BE Yourself

On this episode of Be Yourself Podcast, I sit down with Ahmed Elnaggar - President of Emirates Legal Network and host of The Jurist Podcast - and we went from global conflict… to identity… to the uncomfortable truth about what it really takes to build a name for yourself amid uncertainty.

We talk about:
– What business actually feels like in Dubai right now
– The real reason Dubai became a global business magnet
– How Ahmed built his career from doubt, not confidence
– The “giver mentality” most people fake but don’t practice
– Why storytelling beats self-promotion every time
– What personal branding actually means (beyond buzzwords)
– How to build relationships that outlast transactions

At one point, Ahmed shares the worst career advice he ever got. Most people would spiral but Ahmed rebuilt himself instead

0:00 - On This Episode
1:30 - Dubai Business in the Shadow of Conflict
4:31 - Pressure Among Partners and Clients
6:36 - The Strength of Collective Spirit
9:13 - What Makes Dubai a Business Hub
12:17 - Ahmed’s Path in Dubai
15:56 - How Helping Builds Business
19:56 - The Givers’ Mentality in Business
23:28 - Writing the Book on Brand and Identity
25:48 - Ahmed’s Guide to Legal Success
29:35 - Generosity as a Business Strategy
31:54 - Why Network-First Businesses Work
36:53 - How Personal Values Shape Business
39:38 - Lessons from Early Career Shocks
46:23 - Life, Work, and Constraints in Ukraine

Ahmed's Resources ~

Emirates Legal Network: https://www.emirateslegalnetwork.com/
Elnaggar & Partners: https://elnaggarlegal.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aelnaggar/
The Jurist Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Jurist

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If you're interested in cooperation of any kind, feel free to drop a line: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly
Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly

My Video Production & YouTube Agency: https://beverlyen.com/production

In this episode of Be Yourself Podcast, I sit down with John Golden from the SalesPop Podcast to break down the truth about podcasting, personal branding, and why most creators quit too early.


0:00 - On This Episode
0:38 - SalesPop Podcast: What You Gain
3:45 - When the Podcast Started Working
7:47 - The Compound Effect in Podcasting
10:48 - The Real Job of a Podcast Host
13:01 - Podcasting Without Filters
15:58 - Accidental Book or Strategic Move
19:16 - Connections That Made It Happen
21:07 - Your Blog Is Your Book
22:25 - Sergey's Philosophical Question


John's LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngolden/

If you're interested in cooperation of any kind, feel free to drop a line: [email protected]


My Video Production & YouTube Agency: https://beverlyen.com/production

In this episode of The Be Yourself Podcast, we talk with Silvia Collepardi, a hospitality expert working with luxury resorts across Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bali, Mauritius, and Seychelles.

She shares how the hospitality industry really works - from hotel marketing and travel marketing to building strong commercial strategies that attract the right luxury clients. Silvia also breaks down her SUITE framework and explains how top resorts position themselves in a competitive global market.

We also dive into her journey into entrepreneurship, lessons in personal branding, and real career advice for growing in business, tourism, and travel business. Plus, insights on women leadership, sales, and building long-term success.

0:00 - On This Episode
1:29 - Silvia's Elevator Pitch
3:17 - Inside Global Hotel Struggles
5:17 - Hotel Strategy from Day One
7:40 - SUITE in Action: Real Client Story
11:08 - What Truly Makes a Hotel Luxury?
17:10 - 20 Years as a Global Connector
21:50 - Languages in Global Work
23:19 - Balancing Introversion and People Energy
24:32 - Founder Brand & Lessons
29:04 - How Long in Business?
29:58 - Advice for Women in Business
36:17 - Final Message

Silvia's Resources ~
Website: https://silviacollepardi.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviacollepardi/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/silvia_collepardi/

If you'd like to invite me to host an event, give a public speech, or are interested in an interview, feel free to drop a line: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly
Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly

Podcast and Shorts Production: https://beverlyen.com/production

In this Be Yourself Podcast episode, Chris Ellinas shares his journey as a designer, freelancer, and creative who landed Netflix through a passion-driven project 🚀

From uploading a Marvel-inspired concept on Behance to building a global creative career, Chris proves that authenticity and experimentation open unexpected doors.

