#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 physiology;

👉🏾 Falling apart to awaken: how burnout and insomnia became Nuthan’s teachers;

👉🏾 Embodied science: the bridge between neuroscience, Ayurveda and lived experience;

👉🏾 Designing happiness: creating immersive experiences that transform well-being at work and in life;

👉🏾 Courage to be gentle: redefining strength through compassion and self-trust;

Nuggets of empowerment:

🙌🏾 True happiness is not found in intensity but in consistency;

🙌🏾 Gentleness can be the most radical form of strength;

🙌🏾 Healing begins the moment we stop performing wellness and start living it!

Nuthan’s empowering quote:

🙌🏾 “When your nervous system feels safe, happiness becomes your default state”

Books mentioned:

📚 The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor: exploring how positive psychology fuels performance and success;

📚 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: a foundational work on trauma and the wisdom of the body;

👉🏾 Nuthan’s story reminds us that happiness is not the absence of pain but the presence of safety. It asks each of us: what does your body need to finally feel at home!

Connect with Nuthan:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nuthanmanohar/ 

Company website: https://www.thehappinesstour.nl 

A word from our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl                 

Great strategies don’t fail because of process they fail when behavior doesn’t align. Neotopia helps teams turn awareness into lasting change through behavior that moves people forward.

And to all Men who want to be part of the next Women’s Health at Work session on December 3rd can find all details and registration here:

👉🏾 https://luma.com/e7z1sxbv        

#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 remembers: early loss expressed through tension, skin and voice before words could catch up;

👉🏾 The therapy of music: violin as her first language of connection and resilience;

👉🏾 Writing through wounds: creating her book 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 to help adoptees reflect, heal and feel seen;

👉🏾 Faith and homecoming: rediscovering God, roots and rest after decades of inner restlessness!

Nuggets of empowerment:

🙌🏾 Healing isn’t about fixing what’s broken it’s about remembering what’s whole;

🙌🏾 Sometimes our restlessness is a compass pointing us back to where our story began;

🙌🏾 Real connection starts when we stop performing and begin allowing ourselves to feel!

Hartini’s empowering quote:

🙌🏾 “With ACT therapy we don’t aim to heal what’s broken because we are not broken we learn psychological flexibility”

Books mentioned:

📚 Adoptie Impact: invites adoptees to pause, embrace both gratitude and grief, and gently reclaim their place by giving every feeling the space to exist!

📚 The Primal Wound by Nancy Verrier: a foundational work on the separation trauma experienced by adoptees.

👉🏾 Hartini’s path invites a question that lingers beyond adoption: 

What happens when we finally return physically emotionally spiritually to the place that once felt lost? Sometimes the journey home is less about geography and more about remembering who we’ve always been.

Connect with Hartini:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hartini-kandari-75105844/  

Company website: https://www.hartini.nl   

A word from our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl                

Great strategies don’t fail because of process they fail when behavior doesn’t align. Neotopia helps teams turn awareness into lasting change through behavior that moves people forward.

And to all Men who want to be part of the next Women’s Health at Work session on December 3rd can find all details and registration here:

👉🏾 https://luma.com/e7z1sxbv     

    

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 39

Angligène’s path to inner freedom & self-leadership

What 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 explored:

👉🏾 Letting go of titles: moving beyond the limits of identity defined by profession;

👉🏾 Mental emancipation: breaking free from systemic and societal expectations;

👉🏾 The power of presence: learning to hold space and connect without fixing;

👉🏾 Self-leadership: creating frameworks for deep, personal transformation;

👉🏾 Community & co-creation: building spaces that nurture authenticity and mutual growth;

Nuggets of empowerment:

🙌🏾 “Holding space for others begins by being truly present with yourself”

🙌🏾 “You’re not your profession, you’re the person beneath the title”

🙌🏾 “Sometimes freedom starts by giving yourself permission to change your story!”

Connect with Angligène:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angligène-servania-woods-b1383b31/ 
• Company website: http://thebridge.amsterdam 

A word from our sponsor:

Great strategies fail without the right behavior.

See how positive reinforcement turns change into measurable results.

• Learn more: https://neotopia.nl  

If no one were watching, who would you allow yourself to become?

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 38

From 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 to speak from the stage again!

What We Explored:

👉🏾 From pastor to entrepreneur: rewriting identity without losing soul;

👉🏾 Transparency in business: building trust through “They Ask You Answer”;

👉🏾 Living with purpose: how near-death clarity fuels present-day action;

👉🏾 Generosity and excellence: leading with heart in business and life;

👉🏾 Speaking again: why he’s returning to the stage with a deeper story!

Nuggets of Empowerment:

🙌🏾 Excellence isn’t perfection: "it’s presence and intention”

🙌🏾 Trust starts by answering the questions people are afraid to ask;

🙌🏾 Your calling is often hidden in what nearly broke you!

Connect with Daan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dtschmidt/ 

Website Story Brand Nederland: https://storybrand.nl 

Website Buzzlytics: sthttps://buzzlytics.nl 

Struggling to improve organizational behavior?

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Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl        

What story have you been holding back, while the world might be waiting to hear it?

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 37

Behind 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 explored key challenges, turning points and the moments that redefined what success truly means!

What We Explored:

👉🏾 Authenticity at work: unmasking as a practice of courage and connection;

👉🏾 Burnout & boundaries: how misalignment led Marie to rediscover her voice;

👉🏾 Neurodiversity & ADHD: embracing different ways of being and processing;

👉🏾 Cultural identity: weaving her Spanish roots into personal empowerment;

👉🏾 Community & safe spaces: why transformation starts with shared vulnerability!

Nuggets of Empowerment:

🙌🏾 Unmasking is not weakness, but courage: "true leadership is rooted in truth";

🙌🏾 Resilience means knowing when to pause: "strength is also found in stillness";

🙌🏾 We don’t heal in isolation: "change happens through collective reflection!"

Connect with Marie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariechaproniere/overlay/contact-info/ 

Website Behind The Mask: https://behindthemask.info 

Struggling to create lasting behavior change?

Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl       

What part of yourself have you been taught to hide—when it might just be your greatest source of connection?

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 36

From 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 Explored:

👉🏾 Subul’s mission: creating remote tech job pathways for youth and women in Syria and the Middle East;

👉🏾 Economic empowerment: measuring impact by how income changes communities;

👉🏾 Identity as power: turning refugee status into a badge of leadership and resilience;

👉🏾 Trauma & drive: channeling the pain of war into a force for rebuilding;

👉🏾 Funding for impact: raising €1M to match 10,000 talents with European tech roles!

Nuggets of Empowerment:

🙌🏾 This is a duty, not a choice: "when mission becomes bigger than self";

🙌🏾 Success is never self-made: "it takes a community to rise";

🙌🏾 We can solve one problem by solving another: "tech as a tool for systemic change!

Connect with Khaled:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/k-shaaban/   

Amazing video on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/k-shaaban_europe-syria-right-activity-7338471309531643904-GQwl  

Website Subul: https://subul.org 

Struggling to improve organizational behavior?

Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl        

If purpose could rise from rubble, what could you build with the pieces of your own story?

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 35

Lighting the Way, Kimberly’s Path from Grief to Growth

What 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 philosophy rooted in empathy, courage and action!

What We Explored:

👉🏾 Restoring trust through empathy: rebuilding customer relationships with active listening and integrity;

👉🏾 From Microsoft to mission-driven: a career evolution from recruitment to transformation and now coaching;

👉🏾 Inclusion as daily practice: championing diversity, equity and neurodiversity across continents;

👉🏾 Healing through purpose: transforming the loss of her son into light and legacy;

👉🏾 Empowering the next generation: mentoring Gen Z to lead with authenticity and impact;

Nuggets of Empowerment:

🙌🏾 Empowerment starts within: "you don't give power to people; you help them unlock what they already carry";

🙌🏾 Grief is not the end: "loss can shape your leadership, your priorities and your purpose";

🙌🏾 Leadership is human: "vulnerability, presence and listening are more powerful than any title"!

