In this episode I'm joined by Tamsyn Signe — former Chief Merchandise Officer at Walmart South Africa with a career in retails spanning over 20 years, wingsuit acrobatics world championship competitor, professional freediving safety diver, and now a certified Enneagram practitioner and peak performance coach based in Cape Town.

Her story is not a straight line. It starts as a newly divorced single mother doing an MBL part-time while working two jobs, stumbling into retail by accident — and climbing to the very top of it. Then comes the moment that changed everything: a corporate coach looks her in the eye and tells her an unexpected truth. And that changed everything.

In this episode we talk about:

• How a people skills assessment became the turning point of her entire career
• How she was competing at wingsuit acrobatics World Championships while running a C-suite retail role — and what living in "little boxes" was costing her
• The Enneagram as a practical operating manual — not another personality test, but a map of why you do what you do
• The psychology of risk and fear — and why failing at something makes the next attempt feel even scarier
• Life curation: why radical change starts with removing things, not adding more
• Why you are one decision away from a completely different life — and what's actually stopping you from making it

Whether you're navigating a career crossroads, feeling stuck in a version of yourself that no longer fits, or simply ready to understand yourself at a deeper level — this episode will give you both the framework and the permission.

🎧 Substack subscribers get the full Enneagram breakdown — Tamsyn walks through all nine types in depth, including which patterns show up most in corporate, and how to work with (not against) the people around you.

Connect with Tamsyn:

Email: info@tamsynsigne.com

Website: performancealchemy.co.za

Social Media: Instagram or LinkedIn

Work with Hristina:

1-1 Sessions now Open! To find out more:

Subscribe to the Business as Poetry Substack: https://businessaspoetry.substack.com/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/business_as_poetry/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hristina-vaceva-cfa-4245901a/

(00:00) Intro to Tamsyn

(01:27) A Multifaceted Career — For Real

(07:13) The Corporate Pattern That Runs Your Life

(09:37) On Jumping Out of Planes and Leadership

(13:42) What Are You Hiding From Your Colleagues?

(22:38) Your Life Is Already Designed — Just Maybe Not By You

(24:17) Integrating Opposites for Transformation

(29:10) The 9 Types of the Enneagram (Substack exclusive — link in bio)

(30:56) Curating the Life You Want — a 3-Step Process

(38:58) What's Next for Business as Poetry

In this episode I'm joined by Krystal Hille — theatre director turned life coach turned publisher — who during COVID lost her events business overnight and went through a divorce as a single mother of two. No corporate experience, no business qualifications - and no plan. What she had instead was a gut feeling and a publishing training that crossed her path at exactly the right moment.

Today Krystal is the founder of Hille House Publishing, helping over 300 purpose-led entrepreneurs from 26 countries become published authors — and a free soul that is not afraid to experience three or four lifetimes in one.

This isn't a story about finding your one true calling. It's about what happens when reinvention isn't a choice — it's your design.

In this conversation we talk about:

• Why some people are built to reinvent themselves every 5-10 years — and why that's a strength, not a flaw
• The double blow of divorce and business collapse during COVID — and how she rebuilt from nothing
• The four author archetypes based on the elements — and what your writing style reveals about how you think
• Why most authors don't make money from their books — and what a book actually does for your business
• How to know if you're genuinely not ready to write your story — or just afraid
• The one question to ask yourself every three months about what's quietly knocking on your door

Whether you're in the middle of a reinvention, sitting on a story you know needs to be told, or simply wondering if it's okay to start over again — this episode will give you the permission to experiment freely.

Connect with Krystal:

Website: https://hillehouse.org

The Transformational Writing Cauldron: https://inspiredrelations.org/transformational-writing-cauldron

🎁Special gift for all listeners: The Thought Leadership Quiz https://hillehouse.org/thought-leader-quiz

Work with Hristina:

My monthly Substack Circle is now live! To find out more and sign up:

Join the Business as Poetry Substack Circle: https://businessaspoetry.substack.com/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/business_as_poetry/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hristina-vaceva-cfa-4245901a/

(00:00) Intro to Krystal Hille

(00:36) A Career that Keeps Evolving

(02:01) How Do You Find Your Calling?

(05:50) The Search for Meaning

(11:10) A COVID Plot Twist

(15:01) The Hardest Thing As a Business Owner

(19:13) Do Literary Archetypes Affect Your Writing?

(23:40) How to Get a Book Published

(28:43) Writing a Book — Is It For You?

(32:21) What Do Spiritual Entrepreneurs Know that You Don't?

(33:24) The Aligned Author: A Personal Story

(37:32) How to Know It's Time to Start Fresh?

(39:09) Krystal Hille's Take on the Energy in the World Today

(42:59) Join the Business as Poetry Circle on Substack

In this episode I'm joined by Marijana Sommerfeld — former business analyst at Coca-Cola, corporate consultant at Lufthansa, and someone who spent years pushing through exhaustion, suppressing her emotions, and performing "fine" — until her body made her stop.

In 2015, Marijana was diagnosed with breast cancer. What followed wasn't just a health crisis — it was the beginning of a complete identity transformation that eventually led her to write a book, found the Self-Healing Academy, and build a practice helping exhausted leaders find their way back to themselves.

