Genius Leadership: Overcoming Everything Podcast

What does it take to lead a company through challenging times while fostering a culture of trust and resilience? In this episode, I sit down with Oleksandr Mykolaienko, CEO of Tallium, a company focused on crafting top-notch mobile and web applications for both startups and enterprises.

During the episode, Oleksandr shares his journey from founding his company in Ukraine to managing a distributed team across multiple countries. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, Oleksandr has continued to lead with a focus on team’s well-being, trust, and sustainable growth.

We explore how Oleksandr navigated the shift from working 24/7 to creating a balanced leadership style that supports both personal and professional well-being. He opens up about the key mindset shifts that helped him say no to more clients, projects, and tasks—ultimately leading to improved focus and productivity. Oleksandr also shares how he learned to delegate effectively and trust his team, even when managing remotely.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• How Oleksandr built Tallium from the ground up and scaled it to a 100-person team

Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

Anna

Resources:

Connect with Oleksandr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oleks-mykolaienko-ua/?originalSubdomain=nl 

Learn more about Tallium: https://tallium.com/company 

Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning  

Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall  

Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/ 

How do you balance strong leadership with vulnerability? What does maintaining harmony in a team full of diverse opinions take, especially when everyone is passionate about the mission? 

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the world of Evolytes, the innovative math learning platform that’s changing the game in education. I’m joined by Mathieu Skulason and Iris E. Gisladottir, the brilliant minds behind Evolytes, as we explore the nuances of leadership, team dynamics, and the realities of startup life.

In Part 1, we discussed the origins of Evolytes and how Mathieu and Iris turned a simple idea into a powerful educational tool. 

In Part 2, we delve into their strategies to foster a strong team culture, make tough product decisions, and choose the right investors. Whether you’re building a startup or looking to improve your leadership skills, this episode is filled with valuable insights and practical advice.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• How to foster a team culture where challenging ideas is encouraged and valued

Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

Anna

Resources:

Connect with Mathieu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathieuskulason/ 

Connect with Iris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iriseg/ 

Learn more about Evolytes: https://www.evolytes.com/ 

Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning 

Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall 

Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/ 

How can game-based learning reshape the future of math education? What happens when a team of visionaries decide to challenge the status quo of traditional learning? 

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating story behind Evolytes, a math learning platform that is taking Iceland by storm and expanding its impact globally. I’m joined by Mathieu Skulason and Iris E. Gisladottir, the innovative minds behind Evolytes, who share their unconventional journeys into education technology, the challenges of creating an educative game that kids actually want to play, and the bold decisions that helped them scale their impact.

In part 1 of our conversation, we explore how Mathieu’s background in psychology and software engineering merged with Iris’s experience in business and sales to create something truly special. You’ll hear about the unexpected obstacles they faced, the pivotal moments that defined their success, and the role of diversity and collaboration in their innovative approach.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• The unconventional paths that led Mathieu and Iris to building Evolytes

Stay tuned for next week when we continue the conversation with Iris and Mathieu. You will find out about the uncomfortable truth about fundraising that many founders should know and much more.

Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

Anna

Resources:

Connect with Mathieu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathieuskulason/ 

Connect with Iris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iriseg/ 

Learn more about Evolytes: https://www.evolytes.com/ 

Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning 

Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall 

Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/ 

What does it truly mean to be in control of your life? How do you navigate the complexities of modern living, set boundaries that protect your well-being, and channel your energy into pursuits that fulfil you? In this solo episode, I dive into the art of self-leadership, offering practical strategies that will empower you to take the helm and steer your life in the direction you desire.

Throughout the episode, I share insights drawn from my own experiences and those of my clients, illustrating how small but intentional changes can create a ripple effect in your overall well-being. We will explore the power of saying no, daily habits that enhance your physical health, and how it can free up time and energy for what truly matters.

Whether you’re at a crossroads in your life, seeking more balance, or simply wanting to live with greater intention, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you regain control and “become the captain of your own life”. Tune in and discover how you can start making impactful changes today!

In this episode, you will learn about:

• The importance of saying “No” and how it can be a game-changer in your life

Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

Anna

Resources:

50 Shades of ”No” - Your Guide to Protecting Your Boundaries

Mindshifting Moment 7. What the Hell Is Energy Budget?

Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning  

Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall  

Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/ 

How do you stay resilient when faced with personal and professional hardships? What steps can you take to understand and manage burnout effectively? Imagine pushing through multiple business challenges while also dealing with stress, anxiety, and personal loss. How do you keep moving forward and stay passionate about your work?

This week's guest is Haukur Gudjonsson, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience and a passion for building startups that solve problems and create value. Haukur has a diverse portfolio, from investing in real estate to running startups focused on tech and education. He is the CEO and founder of Sundra, a SaaS captioning solution that automates the transcribing of subtitles and captions.

During the episode, Haukur shares his journey of overcoming mental health challenges and the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to business and life. He opens up about the critical lessons learned from his experiences with burnout, the importance of self-awareness, and how he managed to rebuild his life and career. 

In this episode, you will learn about:

• Haukur's entrepreneurial journey and the challenges he had to face

Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

Anna

Resources:

Connect with Haukur on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haukurgud/ 

Learn more about Sundra: https://www.sundra.io 

Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning 

Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall  

Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/ 

What happens when a seasoned entrepreneur steps into a transformative program like the Mindkicker? How can this experience help professionals find new perspectives and deeper balance? In this episode, we explore the impactful journey of Håkan Mildh Svensson, another Mindkicker participant, who shares his journey of discovery and growth through the program.