Connect with Kimberly:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-fuqua-842381152/    

Website Kimberly: https://kimberlyfuqua.com    

Struggling to improve organizational behavior?

Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl    

What would change if we treated leadership not as a destination, but as a practice of lighting the path...for ourselves and for others?

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 34

Leading with kindness: Neil’s mission to humanize work and life

What 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:

👉🏾 Kindness as a leadership practice: moving from performance-driven to people-driven cultures;

👉🏾 Burnout & self-care: how personal loss and exhaustion led to a new philosophy of balance;

👉🏾 Corporate to coaching: why leaving global brands was the start of something more human;

👉🏾 The science of kindness: its link to innovation, retention, and psychological safety;

👉🏾 Technology with heart: building an AI-powered kindness & self-coaching app;

Nuggets of empowerment:

🙌🏾 “Kindness isn’t fluffy, it’s a strategic act of leadership”

🙌🏾 “You can’t pour from an empty cup...self-care is the foundation of service”

🙌🏾 “What we do with our 90,000 working hours matters. Let’s use them meaningfully”

Connect with Neil:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-schambra-stevens-mercuryjam/ 

Website Mercury Jam: https://www.mercuryjam.com  

Struggling to create lasting behavior change?

Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl   

What’s one small, intentional act of kindness you can offer today, to someone else or to yourself?

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 33

From drivenness to depth: Alisher’s mission to rethink hiring with purpose

Could 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 we explored:

👉🏾 The talent crisis in europe: how misaligned hiring is costing companies more than they think;

👉🏾 AI for good: using technology to match people, purpose and performance;

👉🏾 From corporate to startup life: why leaving a successful career can be a leap toward deeper impact;

👉🏾 Drivenness vs. presence: the tension between ambition and being fully in the moment;

👉🏾 A vision beyond business: building an island for great minds to change the world!

Nuggets of empowerment:

🙌🏾 “Purpose isn’t a luxury...it’s a compass when everything feels uncertain”

🙌🏾 “Being driven is powerful, but not if you forget to stop and breathe”

🙌🏾 “The future of hiring isn’t just faster, it’s more human!!”

Connect with Alisher:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisherjafarov/ 

Website Avery: https://www.getavery.ai 

Struggling to create lasting behavior change?

Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl  

When’s the last time you paused not to plan the next move, but to truly acknowledge how far you’ve already come?

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 32

Procurement with Purpose: Peter’s Path to Inclusion & Authenticity

What 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 explored:

👉🏾 Inclusive procurement: making supplier diversity a strategic priority in global business;

👉🏾 Authenticity at work: the courage to bring your whole self into professional spaces;

👉🏾 Overcoming bias: the daily effort it takes to unlearn assumptions and open doors;

👉🏾 Redefining success: moving from status and titles to meaning and fulfillment;

👉🏾 Personal reflection & growth: why looking inward might be the most radical act of all!

Nuggets of empowerment:

🙌🏾 “Diversity isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’...it’s a necessity for real progress”

🙌🏾 “Authenticity means being honest with yourself first and then with the world”

🙌🏾 “Everyone has something special. We just need to create space for it to be seen”

Connect with Peter:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterzerp/ 

Learn more about ESDP | Empowering ethnic minority businesses:

•  Website: https://esdp-org.eu 

Struggling to create lasting behavior change?

Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

Check out our sponsor:  https://neotopia.nl 

When was the last time you looked inward, not for flaws but for the quiet brilliance that makes you...you?

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 31

Visibility, 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 conscious pivot toward purpose-driven entrepreneurship, angel investing and supporting the next generation of female leaders.

What we explored:

👉🏾 From corporate to consultancy: realigning career and purpose after nearly two decades in banking;

👉🏾 Empowering female founders: visibility, access and long-term advocacy;

👉🏾 Sharing grief publicly: how losing her cat Nava opened space for connection and compassion in her network;

👉🏾 The power of fractional roles: offering structure without the full-time burden;

👉🏾 Angel investing with heart: treating ideas and people with the respect they deserve;

Nuggets of empowerment:

🙌🏾 “Visibility isn’t vanity, it’s a vital leadership skill”

🙌🏾 “Great ideas are sacred. Angels are here to help them grow”

🙌🏾 “Let your story speak especially in the spaces where you feel most professional”

Connect with Tessa:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessadeflines/ 

Website AtVenture Platform: https://www.atventureplatform.com 

Struggling to create lasting behavior change?

Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl 

What part of your story are you still keeping hidden and what might happen if you let it be seen?

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 30

From 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 & authenticity: embracing gender identity and living beyond societal expectations;

👉🏾 Healing & inner Work: the multi-layered process of facing trauma and building self-love;

👉🏾 Family & ancestry: breaking toxic cycles through Family Constellation and spiritual tools

👉🏾 Love & compassion: the power of unconditional love, especially when directed inward;

👉🏾 Spiritual growth: navigating twin flames, shamanism and the deeper energies of life!

Nuggets of empowerment:

🙌🏾 “Healing begins when we dare to accept all parts of ourselves even the ones we fear the most"

🙌🏾 “Every layer of pain uncovered is a layer of power waiting to be reclaimed”

🙌🏾 “We are all essential to the world especially when we feel lost, broken, or unseen"

Connect with Trishanka:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheyenne-smaal/ 

Struggling to create lasting behavior change?

Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl     

Have you ever had a “Trishanka moment"...a turning point where someone else’s truth helped awaken your own?

#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 symbols: how each drawing becomes a mirror for self-awareness and healing;

👉🏾 Art as a compass: tracing her path from corporate structures to intuitive creation;

👉🏾 The ripple effect of self-love: how one person’s inner alignment can inspire change in others;

👉🏾 Guidance and ancestry: being led by unseen wisdom from her roots and nature;

👉🏾 People first leadership: why empathy and emotional intelligence redefine what management can be!

Nuggets of empowerment:

🙌🏾 Self-love is not selfish. It is the foundation that allows you to love others freely;

🙌🏾 What you create through alignment ripples far beyond your intention;

🙌🏾 Every act of gentleness toward yourself is a quiet revolution against the noise;

Sam’s empowering quote:

🙌🏾 “You are enough. My art is a reminder to be kind to yourself and to love who you are"

Books mentioned:

📚 Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles: exploring the intersection of purpose, joy, and contribution.

👉🏾 𝗦𝗮𝗺’𝘀 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴: it is the beginning of connection. When we dare to see our own light, we help others remember theirs!

Connect with Sam:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samnoten/  

Company website: https://samnoten.com/over-mij/   

A word from our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl               

Great strategies don’t fail because of process they fail when behavior doesn’t align. Neotopia helps teams turn awareness into lasting change through behavior that moves people forward.

And to all Men who want to be part of the next Women’s Health at Work session on December 3rd can find all details and registration here:

👉🏾 https://luma.com/e7z1sxbv  

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 29

When 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 entries to 500+ users in a growing mental health startup;

👉🏾 Affordability & access: why therapy must be accessible especially in cultures where it’s still taboo;

👉🏾 Personal struggles as fuel: Kuhu’s raw journey through depression, burnout and healing;

👉🏾 Cultural sensitivity in AI: how Amber is designed to “get you,” no matter your background;

👉🏾 Entrepreneurship & evolution: the pivot from Expresso to Amber and the power of starting over!

𝗡𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:

🙌🏾 Start where it hurts: the most powerful ventures often begin with personal wounds;

🙌🏾 You don’t need to be perfect to build something meaningful: you just need to be real;

🙌🏾 Technology can hold space: when designed with empathy, even AI can support healing!

