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In this episode, I sit down with Vit Kodousek, a former TV producer and golf commentator who left a 13-year career in Dubai to become a full-time artist in Osaka, Japan. Vit is the creator of Ichigo Ichie — a live painting performance that has moved audiences to tears across more than 150 events in just one year. We explore the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen (continuous improvement through small daily steps), the difference between active and passive surrender, and why trying to control the uncontrollable leads to burnout. Vit shares how moving across five countries shaped his worldview, why he refuses to charge for spiritual experiences, and how protecting your inner peace might be the most important mission of your life. If you've ever felt stuck chasing success at the cost of your happiness, this conversation will make you rethink what it means to truly flow with life. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro & welcoming Vit1:30 How Vit ended up in Japan3:00 The World Expo and the birth of Ichigo Ichie5:00 Why the live painting performance became so popular7:00 Vit's background: TV, golf, Dubai, and art9:30 The mindset of moving countries without fear11:00 Surrender as an active practice12:00 Kaizen: small steps, big change14:30 Comfort zone and the marathon analogy17:00 Can artists make a living? Vit's non-profit approach20:00 Active vs passive surrender24:00 Alex's burnout story: swimming against the river28:00 What's next for Vit31:00 Where to find Vit & closingFind Vit: Instagram @squaremotionart | Website: ichigoichie.life with love Alex  https://thementoringeffect.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Mitchell shares his raw transformation story and breaks down the practical frameworks he now teaches high-performing men through his coaching practice and the Dad Nation podcast (globally top 10% rated with 33,000 listeners): • The Iron Five — why every man needs five men in his corner holding him to his standard  • The RISE Conversation Ladder — a four-step framework (Routine, Information, Story, Essence) to move from surface-level small talk to soul-level connection with your partner  • The "Crazy Cycle" — why men retreat to work when they feel incompetent at home, and how to break the spiral  • Normative male alexithymia — the psychological term that explains why men struggle to express emotions (and why you're not broken)  • The one phrase men need to hear more than "I love you" — and what women really mean when they say "I married a robot" Whether you're a high-achieving man feeling the gap between professional success and personal connection, or a partner trying to understand why he shuts down — this conversation offers real tools, not just theory. 🎁 Free resource from Mitchell: Download "The Connection Code" — 50 questions to spark fun and intimacy back into your relationship at https://www.dadnationco.com/code or connect with Mitchell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-osmond-5a07a210a/ enjoy listening Alex https://linktr.ee/thementoringeffect https://thementoringeffect.com/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrea is the founder of Simplify Separation and Divorce, Australia's only service coaching couples through amicable separation. She brings her background in organizational leadership to help separating partners lead themselves and their families with clarity, emotional intelligence, and dignity — instead of fear and conflict. What we cover: What conscious uncoupling actually means and why it mattersWhy your first call shouldn't be to a lawyerThe whiteboard exercise: a practical tool for turning the unknown into the knownHow to shift from "you always" to "I need" — a communication reset for separating couplesReal client story: a couple with three kids who separated under one roof and co-parented beautifullyGray divorce: why couples in their 60s are uncoupling and what drives itThe role of emotional intelligence in preventing divorce regretHow Simplify @Work supports employees going through separation in the workplaceDivorce myths that are costing families years of stress and hundreds of thousands of dollarsConnect with Andrea: Website: simplifyseparationdivorce.com.auEmail: [email protected] one-hour strategy call available via the websiteThank you for listening Alex Connect with Alex https://thementoringeffect.com/ https://api.productivityhub.tech/widget/bookings/tmediscovery https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-terrey/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We dive deep into: The role of energy in business — how the frequency you bring into a room shapes your team, your culture, and your bottom lineBurnout and boundaries — why hustle culture keeps you stuck, and what it takes to break the patternThe ebb and flow of money — how resisting the natural cycles of business creates scarcity, and how surrender opens the door to abundanceIdentity vs. position — why tying your worth to your job title or bank account is a recipe for disasterLeading from the mind, heart, and soul — the multidimensional approach to leadership that transforms not just your team, but the ripple effect you send through every life you touchWhether you're a founder, a CEO, or someone questioning whether the path you're on is truly yours — this conversation is an invitation to come back to your breath, your truth, and your power. Connect with Roxanne at theilluminationretreat.com With love Alex https://linktr.ee/thementoringeffect thementoringeffect.