A dynamic and visionary entrepreneur, Håkan is the founder of Berotec, a platform for entrepreneurial business in the engineering sector. In this episode, he dives into his multifaceted career and the driving forces behind his continuous pursuit of growth. 

He discusses the art of balancing ambition with personal well-being, and the value of making decisions without overthinking. He talks about his participation in the Mindkicker program, what made him want to join and the invaluable lessons he took from this experience.  He opens up about his struggles with maintaining his true self while striving to meet the needs of others, revealing how the program helped him overcome them.

We dive into the importance of curiosity, mindfulness, and self-appreciation in achieving a balanced and fulfilling life. We also discuss the significance of self-leadership, and the importance of creating space for reflection. 

Join us as we explore Håkan’s meaningful experience with the Mindkicker program, the key lessons he took from it and how he has implemented them in his personal and professional life.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• About Håkan’s entrepreneurial journey and diverse professional background

Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

Anna

Resources:

Connect with Håkan:https://www.linkedin.com/in/h%C3%A5kan-mildh-svensson/

Book Håkan’s Entrepreneur fika: https://www.videoask.com/fn5ra77am 

Join Mindkicker in January 2025: https://www.mindkicker.se/iceland25/

Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning 

Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall 

Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/ 

How can a successful professional continuously push their boundaries and explore new horizons? What drives an individual to keep seeking growth and challenge even when life seems settled? How can the Mindkicker program transform your perspective and help you embrace the joy of continuous growth?

In this episode, we delve into the transformative experience of another Mindkicker program participant, Shamala Samuelsson, who shares her incredible journey from her roots in Malaysia to becoming a dynamic leader and interim consultant in Sweden. 

Shamala’s background in auditing and financial compliance, combined with her adventurous spirit and incredible ability for self-reflection, makes for an inspiring conversation. As a participant in the Mindkicker program, she reflects on how the program has helped her discover new facets of herself and talks about the importance of curiosity, mindfulness, and self-appreciation in achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• The transformative power of curiosity and continuous learning

Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

Anna

Resources:

Connect with Shamala: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamala-samuelsson-fca-4a2494b/

Join Mindkicker in January 2025: https://www.mindkicker.se/iceland25/

Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning 

Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall 

Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/ 

How do you manage the challenges and the demands of being a CEO while maintaining a fulfilling family life? What strategies can you use to optimize both professional and personal commitments effectively? Imagine leading a dynamic company and having two early teenagers at home, while your spouse also holds a high-pressure job that involves frequent travel. How do you keep everything balanced and running smoothly?

In this episode, we delve into the transformative experience of one of the Mindkicker program participants. As the CEO of Lyfjaver in Iceland, Hakon Steinsson faced the challenge of growing a business while managing a busy family life and felt like he needed to take a break and reset.

At the Mindkicker kickoff, Hakon embraced the opportunity to disconnect from daily distractions and immerse himself in physical training, meaningful groupwork, meditation, and stress management practices which provided him with new perspectives and tools for achieving balance. These experiences have significantly enhanced both his professional and personal life, allowing him to navigate challenges more effectively.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• Hakon's decision to join the Mindkicker retreat and his initial expectations

Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

Anna

Resources:

Connect with Hakon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hakon-steinsson 

Learn more about Lyfjaver: https://www.lyfjaver.is 

Join Mindkicker in January 2025: https://www.mindkicker.se/iceland25/

Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning 

Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall 

Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/

Hey Genius Leader! In this short episode, I am sharing the podcast plan for July and the reasons behind it, along with giving you a sneak peek for what's to come in August.

Follow me on LinkedIn to get hand-picked suggestions of episodes for July: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-liebel/

Learn more about Mindkicker in 2025: https://www.mindkicker.se/iceland25/

Join me for Mindshifting Year with the surfcamp kickoff: https://mailchi.mp/01c8c7d79080/mindshifting-surfcamp

Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning 

Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall 

Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua 

How can you transform your life from living paycheck to paycheck to running a multi-million dollar business? What drives an entrepreneur to push through insurmountable challenges and come out successful on the other side? Imagine facing the daunting decision of risking everything for a dream and the responsibility of providing for a child on the way. How do you find the strength to keep going when everyone tells you to stop?

This week's guest is Anatoliy Labinskiy, a successful entrepreneur and eCommerce expert with four Two Comma Club awards who has an incredible journey from a struggling food runner to a global CEO. Anatoliy is the founder of GSM Growth, an agency for e-commerce success, and co-founder of EcomScout.io, an AI-powered ad optimization service. He hosts the Ecom Business Stream Podcast, is a Forbes Business Council member, and one of the Top 100 USA Entrepreneurs with Ukrainian origins. 

From overcoming financial hardships and navigating personal crises to discovering the transformative power of mentorship, Anatoliy's experiences offer valuable insights for any aspiring entrepreneur. Join us as we discuss the strategies he applied to build a thriving business, the importance of having a strong "why," and the lessons learned along the way.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• Anatoliy's humble beginnings in Ukraine and his move to Dubai

Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

Anna

Resources:

Connect with Anatoliy on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/anatoliylabinskiy/

Learn more about GSM Growth Agency: https://gsmgrowthagency.com/

Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning 

Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall 

Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua