Play It By Your Rules

Episode 15: Spam, Scam or Just Not Relevant? – Leadership Insights with me, myself and I

“Is this a scam, a spam, or simply not for you?” 
In this special solo episode, I take the mic to explore a growing concern I’ve seen across LinkedIn: shady offers, suspicious connections, and too-good-to-be-true opportunities—especially when you're job searching and vulnerable.
But here’s the catch: the real question isn’t just whether it’s a scam. It’s whether it’s relevant and aligned with your goals. If it isn’t, I’d argue it doesn’t matter whether it’s a scam, a spam, or a valid offer—it’s just noise.
💡 Tune in to hear:✔️ Four real-life LinkedIn encounters—from fake headhunters to paid speaker slots✔️ How my mantra “Be open yet skeptical” helps me triage so-called opportunities✔️ Why we all need to clean up our LinkedIn connections (and how to start)✔️ How to protect your professional network—not just yourself—from low-trust actors✔️ The difference between followers and connections—and why it matters now more than ever
Whether you’re job hunting, building your brand, or simply navigating today’s noisy digital world, this episode offers practical steps to stay grounded, vigilant, and aligned.
🎧 Listen now!
🔹 Enjoyed this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps more people find the podcast.
Don’t forget to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, and if you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who could benefit! Your support makes all the difference in spreading these insights further.

Episode 14: Who Are You Beyond Your Job? – Leadership Insights with Nancy Bonamy

“It’s not about your next job—it’s about where you want to be in five years.” 🌟
In this episode, I sit down with Nancy Bonamy, a career transitions coach with deep experience in the humanitarian sector—and someone who understands how closely tied our identity can be to our work. From the ICRC to expat life to building her own coaching practice, Nancy brings clarity and compassion to the often messy, non-linear process of career change and re-evaluating who we are when our roles shift.
Whether you’re facing job cuts, burnout, or simply sensing a shift, Nancy shares practical advice for taking back control—because, as she puts it: you can’t outsource your career.
💡 Tune in to discover:✔️ Why clarity starts with where you want to be—not just what job to take next✔️ What UN and INGO professionals should consider when moving into the private sector✔️ How to highlight “invisible experience” (like parenting or volunteer work) as transferable skills✔️ Why you need to own your story—and how to talk about transitions with confidence in interviews✔️ How job transitions often raise deeper questions of identity—and how to navigate them
🌟 Plus: We explore a sailing metaphor for transitions—what it means to be caught in a storm, how to find your compass, and why having a north star matters. If you’re feeling lost at sea, this conversation will help you start navigating forward.
If you’ve ever questioned your next move or wondered whether you “deserve” to go for something more—this one’s for you.
🎧 Listen now!
🔹 Enjoyed this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps more people find the podcast.
Don’t forget to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, and if you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who could benefit! Your support makes all the difference in spreading these insights further.

Episode 13 : Don’t Say No for the World – Leadership Insights with Neha Thakkar

"Don’t reject yourself from opportunities—let the opportunity say no to you." 🌟
In this episode, I sit down with Neha Thakkar—a bold, curious, and deeply thoughtful leader whose journey spans satellite engineering, journalism, public policy, and global mobility. From growing up in a small town in India to working with top global organizations, Neha shares candid reflections on courage, privilege, and the importance of using our platforms to uplift others.
💡 Tune in to discover:
✔️ The mindset shift that propelled Neha from modest beginnings to Harvard and beyond✔️ Why failure wasn’t an option—and how that shaped her resilience and sense of purpose✔️ What it means to recognize your privilege and use it to open doors for others✔️ How to find your tribe—those who challenge, support, and help you grow
Throughout, Neha reminds us that your career doesn’t need to follow a straight line—and that being multi-passionate, or unconventional, can be your greatest strength.
If you’ve ever questioned your next move or wondered whether you “deserve” to go for something more—this one’s for you.
🎧 Listen now!
🔹 Enjoyed this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps more people find the podcast.
Don’t forget to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, and if you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who could benefit! Your support makes all the difference in spreading these insights further.

