Guest Bio Linda Du is the founder of Moola Money, a FinTech startup providing financial guidance for millennials. A British-Chinese first-generation immigrant with an engineering degree from Cambridge and MBA from Yale, Linda spent 4.5 years at McKinsey advising global banks before leaving to build her own ventures. Her international journey spans London, Dubai, Berlin, and Silicon Valley, bringing a unique global perspective to democratizing financial literacy. She also runs Okta Investment, applying over a decade of retail investing experience. Episode Summary Linda shares her journey from McKinsey consultant to FinTech founder, driven by an embrace of chaos and the "outsider advantage." We explore how being perpetually foreign shaped her ability to navigate uncertainty, why Germany's Industry 2.0 mindset struggles in today's volatile world, and how undiagnosed ADHD led to burnout but ultimately revealed her entrepreneurial superpowers. Linda reveals why even high-earning professionals struggle with personal finance and how transparency—not complexity—is the key to financial empowerment. Key Takeaways The Outsider Advantage: Being perpetually foreign gives you permission to shape your own identity and break cultural norms—a superpower for founders Chaos Over Control: In a world of infinite unknowns, the ability to navigate chaos beats trying to control outcomes De-risking vs Control: Instead of trying to control everything, focus on reducing risk while maintaining flexibility Purpose + Lifestyle: Sustainable work comes from both caring about what you do AND designing a lifestyle that supports your neurodivergence Financial Transparency: People's finances are often better than they imagine—they just need clarity, not more complexity Memorable Quotes "I embraced the fact that I would always be an outsider. And there's actually a lot of incredible power in that because people can't really expect you to fit into cultural norms." "Risk equals reward, but it's about how do you be smart in taking that risk?" "I see so much opportunity for international collaboration... but I feel like we're going in another direction where countries and states are starting to say, let's do things our way." "If you didn't have to work for a living, what would you do with your time?" Resources Mentioned Pierre Bourdieu's forms of capital (economic, cultural, social) Maslow's hierarchy of needs China Plus One investment strategy Stanford investor education program Moola Money: [Website link] Gravitas - 1:1 accelerator for biz owners stepping into their founder era The Curiosity Lab - Strategy sessions for leaders by Chedva You’re Gonna Want to Sit Down for This - bi-weekly email packed with lessons and free tools Chedva's newsletter - Weekly musings and questions Reflection Questions How might being an "outsider" in your industry actually be your biggest advantage? Where in your life are you trying to control outcomes instead of de-risking? What would you do with your time if money wasn't a factor?  

Guest Bio Yewande Faloyin is the founder of Otito Leadership and a certified executive coach specializing in energy leadership and performance optimization. With a unique background spanning software development at IBM and Morgan Stanley, management consulting at McKinsey, and hedge fund advisory, Yewande brings a holistic approach to leadership development. After experiencing severe burnout, she discovered coaching and became certified in energy leadership, helping leaders move from burnout cycles to sustainable peak performance. Episode Summary In this powerful conversation, Yewande shares her unconventional journey from tech to leadership coaching, driven by a pattern of boredom that led to continuous evolution. We explore the dangerous myth of "pushing through" in high-achievement cultures and why traditional resilience might be keeping us stuck. Yewande introduces her revolutionary framework that moves beyond burnout recovery to true performance optimization - where rest becomes a strategic tool and integration of mind, body, and spirit drives sustainable success. Key Takeaways Boredom as a Compass: What seems like restlessness might actually be your internal guidance system pointing you toward your next evolution The Performance Paradox: True high performance isn't about pushing harder - it's about mastery orientation over outcome orientation Integration Over Separation: The greatest transformations happen when we stop compartmentalizing and start integrating all aspects of ourselves - technical and creative, strategic and intuitive Quality Over Compliance: Going through the motions of self-care (yoga, sleep, nutrition) means nothing if the energy behind them is angry or resentful Rest as Performance Enhancement: Athletes rest 75% of the time - why do knowledge workers think they can perform while running on empty? Memorable Quotes "If it's your calling, it'll keep calling." "I often say that rest is your only legal performance enhancer." "You could choose to rest, I could choose to rest, and yours could be effective and mine might not be because of the how." "No one else's answer makes any difference whatsoever. It's all about you and what's important to you. And that's okay to switch it every single day." Resources Mentioned Energy Leadership certification (IPEC) Website: [Otito Leadership website] Yewande on LinkedIn Gravitas - 1:1 accelerator for biz owners stepping into their founder era The Curiosity Lab - Strategy sessions for leaders by Chedva You’re Gonna Want to Sit Down for This - bi-weekly email packed with lessons and free tools Chedva's newsletter - Weekly musings and questions Reflection Questions Where in your life are you "ticking boxes" without addressing the quality or energy behind your actions? What would change if you viewed rest as a performance tool rather than a weakness? How might boredom be guiding you toward your next evolution?