But this isn't a story about leaving corporate and living happily ever after. It's about what actually happens after you resign — and why the patterns tend to come with you if you haven't done the inner work.

In this conversation we talk about:

• Why accomplished women stay in roles that don't fit them — and the real fears driving that (it's not what you think)
• How the body signals misalignment long before crisis hits — and how to start reading those signals practically
• The difference between "I am fearful" and "I have a fear" — and why that one word changes everything
• Why leaving your job doesn't fix the problem, and what actually does
• How Marijana rode her bike to chemotherapy while refusing to identify as sick — and what that teaches us about identity and healing
• What acceptance really means as a strategy (and why it's the opposite of giving up)

Whether you're navigating a health challenge, a career crossroads, or simply the quiet feeling that something needs to change — this episode will give you a new framework for listening to yourself.

Connect with Marijana:

• Work with Marijana: reconnect2self.com
• Read Marijana's Book: Corporate to Calling

Mentioned in this episode:

• Marijana's book Reiseführer für eine ungeplante Reise (in German)

🎟️ Upcoming Launches:

My group mentorship "Spiritual Accelerator" is launching next month (in Bulgarian). To find out more and stay in touch:

Join the Business as Poetry Substack Circle: https://businessaspoetry.substack.com/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/business_as_poetry/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hristina-vaceva-cfa-4245901a/

(00:00) Episode Preview

(00:21) Meet Marijana Sommerfeld

(01:50) Why We Stick to Old Identity

(04:30) From Corporate to Calling

(06:52) When Will You Choose You?

(12:35) The Signs Not to Ignore

(12:59) Cancer Diagnosis — When the Body Speaks

(14:46) The Turning Point

(18:24) Where to Start: Listening to Your Intuition

(23:23) How to Get Out of Your Own Way

(25:02) Finding the Calling — Writing & Healing

(28:28) I Am or I Have?

(31:23) A Message on Self-Healing and Reconnecting

(37:47) When to Leave Corporate

Elitsa is the founder and director of the Art Therapy Institute in Bulgaria and has over two decades of experience working with family constellations, expressive arts therapy, and trauma-informed psychological methods across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Together, we explore why family constellations are often described as “a mystery with real effects” — and why this work continues to gain global attention.

In our conversation, we talk about:

• What family constellations really are (and what they are not)
• How ancestral patterns and hidden loyalties shape identity, belonging, and success
• The difference between art as expression and art as therapy
• Why abundance is not just about money, but about safety, trust, and inner flow
• How inherited trauma can influence relationships, work, and self-worth across generations
• The systemic “orders” that support love, health, and prosperity
• Why belonging to our roots can be the foundation for freedom, creativity, and growth
• What happens in a constellation — and why you don’t need to “believe” in it to experience its effects

We also speak about migration, identity, and the experience of living away from one’s homeland — and why reconnecting with ancestry can be especially powerful in transitional moments of life.

🎟️ Upcoming Events

Elitsa will be in London this January facilitating two family constellation workshops:

• 23rd of January - Roots & Wings — exploring ancestry, belonging, and inner freedom
• 25th of January - Orders of Success — exploring abundance, receiving, and the systemic roots of prosperity

Find out more about Elitsa at the Arts & Therapy Institute website.

Join my community on Substack: https://businessaspoetry.substack.com/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/business_as_poetry/

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd_f9gjXSKiB5D7cCy7LatQ

Patrice’s journey spans PwC, British Airways, Royal Mail, and Virgin Atlantic, but the real story begins when she stepped off the corporate ladder to build a mission-driven consultancy grounded in equity, leadership, and humanity.

Her honesty about the highs, lows, and unexpected plot twists of entrepreneurship is a masterclass in courage. Together we explore:

✨ What reverse mentoring really is — and why companies worldwide are adopting it

✨ The emotional reality of leaving corporate to build something of your own

✨ Why women leaders struggle to take up space (and how to change that)

✨ The power of community, mentors, and trusted support networks

✨ Stepping into your purpose even when the path ahead is unclear

✨ How to build a business that feels aligned, human, and sustainable

This episode is joyful, grounded, vulnerable — and you can tell we had so much fun recording it! A powerful reminder that results come when you stop over-thinking… and start enjoying the craft.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation and step into the new year with a renewed sense of purpose, confidence, and energy.

Listen now and subscribe for more episodes on intuition, business, creativity & leadership - and it helps us immensely if you give us a 5 star review or recommend the podcast to a friend!

Get a copy of Patrice's Book Reverse Mentoring: Removing Barriers and Building Belonging in the Workplace here.

Find out more about Patrice on her website.

Join my community, Space In:Between, on Substack: https://businessaspoetry.substack.com/

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/business_as_poetry/

Send me a message on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hristina-vaceva-cfa-4245901a

Find me on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd_f9gjXSKiB5D7cCy7LatQ

For years, I was successful on paper but disconnected on the inside. It wasn’t one moment that changed everything, but a series of inner shifts — an awakening, a remembering, an alignment — that changed the entire direction of my life.