Episode 12: Own Your Energy, Shape Your Success – Leadership Insights with Dave Sheahan

"You are the architect of your own life. The choices you make today determine the success, energy, and fulfillment you experience tomorrow." 🌟
In this episode, I sit down with Dave Sheahan, a high-performance coach, speaker, and author who has spent 30 years helping athletes, entrepreneurs, and executives unlock their full potential. His expertise lies in mind-body health, peak performance, and building the discipline needed to create a successful and fulfilling life.
💡 Tune in to discover:
✔️ The Athlete’s Approach to Leadership – Why high performers in business should train like elite athletes.✔️ The Power of Daily Habits – Small, consistent actions that fuel long-term success.✔️ Mindset & Visualization – How seeing your success before it happens can transform your reality.✔️ Resilience & Adaptability – Why setbacks are inevitable, but mastering your reaction to them is what defines you.✔️ Sleep, Nutrition & Energy – Simple yet powerful strategies to improve your daily performance.
🌟 Plus: Dave shares practical strategies for humanitarians and professionals working in high-stress environments—how to prioritize sleep, nutrition, and mindset to stay resilient, maintain peak performance, and continue making an impact, even in the toughest conditions.
If you want to increase your energy, sharpen your focus, and take control of your personal and professional life, this episode is packed with actionable insights to get you there.
🎧 Listen now!
🔹 Enjoyed this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps more people find the podcast.
Don’t forget to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, and if you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who could benefit! Your support makes all the difference in spreading these insights further.
 

Episode 11: Lead at Every Level: From Executive to Boardroom Insight – Leadership Insights with Antonio Vegezzi

"Mistakes don’t define you—how you respond to them does. A good leader isn’t the one who never falls, but the one who gets back up and improves every time." 🌟
In this episode, I sit down with Antonio Vegezzi, a board director, former asset management executive, and professor, whose career spans finance, governance, and academia. With decades of leadership experience, Antonio shares a 360-degree perspective on what it takes to grow, adapt, and lead at the highest levels.
💡 Tune in to discover:✔️ The Three Phases of Leadership – Antonio’s journey through management, governance, and academia, and what each stage taught him.✔️ Self-Reflection & Growth – Why self-awareness and learning from mistakes are key to leadership success.✔️ What Boards Really Look For – How professionals can transition into governance roles.✔️ Luck vs. Opportunity – Why career success isn’t just about luck, but about consistent effort, preparation, and being ready when opportunities arise.
🌟 Plus: Antonio shares how a poorly prepared presentation in front of 60 executives early in his career became a defining lesson in resilience.
If you’ve ever wondered how to build a meaningful career, transition into board roles, or develop leadership skills that truly make an impact, this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now!
🔹 Enjoyed this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps more people find the podcast.
Don’t forget to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, and if you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who could benefit! Your support makes all the difference in spreading these insights further.

Episode 10: Leadership Insights with my first expert guest Anna Lundberg

"Your clarity comes from taking action—not from sitting still and overthinking." 🌟
In this episode, I welcome my first expert guest, Anna Lundberg, a coach, speaker, and author who helps professionals redefine success and design a life with more freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment. After leaving a corporate career at Procter & Gamble over a decade ago, Anna has helped countless individuals transition out of the 9-5 and build meaningful careers—on their own terms.
💡 Tune in to discover:
✔️ Redefining Success – Why so many professionals reach a point where they ask, "Is this really it?" and how to answer that question.✔️ Career Transitions – The courage it takes to leave a structured career path and embrace uncertainty.✔️ The 5 F’s of Work & Life – A framework for balancing freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, financial security, and fun.✔️ Navigating the Neutral Zone – Why change often feels messy before clarity emerges—and how to embrace that stage.✔️ Making Small Steps Count – How taking just one step today can create momentum for big career and life shifts.
🌟 Plus: Quick-fire insights on leadership, teamwork, and even what superpower Anna would choose!
If you’re thinking about what’s next in your career, whether that means leaving the corporate world or simply making your work fit your life on your terms, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.
🎧 Listen now!
🔹 Enjoyed this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps more people find the podcast.
Don’t forget to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, and if you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who could benefit! Your support makes all the difference in spreading these insights further.