Connect with Kuhu:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhu-singh-li/ 
• Website Amber-mind: https://www.ambermind.ai   

Struggling to create lasting behavior change?

Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

• Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl    

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 28

Bicultural by design...not by default

What 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 journey shaped by resilience, community and purpose;

👉🏾 The origins of Omek: how a spark of belonging grew into a 75-country movement;

👉🏾 Conscious biculturalism: turning inner conflict into cultural integration and leadership;

👉🏾 Diaspora as a catalyst: why global communities hold the key to local transformation;

👉🏾 Legacy and values: how Kemo is teaching his children to stand tall in their cultural heritage;

𝗡𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:

🙌🏾 Your identity is a toolkit: use it to connect, lead and build bridges across cultures;

🙌🏾 Community is not a nice-to-have...it’s a must: belonging fuels transformation!

🙌🏾 Vision demands stewardship: real change happens when we think beyond ourselves and our time;

Connect with Kemo:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemo-camara-diaspora-expert/
• Website Omek: https://myomek.com   

Struggling to create lasting behavior change?

Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!  

• Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl 

• ✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 27

Becoming Emily the courage to be who you are

What 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 expression sparked self-awareness and the courage to transition;

👉🏾 The power of support: why loving partners, friends and colleagues can make or break a transition journey;

👉🏾 Mental health & identity: from suicidal ideation to healing and the ongoing emotional challenges;

👉🏾 Creating change: emily’s bold plans for a children’s book on consent and a women-in-tech retreat;

𝗡𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:

🙌🏾 You don’t need permission to be you: the world might resist, but your truth is yours to claim;

🙌🏾 Vulnerability is power: Emily’s raw honesty shows that emotional openness fosters real connection;

🙌🏾 Small gestures matter: a colleague’s quiet support can echo louder than public applause;

Connect with Emily:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyvanputten/ 
• Website: https://emilyvanputten.com 

Struggling to create lasting behavior change?

Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

• Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl      

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 26

The 3Ms of Women's Health: Menstruation, Motherhood & Menopause

What 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) need holistic, lifelong support;

👉🏾 The Mama Moon app: a “Duolingo for birth prep,” built to reduce birth trauma and postpartum depression!

👉🏾 The role of men: why men need to show up (!!) speak up and support women's health;

👉🏾 From corporate to purpose-driven: Kasia’s bold leap from Philips Digital Health to founding 3mbrace Health;

👉🏾 Bringing change to the next generation: the urgent need to introduce women's health education in schools;

𝗡𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:

🙌🏾 Health is not just a women’s challenge: when men are involved, relationships, understanding and support systems flourish;

🙌🏾 Language matters: ‘3mbrace’ was chosen to unite women across life stages, without being a trigger;

🙌🏾 Digital done right: habit-based microlearning can create real impact in pregnancy and postpartum journeys!;

Connect with Kasia:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasiapokrop/ 
• Website Mama Moon: https://www.mamamoon.me/yoga-retreat-for-mothers 
• Website 3mbrace: https://www.3mbracehealth.com/phases/motherhood
• Holistic approach to women's health EVENT 24th of June: https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/tickets-womens-health-panel-discussion-1259277285259    

Struggling to create lasting behavior change?
Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

• Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl      
  

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 25

The 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 career, Jeena was plunged into silence—literally. The loss of her voice triggered a deep identity crisis. For years, she battled anxiety, depression and insomnia, feeling like a zombie moving through life. But within that darkness came a quiet knowing: perhaps this breakdown held the seed of transformation.

Together we explored music not just as art, but as medicine..a way to heal, rewire and reconnect. Jeena’s vision of bringing mental fitness through music into schools and workplaces invites us all to remember: we are more than what we’ve endured.

What We Explored:

• The Conscious Music Code: using music to train the mind and elevate awareness;
• From voice loss to soul gain: transforming a personal crisis into a calling;
• Mental fitness with music: making emotional training mainstream in workplaces and schools!
• The impact of objectification in music industry: challenging harmful norms and reclaiming narratives;
• Authenticity & connection: the power of unfiltered, heartfelt human expression!

Nuggets of Empowerment:

• “Your voice isn’t gone. It’s waiting for you to listen differently.”
• “Mental fitness isn’t luxury—it’s liberation.”
• “Visibility matters when your mission is to remind people of their own power.”

Connect with Jeena Earthiva:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeenaearthiva/ 
• Website: https://consciousmusiccode.com 
• Workshops: https://jeenaearthiva.com/workshops-for-teams/ 

Ready to lead real change? 

• Explore Neotopia’s approach: https://neotopia.nl    

Discover No More Boring Workshops:

• https://www.strategysprint.company/nomoreboringworkshops   

What emotion have you been afraid to feel...but know it’s time to listen to?

Your story might be the song someone else needs to hear!

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 24

Sometimes, 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, to the decision to leave corporate safety behind and align fully with her purpose.

One moment that deeply touched me was when Magdalena shared her childhood dream of becoming an archaeologist in Egypt. She devoured hundreds of books about Ancient Egyptian culture, even though travel was out of reach at the time. That young girl, dreaming beyond her surroundings, was already nurturing a deep longing to understand other worlds—and it’s that same longing that now fuels her work in intercultural connection and psychological safety.

What We Explored:

• Intercultural leadership: supporting diverse teams through awareness, communication, and curiosity;
• Burnout & realignment: how a crisis became a compass for purpose;
• Psychological safety: why it’s foundational for team performance and human connection;
• The birth of Indigo: from surviving in corporate to thriving in entrepreneurship;
• Speak your truth: owning your story as a source of power and transformation!

Nuggets of Empowerment:

• “You don’t need to break to begin again”: burnout can become the doorway to realignment;
• “Diversity work is inner work”: it starts with knowing yourself before you can truly understand others;
• “Openness isn’t just a mindset it’s a muscle”: and it strengthens every time we choose curiosity over judgment!

Connect with Magdalena Szumna:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mszumna/ 
• Website: https://indigodiversity.com 
• Bonus a free eBook on psychological safety in Intercultural teams: email TOOLKIT to magdalena@indigodiversity.com

Ready to lead real change? 

• Explore Neotopia’s approach: https://neotopia.nl   

Discover No More Boring Workshops:

• https://www.strategysprint.company/nomoreboringworkshops  

What truth are you ready to speak out loud, and without apology?

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 23

Sometimes, 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 when Adis opened up about her swimming background..not just the discipline it instilled but the unique dynamic with her parents. Unlike many kids pressured to perform, Adis described how her parents simply supported her participation, never pushing her to win or achieve more. That freedom shaped her deeply. It gave her the space to discover intrinsic motivation (!) a gift she now helps others unlock through her coaching and workshops.

What We Explored:

• Bi-Cultural identity: how her French-Paraguayan roots shaped her duality of warmth and seriousness;
• Swimming & discipline: the impact of early sports on her mental strength and her family’s empowering approach;
• Corporate vs inner compass: breaking free from external expectations to follow her gut;
• Design thinking for life: sing the "Designing Your Life" framework to support people in life transitions;
• Workshops & strategic growth: building a personal development brand rooted in empathy and real impact;

Nuggets of Empowerment:

• “You can prototype your life”: the same creativity used in business can shape your personal journey;
• “Discipline builds clarity”: her swimming background taught her to stay grounded even when life gets rough;
• “You are not the elephant”: a beautiful metaphor about learned limitations—and the power to break free!

Connect with Adis Sophie Frémont:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adissophie/ 
• Website: https://designingyourlife.nl 
• Upcoming Workshop (June 13-15, 2025 – 18 seats): https://designingyourlife.nl/#workshops 

Ready to lead real change? 

• Explore Neotopia’s approach: https://neotopia.nl  

Discover No More Boring Workshops:

• https://www.strategysprint.company/nomoreboringworkshops

 If you could redesign just one part of your life..where would you start?

