Episodes

  • What does it take to build a thriving business from scratch while navigating the challenges of bootstrapping? In this episode, I sit down with Pavlo Pedenko, founder of Mathema.me, one of the biggest STEM tutoring marketplaces in the CEE region, serving families across 62 countries. Pavlo shares his inspiring journey of creating a platform that prioritizes both tutors and families, emphasizing the importance of solving real problems, focusing on customer needs, and staying adaptable.

    We explore the key lessons Pavlo learned while scaling a startup without external funding, managing growth pains, and building a sustainable, impactful business model. From prioritizing tutors' success to experimenting with creative marketing strategies, this episode is packed with insights on how to grow a business rooted in value and resilience.

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    The art of bootstrapping and how Pavlo and his team scaled Mathema.me to serve families in 62 countrieshow prioritizing the needs of tutors helped build a thriving platform with loyal userswhy early-stage businesses should embrace manual processes before scaling with techthe challenges of balancing growth with team-building and accountabilityhow to decide whether external funding is right for your business journey

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    Find out more about Mathema.me: https://mathema.me

    Connect with Pavlo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlo-pedenko-7a02061b/?originalSubdomain=uk

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/

  • What if the most profound lessons from a massive global event had little to do with technology and everything to do with human connection? In this solo episode, I reflect on my time at this year’s Web Summit, the world’s largest tech conference, where I found more inspiration and insights in the unexpected moments of connection than on the stages and at the booths.

    I’ll share four powerful takeaways that will inspire you to reflect on your own journey. From embracing the mindset that “builders will keep building” to the importance of surrounding yourself with people who energize and uplift you, these lessons go beyond the professional world. They’re about how we show up, connect with others, and stay rooted in what truly matters. Whether you’re navigating challenges or celebrating wins, this episode will remind you of the power of resilience and human connection.

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    The importance of perseverance in challenging timeshow surrounding yourself with the right people can create life-changing connectionsthe transformative power of saying "thank you" and how gratitude can uplift your environmentwhat it means to be human in the age of AI and how technology can help us reconnect with our true selves

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    Learn more about the Web Summit: https://websummit.com

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/

  • Missing episodes?

    Click here to refresh the feed.

  • What does it take to lead a team with authenticity, resilience, and a deep commitment to collaboration? In this episode, I sit down with Helgi Hrafn Halldórsson, CEO of Maven, a consultancy company built on the foundation of teamwork and psychological safety. Helgi shares how his company fosters a culture that celebrates collaboration, prioritizes shared goals, and supports individuals in their personal and professional growth.

    We dive into the metrics Maven uses to measure teamwork, how psychological safety plays a central role in fostering innovation, and why being vulnerable as a leader is a crucial aspect necessary for success. Helgi also opens up about his personal journey with overwork, stress, and learning to let go—a journey that’s deeply shaped his leadership philosophy and company culture.

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    Maven’s core value and the creative ways they measure and reward itwhy psychological safety is essential for team collaboration and innovationthe surprising challenges of being vulnerable as a leader—and why it’s worth the effortpractical strategies for creating an environment where mistakes are embraced as learning opportunitiesinsights into how leaders can recharge and find balance in demanding roles

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    Find out more about Maven: https://maven.is

    Connect with Helgi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harabanar

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/

  • Have you ever wondered how the strengths and skills you excel at in one area of your life could be applied to another? In this solo episode, I dive into the concept of transferable skills—those talents and mindsets that we’ve mastered in one context but often overlook when facing challenges in another. Using real-life examples from my mindshifting practice, I share how clients have taken powerful skills from their professional lives and applied them successfully to their personal lives (and vice versa) for more fulfillment and ease.

    From the art of prioritization to the nuances of listening, I’ll walk you through four insightful stories that highlight the simplicity and brilliance of this approach. Whether you’re leading a team at work, nurturing relationships at home, or balancing various life roles, learning to transfer your skills can transform how you handle challenges and opportunities.