 In this transformative conversation, Palveshey Tariq—founder of Alternative Coaching Methods—shares her journey from quantum physics and AI research to guiding others through plant medicine ceremonies. After collecting all the accolades in STEM but feeling empty inside, a suic*de attempt led to a two-year journey of meditating 4-8 hours daily and completely rewiring her relationship with herself. What started as reaching for psilocybin mushrooms as an escape became five hours of taking ownership of her role in her own suffering. The conversation explores how we trade our authentic selves for conditional love starting in childhood, why observing our behavior (internally and externally) changes everything, and how fear drives most of our achievements until we learn to operate from integrity instead. Palveshey reveals her morning routine, why "discipline is the highest form of self-respect," and how asking "How do you know it's true?" can dismantle an entire belief system. Key Topics: From quantum physics to consciousness: the observer effect applied internally Why high achievement doesn't equal high performance (vitality and balance) Trading authenticity for love: "I am who I think you think I am" A psilocybin ceremony that wasn't an escape but a mirror The body screaming what the mind ignores: menstrual pain as communication Morning routine as self-respect: meditation, walking, yoga, reading, then clients   Notable Quotes: "Plant medicines shed light on all the dark areas and assign you homework, but you still have to go home and do the work." "There's a fine line between owning your shit and being full of it." "In order to become a graceful master, we need to look like a foolish beginner." "In order for a spiritual awakening to happen, there has to be a mental breakdown." "Creation and contribution are the antidotes for comparison and criticism". Palveshey's Powerful Question: "How do you know it's true?"—And the crucial follow-up: "What's truer?"   Key Lessons: Our subconscious starts believing love is conditional around age 2-3 The difference between religion and spirituality/devotion Integration is the most important part of plant medicine work Your body whispers before it screams—listen early Four motivators: fear, desire, duty, or love—know which drives you Turn "why me?" into "watch me" Right and wrong are illusions—feel what's right in the moment Resources Mentioned: Alternative Coaching Methods  The Diamond Cutter (and other books mentioned on this season - affiliate links) No Bullshit Spirituality newsletter - one hard truth, one simple turnaround LinkedIn for Palveshey's writings Gravitas - 1:1 accelertaors for biz owners stepping into their founder era The Curiosity Lab - Strategy sessions for leaders by Chedva You’re Gonna Want to Sit Down for This - bi-weekly email packed with lessons and free tools Chedva's newsletter - Weekly musings and questions

In this deeply moving conversation, Yonat Friling - Frühling—Senior Field Producer at Fox News with 20 years in the field—shares her journey from a tiny desert community in Israel to the Oval Office and war zones around the world. Starting with a child's determination to witness history firsthand after watching the Berlin Wall fall on TV, Yonat built a career that puts her at the center of breaking news. The conversation explores how she fought gender barriers to get into the field, why she called every field crew member to apologize after her first day on location, and what it means to carry the weight of covering tragedies like October 7th. Yonat opens up about breaking the "shields" journalists build around themselves, the importance of vulnerability in a profession that demands toughness, and how she's learning that having your dream job doesn't mean sacrificing your dream life. Key Topics: "I want to be THERE"—watching the Berlin Wall fall at age 9 Why everyone in the control room should spend a day in the field Covering October 7th and losing friends on both sides Breaking the shame barrier around journalists' mental health The fragility of life: from Morocco's earthquake to Gaza's war Finding ways to have both your dream job AND dream life Notable Quotes: "If you assume that you already have the no, you already lost. So have the no and try to work around it." "I want to be there...in the front seat of history"—at age 9 watching the Berlin Wall fall "The first day I was out in the field...I called all the people I used to work with and apologized." "You're not the tiny child from Sde Boker...standing behind the president in the Oval Office" "When you try to bury down [your pain], the toll is even greater because you lose so much of yourself." "Even the most devastating days of your life can be a stepping stone for moving forward."   Yonat's Powerful Questions: "Was it a good day?"—Asked daily, finding at least three good things "Is there something that I haven't asked that I should have?"—The magic happens after the interview ends Key Lessons: The "no" is just the starting point—work around it Everyone thinks about failures; rewire your brain to think about successes Mental health is just health—there's no shame in seeking help You can build shields to protect yourself, but they also keep people away Being afraid in dangerous situations is healthy—everyone should be asked Progress for women in journalism: yes, but not enough Resources Mentioned: Yonat on Fox News—20 years as Senior Field Producer Yonat’s Linkedin Brené Brown's work on vulnerability Gravitas - 1:1 accelertaors for biz owners stepping into their founder era The Curiosity Lab - Strategy sessions for leaders by Chedva You’re Gonna Want to Sit Down for This - bi-weekly email packed with lessons and free tools Chedva's newsletter - Weekly musings and questions