Episode 9: Leadership Insights with Alex Preukschat

"If you want unconventional success, take unconventional approaches." 🌟
In this episode, I reconnect with Alex Preukschat, a global leader in blockchain, digital identity, and market strategy. With over a decade of experience in the crypto space, Alex has led high-performance teams and authored multiple books on Bitcoin, blockchain, and self-sovereign identity (SSI), including Self-Sovereign Identity and Blockchain: The Industrial Revolution of the Internet.
Beyond technology, Alex is deeply invested in personal growth, leadership, and the power of human connection. His career journey is a testament to continuous reinvention and the ability to navigate transitions—both professional and personal.
💡 Tune in to discover:
Why human connection is the most valuable leadership skill.
Alex’s unconventional take on hiring and promotion—why attitude, high standards, and integrity matter more than technical skills.
His biggest accomplishment: building strong relationships—from family to friendships and professional networks.
The importance of self-awareness and breaking free from conditioning to find balance in leadership and life.
🌱 New! A deep dive into life and career transitions—introducing a new question about navigating the neutral zone, the often messy and uncertain middle stage of change.
🌟 Plus: Rapid-fire insights, from must-read books to dream jobs and even his plan to cycle from Alaska to Patagonia!
Whether you’re leading a team, navigating a career shift, or reflecting on your personal growth, this episode will inspire you to lead with purpose and curiosity.
🎧 Listen now!
🔹 Enjoyed this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps more people find the podcast.
Don’t forget to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, and if you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who could benefit! Your support makes all the difference in spreading these insights further.

Episode 8: Leadership Insights with Stéphanie Kioutsoukis

”Curiosity, courage, and living fully—these are the cornerstones of my approach to leadership and life.” 🌟
In this episode, I sit down with Stéphanie Kioutsoukis, founder of Fresh Strategy and Fresh Solutions AI, to explore the art of leading with innovation, resilience, and authenticity. Stephanie shares her journey from corporate leadership at Unilever, GSK, and Novartis to building agile, values-driven organizations that embrace creativity and AI.
Are you a leader navigating career transitions or someone striving to balance ambition with alignment? This episode is packed with insights to help you harness your values, foster impactful teams, and lead with purpose.
💡 Tune in to learn:
Why curiosity and courage are non-negotiable in leadership.How to integrate work and life during the ”rush hour” years.Why hiring for attitude and outcomes trumps technical skills.
🌟 Whether you’re scaling innovation or rethinking your leadership style, this conversation will leave you inspired to take action and live boldly.
🎧 Listen now!
🔹 Enjoyed this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps more people find the podcast.
Don’t forget to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, and if you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who could benefit! Your support makes all the difference in spreading these insights further.

Episode 7: Leadership Insights with Adama Sanneh

“In jiu-jitsu, your instinct is to fight back under pressure, but the best thing you can do is relax, stay in the moment, and trust your technique.” 🥋
In this episode, I sit down with Adama Sanneh, CEO and Co-founder of the Moleskine Foundation, to uncover the art of leading with creativity, resilience, and humanity. Adama shares how lessons from Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the South African philosophy of Ubuntu (“I am because you are”), and the transformative power of love can redefine leadership in today’s fast-paced world.
Are you a leader navigating high-pressure moments or someone seeking more connection and meaning in your work? This episode offers powerful insights to help you embrace challenges, foster authentic relationships, and lead with purpose.
💡 Tune in to learn:
How to stay grounded and make better decisions under pressure.Why love and connectedness are essential (even in the workplace).How to lead with values that inspire growth, balance, and impact.
🌟 Whether you’re leading a team or charting your career path, this conversation will leave you inspired to take your leadership to the next level.
🎧 Listen now!
🔹 Enjoyed this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps more people find the podcast.
Don’t forget to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, and if you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who could benefit! Your support makes all the difference in spreading these insights further.

Episode 6: Leadership Insights with Vijitha Eyango

”Dream big, work hard, and align your vision with opportunity.” 🌟
In this episode, I reconnect with Vijitha Eyango, a former manager during my time at UNICEF Cameroon, whose career exemplifies resilience, reinvention, and impact. Vijitha’s journey has taken her from leadership roles at USAID, UNICEF, and in academia to founding Agriculture for Africa (A4A)—an NGO dedicated to empowering marginalized youth in Cameroon with life-changing agricultural skills.
Are you navigating career transitions, seeking inspiration for leadership reinvention, or aiming to leave a lasting impact? Vijitha’s candid reflections on leadership and career development offer valuable lessons for aspiring leaders and seasoned professionals alike.
💡 Tune in to discover:
The values of compassion, timeliness, and honesty as cornerstones of effective leadership.Vijitha’s most significant career accomplishment: building a sustainable NGO that addresses real-world needs from the ground up.Her wisdom for young professionals: “Dream big, work hard, and ensure your vision aligns with real job opportunities.”Practical tips on balancing work and life by disconnecting from technology to focus on what truly matters.
🌟 Whether you’re scaling your impact, redefining leadership, or reflecting on your career journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights to inspire you to lead with purpose and authenticity.
🎧 Listen now!
🔹 Enjoyed this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps more people find the podcast.
Don’t forget to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, and if you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who could benefit! Your support makes all the difference in spreading these insights further.