In this deeply personal solo episode, I walk you through the five stages of transformation I lived through — the same stages I now teach in my work:

The 5 Stages of Energetic Expansion

1️⃣ Awakening — the moment life forces you to pause and look within

 2️⃣ Allowing — letting yourself imagine a different path

 3️⃣ Remembering — removing the noise to return to your essence

 4️⃣ Alignment — collapsing timelines as things finally click

 5️⃣ Completeness — integrating, grounding, and owning your identity

This story includes:

• Leaving old identities behind
• Rebuilding my work around intuition, creativity, somatics, and energy
• Why my podcast became the catalyst
• How mentors, retreats, and pure instinct shaped my path
• The moment I realised I wasn’t building a project — I was building an entire ecosystem
• How Substack, community, writing, somatics, and leadership all converged

This is not a magic formula, but a deep, lived-in experience — and I’m sharing it so you can recognise your own turning points too.

If you’re in a transition, a reinvention, or an “in-between” chapter… let my story remind you that nothing is ever wasted and every chapter prepares you for what’s next.

Listen now and subscribe for more episodes on intuition, business, creativity & leadership.

Join my community, Space In:Between, on Substack:  https://businessaspoetry.substack.com/

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/business_as_poetry/

Send me a message on LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/hristina-vaceva-cfa-4245901a

Find me on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd_f9gjXSKiB5D7cCy7LatQ

Dion’s story is one of radical self-inquiry and transformation: from hiding behind physical and emotional masks, to discovering her sovereign voice and teaching others to do the same. Her journey through the NHS, local government, and into entrepreneurship is not just inspiring — it’s deeply human.

Together, we discuss:

• The emotional toll of being a Black woman in a white man’s world
• What it means to experience a “sovereign inquiry” — and why leadership begins within
• Rewiring the “slave girl” mindset and embracing Queen mentality instead
• Role models, spiritual awakenings, and redefining power from the inside out
• Balancing masculine and feminine energies in business
• Why corporate leadership without healing often leads to burnout — and how to change that

Whether you’re leading a team, launching a business, or standing at a career crossroads, this episode is a reminder: for every woman hiding in plain sight, there's one who dares to step out of the shadow. Which one do you choose to be?

🔗 Listen now and share with someone who’s ready to change the way we lead.

📍 Follow Dion to find out more about the Queen’s School & upcoming retreats:

LinkedIn: Dion Johnson

📍 Follow Hristina & her latest project Business as Poetry:

Instagram: @business_as_poetry

Stay in touch or send me a message - I love reading all of them!

LinkedIn: Sound of Breaking Glass

After spending nearly two decades in the world of commercial strategy and marketing, Mayra’s personal health struggles became the catalyst for something much deeper: a journey into hormonal wellbeing and women’s health that changed the course of her life and career.

Together, we talk about the power of pausing, the hidden cost of pushing through, and what it really means to take your health into your own hands. Mayra brings warmth, wisdom, and genuine care to this conversation -and in a rare twist, turns the microphone around!

Key Topics:

• Hormonal Health 101: What every woman deserves to know - but probably wasn’t taught.
• Listening to Your Body: How to spot the early signs of perimenopause - and why we need to talk about this.
• Career Change from the Inside Out: How looking for answers can spark a powerful professional change.
• FemTech from Lived Experience: The story of Prelude Health and how to build a business that serves real needs
• Returning to Yourself: How purpose and identity evolve when we stop overriding the signs.

This is more than a conversation about careers or wellness - it’s about reclaiming agency over our health and choices. A fitting end to a season rooted in inner change, embodied wisdom, and the courage to do things differently.

🎙️ Learn more about Hormony:

https://findhormony.com/

or follow Mayra on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mghurtado/

🔗 Join Hristina’s community:

Instagram: @lifewelllived.by.hv

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

After facing a personal health crisis and burnout on the frontlines of traditional medicine, Leah began to question the systems she was taught to believe in. Her own healing journey became the foundation for a new way of working — one that blends scientific knowledge with deep inner awareness.

Together, we explore how burnout can become a powerful invitation to change, why slowing down is sometimes the most radical act of leadership, and how listening to the body can lead us back to the life that truly fits.

Key Topics:

• Listening to the Body’s Wisdom: How illness and fatigue can guide career and life decisions.
• Redefining Success: Letting go of the titles and expectations that no longer serve.
• Healing as Leadership: What it means to hold space for others after doing the work yourself.
• Integrative Medicine: How Leah blends clinical training with a deep commitment to integrative, trauma-informed care.
• Finding Purpose in Life and at Work: A raw, hopeful look at what’s possible when we honour our own wellbeing first.

This conversation is for anyone standing at a career crossroad, wondering if there’s another way. Leah’s story is a beautiful reminder that the end one path can be the fresh new beginning you needed - just what the doctor ordered!

🔗 Learn more about Leah’s work:

https://drleahmurray.co.za/

https://backtobalancehealth.co.uk/

Instagram: @drleahmurray

🔗 Join Hristina's community:

Instagram: @lifewelllived.by.hv

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

Can doing work you love ever get too much?

This month’s check-in is a gentle reflection on that exact lesson.

I went for a break, thinking I’d rest and finish my Substack, record content, edit posts… but my body had other plans.

Back pain. Fatigue. Resistance to even the things I love the most.

So I paused. And what came through surprised me: Even the work we adore can sometimes keep us stuck in a cycle of output.

True rest isn’t just time off — it’s time in. A moment to remember who we are underneath the doing.