In this energizing conversation, Jasz Joseph—founder of Jasz Rae Digital and HubSpot CRM consultant—shares how burnout from tracking billable hours in 0.25 increments led her to build a business centered on time freedom and travel. After calling her CEO to quit and having him become her second client, Jasz has spent four and a half years creating systems that allow her LinkedIn posts, newsletters, and sales campaigns to run while she's exploring coffee shops in Mexico City. The conversation dives into the trap of tying identity to business success, why "business should be boring" might be the best advice she's received, and how asking "why not?" can uncover the people-pleasing tendencies that hold us back. Jasz reveals how she's learned to sit in the discomfort of slow seasons and trust that busy times will return—all while refusing to track a single billable hour. Key Topics: Why efficient people get penalized in the billable hours model Building systems that work while you're at the beach (or in Mexico City coffee shops) The identity trap: when business struggles feel like personal failure Learning to sit in slow seasons without panicking The eldest daughter to entrepreneur pipeline (it's real) Travel as a business priority: working from everywhere Finding excitement outside the business when it becomes "rinse and repeat" Notable Quotes: "I caught myself one day folding laundry, and I said to myself, 'That took 0.25 of an hour.' And I was like, this is crazy" "Business should be boring. That's when you know you've kind of made it" "My LinkedIn posts are going out, my newsletter is going out, my sales outreach campaigns are going out, and I don't have to move a muscle" "I was like, 'What's next for us?' Revenue was lower...and because my business was so wrapped up in my identity, I took that so personally" "Sometimes your flowery is bigger and sometimes your flowery is too small and you need more of it" "We live in a society that is uncomfortable with quiet, with stillness" "It's one of the cool things about getting older—you start to collect all of these like, 'Wait, I did that' or 'Wait, I can do that'" Jasz's Powerful Question: "Why not?"—Often followed by "What's the worst thing that could happen?" to uncover the people-pleasing tendencies and fears that hold us back. Resources Mentioned: Jasz Rae Digital - HubSpot CRM consulting Christina Langdon - Chedva's former coach - on Looks Like Work   Key Lessons: Automation should give you time back, not enable more hustle Your business being your whole identity makes failures feel personal Slow seasons are for nourishment, not panic Gateway questions help you approach big, scary decisions The evidence of your resilience already exists—you just need to collect it Travel and business integration creates a life of genuine freedom Retry Claude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

 In this open and vulnerable conversation, Ellen Hockley—three-time founder and consultant—shares her winding path from shredding paper at her family's real estate business to building (and closing) multiple ventures of her own. After launching one of the first eco-friendly event planning companies in NYC, Ellen navigated the collapse of the events industry during COVID while simultaneously starting a sustainable maternity activewear brand—the same week her first son was born. The conversation explores the emotional weight of closing a business, the lessons learned from "fucking up" your books, and why managing 100 employees was never going to be her path. Ellen reveals how each venture taught her something crucial about herself, from discovering she doesn't actually like retail to learning that scarcity creates urgency in time management. Key Topics: Growing up in entrepreneurship: from paper shredder to potential successor Building one of NYC's first sustainable event planning companies The waste crisis in events: when raising money for education means dumping platters of food Pandemic pivot: closing events while opening an apparel business (with a newborn) The reality of overlapping businesses during COVID lockdowns Why product-based businesses are nothing like service businesses Why closing a business takes over a year (emotionally and practically) Building boundaries: no credit cards, no employees, meetings only 9-noon Notable Quotes: "I had two babies in the same week"—on starting Evergreen the week her son was born "My husband was like, 'You need to find a hobby.' I'm pretty sure he meant sourdough, not start a new business" "I joke that I now have an MBA, both from what I learned, but also what I spent" "To somebody on a podcast recently, they said 'You're just sowing your seeds.' And I was like, that is exactly what I'm doing" "Something there failed, but it wasn't a failure. There were many successes" "The fact that you can deal with things and that you're brave and strong doesn't mean you want to put yourself in a position to deal with it"   Ellen's Powerful Question: "Why are you driven to do this?"—A question she believes every entrepreneur must be able to answer, or it's time for a deeper conversation about why you're here. Resources Mentioned: Ellen Hockley Consulting - Current venture Chedva on Ellen and Kat’s podcast - Good Ideas + Bad Decisions Ellen’s Linkedin SNL pandemic psychic skit   Key Lessons: Service-based vs. product-based businesses require completely different skills Interview your bookkeeper about their specific experience (Shopify ≠ service business) Build from your scars: know what risks you will and won't take again Closing a business is both physical and emotional work Every failed venture teaches you what kind of founder you want to be next

 In this candid conversation between old friends and former co-founders, Hannit Cohen—VP R&D at Easy and Chedva's past CTO at Emerj—shares her journey through tech's boom-bust cycles from the late '90s and ever since. From starting as a programmer in the Israeli army to becoming one of the few female CTOs in tech, Hannit discusses the strategic choices that shaped her career, including the difficult decision to step back from deep tech to raise her three children. They explore what it truly means to build diverse teams (Hannit's current team is 50% women), the importance of creating psychologically safe work environments, and why asking "What do you want to be when you grow up?" never gets old. The conversation touches on the harsh realities of raising money as female co-founders, the myth of work-life balance, and why the best managers plan for their employees' careers beyond the current company. Key Topics: Navigating tech's cyclical nature through multiple boom-bust cycles Strategic career planning: From programmer to CTO by 35 The difficult choice between high-level tech roles and family time Building truly diverse teams The evolution (or lack thereof) of workplace culture for women in tech Why "unlimited vacation days" is the greatest scam in tech The challenges of being self-employed when you love coding but hate business Raising money as female co-founders doing "soft" social good work Creating psychological safety and shutting down inappropriate workplace behavior Mentoring as the most enjoyable part of leadership Notable Quotes: "You don't have to have a wonderful idea to succeed. You need to have a decent idea... What matters more than that is the execution on all bases." "At the time, programming was a world of the youngs... You knew for sure that your only way to have a career in this world will be to become an executive." "The higher you get, the percentage [of women] goes down a lot." "You don't have to live with this masculine bullshit around you." "When I look at my job, I think that's a very crucial part of it, to look at my people and tell, okay, they're working here now, but it's only a step." Hannit's Powerful Question: "What do you want to do when you grow up?" (Asked to herself and her team members at every stage of their careers) Resources Mentioned: Hannit Cohen on LinkedIn Emerj - The startup Chedva and Hannit co-founded The Curiosity Lab - Strategy sessions for leaders by Chedva Chedva's newsletter - Weekly musings and questions