Curious to hear what your inner compass says!

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 22

Healing 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 personal story, but also how she is creating holistic pathways for others to heal, reconnect, and reclaim their sense of agency.

This episode was different. Somewhere in the middle of recording, I found myself in tears.

As Sara shared her story of childhood sexual abuse the trauma, the silence, the weight she carried..I felt something shift inside me. Her words hit so deep, so unexpectedly, that I couldn't stop the emotion from rising. In that moment, I wasn’t just a host listening I was just me being me, sitting with the raw truth of another.

What We Explored:

• The Safe Space Club: a survivor-led sanctuary redefining trauma recovery
• Four Pillars of Healing: acknowledgment, recognition, psycho-education, and redefining sexuality;
• Self-forgiveness & Ho’oponopono: the deep work of reconciling pre- and post-trauma selves;
• Traditional therapy vs. empowerment-based models: why some survivors need more than self-reliance;
• Global Advocacy: bringing survivor voices into international policy and change!

Nuggets of Empowerment:

• "We can't heal what we can't name": psychoeducation isn’t optional..it’s foundational;
• “You don’t need to walk alone to prove you’re strong”: safe healing means being accompanied until you're ready;
• “Forgiveness starts within”: the Hawaiian method of Ho'oponopono as a practice of daily compassion and self-reclamation!

Connect with Sara Alaoui:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-alaoui-2874379a/ • Website: https://www.thesafespaceclub.nl • Foundation Together we rise: https://www.thesafespaceclub.nl/together-we-rise 
Ready to lead real change? 

• Explore Neotopia’s approach: https://neotopia.nl 

Discover No More Boring Workshops:

•  https://www.strategysprint.company/nomoreboringworkshops 

What does self-forgiveness mean to you...really?

Your answer might open a door for someone still searching.

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 21

What 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 spirituality in shaping our lives.

What we explored:

• The importance of vulnerability: how embracing vulnerability with her fiancée, Lena, and others has been key to Raisa’s personal growth;
• Creating inclusive spaces: Raisa’s work using VR simulations to raise awareness about social exclusion and help people confront their own biases;
• Overcoming the challenge of coming out: Raisa’s experiences with rejection from family and the importance of trusting the process and divine guidance;
• The impact of spiritual guidance: how Raisa’s faith and connection with her ancestors has shaped her journey and belief in the power of trust;
• Strength through unconditional love: the role of her mother’s unwavering support in Raisa’s ability to navigate tough moments.

Nuggets of empowerment:

• Trust the process: Raisa’s belief in trusting God and the divine plan, even when facing uncertainty;
• Unconditional love: “my mom said, I don’t care if you are anything, I’m still your mom and I love you”;
• Empowerment through acceptance: embracing your true self and the transformative power of self-acceptance and spiritual peace.

Connect with Raisa:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raïsa-sambo-zij-haar-/ 

• Raisa's podcast Binnenstebuiten - De Queer Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5zjeWVqpzilpqYYsuwk5vM?si=69ff4b7a53da4156 

Struggling to create lasting behavior change? Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

• Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl      

Stand with those still fighting within Join Robin’s 2,000 KM march for healing:

• Learn more and donate: https://www.nl4ua.org 

What has been your biggest challenge in embracing your true self, and how did you overcome it? 
Share your story in the comments below and let’s continue the conversation on self-acceptance and empowerment 🙏🏾

✨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, as +99% of podcasters stop before episode 20, so this accomplishment needed to be celebrated (thanks to Sacha Martina 💁🏽‍♀️for that insight!). Promise kept: Dirkjan and I created a memorable experience together, which I discovered through a call with his love, Shangita Bose, who told me how much Dirkjan loves helping and cooking. So, we made it happen in the kitchen of my friend Yasmina Khababi of Freshtable.  

What we explored:

• The shift from finance to entrepreneurship: Dirkjan’s journey from a stable corporate job to building his own business and podcast to support women in tech;
• Women in tech and funding challenges: the significant gender gap in startup funding and Dirkjan’s efforts to raise awareness and provide role models;
• The power of curiosity: how Dirkjan’s curiosity has driven both his podcasting journey and personal growth;
• Overcoming bullying and exclusion: the impact of Dirkjan’s personal experiences with bullying and how they fueled his commitment to diversity and inclusion;
• Building supportive communities: Dirkjan’s vision of creating both online and offline spaces where women can meet role models and be inspired.

Nuggets of empowerment:

• Empowerment through curiosity: Dirkjan’s belief that curiosity, kindness, and respect are powerful tools for creating change;
• Resilience and transformation: how Dirkjan turned personal challenges, including bullying, into motivation for creating positive impact;
• Challenging systemic biases: the importance of representation and breaking traditional gender roles to build more inclusive and innovative workplaces.

Connect with Dirkjan:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkjan-hupkes/ 

• Website: https://womendisruptingtech.blog 

Struggling to create lasting behavior change? Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

• Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl            

Stand with those still fighting within Join Robin’s 2,000 KM march for healing:

• Learn more and donate: https://www.nl4ua.org  

What’s one change you’ve made in your professional journey to support diversity and inclusion? 

Share your thoughts by leaving a comment or review and let’s continue the conversation on creating more inclusive spaces in tech and beyond 

#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 authenticity.

Deep dive talking points:

👉🏾 Becoming her: exploring the constant evolution of self, holding both presence and vision;

👉🏾 Women in leadership: redefining what it means to lead as a woman, not as a man;

👉🏾 Grief as alchemy: turning life’s hardest moments into a deeper love of life;

👉🏾 Friendship as chosen family: redefining who shows up in both highs and lows;

👉🏾 Courage and compassion: navigating the liminal stage between who we are and who we are becoming.

Nuggets of empowerment:

🙌🏾 Embracing discomfort is often the doorway to growth, not something to avoid;

🙌🏾 True empowerment begins when we learn to have our own back and become our own best fan;

🙌🏾 Putting ourselves first is not selfish but an act of service to the world we want to shape;

Isabel’s empowering quote:

“Cultivate the courage and the compassion to go through that in-between that we are now”

Books mentioned:

📚 The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: a reminder to pursue dreams and transform challenges into gold;

📚 Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza: sometimes the right book arrives when we are ready;

📚 Warrior Goddess Training by HeatherAsh Amara: integrating masculine and feminine energies;

📚 Playing Big by Tara Mohr: for women who want to speak up, stand out and lead;

Isabel’s story invites us to look at the liminal spaces in our own lives—the in-betweens where change brews quietly and discomfort holds possibility. What might shift if you fell a little more in love with that in-between?

Connect with Isabel:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabel-fonseca-coaching/ 

Company website: https://www.isabelfonseca.com   

A word from our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl          

Great strategies don’t fail because of process, they fail when behavior doesn’t follow. Neotopia helps teams turn change into lasting action, through positive reinforcement that actually sticks.   

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 19

What 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 we explored:

• The importance of well-being in business: how prioritizing mental health leads to sustainable business growth and innovation;
• The transition from finance to well-being: Paola’s journey of rediscovering her true passion and creating meaningful change in the workplace;
• Leadership impact: the role of leaders in shaping workplace culture and fostering safe, inclusive environments;
• Personal growth and self-compassion: Paola’s insights on balancing determination with self-care;
• Navigating challenges and change: how Paola overcame personal and professional challenges and built resilience in the process.

Nuggets of empowerment:

• Empowerment, hope, and courage: Paola’s three words for empowerment that have shaped her journey;
• Embrace who you are: “your superpower might be connecting deeply with one person, not networking with 10”;
• Extreme self-care: investing in yourself enables you to better support others without being selfish.