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    The surprising ease of applying professional skills to personal self-care and well-beinghow recognizing strengths from one area can solve problems in anotherwhy transferring positive patterns can lead to more constructive communication and relationshipspractical ways to identify and transfer your own skills to improve life balancethe importance of spotting unhealthy patterns and shifting them across different life contexts

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    Heima App: https://www.getheima.com/is

    Listen to my episode with the co-founder of Heima: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7j6Gqj3iWXEG7wVJRUkz1t

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/

  • What is neurodiversity, and why is it so critical for fostering inclusive workplaces and educational environments? In this milestone 200th episode, I sit down with Grischa Liebel, an expert in computer science, diversity, and neurodiversity, who also happens to be my husband. We dive deep into his research on ADHD, discussing its impact on both education and the workplace, and how leaders can foster a more inclusive environment.

    We focus on the challenges and opportunities for neurodivergent individuals, specifically those with ADHD, and explore practical ways to build inclusive workplaces that allow people to thrive. Grischa shares insights from his interviews and research, explaining the common struggles individuals face and the powerful strategies that have helped them succeed. If you’re a leader looking to build a better and more inclusive work culture, this episode offers valuable perspectives on embracing differences for a more productive environment.

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    The fundamentals of neurodiversity and what it really means to have ADHDhow neurodivergent individuals experience challenges like attention deficits and hyperactivity in work and educationpractical strategies that leaders can implement to build more inclusive, ADHD-friendly teamshow common stereotypes about ADHD can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunitieswhy embracing neurodiversity in the workplace can lead to higher productivity and innovationwhy some people dislike their neurodiversity being called a superpower

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    Visit Grischa’s Website: https://grischaliebel.de

    Connect with Grischa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grischa-liebel

    Read the Neurodiversity at Work report: https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/media/109514758/neurodiversity-in-business-birkbeck-university-of-london.pdf

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua

  • What if there was a simple tool that could drastically improve your team’s collaboration, productivity, and overall well-being? Sounds utopic, but such tool does exist! In this solo episode, I introduce you to a brilliant tool called "Guide to Me"—a personal owner's manual designed to enhance self-awareness, communication, trust, and effectiveness within teams. This tool is so powerful that I believe it should be a legal requirement in any workplace with more than one person!

    We’ll explore the origins of the Guide to Me concept, how it can be used both in professional and personal contexts, and why understanding yourself and others at a deeper level is essential for creating high-performing teams. Whether you're managing a team or simply looking for a better way to navigate relationships, this episode will show you how to use this tool to foster open communication and mutual respect.

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    The powerful benefits of the "Guide to Me" tool and why it should be a staple in every teamhow this tool can help you build trust and improve collaboration within your teamways to customize your own personal manual to fit your workplace or relationshipspractical examples of how the Guide to Me has transformed group dynamics in my own work with studentswhy understanding how your team members work best can help you create a thriving, high-performance culture

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/

  • What does it mean to approach life with a beginner’s mindset, and how can this philosophy shape your personal and professional growth? In this solo episode, I take you through the benefits AND challenges of embracing a beginner’s mindset. We’ll explore how staying curious and open to learning can improve your adaptability, creativity, and even cognitive health. But it’s not all smooth sailing—maintaining this mindset can sometimes lead to overwhelm, imposter syndrome, and even stagnation if not managed carefully.

    So, when is it time to lean into being a beginner, and when is it time to step into your expertise?

    Whether you're navigating career shifts, learning new skills, or trying to stay flexible in an ever-changing world, this episode will give you the tools to balance curiosity with confidence.

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    The key benefits of adopting a beginner's mindset, from improved learning to fostering creativityhow maintaining this mindset can sometimes lead to overwhelm and imposter syndromewhen the beginner’s mindset starts to hinder growth instead of promoting itpractical strategies to balance learning and execution without losing momentumreal-life examples of how embracing this mindset can boost empathy and collaboration

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/

  • How do you balance the pressure to achieve long-term goals while also focusing on short-term wins that help you stay energized? In this solo episode, I tackle a common struggle for leaders and founders—the interplay between pain and gain, and how to strategically redefine your journey toward success.

