Knowledge Mindfulness Porch

Is self-employment really as independent as the name suggests?

In this conversation, Dr. Laila Marouf is joined by Matthew Knight — independent strategist, mental health activist, and founder of Leapers — to explore what freelancing and self-employment actually require beneath the promise of freedom and flexibility.

Together, they unpack why the “self” in self-employment is more myth than reality, how confidence quietly erodes without the structures employment used to provide, and why rest, community, and what Matthew calls “active design” are not optional extras but the foundation of a sustainable career. They also reframe freedom itself, not as independence from others but as an ongoing, intentional design of interdependence, with Matthew's own conviction: “I don't think freelancing gives you freedom. I think it increases flexibility.”

Knowledge Mindfulness Porch is a space for thoughtful conversation hosted by Dr. Laila Marouf, exploring how Knowing (New Learning), Being (New Leadership), and Doing (New Living) unfold as interconnected, living practices in times of unconventional change and polycrisis. 

Join us on the Porch. Connect: knowledgemindfulness.com

What does it really mean to flourish (not just survive) in today’s unconventional times?

In this conversation, Dr. Laila Marouf is joined by Tamu Thomas  — somatic coach, former social worker, and author of Women Who Work Too Much — to explore what it actually takes to flourish in a culture that rewards over-functioning, and why "too much" has become the default setting for so many women.

Together, they explore why "too much" looks different at every life stage, how toxic productivity gets mistaken for commitment, and why belonging, joy, and safety are the nervous system's real markers of a flourishing life. They also reframe ambition itself - not as a destination but as fuel, an energy source that can either drive us toward flourishing or burn us out - with Tamu's own north star: becoming "a well-rested woman."

Knowledge Mindfulness Porch is a space for thoughtful conversation hosted by Dr. Laila Marouf, exploring how Knowing (New Learning), Being (New Leadership), and Doing (New Living) unfold as interconnected, living practices in times of unconventional change and polycrisis. 

Join us on the Porch. Connect: knowledgemindfulness.com

Chapters:
0:00 Coming up
2:37 Rethinking human flourishing
15:55 Belonging, joy, and safety
20:40 Judgement vs feedback
24:35 The meaning of ambition
35:20 AI and human thinking

“Leadership has only one definition,” says Krishiv Gandhi. “How many leaders did you create?”

In this conversation, Dr. Laila Marouf is joined by Krishiv Gandhi – engineer, second-generation family business leader, and entrepreneur in early childhood education – to reflect on what it means to lead with intention in a world changing faster than our systems can keep up with.

Together they explore why leadership comes down to one question – how many leaders did you create – and why knowing yourself is the foundation everything else is built on. They look honestly at what the education system is still getting wrong, what happens when you bring EQ and mindfulness into the earliest years of a child‘s life, and what a 10-day silent Vipassana retreat taught the young leader. The conversation also turns to the bigger questions – AI and what it threatens, the difference between hope and optimism, and what must remain irreducibly human as technology accelerates.

Knowledge Mindfulness Porch is hosted by Dr. Laila Marouf, exploring how Knowing, Being, and Doing come together in times of unconventional change and polycrisis. Through thoughtful conversations with leaders, thinkers, and practitioners across disciplines, the Porch creates space for reflection, discernment, and sense-making. Join us on the Porch. 

Connect: 
https://knowledgemindfulness.com 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laila-marouf/

Music ID: 5TUYXXUNQDOAARSN

Most people plan their career. Ghalia Alul was guided into hers—from working for Queen Rania to government communications to opening a plant-based restaurant—by what she calls the invisible hand.

In this conversation, Dr. Laila Marouf is joined by Ghalia Alul – communications professional, Director of Capacity Building, and restaurateur – to explore what 25 years in communications ultimately teaches you about being human.

Together they uncover why the most urgent skill today has nothing to do with messaging and everything to do with inner clarity, why organisations don't need sharper strategies, they need people who don't take things personally, who don't assume, and who are impeccable with their word. And how the deepest professional wisdom often arrives through the most personal of journeys — through loss, through a spontaneous trip to Bali, through turning 50 — when life finally gets still enough to listen to.

Knowledge Mindfulness Porch is a podcast hosted by Dr. Laila Marouf, exploring how Knowing, Being, and Doing come together in times of unconventional change and poly-crisis. Through thoughtful conversations with leaders, thinkers, and practitioners across disciplines, cultures and generations, The Porch creates space for reflection, discernment, and sense-making.

Join us on the Porch.

Connect:

https://knowledgemindfulness.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laila-marouf/ 

In a fast world, leadership begins with who we are — not only what we do. 

