Play It By Your Rules

E25 – PIBYR: How to Manage Spiky Profiles - Neurodivergence as a Competitive Edge

What if the traits we label as “too much” — too intense, too detailed, too sensitive — were actually your team’s biggest untapped advantage?
In this episode of Play It by Your Rules, I sit down with Xenia Matthies — business psychologist, systemic consultant, and founder of NeuroSynergy® — to explore how neurodivergence can become a competitive edge in leadership and team design.
We dive into:
The many shades of neurodivergence - and why our brain (and nervous system) work differently.
“Spiky profiles”: what they are, how they show up, and why they can be a superpower for teams.
Co-regulation as the next frontier of leadership - tuning into energy, creating safety, and leading with presence.
Moving from awareness to action - building workplaces where everyone can thrive.
The four pillars of neuroinclusion - at the individual, team, and leadership level: self-awareness, co-regulation, clarity, and structural support.
Practical tools like cognitive team mapping and team playbooks - turning inclusion into daily practice.
✨ Practical takeaways you can try todayXenia’s 4 micro-rules for everyday neuroinclusion (or simply good management):1️⃣ Ask instead of assume.2️⃣ Share instead of expecting.3️⃣ Observe before you interpret.4️⃣ Together - rather than against each other.
Because the future of leadership isn’t just about emotional intelligence - it’s about neuro-intelligence.
🎧 This episode runs a bit longer to give space for a deeper dive into concepts such as co-regulation - what it is, how it works, and why it might just be the next leadership frontier. Tune in and see how these insights could reshape the way you lead, live, and collaborate.
 
🔗 Explore Xenia’s work - mostly in German:🌐 Website: www.xeniamatthies.com
🎥 Online Keynotes:
Führung braucht Klarheit (Online recording – paid): Watch here
Abenteuer Neurodivergenz – Mein Survival-Kit für ein selbstbestimmtes Leben (Free): Watch here
📚 Books:
Playbook Neuroinklusion — practical guide to neuroinclusion: Read here
Manifestieren aus dem Nervensystem: Amazon link
Mein Kind hat ADHS – und jetzt?: Amazon link
🎧 NeuroLeadership Podcast:www.xeniamatthies.com/podcasts/neuroleadership

E24 - PIBYR: Forget the Ladder: Why Midlife Is the Ultimate Growth Program

What if midlife isn’t a crisis — but the ultimate leadership accelerator?
In this episode of Play It by Your Rules, I sit down with Aneace Haddad — global nomad, tech-entrepreneur-turned-coach, and author of Soaring Beyond Midlife — to explore why your 40s, 50s, and 60s might just be your most powerful chapter yet.
We dive into:🔹 Why AI is a midlife advantage — and how experience + AI = rocket fuel.🔹 The radical reframe: 50 is the midpoint, not the end — with two-thirds of your career still ahead.🔹 Legacy as presence — creating moments now that echo for decades.🔹 Why answers are cheap, but questions are priceless in the age of AI.🔹 The neuroscience of midlife: slowing in some areas, but gaining a new superpower — comfort with paradox.
✨ Practical takeaways you can try today:1️⃣ Name one identity you’re ready to release — and notice what expands when you do.2️⃣ Swap “having the answers” for asking better questions.3️⃣ Try the 100-Year Prompt: journal for 5 minutes on who you are at 100 — then choose one tiny step your future self would be proud of today.
This episode is for anyone in midlife — or approaching it — who’s felt doubt creeping in. Too late, too slow, too stuck. It’s here to flip that script and remind you: midlife can be your most expansive chapter yet.
🔗 Explore Aneace’s work:💻 aneace.com📖 Soaring Beyond Midlife: The Surprisingly Natural Emergence of Leadership Superpowers in Life's Second Half → Get the book
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🎧 Listen now on all major podcast platforms. Just search Play It by Your Rules or Meggi Rombach and hit follow!
👉 Inspired? Share this with someone who needs a midlife reframe.
#PlayItByYourRules #Podcast #MidlifeReinvention #Leadership #RebelEnergy #CareerTransitions #MindfulRebellion