    We often hear phrases like "no pain, no gain," but what does that really mean in the context of personal growth and leadership? Does every step towards success have to be difficult, or are there moments when taking the easier path is actually the smarter choice?

    I challenge the traditional mindset that equates success solely with struggle and sacrifice. Instead, let’s explore how embracing both short-term victories and long-term visions can help you build resilience without burning out. Whether it's taking a tactical pause to restore energy or reevaluating whether your current efforts are truly contributing to your future goals, this episode is all about making smarter decisions that lead to sustainable success. Leadership doesn't have to be a constant uphill battle—sometimes, it’s about finding a path that allows you to thrive, not just survive.

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    The surprising value of short-term wins and why they are crucial for reaching long-term goalshow to recognize when you need immediate gains to restore your energy and focuswhy sometimes it’s okay to step back and make decisions that prioritize your well-beinghow the phrase "no pain, no gain" can be misunderstood and misapplied in our daily routinesexamples from my own experience of navigating these challenges, and how small changes can create lasting momentum

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/

  • In today’s solo episode, we’re celebrating a big milestone—10,000 downloads! Thank you for being a part of the Genius Leadership community and for your continued support. While we’re on the topic of growth, I want to dive into something that might challenge you: the idea that you may be consuming too much knowledge and not taking enough time to implement it.

    Are you constantly reading, listening to podcasts, or consuming self-help content but still feel like you’re not making progress? Well, today, I want to challenge the idea that more knowledge always leads to more progress. With self-help books, podcasts, and personal development courses at our fingertips, it’s easy to get caught up in constant consumption. But when do we stop and actually implement what we’ve learned?

    Today, I’ll share why it’s time to hit pause on reading and focus on integrating one powerful piece of knowledge at a time. Drawing from my own journey of spending two and a half years fully absorbing just one book, I’m encouraging you to slow down, pick one book, and make it your personal Bible for the rest of the year. This is the episode that might just help you take real, meaningful steps forward.

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    How consuming too much self-help content holds you backwhy it took me two and a half years to read a book and what made it life changing the impact of slowing down and focusing on truly integrating what you learnwhy trusting your own wisdom is just as important as external advicea challenge for you in Q4 that could transform the way you approach personal development

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/

  • What does it take to lead a company through challenging times while fostering a culture of trust and resilience? In this episode, I sit down with Oleksandr Mykolaienko, CEO of Tallium, a company focused on crafting top-notch mobile and web applications for both startups and enterprises.

    During the episode, Oleksandr shares his journey from founding his company in Ukraine to managing a distributed team across multiple countries. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, Oleksandr has continued to lead with a focus on team’s well-being, trust, and sustainable growth.

    We explore how Oleksandr navigated the shift from working 24/7 to creating a balanced leadership style that supports both personal and professional well-being. He opens up about the key mindset shifts that helped him say no to more clients, projects, and tasks—ultimately leading to improved focus and productivity. Oleksandr also shares how he learned to delegate effectively and trust his team, even when managing remotely.

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    How Oleksandr built Tallium from the ground up and scaled it to a 100-person teamthe biggest mindset shifts that helped him balance his leadership responsibilitieswhy saying ”no” can be a powerful tool for sustainable growththe importance of trust and delegation in managing a remote teamhow to lead effectively in a remote-first culture and maintain strong relationshipsinsights on maintaining motivation and energy as a founder through personal challenges

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    Connect with Oleksandr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oleks-mykolaienko-ua/?originalSubdomain=nl

    Learn more about Tallium: https://tallium.com/company

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/

  • How do you balance strong leadership with vulnerability? What does maintaining harmony in a team full of diverse opinions take, especially when everyone is passionate about the mission?

    In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the world of Evolytes, the innovative math learning platform that’s changing the game in education. I’m joined by Mathieu Skulason and Iris E. Gisladottir, the brilliant minds behind Evolytes, as we explore the nuances of leadership, team dynamics, and the realities of startup life.