And sometimes, stepping back doesn’t mean you’re off-track. It means you’re finally in rhythm with yourself.

This episode is for anyone who’s been feeling tired for no reason, questioning their pace, or needing permission to unplug — even from what brings them joy.

And it pairs beautifully with my last month's conversation with Katie Mantwa George on career transitions and how to feel in your body if you're ready.

Tune in to this 5-min voice note for a soft reset. And let me know…

Have you been doing too much of what you love lately?

You can find me on IG @lifewelllived.by.hv for more daily musings and insights!

Katie’s journey hasn’t always been linear — but it’s one marked by grace, resilience, and a quiet trust in life’s nudges. Whether in the boardroom or a meditation circle, Katie has made it her mission to bring softness into high-pressure spaces and to help others reconnect with what’s true.

Together, we explore how personal breakdowns can spark professional breakthroughs, why clarity often comes after the leap — not before — and how we can honour the mystery of becoming while staying grounded in daily life.

Key themes include:

• How the Universe guides us — even when we resist
• Reclaiming calm in a culture obsessed with speed
• Making space for poetry, stillness, and feminine wisdom at work
• The power of presence in both healing and leadership
• Starting from where you are — even if you’re scared

If you’ve been looking for a sign to slow down, drop in, and trust your timing — this is it.

🔗 Where to find Katie:

Check out her website: https://www.beinghumanwell.com or subscribe to her newsletter: https://www.beinghumanwell.com/newsletter-wellnessguide

Instagram: @beinghumanwell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mantwa-george/

🔗 Connect with Hristina:

Instagram: @lifewelllived.by.hv

LinkedIn: Sound of Breaking Glass

Jane shares her journey from burnout in the fashion industry to finding alignment as a Reiki master, sound healer, and intuitive guide. Together, we unravel the deeper meaning of “ease,” what it truly feels like to live in flow, and how to build a life and business rooted in resonance — not resistance.

Key themes include:

• What burnout is really trying to tell you
• The difference between forced action and aligned momentum
• How to reconnect with your body’s intuitive guidance
• Building a soul-led business (and life) without losing yourself
• The magic of surrender, silence, and spiritual creativity

Whether you’re navigating a transition, craving inner clarity, or simply curious about the unseen layers of yourself — this episode is a gentle invitation to return to your own rhythm.

Explore more of Jane’s work:

🌐 Website: www.houseofjiriki.com

📸 Instagram: @houseofjiriki

👉 Download Jane's “7 Steps to Connect to Your Akashic Records and Manifest Your Desires” guide here:

https://houseofjiriki.com/product/7-simple-steps-to-connect-to-your-akashic-records-manifest-your-desires

Follow Sound of Breaking Glass for more conversations at the intersection of energy, creativity, and personal transformation.

✨ Instagram: @lifewelllived.by.hv

💼 LinkedIn: Sound of Breaking Glass

When was the last time you did something just because?

In this short and soulful solo episode, I take you with me on a spontaneous journey to Barcelona — but not the kind you might expect. This trip turned into an unexpected invitation to reconnect with my inner child, break my own rules, and say yes to play, presence, and the joy of not planning everything in advance.

I reflect on what it means to soften the edges of our overly structured lives, why we often resist joy, and how one walk-in wine bar reminded me of a powerful truth: we don’t always need a reason. We just need to be willing to listen.

This episode is a gentle nudge back to spontaneity, nervous system repair, and the wild, wise part of you that’s always been there — waiting for permission to come out and play.

✨ It pairs beautifully with my last conversation with Dr. Malvina Bartmanski on healing, nature, and finding your way back home to your body.

If you’ve been craving permission to rest, rebel, or roll in the mud — this one’s for you

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, host Hristina Vaceva sits down with Dr. Malvina Bartmanski — a clinical psychologist, author, and safari guide — to explore the deep connection between autoimmune conditions, emotional trauma, and the healing wisdom of nature.

Malvina shares her own experience of living with an autoimmune condition and how it led her to radically shift how she worked, lived, and cared for herself. Together, we explore what it means to unravel identity, surrender to stillness, and find clarity not through force, but through softness.

🌿 Key themes include:

• Autoimmunity as a message, not a malfunction
• How trauma shows up in the body (and what to do about it)
• Regulating the nervous system through nature and ritual
• Resting as resistance in a world obsessed with doing
• Finding your true self when all the roles fall away

Whether you’re navigating chronic illness, burnout, or a period of transition — this episode is gentle, expansive, and full of quiet truths that will stay with you long after it ends.

🎧 Don’t miss the follow-up One Bite mini episode, where Hristina shares how she uses “reading weeks” to reset, receive, and birth new ideas from a place of flow.

Find out more about Malvina's bespoke wellness safaris: https://www.lalapalmsafari.com/

Or grab a copy of her "Autoimmune Survival Guide" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Autoimmune-Survival-Guide-autoimmune-trauma-driven/dp/177995011X

✨Follow my wellness journey on Instagram @lifewelllived.by.hv

And join our community on LinkedIn to be the first to hear of updates: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

What happened after?

In this follow-up mini-episode, host Hristina Vaceva reconnects with certified nutritionist and founder of Feel Human, Dorota Cloke, 9 months after recording their first conversation.