In this profound conversation, Liza Futerman, a somatic educator, practitioner, and artist, shares her journey from Soviet Russia to Israel, her academic journey pursuing advanced degrees at Oxford and Toronto, and how movement and language became her twin resources for navigating identity, loss, and healing. Liza's life took an unexpected turn when her mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. This led her back to movement through contact improvisation, particularly mixed-abilities dance, where she discovered new ways of understanding leadership, disability, and what it means to be human. The conversation explores how major life disruptions - from immigration to divorce to witnessing war in one's neighborhood - can reconnect us to our bodies and reshape our relationship with uncertainty. Key Topics: Immigration and identity: Finding home between Russian, Hebrew, and English The body-mind split and the journey toward integration Using photography and narrative to communicate with a parent with Alzheimer's Contact improvisation as a path to healing trauma and anxiety Mixed-abilities dance and the intersection of visible and invisible disabilities Somatic approaches to grief, money, and taboo subjects Leadership as a question rather than certainty How major life events force us to reconsider our relationship with control The nervous system's response to crisis and the importance of discharge Academic competition versus embodied learning environments Notable Quotes: "As opposed to Russian and Hebrew, my self did not exist in English. And so I could shape it the way I wanted." "Whatever is hard, whatever is challenging can be done easier, can be done in a more gentle way." "If something is hard, it means that it's not getting the right support." "I came to this class and we were invited to lie on the floor. And it was just like an answer to all of my prayers." "All of a sudden I was dancing in the studio with people with wheelchairs... And that made me feel human again." Liza's Powerful Questions: "How should a human be?" (from Kelly Rodriguez) "How to ask questions?" "What support do I need and how to ask for that support and where to ask the support from?" Resources Mentioned: Liza's website Liza’s TEDx talk about dementia "What We All Long For" by Dionne Brand "Maus" by Art Spiegelman Get access to CuriosityGPT and find your gateway questions Connect with your leader mindset and walk out with an actionable roadmap - join the Curiosity Lab

 In this deeply reflective conversation, Myriam Hadnes, facilitator, podcaster, and founder of Workshops Work, joins Chedva to explore the intersection of facilitation, belonging, and authenticity. Growing up with an Israeli father and German mother in Germany, then living across continents, Myriam embodies the intercultural perspective she brings to her work. They discuss how facilitators often begin as children trying to make everyone feel included, the tension between belonging and authenticity, and why corporate "professionalism" might be the cage we need to break free from. Myriam shares her journey from discovering she's a facilitator while reading Priya Parker's book to writing her own choose-your-own-adventure book about unprofessionalism—because sometimes the most professional thing you can do is be human. Key Topics: Facilitators as the observing, sensitive children who make everyone get along The physical reaction to exclusion and the urge to include everyone Creating psychological safety in multicultural corporate teams The tension between belonging and authenticity (Gabor Maté) Why "going through the motions" of emotions can heal Remote work and the lost art of kitchen gossip Unprofessionalism as reclaiming our humanity at work The difference between fixing ourselves and accepting ourselves How modeling comfort gives others permission to be authentic Why corporate professionalism no longer fits our times Notable Quotes: "I think we very early unconsciously start facilitating our families. We are often the children... observing, very sensitive to what's going on, very sensitive to what's not outspoken." "I have this inner urge to include everyone, to listen to people, to not teach them and tell them, but help them develop their own thinking." "What they very quickly realize is what they need is a little bit more compassion to themselves and to each other." "The most disarming moment is to feel seen. Not the superficial kind of hello and tap on the shoulder... but really feeling seen and heard." "If we can see it, we can do it." "We've forgotten that the world of work is not about being professional. It's about being human." "If we continuously feel like we're not good enough... we'll start pretending just to cover it up... And then we'll end up as imposters pretending that we are someone who we're not." Myriam's Powerful Question: "What would you do if you were not afraid?" Resources Mentioned: Workshops.work - Myriam's boutique agency "The Art of Gathering" by Priya Parker Gabor Maté's work on belonging vs. authenticity The Curiosity Lab - Concentrated strategy container Chedva's newsletter - Weekly musings and questions  