    In Part 1, we discussed the origins of Evolytes and how Mathieu and Iris turned a simple idea into a powerful educational tool.

    In Part 2, we delve into their strategies to foster a strong team culture, make tough product decisions, and choose the right investors. Whether you’re building a startup or looking to improve your leadership skills, this episode is filled with valuable insights and practical advice.

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    How to foster a team culture where challenging ideas is encouraged and valuedthe art of balancing firmness and flexibility in leadership decisionsuncomfortable truths about fundraising, finding the right investors, and fueling growthstrategies for managing high workload and expectations in a growing startupan essential key to long-term success

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    Connect with Mathieu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathieuskulason/

    Connect with Iris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iriseg/

    Learn more about Evolytes: https://www.evolytes.com/

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/

  • How can game-based learning reshape the future of math education? What happens when a team of visionaries decide to challenge the status quo of traditional learning?

    In this episode, we dive into the fascinating story behind Evolytes, a math learning platform that is taking Iceland by storm and expanding its impact globally. I’m joined by Mathieu Skulason and Iris E. Gisladottir, the innovative minds behind Evolytes, who share their unconventional journeys into education technology, the challenges of creating an educative game that kids actually want to play, and the bold decisions that helped them scale their impact.

    In part 1 of our conversation, we explore how Mathieu’s background in psychology and software engineering merged with Iris’s experience in business and sales to create something truly special. You’ll hear about the unexpected obstacles they faced, the pivotal moments that defined their success, and the role of diversity and collaboration in their innovative approach.

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    The unconventional paths that led Mathieu and Iris to building Evolyteshow a simple idea evolved into a comprehensive platform transforming math educationthe importance of diversity in their team and how it fuels creativity and problem-solving (sometimes, through heated discussions =) )balancing data and feelings in building a successful businessthe challenges of creating a math game that kids AND teachers love—and the breakthrough moments

    Stay tuned for next week when we continue the conversation with Iris and Mathieu. You will find out about the uncomfortable truth about fundraising that many founders should know and much more.

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    Connect with Mathieu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathieuskulason/

    Connect with Iris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iriseg/

    Learn more about Evolytes: https://www.evolytes.com/

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/

  • What does it truly mean to be in control of your life? How do you navigate the complexities of modern living, set boundaries that protect your well-being, and channel your energy into pursuits that fulfil you? In this solo episode, I dive into the art of self-leadership, offering practical strategies that will empower you to take the helm and steer your life in the direction you desire.

    Throughout the episode, I share insights drawn from my own experiences and those of my clients, illustrating how small but intentional changes can create a ripple effect in your overall well-being. We will explore the power of saying no, daily habits that enhance your physical health, and how it can free up time and energy for what truly matters.

    Whether you’re at a crossroads in your life, seeking more balance, or simply wanting to live with greater intention, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you regain control and “become the captain of your own life”. Tune in and discover how you can start making impactful changes today!

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    The importance of saying “No” and how it can be a game-changer in your lifewhy energy management matters more than time management, and how to align your activities with your energy levelssimple yet powerful habits for improving your physical health that can lead to big changethe value of meaningful conversations and why having the right support system is crucial for your successhow to reflect on what truly drives you and make decisions that align with your core values

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    50 Shades of ”No” - Your Guide to Protecting Your Boundaries

    Mindshifting Moment 7. What the Hell Is Energy Budget?

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/

  • How do you stay resilient when faced with personal and professional hardships? What steps can you take to understand and manage burnout effectively? Imagine pushing through multiple business challenges while also dealing with stress, anxiety, and personal loss. How do you keep moving forward and stay passionate about your work?

    This week's guest is Haukur Gudjonsson, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience and a passion for building startups that solve problems and create value. Haukur has a diverse portfolio, from investing in real estate to running startups focused on tech and education. He is the CEO and founder of Sundra, a SaaS captioning solution that automates the transcribing of subtitles and captions.

