconventional, can be your greatest strength.

If you’ve ever questioned your next move or wondered whether you “deserve” to go for something more—this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now!

🔹 Enjoyed this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps more people find the podcast.

Don’t forget to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, and if you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who could benefit! Your support makes all the difference in spreading these insights further.

"You are the architect of your own life. The choices you make today determine the success, energy, and fulfillment you experience tomorrow." 🌟

In this episode, I sit down with Dave Sheahan, a high-performance coach, speaker, and author who has spent 30 years helping athletes, entrepreneurs, and executives unlock their full potential. His expertise lies in mind-body health, peak performance, and building the discipline needed to create a successful and fulfilling life.

💡 Tune in to discover:

✔️ The Athlete’s Approach to Leadership – Why high performers in business should train like elite athletes. ✔️ The Power of Daily Habits – Small, consistent actions that fuel long-term success. ✔️ Mindset & Visualization – How seeing your success before it happens can transform your reality. ✔️ Resilience & Adaptability – Why setbacks are inevitable, but mastering your reaction to them is what defines you. ✔️ Sleep, Nutrition & Energy – Simple yet powerful strategies to improve your daily performance.

🌟 Plus: Dave shares practical strategies for humanitarians and professionals working in high-stress environments—how to prioritize sleep, nutrition, and mindset to stay resilient, maintain peak performance, and continue making an impact, even in the toughest conditions.

If you want to increase your energy, sharpen your focus, and take control of your personal and professional life, this episode is packed with actionable insights to get you there.

🎧 Listen now!

🔹 Enjoyed this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps more people find the podcast.

Don’t forget to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, and if you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who could benefit! Your support makes all the difference in spreading these insights further.

"Mistakes don’t define you—how you respond to them does. A good leader isn’t the one who never falls, but the one who gets back up and improves every time." 🌟

In this episode, I sit down with Antonio Vegezzi, a board director, former asset management executive, and professor, whose career spans finance, governance, and academia. With decades of leadership experience, Antonio shares a 360-degree perspective on what it takes to grow, adapt, and lead at the highest levels.

💡 Tune in to discover: ✔️ The Three Phases of Leadership – Antonio’s journey through management, governance, and academia, and what each stage taught him. ✔️ Self-Reflection & Growth – Why self-awareness and learning from mistakes are key to leadership success. ✔️ What Boards Really Look For – How professionals can transition into governance roles. ✔️ Luck vs. Opportunity – Why career success isn’t just about luck, but about consistent effort, preparation, and being ready when opportunities arise.

🌟 Plus: Antonio shares how a poorly prepared presentation in front of 60 executives early in his career became a defining lesson in resilience.

If you’ve ever wondered how to build a meaningful career, transition into board roles, or develop leadership skills that truly make an impact, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now!

🔹 Enjoyed this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps more people find the podcast.

Don’t forget to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, and if you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who could benefit! Your support makes all the difference in spreading these insights further.

"Your clarity comes from taking action—not from sitting still and overthinking." 🌟

In this episode, I welcome my first expert guest, Anna Lundberg, a coach, speaker, and author who helps professionals redefine success and design a life with more freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment. After leaving a corporate career at Procter & Gamble over a decade ago, Anna has helped countless individuals transition out of the 9-5 and build meaningful careers—on their own terms.

💡 Tune in to discover:

✔️ Redefining Success – Why so many professionals reach a point where they ask, "Is this really it?" and how to answer that question. ✔️ Career Transitions – The courage it takes to leave a structured career path and embrace uncertainty. ✔️ The 5 F’s of Work & Life – A framework for balancing freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, financial security, and fun. ✔️ Navigating the Neutral Zone – Why change often feels messy before clarity emerges—and how to embrace that stage. ✔️ Making Small Steps Count – How taking just one step today can create momentum for big career and life shifts.

🌟 Plus: Quick-fire insights on leadership, teamwork, and even what superpower Anna would choose!

If you’re thinking about what’s next in your career, whether that means leaving the corporate world or simply making your work fit your life on your terms, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

🎧 Listen now!

🔹 Enjoyed this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps more people find the podcast.

Don’t forget to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, and if you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who could benefit! Your support makes all the difference in spreading these insights further.

"If you want unconventional success, take unconventional approaches." 🌟

In this episode, I reconnect with Alex Preukschat, a global leader in blockchain, digital identity, and market strategy. With over a decade of experience in the crypto space, Alex has led high-performance teams and authored multiple books on Bitcoin, blockchain, and self-sovereign identity (SSI), including Self-Sovereign Identity and Blockchain: The Industrial Revolution of the Internet.

Beyond technology, Alex is deeply invested in personal growth, leadership, and the power of human connection. His career journey is a testament to continuous reinvention and the ability to navigate transitions—both professional and personal.

💡 Tune in to discover:

• Why human connection is the most valuable leadership skill.
• Alex’s unconventional take on hiring and promotion—why attitude, high standards, and integrity matter more than technical skills.
• His biggest accomplishment: building strong relationships—from family to friendships and professional networks.
• The importance of self-awareness and breaking free from conditioning to find balance in leadership and life.
• 🌱 New! A deep dive into life and career transitions—introducing a new question about navigating the neutral zone, the often messy and uncertain middle stage of change.

🌟 Plus: Rapid-fire insights, from must-read books to dream jobs and even his plan to cycle from Alaska to Patagonia!

Whether you’re leading a team, navigating a career shift, or reflecting on your personal growth, this episode will inspire you to lead with purpose and curiosity.

🎧 Listen now!

🔹 Enjoyed this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps more people find the podcast.

Don’t forget to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, and if you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who could benefit! Your support makes all the difference in spreading these insights further.