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the key to being a better leader isn't another business book — it's learning how to love better? This week, Alexandra welcomes Eri Kardos, a former Amazon leadership development specialist who discovered that when she helped executives strengthen their relationships at home, their performance at work skyrocketed. Eri now coaches leaders at Google, Microsoft, Boeing, SpaceX, and beyond on the science and skills of love, communication, and intimacy. In this wide-ranging conversation, Eri and Alexandra dive into: Why relationship skills are leadership skills — and how they ripple through entire organizationsThe research behind what makes couples last (the Gottman Institute can predict relationship success with 92% accuracy)How to ask for what you want in love and life using the same SMART-goal framework you use at workThe NICE Date Challenge — a simple exercise to rewire how you and your partner connect (New, Interesting, Challenging, Exciting)What true intimacy really means, and why full presence is its number one ingredientThe ear massage story — a powerful reminder to understand the meaning behind what your partner wants, not just the requestWhy curiosity and gratitude are your two biggest tools for keeping any relationship aliveHow cutting a sandwich into triangles can teach you more about love than you'd expectPlus, Eri shares homework you can try tonight, her bestselling book Relationship Agreements, and where to find her free master classes. Guest links: relearnlove.com | Instagram: @coacherikardosh Thank you for listening with love Alex https://linktr.ee/thementoringeffect https://thementoringeffect.com/     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We explore why adaptive leadership isn't about changing who you are, but rather about adjusting your approach based on what your team needs to succeed. Suzie shares practical guidance on pausing before reacting in high-pressure environments, managing your own emotions as a leader, and having the difficult conversations that most people would rather avoid — including why 40% of employees would rather quit than have a hard conversation at work. Through real-world stories,  from a star salesperson whose management style alienated her experienced team, to a generational clash over workplace norms, Suzie illustrates how unspoken expectations and typecasting derail teams. We also dive deep into building trust through consistency, the difference between being nice and being kind (channeling Brené Brown's "clear is kind"), and why authentic leadership means giving yourself permission to be human. The conversation closes with a candid discussion on navigating maternity leave as a leader — the identity shift, the value of having a coach, and the powerful moment when stepping away lets others step into their own leadership. Thank you for listening Alex https://linktr.ee/thementoringeffect You can connect with me directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-terrey/ Or connect with Suzie https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzie-bishop/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you make better decisions when the future feels uncertain? I’m joined by leadership expert and author Dr. Matt Kutz to explore contextual intelligence, self-leadership and his practical 3D thinking framework: hindsight, insight and foresight. We discuss how past experiences can limit future possibilities, what it means to become an antifragile leader, and why excellence grows through consistent action. Matt also shares his EPIC framework: Excellence, Perception, Inspiration and Compassion, and a fresh perspective on doing the hard things today that benefit your future self. A practical conversation for business owners, founders and leaders who want to think more clearly, navigate change and turn potential into purposeful action. Thank you for listening Alex More info: https://linktr.ee/thementoringeffect You can find Matt at: www.matthewkutz.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, I sit down with Master Mingtong Gu, internationally recognised Qigong teacher and founder of Wisdom Healing Qigong, to explore a different dimension of human performance. We often try to solve exhaustion, stress and emotional pressure through the mind. But when the nervous system is overloaded, thinking alone may not be enough. Our physiological state influences how we think, feel, make decisions, connect with others and respond under pressure. Mingtong shares how Qigong, embodied awareness and intentional movement can help us reconnect with the body, regulate our internal state and access greater clarity, creativity and vitality. We explore: Why you can’t always think your way out of exhaustionThe relationship between the nervous system, energy and performanceHow embodied presence can improve focus, creativity