In this episode of the Authentic Pathways Podcast, host Karin interviews Michelle Thomas, an energy coach who helps professionals align their energy, clear internal blocks, and reconnect with purpose. Michelle shares that she has perceived energy since childhood and explains how a near-death experience about 20 years ago clarified her path to help others reconnect with their intrinsic joy. The conversation explores how societal conditioning and personal stories can obscure people’s “original self,” and how thoughts, words, emotions, and the body are all expressions of energy and frequency. She describes practices for protecting one’s energy from unkindness, choosing thoughts, using body signals of expansion vs. contraction to make decisions, and approaching self-discovery with gentleness rather than judgment. 00:00 Welcome to Authentic Pathways + Meet Energy Coach Michelle Thomas01:53 Michelle’s Early Sensitivity: Seeing & Feeling Energy From Childhood04:14 Did We ‘Lose’ Our Energy? How Conditioning Covers the True Self10:26 Everything Is Frequency: Thoughts, Words, Emotions & the Body’s Energy Field15:26 Near-Death (Near-Living) Experience: Remembering the Soul & Why We’re Here20:41 Finding Passion in a Busy Life: Heart Expansion vs. the Daily ‘Slog’21:52 Reframing Challenges as Chosen Growth: The ‘Holiday of Life’ Analogy26:52 Staying Joyful in a Fearful World: Focus, Kindness, and Collective Change28:11 Seeing the Same Essence in Everyone (Love as the Recalibration)29:06 Dealing with Unkind People: Compassion, Boundaries & Owning Your Energy31:14 Your Thoughts Aren’t “Real”: Feelings Drive the System32:00 Expansion vs. Contraction: Using the Body as Your Inner Compass34:00 Short-Term “Joy” vs. True Nourishment (Netflix, Wine & Awareness)35:04 Gentleness on the Path: Learning Through Mistakes on Divine Timing39:07 Q&A: Use Your Body to Shift Your State (Posture, Smiling, Priming)42:01 Train Your Attention: Choosing Beauty & What You Want to Grow44:41 Farhana’s Question: Soul Perspective, Replacing Thoughts & Changing Habits50:39 Final Wrap: Stop Chasing Enlightenment—You Came Here to Be HumanDon't forget to subscribe to this channel!Visit my website for more information: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karinholley.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a call with me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://partners.simply.coach/karin-holleyContact: ⁠[email protected]⁠Connect with Karin:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-holley/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠

The Power of Service Leadership with Jaime Koppel | Authentic Pathways PodcastIn this episode of the Authentic Pathways podcast, host Karin Holley interviews Jaime Koppel, a seasoned strategist and advocate with decades of experience in education equity, justice, and community-led change. The conversation delves into Jaime's extensive work in resourcing grassroots organizers, her role in transforming public education, and her leadership philosophy inspired by Ella Baker's servant leadership. Jaime shares insights on the impactful NGO BECA, which she founded to expand bilingual education in Honduras, and discusses the broader implications of community-driven development and mutual aid. The dialogue further explores the balance between service leadership and personal well-being, emphasizing the power of collectivism and deep community connections in fostering sustainable change.00:00 Welcome to Authentic Pathways00:24 Introducing Jaime Koppel02:04 Understanding Servant Leadership02:25 Ella Baker's Influence09:06 Founding BECA11:56 Challenges and Lessons in Honduras23:37 Mutual Aid and Community Support33:30 Balancing Service and Self-Care41:30 Values and Fulfillment44:15 Closing ThoughtsDon't forget to subscribe to this channel!

