Conscious Consulting Podcast

In this Podcast Episode Julia Culen is joined by Carles Navarro Vigo, Managing Director of BASF Spain & Portugal until the end of 2025 and a leader with 36 years of global experience. From his early days as a young engineer in 1989 to leading one of the world’s most influential chemical companies through times of profound transformation, Carles shares an unusually open and reflective leadership journey.

Having worked and lived across Spain, Turkey, and Canada, Carles brings a deeply global and human perspective on leadership. He speaks candidly about how his mindset evolved—from a technically driven, results-focused leader to one who consciously integrates purpose, people, planet, and profit.

We explore what Conscious Leadership really means in an industrial, performance-driven environment

• navigating the tension between planet and profit
• radical transparency and leadership integrity
• Carles' personal and professional journey towards responsible and conscious leadership
• regenerative business and the limits of capitalism and the future of business
• what the next generation of leaders truly needs

A rare, honest conversation about leadership, responsibility, and the courage to act in alignment with what one says and stands for.

 Our guest today is Kristina Radulovic, a transformation & business coach specializing in achieving high performance of individuals and teams in corporate environments. She brings deep expertise working with clients from different industries and managerial levels, including individuals from major companies such as Amazon, Booking.com, JTI, Molten, and Holcim. 

Kristina works with driven individuals to help them understand and change the underlying thought patterns—the mental programming—that lead to self-doubt and imposter syndrome, unlocking genuine, sustainable confidence. 

Using research from neuroscience and cognitive psychology, her focus is on translating complex brain functions into simple, actionable strategies. Kristina’s work is all about equipping you with the knowledge to master your own mind and achieve your biggest goals.

We will talk about self-doubt, the brain and the neuroscience of building self-confidence: 

• • Breaking the Cycle of Self-Doubt
  Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
• Overcoming Negative Feedback Impact
• Overcoming Self-Doubt Through Awareness
• Stress Management and Self-Compassion
• Stress Management and Rational Response
• Mastering Positive Thought Patterns

Overcoming Self-Doubt Strategies

Contact Kristina directly: https://www.brainup.work/about

www.ccg-group.eu

In this episode we meet Claire Léost, CEO of Prisma Media and accomplished author and novelist. 

In this podcast Claire is in conversation with Julia Culen and gives deep insights in her leadership style rooted in creativity, purpose and intuition.

She shares with us why

- she doesn't listen to advice

- we don't have to choose and can be anything and everything

- a strategy is not always helpful

- and what hinders girls and women from getting what and where they want to be. 

Claire is

- A Leader in Media Transformation – As President of Prisma Media, France’s leading magazine publisher, she is at the forefront of digital transformation and innovation in an industry facing constant disruption. She is shaping the future of journalism and content creation.

-  Bridging Business & Creativity – Unlike many CEOs, Claire is also an accomplished author, bringing a deep understanding of storytelling, human emotions, and societal themes into her leadership. Her novels explore themes of ambition, resilience, and identity.

-  Champion for Women & Leadership – Her book Le Rêve brisé des working girls explores the challenges women face in corporate leadership, highlighting her commitment to gender equality and workplace inclusion. Courage to Challenge the Norm – Whether in media, business, or literature, Claire has consistently taken bold, unconventional paths—advocating for a new era of leadership rooted in purpose, intuition, and vision.

https://www.prismamedia.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/claireleost/

Welcome to the Conscious Consulting Podcast. Today we take you to Madrid, where we meet Gonzalo Brujo, CEO of Interbrand, thought leader and author of multiple books.

Gonzalo, who brings decades of experience advising some of the world’s most influential brands, explains why leadership and branding are no longer just about strategy - it is about the art of listening, building deep human connection, showing integrity and bravery and - last but not least - getting things done. 

Enjoy with us the authentic and open insights of a global CEO, talking about how a humane approach to business can make business more joyful, creative and successful.

We will explore topics such as:  

• 🎙 Empathy & Listening as Leadership Superpowers – How they build stronger teams and authentic brand and empowers employees 

  🎙 Brand Building Through Purpose & Sustainability – Why purpose-driven brands thrive and how sustainability fuels long-term success.

  🎙 Conscious Leadership & Innovation – The role of courage, action, and human connection in shaping the future.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gonzalo-brujo

https://interbrand.com/

Welcome to the Conscious Consulting Podcast, My name is Julia Culen and for this new episode, I am here in the center of Madrid to meet today’s guest Carolina Alvarez- Ossario  Chief Marketing Officer at ECOALF

ECOALF designs and markets high-quality textile products and accessories made from recycled materials such as PET bottles, discarded fishing nets, old tires, post-consumer coffee and post-industrial cotton

We talk about the challenges of marketing sustainability, and how leadership, culture and working  the right people people play an important role in driving meaningful change. Plus, we discuss how conscious consumers are shaping the future of fashion and turn the mission into a shared movement. 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on purpose-driven branding, innovation, and the path to a more sustainable industry!

https://ecoalf.com/

Welcome to the Conscious Consulting Podcast!