But this time, the focus is what’s happened since: the business breakthroughs, personal growth, unexpected challenges—and what it actually looks like to build something aligned, sustainable, and real.

From launching a new corporate wellbeing programme, to scaling her snack brand Brain Bombs, to grounding her work in trauma healing and energy alignment—Dorota shares what expansion looks like when it’s guided from within, not dictated by external noise.

This bite-size episode is part of a new format for Sound of Breaking Glass, where we revisit guests to go beyond their stories and into the process—the messy, beautiful middle—and what it takes to build a purpose-driven business that doesn’t burn you out.

Dorota Cloke is a certified nutritionist, fasting guide, and founder of Feel Human. In this episode, she shares her powerful journey from corporate life to running a business rooted in healing — and how personal loss, deep listening, and a few bold decisions changed everything.

We explore the complex world of women’s hormone health, the emotional layers behind fasting, and what it really takes to grow a purpose-driven business that still honours your energy and intuition.

In this episode:

• Why so many women feel “off” — and how to reconnect with your body
• The most common mistakes women make with fasting
• Navigating grief and big identity shifts as an entrepreneur
• How to trust your timing and stop rushing your growth
• What it actually means to build a business from a place of authenticity and joy

Hit play, breathe deep, and feel human again.

Find more of Dorota's biohacking tips: https://feel-human.com/ and the ultimate 3pm snack: https://www.brain-bombs.com/

Join the community on IG: @lifewelllived.by.hv

Follow the show on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

Key Takeaways:

Culturally Sensitive Benefits Planning: Uche illustrates how traditional employee benefits often overlook the varied needs of a diverse workforce, proposing more inclusive planning techniques.

Empowerment Through Employee Benefits: Uche advocates for benefits that empower employees, emphasizing how tailored solutions can enhance both their personal and professional lives.

Challenges in Entrepreneurship: Reflecting on her journey as a female entrepreneur, Uche discusses the hurdles of raising capital and navigating a niche market.

Personal Development and Leadership: Uche shares how personal setbacks and professional challenges have refined her approach to leadership and building a community of likeminded leaders.

Tune in to learn how Uche Enemchukwu is revolutionizing access to employee benefits and how they can be a powerful tool for equity and empowerment.

Find out more about Nelu Solutions: https://www.nelusolutions.com/

Join our community on IG: @lifewelllived.by.hv

Follow the show on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

In this episode, I dive into the 3 silent blocks so many women face when stepping into entrepreneurship: Pricing, Projections, and Proving.

I unpack how old corporate patterns sneak into your new chapter, how to stop over-explaining your worth, and why the energy behind your offer matters more than any textbook strategy.

This one’s for you if you:

• Struggle with pricing your work
• Second-guess posting on social media or sharing your voice
• Feel like you’re doing everything right but it still isn’t landing
• Miss the joy of creating - just for the fun of it!

A timely reminder that you don’t need more proof. You are the proof.

Make sure you listen to my latest episode with Uche Enemchukwu for an extra boost of clarity, confidence, and real talk on the messy, magical journey of building a business with soul.

And don't forget to follow me on IG @lifewelllived.by.hv for more daily musings and insights!

In this episode of "One Bite," I open up about my personal struggle with a lack of inspiration and how I overcame it, offering actionable advice on reigniting your creative spark.

Discover my techniques for moving from a state of stagnation to one of inspiration, including going for a walk, dancing, and engaging with like-minded people.

Learn how switching from a mindset of 'having to' to 'feeling like' can transform your approach to work and life, leading to more authentic and fulfilling outputs.

I also share a powerful interaction that rekindled my passion, proving that sometimes, all it takes is a conversation to turn things around.

Join me as I help you navigate the highs and lows and guide you to harnessing your inner creativity—ensuring that you, too, can find inspiration in the most unexpected places!

**Follow me on IG @lifewelllived.by.hv for more!

***And listen to episode 6 of Season 2 of the Sound of Breaking Glass for the full conversation with portfolio manager turned ethical farmer Tajana Greil-Castro - which inspired today's musings!:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-bonds-to-barns-lessons-in-patience-and-purpose/id1725714084?i=1000679257087

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2dBusS9m8S6dKmJ17qjvVV?si=ZuzU8c0ETVa0-YrQkpAP2Q

Key Takeaways:

• • Humanizing Recruitment: Elspeth advocates for a compassionate approach, viewing candidates as individuals rather than products.
  • Balancing Fear and Confidence: Embrace fear, but don’t let it hold you back; use self-reflection as a tool for growth.
  • Effective Communication: Building strong relationships is about listening actively and adapting communication styles.
  • Mental Health and Leadership: Leaders need to prioritize their own and their team’s well-being, fostering a supportive environment.
  • Impact of Small Actions: Even small acts in recruitment and leadership can have long-lasting effects on people's lives.

Tune in to hear practical insights from Elspeth on building relationships, leadership, and navigating the complexities of recruitment with empathy.