Visit my website for more information: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karinholley.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a free coaching call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karin-holley.temboni.com/⁠⁠

Contact: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Connect with Karin:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-holley/⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠

Authentic Leadership: Aligning Your Life and Values with Dr. Deborah LaneIn this episode of the Authentic Pathways podcast, host Karin Holley interviews Dr. Debra Lane, an experienced educator and administrator. They discuss the importance of aligning one's values with their professional and personal life to prevent burnout and foster authentic leadership. Dr. Lane shares her core values of appreciating beauty, ethics, and humility and how they shape her approach to leadership and advocacy. The conversation extends to the challenges and rewards of working internationally, the significance of being present, and the role of curiosity and listening in effective leadership. Dr. Lane also talks about her journey as an advocate for women and children, how past experiences have shaped her mission, and the ongoing need to champion underrepresented voices. This insightful discussion sheds light on living authentically and the power of values-driven leadership.00:00 Welcome to Authentic Pathways00:52 Introducing Dr. Deborah Lane02:30 Core Values and Their Impact04:35 The Ethics of AI and Humility in Leadership12:14 Challenges and Rewards of Leading in Vietnam24:27 Personal Growth and Physical Wellbeing31:22 Advocacy and Overcoming Trauma42:45 Aligning Life with Values46:41 Closing RemarksDon't forget to subscribe to this channel!Visit my website for more information: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karinholley.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a free coaching call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karin-holley.temboni.com/⁠⁠Contact: ⁠[email protected]⁠Connect with Karin:⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-holley/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karinholleycoaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Karinholleycoaching

In this episode of the Authentic Pathways interview series, host Karin Holley, a certified leadership and mindset coach, speaks with Ashwin Didwania, a business owner, logistics professional, and published author. They discuss Ashwin's journey from the hustle culture in the logistics industry to embracing a balanced, serene lifestyle through energy management, meditation, and spirituality. Ashwin shares insights on managing a successful international transportation business, the importance of mental and physical well-being, and how meditation and spirituality can help maintain calmness and composure. The conversation also delves into societal perceptions of meditation and how it can enhance decision-making and personal growth.00:00 Introduction to Authentic Pathways

01:00 Meet Ashwin Didwania

03:45 Ashwin's Career in Logistics

07:30 Transition from Hustling to Providing Value

12:15 Importance of Energy Management

15:00 Meditation and Yoga

20:30 Ashwin's Personal Transformation

24:00 Cultural Perceptions of Meditation

28:45 Spirituality in Business

32:50 Starting a Meditation Practice

34:52 The Journey to Authenticity

36:10 The Role of Consistency and Honor in Meditation

40:05 Choosing the Best Time to Meditate

43:00 Course Recommendations for Beginners

47:45 Final Thoughts and GratitudeDon't forget to subscribe to this channel!

Visit my website for more information: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karinholley.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a free coaching call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karin-holley.temboni.com/

⁠⁠Contact: ⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode of the Authentic Pathways interview series, host Karin Holley, a certified leadership and team coach, speaks with Wieneke Maris, a geography teacher and sustainability advocate at the International School of The Hague. They discuss the importance of sustainably integrating environmental education into school curriculums and emphasize the emotional, collaborative, and community-driven approaches necessary for effective learning. Wieneke shares her inspiring journey and the various projects she has been part of, including her travels across Europe to find and implement successful sustainability practices in schools. The conversation also explores themes of emotional connection, gratitude, community action, and transforming mindsets towards the environment.

00:00 Introduction to Karin Holley and Authentic Pathways

01:07 Meet Wieneke: A Passion for Sustainability

01:56 Wieneke's Journey and Achievements

05:18 The Concept of Transformation in Education

10:01 Learning from Nature and Community

10:44 Inspiring Examples from Europe

18:01 Emotional Connection and Gratitude

23:53 Addressing the Loneliness Epidemic

25:36 Redefining Success and the Good Life

26:51 Transforming Education for Sustainability

29:15 Personal Lifestyle Changes and Sustainability

30:47 Practical Steps for Sustainable Education

33:02 Engaging Students with Empathy and Love

39:16 Resources and Support for Sustainability Education

47:18 Final Reflections and Call to Action

Don't forget to subscribe to this channel!

Visit my website for more information: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karinholley.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a free coaching call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karin-holley.temboni.com/⁠⁠

Contact: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Connect with Karin:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-holley/⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠

Wieneke's resources:

Sustainability Accelerator

https://innovationhub.school/sustainability-accelerator-programme-2/

The Sustainability Accelerator provides a year long trajectory of training and coaching to a school team of students, teachers and other staff who would like to lift their schools sustainability efforts in a collaborative co-creation project.The Sustainability Accelerator offers an international network to learn from and inspire each other. For interested schools, please contact: [email protected]

Sused.org 

Our summits and programmes enable educational organisations to be true change agents of society.

