Today, Victoria sits down with Juan Alba, technology leader, and AI strategist, for a profound conversation exploring what it means to live authentically, create meaningful impact, and remain deeply human in a world being rapidly transformed by artificial intelligence.

Drawing from his experience at the intersection of technology, innovation, and leadership, Juan shares why authenticity is becoming one of our greatest strengths in an increasingly automated world. He reflects on the importance of understanding our identity beyond our careers, building a life guided by purpose rather than productivity, and recognising that meaningful impact begins with how we show up for ourselves and those around us.

Together, Victoria and Juan explore, identity, education, impact, creativity, and a sense of self. They discuss how to navigate uncertainty with curiosity instead of fear, why emotional intelligence and critical thinking are becoming increasingly valuable, and how embracing technological change doesn't require sacrificing our humanity.

This conversation is a reminder that while technology will continue to evolve, our ability to connect, create, lead with integrity, and live authentically will remain timeless.

In this conversation, you'll learn:

- How to Embrace AI Without Losing Your Humanity 
- Why Authenticity Is Becoming Our Greatest Competitive Advantage 
- How to Build an Identity Beyond Your Career 
- Why Human Presence Matters More Than Ever 
- How to Create Meaningful Impact in an AI-Driven World 
- The Human Skills Technology Can Never Replace 
- How Curiosity and Adaptability Prepare Us for the Future 
- Why Emotional Intelligence Is Essential for Modern Leadership 
- How to Stay Grounded During Times of Rapid Change 
- The Difference Between Productivity and Purpose 
- How to Think Critically in an Age of Infinite Information 
- Why the Future Belongs to Those Who Lead with Presence, Wisdom, and Compassion 

As artificial intelligence continues to transform the world around us, the greatest opportunity isn't simply learning how to use new technology—it's learning how to become more fully ourselves. Because in a future where machines can imitate almost everything, our authenticity, our presence, and the impact we have on others will be what truly sets us apart.

Today, Victoria sits down with Britney Martínez Velarde, a Google and YouTube professional, content creator, and first-generation Latina whose journey is a testament to the power of confidence, curiosity, and saying yes before you feel fully ready.

Growing up in Los Angeles, Britney dreamed of becoming a YouTuber like so many kids her age. Years later, she found herself working at YouTube, helping advertisers grow while simultaneously building her own personal brand. As a first-generation Latina, first-time homeowner in her twenties, and one of the few people who turned a childhood dream of becoming a YouTuber into a career at YouTube itself, Britney's story is a reminder that representation matters—and that possibility expands when we can see ourselves in the paths others have walked before us.

In this conversation, Britney shares how a single LinkedIn message changed the trajectory of her career, ultimately leading to a Google internship and a full-time role at one of the world's most influential technology companies. She opens up about navigating life as the first in her family to pursue opportunities beyond what she had seen growing up, building confidence in unfamiliar rooms, and learning to create opportunities rather than waiting for them to appear.

Together, Victoria and Britney explore what it means to build a multidimensional life in a world that often encourages people to fit into a single box. From moving across cities and cultures—from Los Angeles to San Francisco and now New York City—to balancing a corporate career with content creation, dance, community building, and personal growth, Britney reveals how embracing curiosity and side quests has shaped both her career and identity.

They discuss emotional intelligence, authenticity, networking, creativity, and the importance of building a life that extends beyond a job title. Britney also shares the unexpected story of becoming part of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance after applying for an opportunity she initially believed she wasn't qualified for—a powerful reminder that some of life's most memorable experiences begin when we stop disqualifying ourselves before others have the chance to.

As AI transforms the way we work and create, Britney reflects on what remains uniquely human: connection, courage, authenticity, and the willingness to be seen.

In this conversation, you'll learn:

• How to Build Confidence Before You Feel Ready
• How Networking Can Change the Course of Your Career
• How to Create Opportunities by Saying Yes
• How to Build a Personal Brand with Authenticity
• How to Develop Emotional Intelligence at Work
• How to Create an Identity Beyond Your Job Title
• How to Overcome the Fear of Being Seen
• How to Stay Human in the Age of AI
• How to Turn Side Projects into Meaningful Growth
• How Community Accelerates Personal and Professional Success
• How Representation Creates New Possibilities for Others
• How to Trust Yourself Before You Feel Qualified

The most transformative opportunities rarely arrive when we feel completely prepared. They appear when we're willing to take the first step, trust ourselves, and believe that what feels impossible today may become tomorrow's reality.

Namaste,

Victoria Rozanska

In the first episode of the Human Presence Podcast, Victoria interviews Lidiya Dervisheva, an Eastern European-born engineer, artist, and venture capitalist living in the U.S., whom she met through ecstatic dance on a San Francisco beach. Lidiya describes integrating formerly separate “buckets” of creativity and career into a single identity and explains how her love of music and movement- from raves in Bulgaria to competitive ballroom dance- led her to ecstatic dance. Frustrated by inconsistent DJ sets, she learned to DJ for her first Burning Man in 2019, paused during COVID, then returned in 2022 and was invited to play a main stage. She reflects on navigating male-dominated fields, lessons from investing (iterating and fixing what’s broken), energy management through systems, sleep, and health, and staying authentic by bringing her full self to professional and social spaces.