 In this powerful conversation, Dr. Orit Kamir—feminist scholar, human rights researcher, and initiator of Israel's sexual harassment prevention law—joins Chedva to explore how narratives shape our reality and why feminism requires constant vigilance. Orit shares her journey from believing in Israel's "equality myth" to becoming blacklisted for her feminist advocacy, and how she foresaw the current regression in women's rights. They discuss the insidious power of patriarchal storytelling, from biblical Eve to modern "tradwife" content, and why doing feminism "for show" can eventually manifest real change. The conversation touches on the importance of reclaiming our terminology, maintaining hard-won habits of equality, and understanding that women's rights are human rights—especially when both are under attack. Key Topics: The "equality myth" and feminist awakening in different cultures Being secretly blacklisted for feminist advocacy—and the relief of vindication How narratives, language, and images shape patriarchal reality The Donna Reed to "tradwife" pipeline—why old patterns keep returning Sexual harassment law in Israel—30 years of progress and pushback Why "going through the motions" can lead to real cultural change COVID and war as moments that expose underlying patriarchy The extreme right's talent for co-opting feminist language Reclaiming feminism, learning, and our right to ideology Why universalism matters—feminism as part of human rights Notable Quotes: "I was brought up into the equality myth... that sexual inequality was something that belonged elsewhere. It was a part of other cultures, but certainly not mine." "We live through narratives... What we see and what we remember, what we recall and what we understand are stories." "Denial is not my strength. So when I saw this, I understood what it meant." "We do not learn from the experience of previous generations. And so we have to repeat their mistakes over and over again." "Habits are important... These habits are what creates reality." "You can't be a feminist if you're a racist. You can't be a feminist if you want to abuse people economically." Orit's Powerful Question: "If something is meaningful when I do it for others, is it not just as meaningful when I do it for myself?" Resources Mentioned: Dr. Orit Kamir's website (in English and Hebrew) Dr Kamir’s new book (Hebrew) Dr Kamir’s latest book in English The Israeli sexual harassment prevention law of 1998 Professor Catharine MacKinnon Get access to CuriosityGPT Join the Curiosity Lab - Chedva's concentrated strategy process

 In this deeply personal conversation, Iona Holloway, founder and keynote speaker at Brave Thing, joins Chedva to explore how becoming a mother at 35 sharpened her already strong opinions and shortened her bullshit filter. They dive into the transformative power of motherhood, the difference between being special and being precious, and what it really means to be brave. Iona shares her journey from a struggling 29-year-old to finding freedom through inner work, and how pregnancy and motherhood shifted her from deep emotional facilitation to helping others shine through public speaking. The conversation touches on the 5 and 95 rule, time travel within ourselves, and why sometimes our greatest strengths come from accepting we're not coming to save ourselves—we have to do it. Key Topics: How motherhood intensifies both fierceness and vulnerability The difference between being special and being precious Strong opinions, loosely held—and respecting others who disagree The 5 and 95 rule: making your inner child happy and your 95-year-old self proud Pivotting in different stages of life Moving from Scotland to the US and finding permission to heal Bravery as the collision of strength and vulnerability   Notable Quotes: "I'm operating on the principle that if this is the time I've got, then I may as well be living as true to whatever the current version of Iona exists." "None of us are special, but we are all very precious things." "At any given time, you have to decide that you are the one that you have been waiting for, looking for, needing. No one is coming to save you." "Your body's a scrapbook and it holds the memories of your life in its pages." "Bravery is where strength and vulnerability collide—strong with your heart turned on." "If someone's giving you 10 minutes of their time, then you better make it worth their attention." Iona's Powerful Question: "Someone in your life needs a braver version of you to exist. Who is your someone?" Resources Mentioned: Iona Holloway's website Star Power - Iona's 5-week speaking intensive program Follow Iona on social media @ionaholloway Ghost: Why Perfect Women Shrink - Iona’s bestselling book CuriosityGPT - Free tool for gateway questions The Curiosity Lab - Chedva's concentrated strategy process Chedva's newsletter - Weekly questions and musings  

 In this profound conversation, leadership and intuition expert Tal Shavit joins Chedva to explore the intersection of spirituality and business, feminine leadership models, and the courage to follow inner guidance. Tal shares her journey from McKinsey consultant to co-leading Double You retreat with 11 women, her transformative year prioritizing spiritual practice, and the pivotal moment she said no to a 60-day meditation retreat because her inner voice told her she wanted "to be in the world with friends." Together, they discuss how jealousy can be a powerful pointer to our desires, the difference between productive rest and rest as productivity, and what it means to bring intuition into real-world leadership decisions. The conversation touches on hustle culture recovery, the vulnerability required for creativity, and how our backgrounds affect our relationship with safety and risk-taking. Key Topics: Co-leading an organization with 11 women and exploring feminine leadership models Using jealousy as a compass for understanding what we truly want The intersection of spiritual practice and business leadership Learning to prioritize rest as part of the work, not separate from it How hustle culture affects millennial women even when we consciously reject it The relationship between safety, vulnerability, and creativity Bringing intuition and inner guidance into practical decision-making How personal background affects our relationship with risk and failure The relationship between perseverance and avoiding difficult questions Creating space for playfulness and curiosity in professional settings Notable Quotes: "If there's jealousy that's coming up, this is a pointer that there is something that's important for me." "Top athletes spend between 20 to 40% of their time in complete rest... A huge part of the build is through the rest periods." "The way that I see intuition or inner guidance is not just Tal or Chedva's personal thing - is the ability to connect to that which is wider from within ourselves." "There's no way I will play and be silly, truly, if I'm not feeling safe, but this is also a huge catalyzer for creativity and innovation." "Our bodies remember these things... our experience of failure and safety, depending on our background, is completely different." Tal's Powerful Question: "In a world of no failure, like there's no way for you to fail, and no cost... What is the most exuberant, beautiful, enlivening, energizing vision you have for your life?" Resources Mentioned: Tal on Linkedin Double You retreat - women's leadership retreat organization with 1,000+ active members Stephie Knopel on Looks Like Work "Growing on the Job" - book about adult development theory in workplace settings Brené Brown's work on vulnerability and organizational safety Gateway questions and cohabitating with big questions