Through the experience of our Sustainability Education summits and programmes and our After Care Consultancy, delegates become equipped to develop and implement new strategies for incorporating Sustainability thinking into infrastructure, curriculum continuum and approaches to teaching and learning. SusEd enables schools to derive synergy between the reason why they are an education establishment and how, when and where teaching and learning happens. As a result, schools are able to articulate how their moral purpose is also their unique selling point and a means by which to measure their own success.

In this episode of the Authentic Pathways interview series, host Karin Holley, a certified leadership and mindset coach, speaks with Ross Wehner, the founder of World Leadership School and the Change Lab. They explore the importance of purpose in leadership, especially within the field of education. Ross shares his journey from journalism to educational leadership, drawing from his experiences and frameworks inspired by David Brooks' book 'Second Mountain'. The discussion delves into how leaders can balance the demands of the system with staying true to their essence, and the impact of connecting with one's purpose on resilience, well-being, and leadership effectiveness. Ross also highlights the Salmon River Program for school heads and its unique approach to leadership development. The conversation includes insights on how understanding and articulating purpose can profoundly influence both personal and professional life, ultimately fostering trust and inspiring others.

00:00 Introduction to Authentic Pathways

01:31 Meet Ross Wehner: A Journey of Purpose

03:12 The Two Mountains of Life

05:50 Ross Wehner's Transformative Year in Chile

06:57 From Journalism to Education

09:23 Empowering Students with Purpose

11:52 Balancing Systems and Personal Path

16:55 Leadership and Purpose in Schools

24:33 Discovering the Power of Purpose Statements

25:32 Amanda Gorman's Inspiring Mantra

26:52 The Role of Community in Finding Purpose

28:07 Purpose Statements in Leadership and Education

29:10 Building Trust Through Authentic Leadership

31:12 Navigating Purpose in New School Communities

33:35 Aligning Personal Purpose with School Missions

36:47 The Concept of Nested Purpose in Schools

39:42 Student Agency and the IB Diploma Program

42:49 Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Through Purpose

46:18 Coaching Students to Find Their Purpose

47:22 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Don't forget to subscribe to this channel!

Visit my website for more information: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karinholley.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a free coaching call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karin-holley.temboni.com/⁠⁠

Contact: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Connect with Karin:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-holley/⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠

Join Karin Holley, a certified leadership and mindset coach, in this episode of the Authentic Pathways interview series as she discusses the intricacies of systems thinking with Erica Engelen, an expert in organizational dynamics and team topologies valued practitioner.

This conversation delves into the importance of understanding systems holistically and the challenges of working in team environments. They explore the impact of current business and educational systems on society and how we can proactively shift them for the better. With insights into relationship systems coaching and real-world examples from organizations like Blue Lagoon, this episode emphasizes creating psychologically safe environments and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to drive innovation and positive change.

Tune in to spark new ideas and explore how systems thinking can shape a more adaptable and humane future.

00:00 Introduction to Authentic Pathways

00:29 Challenges in Team Dynamics

01:17 Meet Erica Engelen: Organizational Dynamics Expert

03:30 Defining Systems in Organizations and Society

06:23 Problems with Current Systems

11:13 The Importance of Interdisciplinary Learning

18:29 Encouraging Psychological Safety and Innovation

23:51 Practical Applications in Organizations

31:24 Applying Systems Thinking in Education

51:49 Final Thoughts and Future Conversations

Don't forget to subscribe to this channel!