Connect with Elspeth Shaw at elspeth@candcsearch.co.uk

Join our community on IG: @lifewelllived.by.hv

Follow the show on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

Lessons Learned:

• Adaptability Opens Doors: Liz teaches us that flexibility in your skills and openness to new opportunities can propel you through diverse career landscapes.
• Diversity Enhances Environments: By fostering inclusivity, Liz shows that diverse workplaces are not just nicer, but stronger and more dynamic.
• Resilience Shapes Futures: Facing personal and professional challenges head-on can steer your career into more meaningful directions.
• Mentorship Drives Growth: Liz underscores the importance of nurturing talent, particularly in less represented groups, to cultivate a richer, more varied corporate culture.
• Intentional Career Moves Matter: Liz’s shift towards roles that align with her personal values demonstrates how purpose-driven changes can enrich your professional life and satisfaction.

Discover how the twists and turns along the way inspired Liz to navigate her career path with intention and innovation - and so will you!

Find out more about Liz’s current projects by visiting https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizgebhard/

Join the conversation and share your thoughts on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

For more exclusive content, don't forget to join our community on IG @LifeWellLived.by.HV

This conversation goes beyond the mechanics of recruitment to tackle bigger issues like diversity in leadership, the importance of patience in building inclusive talent pipelines, and how organizations can truly support career returners and underrepresented groups. Gail also shares her personal insights on navigating male-dominated industries and why taking a chance on unconventional candidates can be a game-changer.

Key Takeaways:

• • Patience Pays Off: Building diverse talent pipelines requires time and commitment, but the rewards are transformative for organizations.
  • Returner Programs: Structured initiatives for career returners can help unlock hidden talent and bring valuable skills back into the workforce.
  • Diversity Isn’t Optional: Representation in leadership is not just a moral imperative but a business necessity, fostering better decision-making and innovation.
  • The Power of Networking: For those seeking board roles, proactive networking and personal branding are critical for opening doors.
  • Personal Courage: Gail shares how embracing vulnerability and preparation helped her build trust at the board level and navigate her own career challenges.

Tune in to hear Gail’s advice on how to create lasting change in recruitment practices and the workplace—and why taking risks in hiring might just lead to your organization’s next great leader.

Discover more:

• Connect with Gail on https://www.linkedin.com/in/gailbishop/
• Join the Breaking Glass community on Instagram @breakingglasspodcast_
• Follow the show on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass/

With a passion for mentoring the next generation and a deep commitment to creating inclusive communities, Nneka's story is one of resilience, purpose, and balance. Whether you’re navigating your career or looking to step into a board role, Nneka’s insights will inspire you to find your authentic voice and use it in a way that’s aligned with your values and ambitions.

Key Takeaways:

1. 1. Finding Your Voice in Leadership (and How Social Media Can Help!)
   2. The Power of Mentorship and Finding Your Tribe
   3. Diversity Drives Change – but Don’t Wait for the Perfect Role Models
   4. Balancing a Full -Time Role with NED Work
   5. Building Resilience in the Corporate World

Tune in to hear Nneka’s practical advice on how to carve out a meaningful career while making an impact in the world around you.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Listening: Kevin emphasizes the importance of truly listening to your body and addressing its signals rather than masking symptoms with quick solutions.
2. Holistic Healing: Understanding the body as an interconnected system is key to resolving chronic pain and improving overall health.
3. Sustainable Wellness: Lasting health is about small, consistent changes—not overnight fixes or magic solutions.
4. Empowering Women’s Health: Kevin’s work highlights unique challenges in women’s health and the importance of tailored, individual approaches.
5. Reframing Setbacks: Kevin’s personal journey from injured athlete to holistic practitioner showcases how adversity can lead to transformation and a deeper sense of purpose.

Join this Christmas special, first ever male guest conversation to explore the intersections of health, personal growth, and career reinvention.

Discover more:

• Connect with Kevin on https://kevinpowellphysio.co.uk/
• For more exclusive content, join the Breaking Glass community on Instagram @breakingglasspodcast_
• Follow the show on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass/

Key Takeaways:

1. Holistic Finance: How blending financial expertise with environmental values can inspire sustainable investment strategies.
2. Career Evolution: Tatjana’s journey shows how diverse passions can enrich your professional life and open unexpected doors.
3. Living Sustainably: Why sustainable farming is more than a lifestyle choice—it’s a critical step toward a healthier planet.
4. Women in Finance: Tatjana shares her thoughts on increasing female representation in leadership roles and how it changes the narrative.
5. Nature’s Balance: Discover how connecting with nature can bring clarity and calm to even the most hectic lives.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on finding balance, purpose, and how embracing a multi-dimensional career can lead to extraordinary fulfillment.

Connect with Tatjana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatjana-greil-castro-phd-5710134/

Follow us for more stories on:

Instagram: @breakingglasspodcast_

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

Key Takeaways:

1. Reframe Career Changes: Christine views career shifts not as "pivots" but as deliberate, strategic moves based on self-awareness and preparation.
2. Value of Experimentation: Small experiments can build confidence before big leaps, whether writing a book, starting a business, or changing careers.
3. Recognize Your Energy Zones: Focus on work that energizes you and aligns with your strengths to avoid burnout.
4. Women in Tech: Layoffs in tech disproportionately affect women—mentorship and networking are crucial for representation and retention.
5. The Power of Prioritization: Saying no to non-promotable tasks allows you to focus on impactful, high-value projects.

Christine shares practical strategies for navigating career transitions and emphasizes the importance of aligning work with personal values and energy. Tune in to hear her advice on creating a meaningful career while balancing life’s priorities.