We explore how discipline shaped his path—from running a marathon he hated to mastering design skills—and why challenge is essential for growth.

Chris also breaks down the mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur and how creatives can turn hobbies into real businesses.

If you’re a creative searching for direction, this episode delivers honest insight, motivation, and a reminder to build a life that’s truly yours 🌍



0:00 - Intro
01:40 - Mixed Cultural Background
03:41 - Getting a Job with Netflix
08:08 - A Motive to Go into Entrepreneurship
14:56 - Lessons Learned from Netflix
17:11 - How to Work for Chris
19:21 - Physical Transformation
22:25 - The Benefits of Running and Endurance Sports
26:30 - Redefined Meaning of Success
30:30 - Chris's Podcast


Chris's Resources ~

Behandce: https://www.behance.net/chrisellinas
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisEllinas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisellinas
IG: https://www.instagram.com/chrisellinas
X: https://x.com/chrisellinas_

Note from the Host ~

If you'd like to invite me to host an event, give a public speech, or are interested in an interview, feel free to drop a line: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly
Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly

Podcast, Shorts Production and YouTube Management: https://beverlyen.com/production

CIA Officer James Lawler spent 25 years in the CIA recruiting foreign spies. In this episode of the Be Yourself Podcast, he explains how spy recruitment really works and what motivates someone to betray their country.

James explores the psychology of espionage, the art of building human intelligence, and the real-world tactics behind covert intelligence and clandestine operations.

Jim shares gripping CIA stories from his career — from spotting vulnerabilities in potential assets to understanding the real spy motivations that push people toward treason.

We discuss:
🕵️ How the CIA recruits spies
🧠 The psychology behind espionage
⚠️ Why people betray their country
📖 Real CIA stories from the field
🎯 Leadership lessons from intelligence work

If you're curious about CIA secrets, spy psychology, and the hidden world of intelligence, this episode offers a rare inside look from someone who lived it.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on the Be Yourself Podcast.


0:00 - Intro
01:14 - What'd Jim Do for the CIA
04:42 - What Made Jim so Good?
05:40 - Qualities of Top Intelligence Officers
06:51 - 10 Years to Recruit a Source
11:30 - How CIA Selects Potential Spies
13:02 - Reruiting Someone with Moral Objection
21:00 - More Top Intellegence Officer Qualities
22:40 - Confirming/Debunking CIA Myths
26:16 - "Sleepers"
28:45 - Direct Danger to Jim's Life
30:42 - Human Motivation to Betray their Country
33:53 - Moral Purity and Integrity
36:08 - Jim's Thoughs on Jefffey Epstein
37:53 - How to Create Better Leaders
40:40 - Follow Jim


James Resources ~

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-lawler-3bb7347
Books and Media Apprarences: https://www.theguildlibrary.com


Note from the Host ~

If you'd like to invite me to host an event, give a public speech, or are interested in an interview, feel free to drop a line: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly
Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly

Podcast and Shorts Production: https://beverlyen.com/production

🚀 All the key decision-makers are on LinkedIn! Whether you’re fundraising, hiring top talent, or finding B2B/B2C customers, LinkedIn is one of the most powerful platforms for growth.

In this episode of Be Yourself Podcast, Sergey talks with Roman Pikalenko, one of Europe’s leading climate tech ghost writers. Roman helps founders and executives attract capital and talent through LinkedIn strategies.

We cover:
🌱 How climate tech founders can master LinkedIn
⚠️ Common LinkedIn mistakes and growth tips
🔄 Building and pivoting audiences for new markets
🎯 Ideal customer profiling (ICP) for better connections
📰🎙️ Using newsletters and podcasts to engage your community

Whether you’re a founder, executive, or marketer, this episode is full of actionable tips on LinkedIn growth, audience building, and scaling in climate tech. 🔔 Subscribe to Be Yourself Podcast for more insights from top founders and thought leaders!