 In this deeply moving and wide-ranging conversation, Tiffany Yu — CEO and founder of Diversability and author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto — joins Chedva to unpack what it means to live, lead, and love in a world not built with all bodies in mind. Tiffany shares her powerful journey from childhood trauma and societal shame to outspoken disability advocate, community builder, and proud disabled woman. Together, she and Chedva explore identity, grief, community, the labor of disclosure, and what it really takes to ask (and answer) better questions. With humor, honesty, and vulnerability, they discuss how disability isn't something to fix, but something to understand — in ourselves and in each other. This episode also touches on the nuances of being perceived as “inspiring,” the cultural shift around visibility, and what happens when we stop hiding and start naming our truths out loud. Key Topics: The “second origin story” of disability: from shame to self-acceptance to ownership What makes a question inclusive — and what doesn’t The hidden labor of showing up with visible or invisible disabilities From Wall Street to advocacy: how Tiffany built community in every chapter Inspiration vs. objectification: the danger of “inspiring by existing” What pride looks like after trauma, loss, and healing The evolving language of neurodivergence and identity The power (and politics) of naming — ourselves, our needs, our truths Building access into everything — including your own work and rest Joy as resistance, biking as healing, and naming your bike “Stanley” Me → We → Us: how transformative change begins at the personal level Notable Quotes: “Community was always the through line. Before I was a disability advocate, I was a community builder.” “Disability is not something to fix. It’s an identity, a culture, a perspective — not a problem.” “I had to unlearn that I was broken. And learn that I get to take up space.” “Be curious — but respect boundaries.” “If you took disability out of the picture, would you still describe that person as inspiring?” “We need curiosity that connects, not curiosity that intrudes.” Tiffany’s Powerful Question: “What’s something that brought you joy recently?” Resources Mentioned: The Anti-Ableist Manifesto by Tiffany Yu Diversability Stella Young’s TED Talk: “I’m Not Your Inspiration, Thank You Very Much” Emily Ladau, disability advocate Dreamers & Doers Community Get access to CuriosityGPT — your strategic thinking partner in question form Join The Curiosity Lab to explore identity, values, and direction in the face of life’s fog

 In this inspiring conversation, Tali Slonim, CEO and founder of The Stretcher and author of "Unleash Your Talent," shares her journey from corporate HR executive to entrepreneur, coach, and author. Together, Chedva and Tali explore the concept of the "zone of genius" - that sweet spot where passion meets ability - and how major life changes like divorce, loss, and global events can force us to reevaluate our priorities. Tali opens up about her transformation from workaholic to someone who has found sustainable success by questioning traditional work paradigms and asking herself what's truly right for her. The conversation touches on the power of daily writing, the importance of bringing your whole self to work, and how vulnerability and authenticity in business can actually increase credibility and trust. Key Topics: The zone of genius: where passion and ability intersect Transitioning from corporate workaholic to balanced entrepreneur How major life events (divorce, loss, COVID, war) reshape priorities The slash (multi-hyphenate)  lifestyle: managing multiple roles and identities Daily writing as a practice for self-discovery and connection Bringing authenticity and vulnerability to professional spaces The importance of questioning "what's right for me" vs. external expectations How personal tragedies can provide life perspective and proportionality Writing a book in three months while in flow state Creating physical spaces that reflect and support your work Notable Quotes: "When you work in what you're passionate about, it only looks like work. It doesn't feel like work." "We are both recovered workaholics." "On your stone, no one writes 'she didn't spend enough time at work' or 'she was a great HR executive.' People always talk about the kind of friend you were, about the kind of mother, the kind of person you were." "Once you're in [the zone of genius], it almost feels like you're volunteering, because it's stuff that you would be ready to do for free." "Work is important but it's not everything... It's part of my life. I'm also other things. It's not 100% of my identity."   Tali's Powerful Question: "What's truly right for me? What's right for my values, what's right for my long-term journey, what makes me feel good even physically." Resources Mentioned: "Unleash Your Talent" by Tali Slonim Tali Slonim on Linkedin "The Big Leap" by Dr. Gay Hendricks (zone of genius concept) CTI (Co-Active Training Institute) coaching methodology Get access to CuriosityGPT and find your gateway questions Connect with your leader mindset and walk out with an actionable roadmap and insights that you actually want to follow - join the Curiosity Lab