In this conversation, Dr. Laila Marouf is joined by Fahad Abdulrahim Kazim, Co-Founder of Legacy Hotels Holding, to reflect on identity, legacy, and what it means to lead as a human being first in times of unconventional change. Together, they explore building culture without wearing a “work persona,” why reputation is earned through the quality of relationships, and how leaders hold both the practical and the philosophical in the same frame. The conversation also touches on wellness beyond the physical, intergenerational continuity, and how AI brings renewed focus to a timeless question: what must remain human? 

Knowledge Mindfulness Porch is hosted by Dr. Laila Marouf, exploring how Knowing, Being, and Doing come together in times of unconventional change and polycrisis. Through thoughtful conversations with leaders, thinkers, and practitioners across disciplines, the Porch creates space for reflection, discernment, and sense-making. Join us on the Porch. 

Connect: 
https://knowledgemindfulness.com 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laila-marouf/

Unconventional times call for leadership anchored in humanity.In this conversation, Dr. Laila Marouf is joined by Raméz Baassiri, fourth-generation family business leader and author of Interrupted Entrepreneurship, to reflect on leadership in unconventional times where change is fast, multi-dimensional, and deeply uncertain.

Together, they explore adaptability as an organisational capability, the role of intergenerational wisdom in sustaining continuity through reinvention, and why relationships, judgment, and tacit knowledge matter more than ever when there is no clear blueprint forward. The conversation also touches on AI — not as a replacement for human work, but as a lens that sharpens the question of what must remain human as technology accelerates.

Connect:

• https://knowledgemindfulness.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/laila-marouf/ 

Chapters

0:00 Welcome to The Porch

4:44 Embracing Change

8:07 Human Relationships in Organizations

10:13 The Role of AI

12:35 Wisdom from the Past

24:48 Navigating Multi-Generational Workplaces

30:34 The Impact of Women in Business

In part 2, neurologist Dr. Richard Cytowic delves deeper into his pioneering research on synesthesia and its profound implications on how we understand perception. He explains how synesthesia challenges the outdated notion of brain modularity, revealing the brain's inherent cross-connectivity and multisensory interactions. Dr. Cytowic shares insights into how creativity and intuition thrive when we quiet the mind, through activities like walking and meditation, which allow ideas to emerge naturally. The conversation touches on the importance of silence and disconnection as essential nutrients for mental well-being. He also emphasizes the dangers of screen addiction and encourages listeners to embrace breaks and mindful moments away from technology. In parting, Dr. Cytowic urges us to reclaim our focus and creativity by integrating more silence and reflection into our daily routines.

Laila welcomes pioneering neurologist Dr. Richard Cytowic to discuss the impact of digital technology on our brains, explored in his latest book Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age. They delve into the concept of our "Stone Age brains," highlighting how our ancient cognitive limitations struggle to keep up with the constant bombardment of digital distractions. Dr. Cytowic explains how multitasking and information overload deplete our finite mental energy, leading to reduced attention spans and increased stress. The conversation also touches on the addictive nature of modern devices and their behavioral impact, particularly on younger generations. Dr. Cytowic offers practical solutions, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and setting boundaries with technology to maintain cognitive health.

In the second part of this enlightening conversation on The Knowledge Mindfulness Porch, Laila continues her discussion with Jessica Chen, Emmy Award-winning communicator and CEO of Soulcast Media. They delve deeper into Jessica's book Smart Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons, focusing on practical strategies for navigating workplace conflict, building a strong career brand, and advocating for yourself in a way that aligns with your values. Jessica introduces her "TEF Approach" for tactfully saying no, ensuring that you maintain your boundaries while still being seen as a team player. The conversation also touches on the importance of positive skepticism in today’s fast-paced, AI-driven world, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and maintaining genuine human connections in an increasingly automated environment. This episode is packed with actionable insights that will help you elevate your communication skills and career, whether you're dealing with conflict, seeking recognition, or navigating the evolving workplace landscape.

In this episode of The Knowledge Mindfulness Porch, Laila welcomes Emmy Award-winning communicator Jessica Chen, CEO of Soulcast Media, to discuss her new book, Smart Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons. Jessica shares insights from her journey navigating the challenges of growing up in a traditional, quiet culture while working in fast-paced, loud environments like broadcast journalism and corporate America. Together, Laila and Jessica explore the concept of "quiet culture bias" and offer practical strategies for professionals who want to stand out at work without sacrificing their authentic selves. Jessica introduces her "4A Sequence"—Active Listening, Acknowledging, Anchoring, and Answering—a powerful communication framework designed to help even the most introverted individuals confidently contribute in meetings and advance their careers. Whether you're a leader looking to better understand your team or someone seeking to enhance your workplace presence, this conversation offers valuable lessons on blending wisdom with communication to achieve professional success.