0:00 - On This Episode
0:42 - Who's Roman
1:08 - The Climate Founder LinkedIn Gap
2:56 - How Big Is the Climate Tech Market?
5:41 - Founder Personal Branding Mistakes
11:14 - Growing a 27K LinkedIn Audience
17:32 - Does the Wrong Audience Still Help?
21:23 - Know Your Customer or Fail
25:45 - Climate Startups vs Big Polluters
27:53 - Why Newsletters Still Matter
32:19 - The Newsletter Playbook for Founders
35:34 - Ghostwriting for Beginners

Roman's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roman-pikalenko/

If you'd like to invite me to host an event, give a public speech, or are interested in an interview, feel free to drop a line: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly
Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly

Podcast and Shorts Production: https://beverlyen.com/production

Why does it get late early? In this episode of Be Yourself Podcast Maureen Wiley Clough, host of It Gets Late Early, spills the story behind her podcast, the crazy career hurdles she noticed, and why so few people talk about “aging out” of the corporate world.

We dive into taking big leaps, going all-in on your side hustle, and why half-measures just don’t cut it. She gets real about leadership, honesty, life values, and navigating major life and career twists - especially for women figuring things out in their 30s and 40s.

Plus, Maureen shares what keeps her going, how she builds her personal brand, and a few hard-won truths about chasing your own path. Inspiring, real, and full of takeaways you’ll actually use.

0:00 - In This Episode
0:48 - Why It Gets Late Early
3:16 - The Problem Behind the Podcast
6:50 - Side Gig vs Full Commitment
9:20 - Visibility and Its Consequences
13:04 - Can Employees Be Friends?
14:05 - Values in Life and Work
22:34 - International Men's Day
24:15 - Career Advice for Women in Their 30s
29:24 - Your Circle During Transformation
30:42 - Building a Distinct Personal Brand
34:32 - Mo's Message to the World

Maureen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/
Maureen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maureenwclough/

If you'd like to invite me to host an event, give a public speech, or are interested in an interview, feel free to drop a line: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly
Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly

Podcast and Shorts Production: https://beverlyen.com/production

Why do so many talented entrepreneurs stay invisible — even when their work is exceptional?

In this episode of the Be Yourself Podcast, I sit down with Lakshmi Rebecca to unpack what it really takes to build a strong personal brand and earn real online visibility in today’s noisy digital world.

Lakshmi shares her journey from early YouTube creator to founder of a global agency, and how stepping away from content helped her build systems, scale her business, and return with clarity. We talk about the uncomfortable truth behind personal branding, why most creators don’t make money, and how to align your content strategy with actual business growth.

Inside this conversation:
🔥 The difference between visibility and credibility
🎯 Finding your niche in a crowded market
💡 Building a profitable personal brand without losing authenticity
📈 Systems, delegation, and scaling beyond yourself
🚀 Long-term thinking in entrepreneurship

If you’re navigating entrepreneurship, building an agency business, or trying to connect content with revenue — this episode will challenge how you think about brand building and growth.

This is a real business story about clarity, discipline, and choosing substance over noise.

🎧 Subscribe for deeper conversations on personal development, visibility, and creating a brand that truly represents you.


0:00 - Episode Teaser & Intro
01:34 - Why We Should be Visible Online
04:10 - Best Discoverability Methods
07:02 - Respecting Social Platforms
09:32 - Lakshmi's Business Evolution
18:35 - Creating a Meaningful Life
23:38 - Earning From a Personal Brand
33:17 - Strategic Content Creation
37:40 - Sticky Revenue

Lakshmi's Resources ~

IG: https://www.instagram.com/lakshmirebecca/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lakshmirebeccashow

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

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If you'd like to invite me to host an event, give a public speech, or are interested in an interview, feel free to drop a line: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly
Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly

Podcast and Shorts Production: https://beverlyen.com/production

What happens when you use AI for self discovery instead of productivity?