E23: How to Remember Who You Were - Before the “Shoulds” Took Over

What if the real key to success isn’t doing more - but remembering who you were before the world told you who to be?
In this episode of Play It by Your Rules, I sit down with Shivangi Walke - leadership coach, entrepreneur, speaker, and author of Wander Woman. From corporate boardrooms to founding global mentoring platforms, Shivangi’s mission is clear: help people - including high-skilled immigrant women - reclaim their voice and own their unique strengths.
We dive into:🔹 The “unholy trinity” of biases immigrant women face - and how to navigate them.🔹 Why job security is an illusion (and what that means for reinvention).🔹 The biggest lie we’re told about our potential - and how to unlearn it.🔹 What reinvention really looks like in midlife (and why it’s never too late).🔹 Practical steps to reconnect with your true self - and bring that to your work and life.
If you’ve ever felt boxed in by the “shoulds” - too quiet, too bold, too young, too old - this conversation is your reminder: there’s no one right way to live or lead.
🔗 Explore Shivangi’s work:🌍 Thrive with Mentoring💻 shivangiwalke.com📖 Wander Woman
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From redefining ambition and walking away from the climb, to finding your non-negotiables and building a career with joy and presence - this is for anyone standing at a crossroads and craving more freedom, flow, and fun.
🎧 Listen now on all major podcast platforms. Just search Play It by Your Rules or Meggi Rombach and hit follow!
💬 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review or share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps spread the vibe.
👉 Want more?Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mrombachCheck out my website: mindset-mastery.ch

E22 – Relaunch: Play It by Your Rules – The Story Behind the Name

We’re LIVE under a bold new name: Play It by Your Rules! 🚀(formerly Leadership Insights)
In this special teaser episode, I flip the mic to my voice coach, Helen von Dadelszen, who interviews me about the story behind the podcast rebrand.
We talk about:✨ Why now’s the moment for a rebrand🧭 How I’m embracing mindful rebellion🎙️ What kind of guests and energy you can expect⚡ And why now’s the time to question the “rules” we’ve been handed
From redefining ambition and walking away from the climb, to finding your non-negotiables and building a career with joy and presence — this is for anyone standing at a crossroads and craving more freedom, flow, and fun.
🎧 Listen now on all major podcast platforms. Just search Play It by Your Rules or Meggi Rombach and hit follow!
💥 Curious? Inspired? Ready to claim your space and write your own rules? Let me know what landed in the comments.
💬 Enjoyed this episode?  Leave a review or share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps spread the vibe. 
👉 Want more?Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrombach/
Check out my website: https://mindset-mastery.ch

E21: How to Bring More Play Into Work; and Set Boundaries That Stick

As we transition from Leadership Insights to Play It by Your Rules, I’m delighted to welcome another inspiring leader for this in-between chapter. And what better topic than Play - fitting perfectly with where this podcast is headed.
This month, I talked with Diego Adame, Head of LEGO Ecosystem Collaboration at the LEGO Foundation. Diego’s career spans P&G, an MBA in International Organization Management, and more than a decade driving impact across sectors from nutrition at GAIN to creating global play initiatives at LEGO. Our paths have crossed more than once, and I’m thrilled to bring his story to you.
What stands out about Diego? His conviction that work should have space for play, and for boundaries.
In this conversation, we dig into:
The power of play - why it matters not only for kids, but also for adults, workplaces, and leadership.
Boundaries as non-negotiables - from keeping a private phone to deciding what you will - and won’t - compromise on.
Environments that enable or disable you - from incentive structures to toxic cultures, and why leaders must shape spaces where people thrive.
Challenges with clear outcomes - how defined goals at work or in sports help you build confidence and resilience.
A practical exercise for transitions - track what sparks joy for four weeks to clarify your own non-negotiables.
It’s a conversation about designing work and life on your terms - through play, clarity, and courage.
💡 Whether you’re navigating a career shift, figuring out your non-negotiables, setting boundaries at work, or stuck in an environment that drains you—this episode offers clarity and practical tools to move forward.
🎧 Listen now on Play It by Your Rules (formerly Leadership Insights) on all major podcast platforms - or search Meggi Rombach and hit follow!
Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review or share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps spread the vibe.