I am Julia Culen, Founding Partner of Conscious Consulting Group

Today we welcome Surya Tahora.. Surya is a Professor of the Science of Spirituality and the Executive Director of the Centre for Wisdom in Leadership at the SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai, India 

His focus areas include Eastern Philosophy, Meditative Practices, Cognitive Neurosciences, Personal Growth, and Ethics, especially in Leadership Development.

In this episode, we explore the profound concept of "Leading at the Edge of the Known," diving into the challenges, wisdom, and opportunities that come with navigating the complexities of modern life and leadership.

Key Themes Discussed

1. Navigating Modern Challenges With Wisdom

   • Surya reflects on the unprecedented disruptions of our era, including technological, political, and emotional shifts. Drawing on wisdom traditions like Advaita Vedanta, he underscores the value of timeless insights to guide us through uncertainty and align with a sense of integration and purpose.

2. The Cosmic Web and Human Roles

   • Surya introduces the idea of a grand interconnected cosmic web, from quantum particles to galaxies. He explores how understanding this web and embracing roles as both doers (Karta) and experiencers (Bhakta) can lead to deeper alignment with the universal order. Using the story of Rama from Yoga Vashishta, he illustrates how embracing life’s challenges as a “great experiencer” can transform our perspective.

3. Human Consciousness and Spiritual Growth

   • The discussion explores the evolution of human consciousness, moving from reactive behaviors driven by personal desires to a higher state of awareness and universal values. Surya describes the ultimate state— Mahābhakta—as one of spontaneous action in harmony with the larger web of life, free from personal fears or preferences.

4. Embedding Dharma in Organizations

   • Surya emphasizes the critical role of embedding Dharma (ethics) within organizations, highlighting its long-term economic and social benefits. He stresses that transformational leadership must start at the top, with leaders embodying openness, collaboration, and a commitment to nurturing all stakeholders.

Takeaways for Listeners

• Learn how ancient wisdom can offer practical tools to navigate the complexities of modern life.
• Discover how to align leadership styles with universal values to foster sustainable growth and collaboration.
• Reflect on the interconnectedness of human existence and how embracing this perspective can transform personal and professional challenges.

 This podcast was recorded during a live event in January 2025

https://www.spjimr.org/faculty/surya-tahora/

https://www.spjimr.org/

https://discovervedanta.com/surya-tahora/

https://ccg-group.eu

Today’s guest is Jean-Sébastien, a seasoned expert in leadership development and the founder of the Productive Behaviors workshop, which has empowered thousands of business students with the essential soft skills to thrive in their careers. Over more than a decade, he has trained over 500 leaders across sectors, from the military to private industry, in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Driven by a desire to explore deeper dimensions of life and leadership, Jean-Sébastien embarked on a personal journey studying philosophy, psychology, and spirituality, which took him from San Francisco, where he studied East-West Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies., to India, where he practiced Integral Yoga at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. 

Today, Jean-Sébastien bridges business and spirituality, coaching, consulting and training visionary leaders with his Conscious Business Approach and creating the first Conscious Business class at ESSEC Business School. Also, he is cooperation Partner of Conscious Consulting Group.

Welcome!

Today we are talking about t the intersection of psychology/mindset with sustainability - how we are limiting ourselves and preventing a more sustainable world from occurring with our own mindset.

https://jeansebastiensimon.com/

https://ccg-group.eu/podcast-2/

Welcome to the Conscious Consulting Podcast. In this podcast episode Julia Culen explores the meaning, deeper dimensions and importance Intuition with HRUND GUNNSTEINSDÓTTIR

Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir is an Icelandic sustainability leader, advisor, speaker, writer, and filmmaker known for bridging sectors to inspire creativity and solutions. 

With a background in post-conflict reconstruction with the UN, innovation, and the arts, she advises global leaders, universities, and nonprofits. 

Co-director and scriptwriter of *InnSæi - The Sea Within*, available on major streaming platforms, Hrund also serves on Yale's International Leadership Center Advisory Council. Recognized as a Yale World Fellow and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, she has studied at top institutions including Stanford, Harvard, and Yale.

