On this episode of Change of Plans, we’re joined by Katherina Aldunate Kunstmann, a leader who understands the value of humor in the workplace. We dive into the surprising power of humor to bridge gaps, foster connections, and spark creativity—even on the busiest days. Katherina shares insights on how embracing a lighter perspective has transformed her approach to work, making it more engaging and effective. Tune in for stories, tips, and a fresh take on how a good laugh can make work feel a little more human.

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Welcome to "Change of Plans," Hosted by Anaita Azizi, this show dives into real-life stories of career shifts and personal growth. Each episode features candid conversations with guests who have faced major decisions, navigated unexpected challenges, and embraced new directions. Whether you're considering a career change or simply curious about different life paths, "Change of Plans" offers inspiration, insights, and practical advice. 

In the premiere episode, Anaita talks with Magdalena, a former colleague whose career has taken her from working with NGOs in Eastern Europe to becoming a communications trainer and facilitation expert. We’ll explore Magdalena’s career changes, including her time at the German Foreign Ministry and her shift to freelancing. We chat about the ups and downs of making big changes in both career and life, and how these experiences have shaped her. 

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Magdalena Patalong - https://www.linkedin.com/in/magdalena-patalong/

Anaita Azizi spoke with https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAB-MYLkBEZ_keuA-C_GugXyPqLrfsgyaIjUMarianna Egressy, Head of Accelerator & Ecosystem at MotionLab.Berlin, to talk about:
🔹 What founders get wrong when applying to accelerators
🔹 Why climate tech is a long-term game (and why patience is key)
🔹 The realities of hardtech funding and what investors are looking for
🔹 When startups should pivot vs. when they should push through

Startups in the MotionLab.Berlin ecosystem, mentioned in the episode:
🐞 SPAIA – Developing tech to monitor and restore biodiversity
🧗‍♀️ weare___mad – Working on sustainable climbing holds
🌿NeoCarbon – Scaling direct air capture for CO2 removal
⚡ VoltVogel – Innovating in e-mobility and battery tech
🔬 NanoMatter – Pushing the boundaries of semiconductor technology

Mariann also shared insights from Planet A Ventures’s Climate Hardware Playbook, a must-read for anyone building in this space: 📖 Read it here 

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💼 "Embracing the absurdity of life—its struggles and the things we can’t change, even when we know they’re wrong—I’ve found joy in music and art, and endless inspiration in the people at MotionLab.Berlin." -Marianna Egressy

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In this episode Anaita Azizi, sits down with Dash Markova, a startup strategist, founder, and mentor who has spent years working with entrepreneurs, accelerators, and investors to turn ideas into real businesses.

We get into the unfiltered truths of the startup world—the things no one tells you about building a company, why most early-stage founders focus on the wrong things, and what actually makes a business work. Dash shares insights on navigating uncertainty, managing burnout, and why resilience isn’t about pushing through, but knowing when to step back.

We also dive into her own career pivots, why she took a break from the startup ecosystem, and what it taught her about ambition, identity, and finding the right opportunities.If you’re a founder, thinking about starting something, or just someone navigating career changes and figuring out what’s next, this episode is full of insights you won’t want to miss.

💼 Connect with Dash Markova on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dashtoomuch/ 

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💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/change-of-plans-podcast/

In this special bonus episode I, Anaita Azizi, sit down with someone who’s known me my entire life—my brother, Samir Azizi. Samir has built a career in digital marketing and PR, working with brands across Canada and the US, with a focus on crypto, AI, and emerging tech. He also runs Azizi Podcast, making us not just siblings, but now also fellow podcasters. In this episode, we talk about how we both got into podcasting, why we do it, and what we've actually learned along the way.Expect career insights, some sibling banter, and a look at what it’s like to build your own thing—whether it’s a brand, a business, or, in our case, a podcast.

🎧 Listen now and check out more from Samir here:
📺 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/
🎙 Azizi Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FDd0dQi8vvTnQz5h5QwAz?si=ead8cb59c1a44579
🏢 Samir's Agency: https://parkdalle.com/
🌐 Samir's Organization: https://www.tdao.to/
🐦 Samir's X: https://x.com/AdoubleZI
📸 Samir's IG: https://www.instagram.com/
🎵 Samir's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@azizipodcast
🔗 Samir's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirazizi/

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• Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/de62At5H

📸 Follow me, Anaita Azizi, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azizianaita
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Change of Plans Channels 
📸 On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changeofplans
💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/change-of-plans-podcast/

In this episode of Change of Plans, host Anaita Azizi sits down with Tayla Sheldrake, Managing Director of Berlin’s MotionLab, to share the behind-the-scenes work happening at Germany’s premier hardtech space. MotionLab is more than just a workspace—it’s a community where innovators tackle pressing global issues. Tayla explains how MotionLab’s accelerator program offers comprehensive support to early-stage hardtech startups focused on climate-focused solutions, from CO₂ capture and sustainable agriculture to lowering industrial carbon footprints.Listen in to hear how MotionLab helps creators turn their ideas into impactful real-world solutions, providing everything from guidance and resources to high-tech prototyping facilities. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability or curious about Berlin’s hardtech scene, this episode is packed with inspiring insights. And stay tuned for the next episode in two weeks, featuring Dash Markova, a dynamic leader in the startup and innovation community.
Guest: Tayla Sheldrake https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayla-sheldrake/

Host & Producer: Anaita Azizi https://www.linkedin.com/in/anaita-azizi/


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