E20: How do you trade comfort for courage—and build a life that actually lights you up?

This month, Leadership Insights is becoming Play It by Your Rules  - and we’re kicking things off with a guest who’s done exactly that.
I’m talking to Erik Cooper—adventurist, leader, and trailblazer who walked away from New York agency life to help run two of the craziest horse races in the world.
Erik lived my wildest dream: the Mongol Derby, a 1,000 km race on semi-wild horses across the steppe. Today, he’s part of the team managing the Derby and Gaucho Derby, and the founder of Erik Cooper Adventures, leading remote horseback expeditions through Mongolia and Patagonia.
But this isn’t just a story about horses. It’s about risk, responsibility, and redefining what matters.It’s about facing fear, choosing freedom, and daring to live life on your terms.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why he left behind comfort and certainty in New York
What riding 30 horses in 10 days taught him about mindset, emotion, and grit
How near-disasters shaped his leadership and decision-making
 
Why embracing discomfort is essential for growth
How to take bold steps—even when you don’t have it all figured out
Whether you’re sitting in an office, plotting your next pivot, or just feeling stuck - this episode will challenge you to think braver, live bolder, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Practical, real, and a little wild—this is exactly what Play It by Your Rules is all about.
Tune in if you’re curious about:
Making unconventional life choices
Managing risk and finding your edge
Reinventing your career or life - your way
What leadership actually looks like when the stakes are high
Choosing discomfort with meaning over comfort without joy
Explore Erik’s world + follow the Mongol Derby live this week:📸Erik Cooper on Instagram
🐎The Mongol Derby 2025 - Race News
What rule are you ready to break?
🎧 Listen now on all major podcast platforms – just search: “Leadership Insights: Navigating Career and Life” (soon to be Play It by Your Rules) or Meggi Rombach and hit follow!
Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review or share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps ripple these insights further.

Episode 19: The Enneagram: Why Your Old Patterns Still Run the Show – Leadership Insights with Inna Malaia

“Your patterns are not who you are—they're just what you learned to survive.”
In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Inna Malaia—leadership consultant, certified Enneagram practitioner, and founder of Bevel World—to explore why deep self-awareness is the first step toward meaningful leadership and career choices.
From job transitions to personal reinvention, Inna emphasizes the importance of knowing who you are before deciding where to go next. We unpack the Enneagram as a tool for reflection—not labeling—and how understanding your patterns can unlock more intentional choices, clearer communication, and deeper alignment in both life and work.
💡 In this episode, we explore:✔️ What the Enneagram is—its origins and key features✔️ Why inner work is essential before making outer changes✔️ How to lead (and live) with greater emotional awareness✔️ How Inna used the Enneagram to navigate her own transitions✔️ The power of naming your patterns to loosen their grip
Whether you're facing a career crossroads, stepping into leadership, or simply feeling the pull to understand yourself better—this episode is a call to pause, reflect, and realign.
🔗 Learn more about Inna’s work: Bevel World & her charity Bevel ON.
🎧 Listen now on all major podcast platforms - just search “Leadership Insights: Navigating Career and Life” or Meggi Rombach and hit follow!
🔹 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review or share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps spread these insights further.

Episode 18: Leap Before You Feel Ready – Leadership Insights with Heike Linnemann

“Leap even if it feels uncomfortable. Something greater will come out of it.”
In this episode of Leadership Insights, we meet Heike Linnemann, former Chief Marketing Officer, brand growth expert, and now an independent consultant helping businesses to unlock profitable, sustainable growth.
Heike's story is one of bold career pivots, intentional choices, and striking a balance between ambition and well-being. From rejecting a full-time job in Germany to launching her career in London to turning around a near-bankrupt company in Italy, Heike shares what it means to lead with vision, grit, and a human touch.
💡 In this episode, we explore:✔️ Why having a dream combined with intuition can be a powerful compass for bold career moves✔️ What it takes to leap from corporate to independent work, before you feel fully ready✔️ Uncomfortable truths about cross-sector moves, and how to navigate them effectively✔️ How to integrate work and life, with color-coded calendars that protect what matters✔️ The joy of learning something new, and why lifelong learning fuels a fulfilling career
Whether you're contemplating a leap, balancing parenthood and leadership, or figuring out your next chapter, Heike’s journey will inspire you to trust your gut, embrace imperfection, and define success on your own terms.
🔗 Learn more about Heike’s work: heikelinnemann.com
🎧 Listen now! Available on all major platforms. Just search “Leadership Insights: Navigating Career and Life” or Meggi Rombach and hit follow.
🔹 If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a review—it helps more listeners find us!

