✨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/ 

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

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

✨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 [email protected]

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!

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

Discover No More Boring Workshops:

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

✨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      

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

✨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 

✨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#/   

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Let’s spark agency together!