 In this profound conversation, filmmaker Tal Barda shares her journey of documenting the unseen realities of our world. Growing up between cultures (Israeli, French, and American), Tal developed a fearless curiosity that drove her to explore places and stories most people prefer to avoid - from prisons to Gaza, from ultra-Orthodox communities to immigrant families navigating tradition versus personal freedom. She discusses her recent film I Shall Not Hate about a Palestinian doctor from Gaza, which was completed just one week before October 7th, and how that tragedy transformed both the film's meaning and her mission as a filmmaker. The conversation explores the intersection of curiosity and introspection, the challenge of belonging when you're always the outsider, and how witnessing difficult realities can lead to personal transformation and social change. Key Topics: Using documentary filmmaking to reveal hidden and ignored realities The power of curiosity as a driving force for personal and professional growth Growing up between cultures and how that shapes perspective The challenge and responsibility of filmmaking during times of conflict Balancing personal safety with the calling to witness difficult truths The difference between telling big stories through small, human lenses Finding belonging as a perpetual outsider The intersection of art, activism, and human connection Managing the intensity of extreme subject matter while maintaining humanity Notable Quotes: "I'm always looking at reality, but the reality that most of us prefer not to see or to ignore." "If you meet one person and then you can't continue generalizing everything around and you can't continue being so polarized." "Reality is much stronger than what you planned." "I feel that 50% of a solution would be just first realizing there's a problem or realizing a reality that we prefer maybe not to look at." "I feel more lively there [in extreme situations]." "We can all see ourselves in many different forms and characters. We all have different parts of our personality in ourselves." "Let the void be a void. We don't have that understanding in our modern society that it's okay that there's a void." Tal's Powerful Question: "How am I witnessing whatever is taking place and the violence around and doing enough... Am I allowing myself to deal also with my personal issues and questions through these stories?" Resources Mentioned: I Shall Not Hate - Tal's documentary about a Palestinian doctor from Gaza (currently screening in 50 cinemas across France) Prison series "Tזalmon" on Channel 11 (contact Tal if you want to view it internationally) "Criminal File 512" series about the crime world Tal on IMDB Pecha Kucha Festival (Tel Aviv) Follow Tal's work through Instagram Get access to CuriosityGPT and find your gateway questions Connect with your leader mindset and walk out with an actionable roadmap and insights that you actually want to follow - join the Curiosity Lab Get more questions, thoughts and introspection on Chedva’s newsletter

In this deeply personal solo episode, Chedva takes us through her 17-year entrepreneurial journey - from translator to blogger to design journalist to marketing agency owner to tech startup founder and back to founder mode with her new venture, Consider. After recent trips to New York and Greece for conferences, she reflects on the seductive pull of "founder mode" and how easily we can lose ourselves in the pursuit of our dreams. Drawing inspiration from seeing Audra McDonald in the Broadway musical "Gypsy," Chedva explores the dangerous intersection of resilience and ambition when they're not balanced with introspection and question-asking. She shares her own experiences of getting sucked into work identity and offers a powerful warning about how positive traits like determination can turn against our values when left unchecked. Key Topics: The evolution of a 17-year entrepreneurial journey across multiple industries The seductive danger of "founder mode" and losing yourself in your work How resilience without introspection can make you turn on your own values The importance of maintaining identity and life outside of your business Learning to integrate work and personal life rather than compartmentalizing Growing up multicultural and the sense of belonging everywhere and nowhere The challenge of sustaining passion projects without burning out Using Broadway's "Gypsy" as a metaphor for entrepreneurial obsession The necessity of regular check-ins with yourself and your values Notable Quotes: "Resilience without questions or introspection can quickly make you turn on yourself, on your loved ones, and on your values." "When I don't regularly check in with myself and question my own automatic behavior... I can find myself alone, burnt out, and perhaps even worse, working towards something that is opposed to my values." "I actually love my life and I wanna be part of it." "I didn't really love my life back then... a lot of that time I didn't want to stay with my own questions." Chedva's Powerful Question: "When do these positive, celebrated behaviors or values like resilience and being hardworking turn on us or make us help turn on ourselves? And how can we ask ourselves better questions when it comes to it?" Resources Mentioned: Consider.club - Chedva's new venture focused on transformative question-asking CuriosityGPT - AI tool for asking better questions chedva.substack.com - Weekly newsletter with questions, musings, and thoughts and specifically this issue about integration Broadway shows: "Gypsy" starring Audra McDonald, "Death Becomes Her" Orca Global Network - Global network of Israeli business owners

 In this deeply personal conversation, Meirav Rosenberg, CEO and founder of Paz Interactive and author-to-be, joins Chedva to explore the complexities of balancing multiple roles as a mother, entrepreneur, and partner. Together, they dive into themes of vulnerability, taking up space in the world, and the crucial importance of prioritizing yourself to better serve others. Meirav shares her journey of self-discovery, the lessons learned from writing "60 Dates to Love," and how fine-tuning your values leads to effortless alignment. The conversation touches on managing internal voices, the challenges of motherhood, and the power of asking difficult questions to live authentically. Key Topics: The courage and challenge of taking up space, especially as parents Managing the internal dialogue and voices in our heads Prioritizing self-care as the foundation for good parenting Values-based prioritization in life and work The relationship between authenticity and success in business and dating The importance of letting go and surrendering control Finding purpose and calling while maintaining balance The intersection of personal growth and professional success Burnout, functional medicine, and listening to your body's wisdom Notable Quotes: "I want to take up space... I have a certain purpose and a certain duty to speak for people who don't have a voice." "One of the things that I prioritize is, how can I be a great mom? It's focusing on me first, which is the first priority." "Filling up my cup so that I can help and I can be there for them in my best way." "I feel like our body tells us exactly everything." "The bigger the why, the easier the how." "I'm not scared of dying, I'm just scared of not living exactly the way that I want to." "The more honest I got with myself... the less effort [I needed]." "Sometimes I have to ask myself those hard questions, but I do love asking questions." Meirav's Powerful Question: "What do you want?" - A simple yet profound question she asks women to help them express their desires and live more authentically. Resources Mentioned: Meirav’s free resource "Dating Like a CEO" Paz Interactive - Meirav's digital marketing agency Chedva's Curiosity GPT Chedva’s newsletter on Substack