    During the episode, Haukur shares his journey of overcoming mental health challenges and the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to business and life. He opens up about the critical lessons learned from his experiences with burnout, the importance of self-awareness, and how he managed to rebuild his life and career.

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    Haukur's entrepreneurial journey and the challenges he had to facethe impact of anxiety, stress and personal loss on Hakur’s career and lifeidentifying and managing different levels of burnouta surprising benefit that several days of anti-anxiety medication can givethe role of mental health in personal and professional successstrategies for detaching from work and finding balancethe importance of building a supportive network

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    Connect with Haukur on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haukurgud/

    Learn more about Sundra: https://www.sundra.io

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/

  • What happens when a seasoned entrepreneur steps into a transformative program like the Mindkicker? How can this experience help professionals find new perspectives and deeper balance? In this episode, we explore the impactful journey of Håkan Mildh Svensson, another Mindkicker participant, who shares his journey of discovery and growth through the program.

    A dynamic and visionary entrepreneur, Håkan is the founder of Berotec, a platform for entrepreneurial business in the engineering sector. In this episode, he dives into his multifaceted career and the driving forces behind his continuous pursuit of growth.

    He discusses the art of balancing ambition with personal well-being, and the value of making decisions without overthinking. He talks about his participation in the Mindkicker program, what made him want to join and the invaluable lessons he took from this experience. He opens up about his struggles with maintaining his true self while striving to meet the needs of others, revealing how the program helped him overcome them.

    We dive into the importance of curiosity, mindfulness, and self-appreciation in achieving a balanced and fulfilling life. We also discuss the significance of self-leadership, and the importance of creating space for reflection.

    Join us as we explore Håkan’s meaningful experience with the Mindkicker program, the key lessons he took from it and how he has implemented them in his personal and professional life.

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    About Håkan’s entrepreneurial journey and diverse professional backgroundthe importance of balancing personal and professional growththe impact of self-leadership on personal and professional life.the role of failure as a gift and learning opportunitystrategies to balance speed and reflection in entrepreneurshipwhy slowing down can lead to greater control and success

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    Connect with Håkan:https://www.linkedin.com/in/h%C3%A5kan-mildh-svensson/

    Book Håkan’s Entrepreneur fika: https://www.videoask.com/fn5ra77am

    Join Mindkicker in January 2025: https://www.mindkicker.se/iceland25/

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/

  • How can a successful professional continuously push their boundaries and explore new horizons? What drives an individual to keep seeking growth and challenge even when life seems settled? How can the Mindkicker program transform your perspective and help you embrace the joy of continuous growth?

    In this episode, we delve into the transformative experience of another Mindkicker program participant, Shamala Samuelsson, who shares her incredible journey from her roots in Malaysia to becoming a dynamic leader and interim consultant in Sweden.

    Shamala’s background in auditing and financial compliance, combined with her adventurous spirit and incredible ability for self-reflection, makes for an inspiring conversation. As a participant in the Mindkicker program, she reflects on how the program has helped her discover new facets of herself and talks about the importance of curiosity, mindfulness, and self-appreciation in achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    The transformative power of curiosity and continuous learningback to basics and the experience of living without a phonethe importance of redefining “ambition” in each phase of our livesthe importance of play and how we can integrate it in our daily lives who should and who should not join Mindkicker

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    Connect with Shamala: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamala-samuelsson-fca-4a2494b/

    Join Mindkicker in January 2025: https://www.mindkicker.se/iceland25/

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/

  • How do you manage the challenges and the demands of being a CEO while maintaining a fulfilling family life? What strategies can you use to optimize both professional and personal commitments effectively? Imagine leading a dynamic company and having two early teenagers at home, while your spouse also holds a high-pressure job that involves frequent travel. How do you keep everything balanced and running smoothly?

    In this episode, we delve into the transformative experience of one of the Mindkicker program participants. As the CEO of Lyfjaver in Iceland, Hakon Steinsson faced the challenge of growing a business while managing a busy family life and felt like he needed to take a break and reset.