Find out more about Christine's latest work: https://www.deliveratscale.com/ or connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinesandmanstone/

For more exclusive content, don't forget to join the Breaking Glass community on IG @soundofbreakingglasspod

Follow the show on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

Key Takeaways:

• Redefining Midlife: Midlife is a dynamic stage, not a decline, and can span from around 40 to 60 years, offering opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
• Cultural Influence on Aging Perceptions: Societies with less ageism tend to value older women more, while Western marketing drives fear and insecurities around aging.
• Menopause as a Gateway: Menopause can be a time for self-reflection and reassessment, encouraging women to focus on mental, emotional, and physical health.
• Challenging Anti-Aging Narratives: Embracing the natural aging process allows for authenticity and self-acceptance, counteracting the pressures to ‘reverse’ aging.
• Flexibility and Self-Care at Work: Workplaces and personal lives should adapt to support cyclical and evolving needs as women age.

Tune in to this episode to hear Rachel’s refreshing take on how women can reclaim their narratives, embrace midlife, and redefine what aging means in modern society.

Find out more about Rachel's work and podcast here: https://magnificentmidlife.com/book/

Grab yourself a copy of Rachel's book: https://magnificentmidlife.com/book/

For more exclusive content, don't forget to join the Breaking Glass community on IG @soundofbreakingglasspod

Follow the show on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

Key Takeaways:

1. Self-Awareness First: Jan emphasizes the importance of understanding your own behavior and motivations before trying to understand others.
2. Career Path Transitions: Jan’s journey shows that career success doesn’t always follow a straight line—it’s about finding the right fit, even if it takes time.
3. Understanding Motivation: To connect with others more effectively, it’s essential to understand what drives their behavior.
4. Adaptability in Communication: Jan highlights how changing your communication style based on the person you’re interacting with can improve relationships.
5. Embrace Imperfection: Perfection isn’t the goal—authenticity and learning from every experience are what lead to personal growth

Whether you're in a leadership role, working with teams, or simply looking to improve your own communication skills, tune in for some practical tips on how to work well with others by understanding yourself first.

*** Apologies for the audio quality issues on my part - I had issues with my mic during the recording, but I promise you it's more than worth listening to Jan!***

Find out more about Speak the Speech here: https://speakthespeech.co.uk/team/janis-rees/

Follow Jan Rees on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janrees/

Join the Breaking Glass community on IG @soundofbreakingglasspod

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

Key Takeaways:

• Burnout often starts subtly, with small signs like overworking or neglecting self-care. The key is to recognize these signs early.
• Sleep is the foundation of mental and physical well-being. When sleep suffers, it can lead to a cascade of other issues like poor nutrition and lack of exercise.
• High performers may be more prone to burnout because they believe they can push through anything, often to their detriment.
• Addressing burnout is not just about mindset—it’s also about managing external factors like work environment and personal pressures.
• To recover, it's crucial to acknowledge and validate your own experiences and take steps to prioritize self-care, including mindfulness practices and setting boundaries.

Tune in to this episode to learn practical tools for recognizing and preventing burnout early, especially if you are navigating a challenging career transition right now!

*** Apologies for the audio quality issues on my part - I had issues with my mic during the recording, but I promise you it's more than worth listening to Wendy!***

Find out more about Burn Bright here: https://bbrcoach.com/

Follow Wendy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyburnbright8/

Follow me on IG @soundofbreakingglasspod

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

Key Takeaways:

• Time isn’t the problem—it’s how we think about it.
• Managing your mind is more effective than managing your schedule.
• Perfectionism keeps you stuck; embrace imperfection to move forward.
• Procrastination reveals deeper blocks—learn from it.
• Finding joy in the process boosts productivity and fulfillment.

Tune in to learn practical tools that will help you reclaim your time and shift your mindset for more joy and ease in your daily life!

Find out more about Time Hackers here: https://www.timehackers.xyz/

Follow Vikki on IG @timehackers.xyz

Follow me on IG @soundofbreakingglasspod

We’ve got a stellar lineup of expert guests who are ready to share their practical strategies:

• Vikki Louise of Time Hackers shows us how to reclaim and manage time like never before.
• Wendy Macartney from Burn Bright dives into preventing burnout and staying resilient.
• Jan Rees of Speak the Speech offers transformative tips on communication skills that elevate your professional presence.

Plus, we explore midlife transitions with Rachel Lancaster, Christine Sandman Stone, and Tatjana Greil Castro, as they share insights on embracing and thriving during life’s major changes.

Finally, we discuss the evolving role of women in corporate leadership with Nneka Orji, Gail Bishop, and Liz Gebhard, and close out with a fascinating conversation with Dr. Malvina Bartmansky, a psychologist turned safari guide.

And don’t miss our bonus episode with our very first male guest!

This episode is packed with insights, so tune in and get ready to fill your toolbox with practical tips for success!

This season, we’re exploring how to navigate mid-career transitions mindfully, with a firm commitment to our health and wellbeing. As women, we wear so many hats, and finding harmony between work and life is a challenge. But what if they didn’t have to be in conflict?

Join me and my inspiring guests as we share 10 incredible stories of women who’ve redefined their careers—each in their own unique way. Whether they changed roles, started businesses, or found new opportunities within their companies, they all share the moment they heard the sound of breaking glass and knew it was time for change.