In this engaging conversation, Lee Rotenberg shares her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of fun and authenticity in her work. She reflects on the challenges of defining success and happiness, the lessons learned from founding and selling companies, and the significance of being present and true to oneself. Lee discusses how her recent LinkedIn post about prioritizing fun in her next career chapter resonated with many, and explains why internal success matters more to her now than external validation. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of entrepreneurship, from the excitement of early-stage creation to the challenges of scaling and fundraising, offering valuable insights for anyone navigating their own path to fulfillment. Key Topics: Prioritizing fun and authenticity in your career decisions Redefining success beyond external validation Finding happiness through presence and mindfulness Navigating the emotional roller coaster of entrepreneurship The joy of early-stage business building versus the challenges of scaling The drawbacks of fundraising for founders Learning how to evolve and adapt throughout your journey The importance of taking action on ideas rather than overthinking Moving from ArtSetters to Ivy to Clay to Hulken Notable Quotes: "This next era of my work chapter will be one where I'm essentially focusing more on fun." "I want to have delight in my day to day more than I want to have success." "Being successful is being happy... being very present and not trying to think about what is next." "When you're able to truly just be you and not worry about the external voices or external wants, that makes me invigorated." "If you want something too badly, it rarely happens. When you're living your best self, you become a magnet for all different areas of your life." "People's biggest mistake is they wait to launch or they're overthinking the steps. You need something very shitty in a sense, because that's the only way it's going to get better." "Fear can still stay there and you can do it while you're scared." Lee's Powerful Question: "What's the why behind what you're doing? Ask yourself the why and be really honest with yourself on that answer." Resources Mentioned: "Let Them" by Mel Robbins - described as "the most life-changing book" Lee has recently read "How to Be a No Limit Person" by Dr. Wayne Dyer - recommended as motivational and energizing "You Are a Badass" by Jen Sincero - endorsed as an excellent read Lee's podcast with Alex called "Unfinished Business" - interviews with inspiring entrepreneurs Follow Lee on LinkedIn for authentic insights on entrepreneurship  

 In this episode, Chedva talks with Georgi Enthoven, founder and author of "Work That's Worth It." They explore how to find meaningful work that balances personal fulfillment with positive impact. Georgi challenges the false dichotomy between doing good and earning well, and shares her journey from tech executive to purpose-driven thought leader. This conversation fits perfectly with the season's theme of questioning traditional priorities in our work lives. Key Topics: The meaning behind "Work That's Worth It" and why our career choices matter Finding purpose within our 90,000-hour career journey Challenging the divide between profitable careers and meaningful impact The importance of being compensated fairly while doing good How to discover work that energizes rather than depletes you Embracing a beginner's mindset throughout your career Notable Quotes: "You can't convince ambitious people to give up income. It's about finding options where you can do good and well for yourself." "I really want the kindest, most empathetic people to get to the top levels where they are pulling the levers of decision making." "If you are doing good in the world and you burn out in two years, we lose you." "Work that you're meant to do adds value to your life - it gives you incredible challenges that make you wake up eager to get out of bed." "The powerful question is: what is worth your 90,000 hours?" Georgi's Powerful Question: "What is worth your 90,000 hours?" Resources & Links: Purchase "Work That's Worth It": Available at major booksellers Calculate your remaining career hours: https://georgienthoven.com/ Follow Georgi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgienthoven/ Subscribe to Chedva's newsletter: chedva.substack.com

 Chaya Gilboa, a Talmud scholar and activist who grew up in an ultra-Orthodox community in Jerusalem, shares her journey of reclaiming Jewish texts that women were traditionally forbidden to study. The conversation explores the intersection of spirituality, embodiment, and challenging patriarchal systems, as well as how ancient wisdom can provide comfort during times of crisis. Key Topics: Chaya's experience studying Talmud as a revolutionary act The emotional and spiritual dimensions of reclaiming religious texts Integrating body and mind in spiritual and intellectual practice Creating new approaches to ancient texts during crisis and war Balancing calling, career, and family life Notable Quotes: "I was pushed out of the door and I looked for the window to go back in." "I couldn't breathe. I needed to take walks at Ben Gurion University because my body was not even excited, I was uplifted in ways that I didn't even know knowledge could uplift me." "For many years, growing up, I didn't really know my body. We never talked about the body - the body was something that either you are ashamed of or you need to cover." "I'm 41 and it's the first time in my life that I'm in sync with what I love to do, what I'm passionate about, what I'm good at, and what I think the world needs." Chaya's Powerful Question: "What am I chasing after, and what am I running from?" Resources Mentioned: Chaya’s beautiful website Follow Chaya on Instagram: @chayagilboa