Episode 17: How to Make Your Voice Heard – Leadership Insights with Helen von Dadelszen

“Speaking up isn’t just about volume - it’s about alignment. When your message and energy match your values, people feel it.”
In this episode of Leadership Insights, we explore how to speak with intention with vocal coach and speaker trainer Helen von Dadelszen.
Originally from New Zealand and now based in Switzerland, Helen blends theatre, mindfulness, and leadership to help professionals use their voice with clarity and confidence. Her clients range from humanitarian leaders to researchers. She’s also the creator of Present Potential - a training platform focused on authentic presence, vocal control, and performance.
💡 In this episode, we explore:✔️ The 4 Ps of vocal impact: Pitch, Pace, Power, and Pause✔️ Why how you say something matters just as much as what you say✔️ The connection between body language and vocal delivery✔️ How intention shapes both your message and how people receive it✔️ Practical tips to regulate nerves, breathe better, and show up with presence
From Lion King impersonations to real-time coaching, we unpack the subtle yet powerful shifts that elevate your voice, and your leadership presence. You’ll even hear Helen coach me live!
Whether you’re a public speaker, team leader, or simply want to show up more confidently in meetings, this conversation will help you speak up, with purpose and on purpose.
🔗 Learn more about Helen’s work: https://academy.presentpotential.ch
🎧 Listen now! Available on all major podcast platforms. Just search Leadership Insights: Navigating Career and Life or Meggi Rombach and hit follow.
🔹 If this episode resonated with you, leave a rating and review—it helps more people find the podcast. And if you know someone who needs to hear this, send it their way. Let’s amplify what matters.

Episode 16: How to Trigger the Magical State of Flow - Leadership Insights Jean-Philippe Jacques

"Pausing is like adding salt to food; it brings out depth, balance, and texture." 
In this episode, I speak with Jean-Philippe Jacques, scientist-turned-mindfulness-trainer and co-director of Ressource Mindfulness, who has spent the past 30 years exploring meditation, flow, neuroscience, and leadership. Jean-Philippe, a former molecular biologist, humanitarian worker, and high-performance athlete brings a unique and deeply grounded lens to flow, leadership, and the human experience.
We explore what it means to work and lead with intention, presence, and authenticity, and how slowing down might just be the secret to performing at your best.
💡 Tune in to discover:✔️ The neuroscience of flow: how to reduce stress hormones and activate dopamine and serotonin✔️ Why mindfulness is a foundation and flow is the performance-enhancing result✔️ The power of the pause; even in high-stakes humanitarian missions✔️ How small daily practices can shift your mindset, your body, and your leadership✔️ Why flow is not about shortcuts; but about intentionality, awareness, and resilience
🌟 Plus:Jean-Philippe shares practical tips for accessing flow through posture, intention, and breath; and invites us to rethink success not as output, but alignment.
Whether you're facing burnout, decision fatigue, or just too much noise, this episode offers both science-backed strategies and a much-needed breath of calm clarity.
Key Ingredients of Flow:
Clear direction and a motivating challenge
The right balance between boredom and anxiety
Feedback and presence in the task
A conscious pause; through breath, intention, and emotional awareness
Reduced distractions and a slower brainwave state (yes, really)
🎧 Listen now!Available on all major podcast platforms, just search Meggi Rombach Leadership Insights or Navigating Career and Life.
🔹 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a rating and review; it really helps more people find the podcast.Don’t forget to subscribe/follow, and if it resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Let’s lead with more presence, purpose, and peace.