We discuss topics such as:

• The deeper meaning of Intuition and the Icelandic word InnSæi
• The role of intuition for innovation and navigating complex and unknown territory
• How to access our unconscious mind and knowing through intuition
• Intuition & Leadership
• The importance of reclaiming our attention - and pay attention what we pay attention to

Links to connect with Hrund:

InnSæi Book English: https://geni.us/InnSaeiBook

InnSæi Book German: https://www.rowohlt.de/buch/hrund-gunnsteinsdottir-die-kunst-des-innsaei-9783499015939

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrundgunnsteinsdottir/?utm_source=qr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrundgunnsteinsd%C3%B3ttir/

Website: https://www.hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com/

Newsletter: https://substack.com/@hrund

Welcome to the Conscious Consulting Podcast. Today, we are honored to have Prof. Madhumita Chatterji as our guest. Dr. Chatterji is the Director of ABBS School of Management in Bangalore (Acharya Bangalore B School) and has also taught at renowned institutions such as Corvinus University in Budapest.

Her extensive work covers Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Governance, Business Ethics, Cross-Cultural Management, Business History, and Indian Ethos and Culture.

She has authored several books, including  "Corporate Social Responsibility," "Ethical Leadership – Indian and European Spiritual Approaches," and "New Frontiers in Conflict Management, Peace Economics and Peace Science." Dr. Chatterji is the Executive Director of the Mahatma Gandhi International Research Centre for Conflict Prevention and Management, a Member of the Advisory Board of the European SPES Institute, and a Founding Board Member of the South Asian Alliance of Disaster Research Institutes (SAADRI).

Dr. Chatterji is actively involved in research, teaching, and training senior executives in various soft skills, including team building, emotional intelligence, and cross-cultural understanding. Join us as we delve into her insights and experiences on creating a more conscious and ethical business world.

Questions we touched upon in this podcast:

- Madhumitas motivation and journey into ethics and sustainability

- What is an ethical business and leader?

- Why Businesses are based in Ethics - and when did we go wrong?

- What are the key questions and challenges the next generation has?

- Why is it so important to teach ethics at a young age?

- Wealth, prosperity and happiness

- Being in harmony includes everyone and everything 

- How can we be ethical in an unethical world?

- What are the current and future projects?

- The role of Equality & Inclusion 

- and many more topics

linkedin.com/in/prof-dr-madhumita-chatterji-42b9061a

e-mail: [email protected]

Profile: https://www.abbssm.edu.in/faculty-profile/dr-madhumita-chatterji/

https://ccg-group.eu/

https://ccg-group.eu/podcast-2/

e-mail: [email protected]

-

In this episode we will talk with Sebastian Bechinger, Austria's first and only (for now) Neurodiversity Coach. He also is a movement therapist.  Systemicc coach and Alumni of the Conscious Consulting Masterclass. 

Neuroinclusion can be considered as the next level in DEI (diversity, equality and inclusion) with one key difference: other than gender, age, ethnological background it is invisible to others and highly individual - and needs extra sensitivity and attention. Abou 15% percent of the population is neurodivergent and as a consequence has some extra challenges but also specific talents that are not harnessed if people have to hide or "mask" them. 

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variations in the human brain, behavior and nervous system. It includes individuals with different cognitive and learning styles, personalities, and abilities.

Embracing neurodiversity fosters diversity and inclusion, attracting a wider range of talent and creating a positive work environment. By recognizing and leveraging the strengths of neurodiverse individuals, organizations can unlock their full potential and drive long-term success.

In this episode we will explore in this podcast episodes topics such as:

• What is "neurodiversity”
• What is the between the terms neurodiversity, neurodivergent and neuroinclusion.
• What are some of the main kinds of neurodivergence that people talk about?
• Why does it matter in organizations?
• What can leaders and organizational cultures do to further a culture of neuroinclusion and what are the key challenges?
• What are specific steps companies and organizations can and should take to create a culture of neuroinclusion?

For more information please contact:

Sebastian Bechinger at:  www.neurodiverseandproud.com

more information:

• Eide, B., & Eide, F. (2011). The Dyslexic Advantage : Unlocking the hidden potential of the dyslexic brain. Hudson Street Press.
• Grandin, T. (2023). Visual Thinking. Penguin.
• Griggs, K. (2021). This is Dyslexia. Random House.
• Hallowell, E. M., & Ratey, J. J. (2021). ADHD 2.0 : new science and essential strategies for thriving with distraction-from childhood through adulthood. Ballantine Books.
• I referenced Manuel Casanova, he is on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuel-casanova-b009b914/ and wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_CasanovaAlso,
• for general resources regarding neurodiversity, https://www.understood.org, 
• https://madebydyslexia.org 
•  http://amazing15.at do interesting work - they're pretty focused on job-market integration for people with autism, but they're broadening out.