Season 2 premieres this autumn—stay tuned, it’s going to be an exciting journey!

Connect with me on social:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass/

Her desire to help other women has led her to develop a holistic approach to self-improvement, and she is a passionate advocate of incorporating wellbeing and self-love as part of the transformation journey.

Together, we talk about the heavy burden of wearing masks, the subconscious power of the inner critic and how you can start to change that pattern by applying some simple techniques on a daily basis.

You can connect with Danguole on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/danguolelitvinskaite/ or via her website https://coachandyou.com/

Have thoughts on this episode or would like to share some feedback? Do get in touch - I always love hearing from you! https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass/ 

She started her career in textiles design and worked with Betty Jackson, Calvin Klein and Elspeth Gibson, before establishing her own brand.  

Raised by an ecologist father, Lisa is a firm believer in the need to go back to basics when it comes to fashion and create collections that outlive trends. She is currently expanding her business by re-inventing her clients’ beloved old pieces, dressing entire generations and focusing on sustainable, natural materials.

In this interview we talk about the highs and lows of glamorous fashion shows, how she built her business bit by bit and why investing in fewer, high quality pieces is the best way to build a wardrobe that will stand the test of time. 

Find out more about Lisa's brand on https://www.lisaredman.com/

Do get in touch with any suggestions or feedback on https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass/ - it helps me find out what you enjoy the most about the show so I can create even better episodes for you! 

In this episode we talk about setting up a manufacturing business from your kitchen table, her earlier start up success, and the grueling hours of a city career, which now feels a lifetime ago.

Galena is open about the challenges she had as a mum, the importance of lifestyle choices and knowing when to hit the pause button for the sake of your own health.

Her story is a good reminder to take things one step at a time and let the pieces of the puzzle just fit together.

You can find out more about her business on powermama.co.uk

Do get in touch with any suggestions or feedback on https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass/  - it helps me find out what you enjoy the most about the show so I can create even better episodes for you! 

And don’t get me wrong, there is a lot more that can be done. But it is always just so refreshing to come across someone like Victoria who never went to university, started her career at reception but eventually rose through the ranks and founded her own financial advisory business.

Today, Victoria is committed to not only making the industry more accessible to the next generation, but also teaching them the basics of financial planning. Together we reflect on the importance of role models, how to grow your professional network and why the wealth management industry is so well suited to women.

Do get in touch with any suggestions or feedback on https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass/ - it helps me find out what you enjoy the most about the show so I can create even better episodes for you! 

Having started her career in the city at only 18, she qualified as a solicitor in the UK only to discover that her true passion lied elsewhere.

In this episode, we talk about the pivotal moments that shaped her career. From founding a youth football club in South East London, through to supporting the startup ecosystem in the UK, Trish has always been driven by an authentic desire to help others.

Currently she is focusing on her mission to democratise access to legal support, particularly for small businesses. 

You can find out more about her startup here: https://www.sulehub.com/

Do get in touch with any suggestions or feedback on https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass/ - it helps me find out what you enjoy the most about the show so I can create even better episodes for you! 

Having grown up in South Africa, she trained with the Royal Ballet School in London, before ending her career as a dancer and setting up her own business. 

In this episode, we talk about finding your calling by focusing on what you truly desire and giving yourself the freedom to experiment and fail, particularly if you’ve been taught all your life to numb this part of your being.

But what if your interests and ideas don’t seem to fit together at first sight? Simone is great example of how it all starts to make sense once you give yourself time. 

You can find out more about Simone's classes and the Hypopressives technique here https://re-centre.co.uk/

Currently she is set on a mission to bring down the cost of financial planning services by building Woven Advice, a software solution for advisors. She is also dedicated to making financial planning more accessible to those in need with her project Neeshe. 

In this episode we explore the trials and tribulations of setting up a tech start up in London, knocking on C-suite doors and building a network of clients through free-lance contracting.

You can find out more about Nicky's business here: https://wovenadvice.com

With Hoopsy, Lara found a way to combine her passion for sustainability with her desire to help others going through the often complicated and lonely fertility journey. As optimistic and extroverted as Lara is, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but her focus on connecting with others and supporting the community, always helped.

In this interview, she openly shares her own experience of trying to conceive, what she learned along the way and why even one less plastic test in landfill makes a difference.

Before becoming a successful business founder, Joanna had a rather unusual career start as a theatrical agent, followed by a free-lance writing practice, which opened many doors for her.

Despite not having any formal business training, her unparalleled knowledge and passion for the education industry motivated her to stick with the rollercoaster journey and work hard on innovative product.

In this episode we talk the changing world of education and Joanna's mission to make independent schooling accessible to everyone.

Anita and I talk about her search for meaning at the beginning of her career, the golden cage of a comfortable city job and what to do when you find yourself absolutely stuck, particularly as a woman in your mid-thirties.

Anita’s career story is a fascinating one with many squiggles along the way, but when she starts talking about helping others find their spark, it becomes clear that she has found hers.

Find out more about Anita's 1-2-1 Coaching here:

https://careerintelligence.lpages.co/ucw-coaching-2024/

And for organisations interested in the Career Intelligence Academy: 

https://careerintelligence.lpages.co/introducing-career-intelligence/