In this episode of the Be Yourself Podcast, I sit down with Jordan Seggman (Seggy) to explore how talking to ChatGPT became less about content and more about clarity. What started as curiosity turned into an honest experiment with AI pattern recognition and better questions.

During a personal rock bottom at 30, Seggy began “brain-dumping” his thoughts into AI. Instead of generic reassurance, he started seeing a clear pattern: fear was driving many of his decisions. That realization changed how he approached his life.

We talk about the wrong way to use AI, why discernment matters more than prompt engineering, whether AI is truly a threat, and what it means to compete with AI without losing yourself. We also dive into belief systems, attention, external validation, and ownership.

If this resonates, subscribe to the Be Yourself Podcast for more real conversations.

0:00 - Episode Teaser & Intro
02:05 - Why Seggy Talks to ChatGPT on Video
05:50 - Wrong Approach to Using AI
09:16 - How Seggy Revealed His Life Patterns
15:57 - Things Seggy Discovered with AI
17:45 - Are Questions More Important than Answers?
21:50 - Creation of SeggySaid Videos
26:24 - Future of AI & Threat to Humanity
33:02 - Sergey's Fear of Competing with AI
35:25 - Don't Be Scared of What You Can't Control
38:18 - The Result of Belief Systems
43:23 - Selective Attention Attribution
50:05 - External Validation Trap
53:00 - Reality Transurfing
59:50 - Final Word from Seggy

Seggy's Resources ~

IG: https://www.instagram.com/seggysaid/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanseggman/
Paradigm Experience YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheParadigmExperience
SeggySaid YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SeggySaid

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If you'd like to invite me to host an event, give a public speech, or are interested in an interview, feel free to drop a line: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly
Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly

Podcast and Shorts Production: https://beverlyen.com/production

In this raw episode of the Be Yourself Podcast, I sit down with David Angel to unpack the brutal truth about sales through the lens of collapse, addiction, recovery, and rebuilding from zero. After losing his businesses, home, and possessions, David was forced to confront both personal addiction and professional identity and start over. The journey from rock bottom to becoming a recovered addict reshaped how he sees selling, making money, and success itself.

We explore why no one actually cares about what you sell — they care about results. The real truth about sales is not persuasion, manipulation, or flashy sales techniques. It’s about reducing risk, increasing certainty, and delivering on promises. Through addiction recovery and business failure, David discovered that sustainable success in sales and entrepreneurship starts with radical honesty — first with yourself, then with your clients.

This conversation blends sales psychology, addiction recovery, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. If you want to understand the brutal truth about sales, rebuild after failure, and sharpen your ability to deliver real value, this episode is for you.

🎙 Subscribe to the Be Yourself Podcast for more conversations on leadership, self-improvement, sales mastery, recovery, and becoming better people in business and in life.


0:00 - Episode Teaser & Intro
01:24 - Main Misconceptions in Sales Today
03:58 - Helping Potential Buyers Understand Value
05:22 - Sergey's Story on Finding a Business Coach
07:05 - Cheaper Price Vs. Higher Trust
09:55 - How to Generate More Prospects
11:00 - Sales Roleplay & High Price Objection
14:00 - Evergreen Sales Advice
17:30 - Using AI in Sales
21:38 - How David Got Clean
25:50 - Starting in Business Afresh
28:35 - Realization of a Finite Life
31:42 - Incremental Gains and Losses
33:05 - How Much Happiness Costs

David's Resources ~

Website: https://tusta.co.uk/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/davidthesalesangel
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidthesalesangel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidthesalesangel/


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If you'd like to invite me to host an event, give a public speech, or are interested in an interview, feel free to drop a line: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly
Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly

Podcast and Shorts Production: https://beverlyen.com/production