Visit my website for more information: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karinholley.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a free coaching call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karin-holley.temboni.com/

Contact: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Connect with Karin:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-holley/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/karinholleycoaching/⁠

In this episode of the Authentic Pathways conversation series, leadership and mindset coach Karin Holley speaks with Michael Newmann, the DEIJ coordinator at St. George's International School in Luxembourg. They explore the concept of authenticity, the barriers faced in being one's true self, and how organizations can foster environments of inclusivity and belonging. Michael shares his personal journey, professional experiences, and actionable insights on creating safe spaces and addressing discrimination in educational settings.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:20 Defining Authenticity

02:14 Challenges of Authenticity in DEIJ Work

02:50 Personal Experiences with Authenticity

04:54 Creating Inclusive School Environments

06:42 Strategies for Promoting Authenticity

12:54 Cultural Perspectives on Authenticity

16:32 Focus Groups and Data Collection

21:03 Navigating Menopause and Authenticity

21:47 Challenges of Discussing Sensitive Topics

22:18 Importance of Role Models in Education

23:35 Creating Safe Spaces for Authenticity

24:53 Addressing Biases and Racism

26:51 Balancing Authenticity and Professionalism

27:57 Supporting Authentic Leadership

29:43 Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion

32:01 Reflections on Authenticity in Leadership

35:37 Final Thoughts and Audience Q&A

Inspired by what you heard?

Visit my website for more information:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karinholley.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a free coaching call: https://karin-holley.temboni.com/

Contact: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Connect with Karin:⁠⁠⁠

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-holley/

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://www.instagram.com/karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dive into an insightful conversation with Farhana Bari, an experienced international educational leader, in this episode of the Authentic Pathways interview series. Discover Farhana's journey from a family of educators in Bangladesh to leading international schools across multiple countries. Farhana discusses the importance of authenticity, calmness, and self-reflection in leadership. She shares stories of her father's teachings on being a good human, her challenges as a local leader in an international school, and her daily practices for maintaining balance and calm amidst stress. Learn how her patient and loving approach has earned her the acceptance and respect of students, colleagues, and parents alike. This episode highlights the power of surrounding yourself with affirming voices, the practice of patience, and the importance of making and learning from mistakes.

00:00 Introduction to Authentic Pathways

00:37 Meet Farhana Bari: A Leader in Education

02:29 Farhana's Early Life and Teaching Journey

05:38 Lessons from Farhana's Father

08:50 Empowering Leadership and Overcoming Challenges

12:25 Transition to International Schools

18:01 Calmness and Reflection in Leadership

26:44 Audience Q&A and Final Reflections

33:12 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Guests

Inspired by what you heard?

Visit my website for more information:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karinholley.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a free coaching call: https://karin-holley.temboni.com/

Contact: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Connect with Karin:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-holley/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/karinholleycoaching/⁠

Authentic Pathways: Peju 'the Spark' Abuchi on What Makes Your Soul Sing?

In this episode of the Authentic Pathways interview series, host Karin welcomes Peju 'the Spark' Abuchi, a renowned poet, speaker, and educator, to discuss the journey of living an authentic and fulfilled life.

Peju shares insights from her diverse career transitions, from studying law to youth empowerment, teaching, and eventually finding her calling in poetry and storytelling.

She emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability, trusting one's inner voice, and investing in personal growth through coaching and reflection. Peju highlights how authenticity and vulnerability can lead to genuine connection and healing, both for oneself and for others.

The episode also includes a powerful recital of her poem, 'The Beauty of Brokenness,' which underscores the message that our imperfections make us even more beautiful.

00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome

00:56 Meet Peju 'The Spark' Abuchi

02:12 Peju's Career Journey

05:31 Discovering the Inner Spark

09:32 The Power of Coaching and Inner Work

16:36 Finding Purpose and Fulfillment

23:06 Embracing Authenticity and Growth

26:37 Balancing Authenticity and Expectations

27:53 Creating Safe Spaces for Growth

29:17 The Importance of Rest and Solitude

30:09 Journaling and Spiritual Practices

32:31 Family Check-ins and Emotional Awareness

33:56 Audience Interaction and Reflections

35:26 Finding Joy in Your True Calling

39:16 Navigating Career Transitions

43:56 The Power of Female Entrepreneurship

47:39 The Beauty of Brokenness

51:22 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Don't forget to subscribe to this channel!

Visit my website for more information: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karinholley.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a free coaching call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karin-holley.temboni.com/⁠

Contact: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Connect with Karin:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-holley/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/karinholleycoaching/⁠