    At the Mindkicker kickoff, Hakon embraced the opportunity to disconnect from daily distractions and immerse himself in physical training, meaningful groupwork, meditation, and stress management practices which provided him with new perspectives and tools for achieving balance. These experiences have significantly enhanced both his professional and personal life, allowing him to navigate challenges more effectively.

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    Hakon's decision to join the Mindkicker retreat and his initial expectationshow the Mindkicker has helped Hakon manage stress and improve productivity so farthe experience of living without a phonethe benefits of silence and meditation in a high-pressure leadership rolestrategies for balancing family responsibilities with professional demandsHakon’s key takeaways from the retreat and how he has implemented them in his life

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    Connect with Hakon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hakon-steinsson

    Learn more about Lyfjaver: https://www.lyfjaver.is

    Join Mindkicker in January 2025: https://www.mindkicker.se/iceland25/

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/

  • Hey Genius Leader! In this short episode, I am sharing the podcast plan for July and the reasons behind it, along with giving you a sneak peek for what's to come in August.

    Follow me on LinkedIn to get hand-picked suggestions of episodes for July: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-liebel/

    Learn more about Mindkicker in 2025: https://www.mindkicker.se/iceland25/

    Join me for Mindshifting Year with the surfcamp kickoff: https://mailchi.mp/01c8c7d79080/mindshifting-surfcamp

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua

  • How can you transform your life from living paycheck to paycheck to running a multi-million dollar business? What drives an entrepreneur to push through insurmountable challenges and come out successful on the other side? Imagine facing the daunting decision of risking everything for a dream and the responsibility of providing for a child on the way. How do you find the strength to keep going when everyone tells you to stop?

    This week's guest is Anatoliy Labinskiy, a successful entrepreneur and eCommerce expert with four Two Comma Club awards who has an incredible journey from a struggling food runner to a global CEO. Anatoliy is the founder of GSM Growth, an agency for e-commerce success, and co-founder of EcomScout.io, an AI-powered ad optimization service. He hosts the Ecom Business Stream Podcast, is a Forbes Business Council member, and one of the Top 100 USA Entrepreneurs with Ukrainian origins.

    From overcoming financial hardships and navigating personal crises to discovering the transformative power of mentorship, Anatoliy's experiences offer valuable insights for any aspiring entrepreneur. Join us as we discuss the strategies he applied to build a thriving business, the importance of having a strong "why," and the lessons learned along the way.

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    Anatoliy's humble beginnings in Ukraine and his move to Dubaifacing financial struggles and the pivotal moment in his journeythe critical role of mentorship in Anatoliy's successbuilding GSM Growth Agency: From zero to 32 million in online salesthe importance of hiring for potential and creating a win-win company culturenavigating team challenges and the tough decisions that drive growthkey takeaways for entrepreneurs facing similar obstacles

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    Connect with Anatoliy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anatoliylabinskiy/

    Learn more about GSM Growth Agency: https://gsmgrowthagency.com/

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua

  • How do you choose which of your businesses to pay more attention to, especially if they perform and grow very differently? How can you let go of control in the business you have been running for years to let it outgrow you? These are not easy questions, but my today's guest, Serge Baidin, openly shares about his ups and downs of running two businesses simultaneously.

    Serge is a Ukrainian serial entrepreneur and is currently managing two businesses - Bride&Groom.video — a video editing hub , and Markupus — a web development agency.

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    Serge's rocky road of entrepreneurship, overcoming the economic crisis, global pandemic, and full-scale war in his home countryhow he chose which business to invest more of his time into, based on his background and the companies' growth (I was surprised by this choice)why we all should have mentors and how to get theminvesting in business growth in good and bad times

    Stay safe and #standwithukraine,

    Anna

    Resources:

    Connect with Serge: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergebaidin/

    Learn more about Bride&Groom: https://bridengroom.video/

    Learn more about Markupus: https://markupus.com/

    Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning

    Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall

    Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/