Connect with Paola Brignoli:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paola-elena-brignoli/ 

• Book a 30min discovery call: https://calendly.com/brignolipaola/30min?month=2025-03 

Struggling to create lasting behavior change? Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

• Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl          

Stand with those still fighting within Join Robin’s 2,000 KM march for healing:

• Learn more and donate: https://www.nl4ua.org 

What changes have you made to prioritize well-being in your professional life?

Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation on creating healthier, more inclusive workplaces.

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 18

What 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-compassion: Reindert’s personal journey of learning to be kinder to himself and how this has transformed his leadership;
• Personal leadership and letting go of control: How recognizing the need for control is tied to deeper emotional wounds and how Reindert is learning to release it;
• The impact of family constellation: Reindert shares how family constellations helped him heal and understand his adoption and rejection issues;
• HR leadership in Suriname: Reindert’s experience training HR teams in Suriname and how it solidified his mission to help others grow;
• Embracing vulnerability: The crucial role vulnerability plays in personal and professional development, and how Reindert now embraces his true identity.

Nuggets of empowerment:

• Slow down and be kind to yourself: Reindert’s advice to his younger self: don’t rush, everything will work out in time;
• Embrace your full identity: Reindert shares the importance of accepting all parts of yourself, including his Indonesian name, Purwoto;
• Rejection as a catalyst for growth: How rejection can fuel self-reflection and become a powerful tool for personal development.

Connect with Reindert Kriek:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reindertkriek/ 

• Website dare.: coming soon!

Struggling to create lasting behavior change? Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

• Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl        

Stand with those still fighting within Join Robin’s 2,000 KM march for healing:

• Learn more and donate: https://www.nl4ua.org 

What’s one area where you’ve learned to let go of control and embrace vulnerability? 

Share your thoughts by leaving a comment and or review 🙏🏾

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 17

Alex Tavassoli’s Mission to Break the Cycle of Violence

Today'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 Through Virtual Reality: how VR helps people step into the shoes of others, creating immersive experiences that foster understanding.
• Breaking Resistance: how empathy is the key to overcoming the barriers to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
• Personal Reflections on Family and Trauma: how Alex’s family values and his personal experiences with abuse have shaped his mission.
• The Impact of VR on Domestic Violence Prevention: the power of empathy in transforming the mindset of those involved in domestic abuse cases.
• Balancing Family and Mission: how Alex balances his personal life with his commitment to making the world a more empathetic place.

Nuggets of Empowerment:

• Understanding Different Perspectives: “You’re not the problem; you are a person with your own struggles, and so is everyone else: this insight has been fundamental in Alex’s personal and professional life.
• Empathy as a Tool for Social Change: Alex’s story about befriending his son's bully highlights how empathy can turn conflict into connection and healing.
• Breaking the Cycle of Violence: Alex emphasizes that most people act from a place of unhealed trauma, and empathy is key to breaking this cycle, starting with understanding.

Connect with Alex Tavassoli:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextavassoli/ 

• Website: https://www.enlivenempathy.com 

Struggling to create lasting behavior change? Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

• Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl         

Stand with those still fighting within Join Robin’s 2,000 KM march for healing:

• Learn more and donate: https://www.nl4ua.org 

What’s one barrier you’ve broken by embracing empathy in your life or work? 

Share your thoughts in the comments below 🙏🏾

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 16

What 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 reality of early trauma, depression, and burnout, and the essential role of self-regulation in overcoming them;
• Mindfulness as Medicine: the transformative benefits of mindfulness practices, inspired by her first retreat and the Plum Village tradition;
• Community & Leadership: the importance of supportive networks, including the role of Toastmasters, in developing resilience and leadership;
• Inner Healing: embracing self-compassion and inner child work to foster deep, personal growth.

Nuggets of Empowerment:

• Every setback is a stepping stone toward a comeback;
• Vulnerability is a strength that invites authentic healing;
• Healing is an ongoing journey, one where every mindful step counts!

Irene’s journey proves that when we dare to confront our pain, we unlock the strength to rewrite our story. Her commitment to mental fitness inspires us to embrace change and empower others through empathy and mindful action.

Connect with Irene Anggreeni:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irenevanjava/ 
• Website: http://ireneanggreeni.com     

Struggling to create lasting behavior change? Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

• Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl       
  

Oh and one more thing: 

Travel can be a force for change. Support & Join Virginia’s mission to empower the overlooked through GINI!

• https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/gini-travel-can-be-a-force-for-change#/   

And...if this episode inspired you, pass it on...a simple share can make all the difference. And if you enjoyed this conversation, take a moment to rate and review. Reviews fuel this movement 🙏🏾

Let’s spark agency together!

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 15

What 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, connection, and quality time, proving that love is an evolving partnership. As a father of three, he is deeply intentional, creating meaningful one-on-one moments, setting high standards with love, and ensuring his children feel truly heard.

Key Highlights:

• The Journey of Transformation: from his early days in Ghana to a thriving career in the Netherlands;
• Leadership at Heineken: overseeing a team of 21 in a fierce market, especially due to a high demand in tech and startups;
• Career-Defining Moments: how a pivotal conversation inspired his foray into HR and talent acquisition;
• Balancing Growth & Fairness: merging personal values with professional challenges;
• Bicultural Identity & Community: the power of diverse cultural experiences in shaping success!

Empowering Takeaways:

• Recognize Your Value, never underestimate what you bring to the table;
• Stay Open & Curious, every lesson holds a key to growth;
• Stand Up for Yourself, fair treatment is non-negotiable;
• Nurture Meaningful Connections, build your network of allies and mentors!

Connect with Kobi:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kobiampoma/ 

Struggling to create lasting behavior change? Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

• Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl      

Oh and one more thing: 
Travel can be a force for change. Support & Join Virginia’s mission to empower the overlooked through GINI!
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/gini-travel-can-be-a-force-for-change#/  

If this episode ignited a spark in you, share your insights and let’s keep the conversation going. Your reflections help amplify stories of empowerment and transformation.

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 14

Have 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 rethink what it means to overcome obstacles.

Discussion Highlights:

• Startup Trials & Triumphs: learning from a venture’s closure and building a resilient future;
• The Power of Feedback: how continuous client input can redefine success;
• Cultural Roots & Resilience: drawing strength from personal history and cultural challenges;
• Networking & Community: the vital role of connection when navigating new professional landscapes;
• Empowering Leadership: transitioning experiences into a role that inspires others!

Nuggets of Empowerment: 

• Transform Adversity: use setbacks as stepping stones for growth;
• Prioritize Connection: community is key to navigating professional and personal change;
• Trust Yourself: your journey, with all its challenges, shapes your strength

Reach out to Samar via:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samarmorshedi/ 

Struggling to create lasting behavior change? Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl     

Oh and one more thing: Travel can be a force for change. Support & Join Virginia’s mission to empower the overlooked through GINI!

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/gini-travel-can-be-a-force-for-change#/ 

And...if this episode sparked a thought or feeling in you, drop your reflection or share this conversation with someone who’s on their own path to empowerment!

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 13

Imagine 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 matters: people!
• The Power of Intuition: how trusting your gut can drive profound change;
• Leadership Lessons from Nature: discover how beekeeping reveals secrets about collective decision-making;
• Advocacy & Inclusion: insights from his work with KLM’s Rainbow Network in fostering a diverse workplace;

Nuggets of Empowerment:

• Follow your passion by trusting your inner guidance;
• Embrace change and uncertainty as opportunities for growth;
• Inclusive leadership isn’t just ideal....it’s essential for progress!;

Connect with Warner:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/warner-van-der-veer-jehee-b4aa883/ 

Struggling to create lasting behavior change? Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl      

One more thing: Travel can be a force for change. Support & Join Virginia’s mission to empower the overlooked through GINI! 

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/gini-travel-can-be-a-force-for-change#/ 

Your support helps amplify voices that matter! Leave a review and share this conversation with someone who needs to hear it! 🙏🏾

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ – Episode 12

What 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 in corporate spaces, she channels these experiences into her work, ensuring brands communicate with inclusivity and integrity.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• Rebuilding with Purpose: centering equity & inclusion in marketing;
• Navigating Resistance: the challenges of reshaping an industry;
• Pull the Card Initiative: a campaign tackling discrimination head-on;
• Queerness & Visibility: why embracing identity fuels confidence & change;
• Scaling with Impact: why hiring a mission-aligned COO is key to growth;

Key Takeaways:

• True impact often comes with risk, but alignment with your mission is worth it;
• Self-reflection & vulnerability are essential tools for personal & professional growth;
• Businesses can (and should) drive social change through intentional & empowering choices;
• Representation matters, both in business & in life!

Reach out to Julie via:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hemels-hoff/ 
• Website Blueyse: https://blueyse.agency 
• Pull the Card: https://blueyse.agency/pullthecard/ 
• Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blueyse-inclusive-marketing-agency/ 

Struggling to create lasting behavior change? Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

• Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl     

Travel can be a force for change. Support Virginia’s mission to empower the overlooked through GINI! Join the journey and be part of the movement here: 

• https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/gini-travel-can-be-a-force-for-change#/

Your support helps amplify voices that matter! Leave a review and share this conversation with someone who needs to hear it! 🙏🏾

✨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 conversation, we explore:

• His move from Cairo to the Netherlands: the challenges & lessons learned;
• The broken state of employee benefits: why one-size-fits-all solutions fail;
• Burnout, mental health & recovery: personal wake-up call that led to Novu;
• Lessons from the Egyptian Revolution: the power of action in uncertainty;
• The Role of Intuition: how trusting his gut shaped his biggest decisions!

What stuck with me?

• A rigid workplace can’t support a dynamic workforce, flexibility is the future;
• Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, it’s about building something stronger;
• Intuition is a skill, you can train yourself to trust it!

And Mustafa’s big goal? 

Positively impact 100 million employees, and he’s just getting started!

Join the conversation! 

What’s one change you’d make to your workplace benefits?

Reach out to Mustafa via:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-elmaghrabi/   
• Website Novu: https://getnovu.com 
• Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novu1/ 

Struggling to create lasting behavior change? Discover how Positive Reinforcement can help you inspire and motivate with real impact!

• Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl    

Ps if this episode resonated, please leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it today 🙏🏾

✨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:

🔹 Building Safe Spaces: Sacha’s gift for fostering trust and community.

🔹 Resilience in Action: rising beyond career setbacks and personal struggles without falling into victimhood (!!);

🔹 Role Models that Shape Us: the deep influence of Sacha’s mother on her mindset and strength;

🔹 The Power of Belonging: how Sacha’s events inspire empowerment and connection;

🔹 Entrepreneurial Grit: the rollercoaster of building businesses from the ground up :)

Sacha’s commitment to empowerment and inclusivity is awe-inspiring. Her ability to turn adversity into meaningful impact is a reminder that the spaces we create can transform not only our own lives but the lives of others. She also gives us a glimpse of her upcoming book and 2025 event – two exciting initiatives set to take inclusivity to new heights.

💡 A Few Takeaways You Can’t Miss:

🔑 The importance of embracing your bicultural identity and self-awareness;

🔑 How empathy and vulnerability lay the foundation for inclusive communities;

🔑 Actionable insights on resilience, courage, and choosing growth over victimhood;

Reach out to Sacha via:

• LinkedIn Sacha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sachamartina/ 
• Website House of Inclusion: https://www.house-of-inclusion.com 
• Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/house-of-inclusion/ 
• Podcast Gek op Witte Mannen: https://podcasts.apple.com/nl/podcast/gek-op-witte-mannen-de-podcast/id1772070861 

Curious about the power of Positive Reinforcement? 

Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl   

👉🏾 Hit play now and let Sacha’s story inspire you to create spaces where everyone belongs.

And….if this conversation resonated with you, pass it along to someone who might need it today. Your feedback helps amplify voices like Sacha’s...voices that uplift, inspire, and drive real change 🙏🏾.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀, 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 ✨

#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 emotions belong in the workplace;

👉🏾 Psychological safety: the invisible Wi-Fi every organization depends on;

👉🏾 From ticking boxes to presence: leaving the picture-perfect life behind;

👉🏾 Meditation and monasteries: lessons from sitting with pain and living in the now;

👉🏾 Leading with respect: why dignity and connection must guide change.

Nuggets of empowerment:

🙌🏾 Real change begins when you dare to sit with discomfort instead of avoiding it.

🙌🏾 Psychological safety is not a one-off workshop, it is a cultural foundation that requires ongoing care.

🙌🏾 Presence is not found in achieving more but in learning to let go and simply be.

Veroniek’s empowering quote:

“I would love we really treat every human with dignity and respect”

Books mentioned:

📚 Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: a timeless reflection on freedom and response to life.

📚 Go Figure by Lisa Falco: a powerful exploration of women’s bodies through science and storytelling.

📚 The Female Body Bible: understanding and living in tune with the female body.

📚 The Authority Gap: uncovering gender bias and pathways toward equity.

📚 Humankind by Rutger Bregman: a hopeful case for the goodness of people.

What if the freedom you seek isn’t in proving yourself but in allowing yourself to simply be human?

Connect with Veroniek:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veroniek/ 

Company website: https://silatha.com   

A word from our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl          

Great strategies don’t fail because of process, they fail when behavior doesn’t follow. Neotopia helps teams turn change into lasting action, through positive reinforcement that actually sticks.   

✨ Journeys of Empowerment ✨ - Episode 9

In 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 his tours in Afghanistan led to PTSD, and how running marathons and sharing his story helped him find peace and purpose.

Key Themes We Covered:

🔹 The Early Years: growing up sensitive in a tough environment, Robin shares how childhood experiences shaped his identity and his longing to serve in the military from a young age;

🔹 The Military and PTSD: Robin reflects on the intensity of his first deployments in Afghanistan, the trauma he carried home, and his battle with PTSD;

🔹 Healing Through Action: from marathons to writing his book "Levensvuur" [“Life’s Fire”], Robin highlights the role of physical and emotional endurance in his recovery, and his desire to help others by sharing his story.

What stands out most about Robin is his courage to confront his past and turn it into fuel for growth. His reflections on overcoming adversity and finding purpose through movement and storytelling left me inspired—and I know they will do the same for you.

Recommendations:

• Healing isn’t linear: Robin’s story reminds us that the road to recovery is paved with persistence, self-compassion, and action;
• Our pain can serve others: by sharing our journeys, we create space for others to heal and grow alongside us;
• Physical and mental endurance go hand in hand: whether it’s running marathons or writing a book, pushing our limits can unlock new paths toward healing.

How to reach out to Robin:

• LinkedIn Robin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-imthorn-36741923/
• Website Robin: http://robinimthorn.nl 
• Company Linkedin Robin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/robin-imthorn/

You can order the book via:

• For a signed Copy pre-order the book before the 10th of January'25 via: https://www.scheltema.nl/boek?authortitle=robin-imthorn/levensvuur--9789021499482 
• Bol: https://www.bol.com/nl/nl/p/levensvuur/9300000182187337/ 

Curious about the power of Positive Reinforcement? 

• Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl  

And if this episode resonates, please rate and leave a review 🙏🏾
Your support helps make sure more people can hear stories like Robin’s..stories that inspire, heal, and spark agency in others! 

✨ 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 personal challenges into impactful ventures. Virginia opens up about her mixed heritage, early responsibilities, and how she pushed through financial struggles and 65 job rejections to launch her dream. Her commitment to fostering inclusivity and building bridges through travel is deeply inspiring.

What I admire most about Virginia is her tenacity and heart for creating space where others feel seen and uplifted. This conversation will leave you reflecting on your own path, filled with new insights about perseverance, community, and embracing your authentic self.

Key Themes We Covered:

• Transformative Travel and Inclusivity: how Life of Gini empowers minority groups and fosters cultural understanding;
• Overcoming Adversity: Virginia’s personal journey of resilience through rejection and financial struggles;
• Embracing Identity and Healing: the role of community, family, and self-reflection in shaping Virginia’s entrepreneurial path.

Recommendations:

1. Find your people. Seek out supportive communities and mentors who can guide you and offer empowerment during the tough times. Virginia reminded me how crucial it is to surround yourself with those who uplift and challenge you;
2. Own your story. Embrace every part of your identity and life experiences, even the messy ones. Your past holds the keys to your personal growth and the blueprint for your future.
3. Take the leap. Don’t wait for perfect conditions—pursue your passions and ideas even if they scare you. Virginia’s journey proves that action and courage pave the way for impactful work.

Resources Mentioned:

• LinkedIn Virginia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-scheele/ 
• Website Life of Gini: https://lifeofgini.nl
• DNNL Network: https://www.dnnl.org  
• Omek Community: https://myomek.com 
• Gini's Impact Gala (14.3.25): Event Details - Coming Soon!

Curious about the power of Positive Reinforcement?

• Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl 

Quarterly Foundation Allyship:

• Join Freshtable's mission to make an impact: https://freshtablefoundation.nl 

✨ Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays ✨

✨ Journeys of Empowerment ✨ - Episode 7

The 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 opens up about her personal journey of transformation, from feeling unfulfilled to finding purpose and creating a movement that inspires vulnerability, self-discovery, and community.

What makes this conversation a must-listen?

• The Power of Vulnerability: Nicolette's willingness to share her struggles and pivotal moments reminds us that embracing our vulnerabilities can lead to profound self-discovery;
• Creating Safe Spaces: she highlights how judgment-free environments can uplift women, foster connection, and inspire change;
• Unconscious Bias: Her candid reflections on her own biases challenge us to examine and unlearn the assumptions we may hold.

Nicolette’s story will not only inspire you but also encourage you to reflect on how we can all contribute to building supportive communities.

Resources Mentioned:

• LinkedIn Nicolette: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolette-lazarus-womanship/  
• Website Womanship: https://womanship.co 
• Linkedin Womanship: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womanship/ 

Curious about the power of Positive Reinforcement? 

Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl  

Quarterly Foundation Allyship: 

Join Freshtable's mission to make an impact: https://freshtablefoundation.nl  

✨ ENJOY LISTENING ✨

✨ 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 fostering a culture of common humanity and unconditional support. His vision to bridge societal divides through workshops and potential documentaries resonates deeply and offers insights that will inspire you to reflect on your own approach to leadership and connection.

Key themes we covered: 

• Transformative Leadership: how AI-powered, personalized coaching is reshaping leadership development;
• Unconditional Love and Human Connection: the role of empathy and self-compassion in personal and professional growth;
• Common Humanity: bridging societal divides through understanding and authentic connections.

Resources Mentioned:

• LinkedIn Farzan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farzannajmeddin/ 
• Website Team Human.ai: https://teamhuman.ai
• Linkedin TeamHuman.ai: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teamhumanai 
  

Curious about the power of Positive Reinforcement? 

Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl 

Quarterly Foundation Allyship: 

Join Freshtable's mission to make an impact: https://freshtablefoundation.nl 

Tune in to hear how Farzan is making an impact, and walk away with actionable insights to spark empowerment in your own life! 🌟

✨ 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 changes.

What I especially admire about Lara is her openness and vulnerability in sharing her personal journey. Diagnosed with a severe medical condition at just 8 years old, she faced the mental challenge of being unable to do many things children love. This early experience shaped her resilience and unwavering commitment to helping others find strength within themselves. Lara also shared her journey of making peace with the father wound, a powerful story of healing and self-compassion that resonates deeply.

Key Themes We Covered:

• Purpose and Self-Belief: understanding what drives us;
• Resilience and Transformation: harnessing inner strength through life’s challenges;
• Empowerment and Fulfillment; pursuing a career aligned with passion;
• Mentorship and Agency: the role of guidance and personal agency on the path to success!

Resources Mentioned:

• Linkedin Lara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-k-morgan/ 
• Linkedin Conscious Career Coaching: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lara-kieva-morgan-conscious-careers/ 
• Website Lara: https://www.larakievamorgan.com  

Curious about the power of Positive Reinforcement?

Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl   

Quarterly Foundation Allyship:

Join Freshtable's mission to make an impact: https://freshtablefoundation.nl  

🌟 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 operations management, Navid combines his expertise in sustainability with a commitment to tackling one of the job market’s most overlooked challenges: the talent gap affecting international graduates.

In this episode, Navid shares:

• How his journey from an international student to founder of SHEXON inspired a platform built on community, mentorship, and meaningful connections;
• The early childhood experiences that shaped his intrinsic motivation to care for the people around him;
• The importance of resilience in his personal and professional journey, and how it fuels his commitment to helping others thrive;
• The waste of talent he witnessed, as highly skilled international graduates leave the Netherlands due to a lack of networks and support;
• SHEXON's mission to empower students, ensuring they feel confident, prepared, and supported as they pursue their careers;
• How companies can tap into SHEXON’s network to engage diverse talent, strengthen employer branding, and drive inclusion.

With a focus on social impact and global collaboration, Navid is not only connecting people but fostering a vision for a future where diversity and sustainable careers go hand in hand.

Tune in to explore how Navid and SHEXON are creating lasting impact in the lives of students and the companies they work with!

Just a few key takeaways:

• The importance of mentorship and community-building in creating career pathways for international graduates;
• How embracing diversity in talent creates stronger, more inclusive companies;
• The role of sustainability in Navid’s vision for a fair and thriving job market.

Resources Mentioned:

• LinkedIn Navid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/navid-mohamadi-phd/ 
• Linkedin Shexon: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shexon/ 
• Instagram Shexon: https://www.instagram.com/shexon.official/ 

Curious about the power of Positive Reinforcement?

Check out our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl 

Quarterly Foundation Allyship:

Join Freshtable's mission to make an impact: https://freshtablefoundation.nl 

🌟 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 work at their educational level. Yasmina also opens up about her personal quest to define purpose, the life altering moment at age 11 that sparked her drive to care for others, and the challenges of balancing being an introvert and an extrovert in her journey to impact.

Other highlights include:

• The power of food to connect across cultures and how it became the heart of her mission;
• Yasmina’s reflections on mental health, mental clarity, and why asking “what if I put myself first?” can be a transformative question;
• How her mom served as her greatest role model and why Yasmina is grateful for every decision her mother made;
• A look at the #ShareaMeal campaign, Freshtable’s latest initiative to donate 10,000 meals to those in need by 2024.

Yasmina’s resilience and her belief that “there’s nothing she can’t do” will leave you inspired to reflect on your own mission and role in creating change.

Just a few key takeaways:

• The power of embracing both your highs and lows and making space for mental health;
• How to turn feelings of injustice into a mission-driven passion that creates real impact;
• Why community-driven initiatives are key to building a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Resources Mentioned:

• Website: https://freshtable.nl   
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmina-khababi-0970021a2/ 
• #ShareaMeal: https://freshtable.nl/ons-aanbod/share-a-meal/ 
• How to Meet Your Self: https://howtomeetyourself.com 
• Hero on a Mission: https://heroonamission.com 

Curious about the magical power of Positive Reinforcement?

• Check out our sponsor https://neotopia.nl    

🌟 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 conversation covers key themes like:

• Intersectionality and positionality
• Racism and mental health
• Neurodiversity and disability
• Entrepreneurship and the critical need for Role Models
• Cultural upbringing
• Inner tension within you
• The power of community in creating change

We both hope you, our incredible audience, find sparks of agency to carry forward in your own journey.

And feel free to reach out to Karim and learn more about his mission:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karimeloteify/ 
• Website: https://thewheelsofimpact.com 

Curious about the magical power of Positive Reinforcement?

• Check out our sponsor https://neotopia.nl  

🌟 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 journey in a new light and Sparks of Agency to inspire meaningful change in your life.

If you’re ready to unlock your potential and embrace your power, subscribe to Journeys of Empowerment on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeMusic, and Springcast. Let’s begin this empowering journey together.

#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 look up to!

Deep dive talking points:

👉🏾 Onboarding as the bridge: why customer success begins the moment a deal is signed;

👉🏾 Breaking the chain: fixing the trust gap between sales handover and customer success;

👉🏾 Habits and relationships: embedding human connection into scalable SaaS growth;

👉🏾 Taking the leap: moving from corporate stability to the unknown of entrepreneurship;

👉🏾 Extreme self-care: showing her children that choosing yourself can make you a better parent.

Nuggets of empowerment:

🙌🏾 Growth starts with trust not with automation;

🙌🏾 A successful day is defined by taking action that opens the next door;

🙌🏾 Extreme self-care is a foundation for serving others fully.

Alexandra’s empowering quote:

🙌🏾 “I think I would be most proud 20 years from now that my children say their mother chose for herself”

Book mentioned:

📚 The Lean Startup by Eric Ries: the spark that turned reflection into action.

Connect with Alexandra:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vvalex/ 

Company website: https://onboardly.tech 

A word from our sponsor: https://neotopia.nl    

Great strategies don’t fail because of process, they fail when behavior doesn’t follow. Neotopia helps teams turn change into lasting action, through positive reinforcement that actually sticks.   

What if the real key to sustainable growth isn’t in more technology but in honoring the promises we make to one another?

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 43

What 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 before stepping on stage.

What we explored:

👉🏾 Authenticity in action: redefining professionalism through human presence;

👉🏾 Parenting with purpose: letting our kids shape who we become;

👉🏾 Community and connection: building spaces for non-transactional relationships;

👉🏾 Worthiness and ego: trusting that you are enough, exactly as you are;

👉🏾 Spiritual growth: finding meaning through books, belief and self-compassion;

Nuggets of empowerment:

🙌🏾 "Presence is more powerful than performance. True impact comes from being real, not perfect"

🙌🏾 "You don’t need to earn your worthiness. It’s already within you"

🙌🏾 #Slow is not weak, It’s where the real listening, living and growing happens;

Books mentioned:

📚 The Alchemist | Paulo Coelho

📚 Conversations with God | Neale Donald Walsch

📚 The Untethered Soul | Michael A. Singer

📚 The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People | Stephen Covey

📚 The Power of Now | Eckhart Tolle

📚 A New Earth | Eckhart Tolle

📚 Humankind | Rutger Bregman

Connect with Salmaan:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salmaansana/ 

Company website: https://salmaansana.com 

A word from our sponsor:

Great strategies fail without the right behavior.

See how positive reinforcement turns change into measurable results.

• Learn more: https://neotopia.nl  

What might happen if you showed up this week with more presence than pressure?

#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 silently feel;

👉🏾 Perfectionism & performance: the inner toll of conditional self-worth;

👉🏾 Therapy for therapists: why healing the healer is part of the work;

👉🏾 Building Anti Loneliness: scaling a mission from pain to purpose;

👉🏾 The human side of helping: boundaries, supervision and running a heart-led business!

Nuggets of empowerment:

🙌🏾 “You can be high-functioning and still feel like you’re failing especially when perfection is your standard”

🙌🏾 “Healing isn’t fixing it’s remembering who you were before you thought you had to earn love”

🙌🏾 “Loneliness doesn’t make you broken. It makes you human!”

Book mentioned:

📚 “Locked in work mode” (upcoming), Vassia’s forthcoming book on perfectionism, self-worth and reclaiming authenticity!

Connect with Vassia:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vassia-sarantopoulou/ 
• Company website: https://www.antiloneliness.com 

A word from our sponsor:

Great strategies fail without the right behavior.

See how positive reinforcement turns change into measurable results.

• Learn more: https://neotopia.nl   

What if your need to be perfect is actually a call to be more fully yourself?

#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.

What we explored:

👉🏾 Pain as catalyst: transforming personal wounds into creative power;

👉🏾 Belonging vs. fitting in: why embracing your outlier identity matters;

👉🏾 Cognitive diversity: how multiple perspectives fuel real innovation;

👉🏾 Integrity in complexity: standing in truth without polarizing others;

👉🏾 Spiritual grounding in a corporate world: what she carried from Uber and Tesla into her own practice;

Nuggets of empowerment:

🙌🏾 “Awareness is half the work once you see clearly, you begin to heal”

🙌🏾 “Pain doesn’t disappear when ignored, it transforms when acknowledged”

🙌🏾 “You don’t have to become someone else to be accepted. You have to become more of yourself”

Books mentioned:

📚 The Body Keeps the Score | Bessel van der Kolk

📚 It Didn’t Start with You | Mark Wolynn

📚 The Courage to Be Disliked | Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga

📚 Happy Oysters | Rubem Alves

Connect with Elisa:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisaviaud-orgpsychologist/ 
• Company website: https://elisaviaud.com 

A word from our sponsor:

Great strategies fail without the right behavior.

See how positive reinforcement turns change into measurable results.

• Learn more: https://neotopia.nl  

Which part of yourself are you still trying to hide or fix, when it might be the very thing that holds your pearl?

✨Journeys of Empowerment✨ - Episode 40

Simone’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 leisure to low-code: how a creative thesis at the zoo opened a door to tech;

👉🏾 Reframing burnout: what it taught her about boundaries, energy and self-worth;

👉🏾 Vulnerability as strength: the power of showing emotion, even on a keynote stage;

👉🏾 Neurodivergence & advocacy: creating space for difference in tech and leadership;

👉🏾 Redefining success: letting go of external validation and embracing her own pace!

Nuggets of empowerment:

🙌🏾 “You don’t need permission to take up space. You already belong”

🙌🏾 “Self-worth grows when you stop outsourcing it”

🙌🏾 “Discomfort isn’t a warning sign, it’s often the path to growth!”

Connect with Simone:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemink-lowcode-digitaltransformation/ 

A word from our sponsor:

Great strategies fail without the right behavior.

See how positive reinforcement turns change into measurable results.

• Learn more: https://neotopia.nl   

Where in your life are you still seeking approval you no longer need?

#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 into clarity while holding a deep ethical compass around technology, leadership and human dignity. Her journey is one of survival turning into purpose, ambition grounded in gratitude and success shaped by values rather than titles. 

Deep dive talking points:

👉🏾 becoming a mother young: responsibility as a catalyst for growth;

👉🏾 unapologetic selfhood: refusing to play small to fit in;

👉🏾 intuition and courage: knowing when to walk away;

👉🏾 women in tech: navigating power, credibility and voice;

👉🏾 ethical AI: engineering with integrity and care;

Nuggets of empowerment:

🙌🏾 your starting point does not define your ceiling;

🙌🏾 intuition is a skill you can learn to trust;

🙌🏾 success means nothing without peace;

Rumailah’s empowering quote:

🙌🏾 “I am becoming my truest self”

Book mentioned:

📚 The rhythm of life: living intentionally and in gratitude

Closing reflection:

Where in your life are you still dimming yourself to belong, and what might change if you chose yourself instead?

Connect with Rumailah:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rumailahburden/ 

Website: https://www.servicenow.com  

Learn more about our sponsor:

https://reinforcer.ai helps leaders turn everyday feedback into measurable behavior change, right where work actually happens.