and emotional resilienceWhy leaders need the ability to regulate their state under pressureSimple Qigong principles that can be integrated into everyday lifeThe connection between the body, emotions and sustainable performanceWhy slowing down internally can sometimes help us perform better externallyWhat makes us uniquely human in a world increasingly shaped by AIAnd perhaps the most important question: As technology becomes more intelligent, how do we become more human? AI can process information faster than we can. But our capacity to feel, connect, create, experience presence and consciously work with our internal state remains deeply human. As Mingtong says: “We stand at a crossroads: dehumanize into machines or return to our sacred bodies.” This conversation is an invitation to come back to the body, expand your awareness and rethink what sustainable high performance really means. For business owners, leaders and high performers who are achieving externally but want greater energy, clarity and fulfilment internally, this episode offers a perspective worth exploring. Thank you for listening with love Alex https://linktr.ee/thementoringeffect You can connect with Master Mingtong Gu: www.mingtonggu.com You can download the chapter from the book here: https://chicenter.pages.ontraport.net/t?orid=282437&opid=2 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, I sat down with voice coach, author, and speaker Barbara McAfee for a fascinating conversation about voice, presence, leadership, and authentic expression. What stood out most for me was how unaware many of us are of the voice we are actually using every day — and how different situations require different ways of communicating. Barbara shares her powerful 5 Voices framework and explains why the first step is awareness: understanding your predominant voice pattern and recognising how it shapes your leadership, relationships, confidence, and impact. We explored: - why your voice influences how people experience you - how leaders often overuse one communication style - the connection between voice, nervous system, confidence and authenticity - how to become more flexible, present and impactful in conversations - why finding your “full voice” changes the way you lead and live This conversation was insightful, practical and deeply human. One of those episodes that makes you reflect on how much of communication happens beneath awareness. If you lead people, speak publicly, facilitate groups, or simply want to express yourself more authentically — this episode is worth listening to. Alex https://linktr.ee/thementoringeffect You can get her beautiful song she shared at the end of this episode here: https://barbaramcafee.bandcamp.com/track/astonishing-light You can find Barbara and her books here: Website: https://www.barbaramcafee.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/mcafeemusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbara.mcafee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbaramcafeesings/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaramcafee/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most people believe their struggles come from difficult situations, lack of clarity, lack of confidence, or not knowing what to do next. But Liam shares a very different perspective. The real problem is often not the situation itself. It is the story the mind creates around it. Together, Alex and Liam unpack what Liam calls “The Story Trap” — the mental pattern where the brain stops responding to reality and starts reacting to imagined futures, fears, uncertainty, and internal narratives about what could go wrong. Once that happens: decisions become harder action feels heavy overthinking increases stress rises even simple situations begin to feel complicated The conversation explores how modern humans have become disconnected from instinctive intelligence and trapped in constant mental analysis, trying to think their way through life instead of responding clearly to what is actually happening. They discuss: why overthinking creates emotional suffering how the brain shifts into survival mode why mental chatter keeps people stuck how imagined futures create stress in the body instinct vs excessive thinking why clarity appears when the mind becomes quieter how high performers can reconnect to natural decision-making the neuroscience behind stress, control, and cognitive overload practical ways to move from mental struggle into clarity and flow Liam also shares insights from his work including The Story Trap, Neuro-State Rebalancing, and the Instinct Reset — practical approaches designed to help people reconnect with the brain’s natural problem-solving ability. This episode is a powerful reminder that life often becomes difficult not because reality is difficult, but because the mind creates complexity around it. When the noise settles, clarity returns. And when clarity returns, action becomes natural again. Learn more about Liam’s work: The Story Traphttps://liamnaden.substack.com #podcast #leadership #mindset #stress #neuroscience #selfawareness #decisionmaking #highperformance #mentalclarity #personalgrowth Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Alex and Magnus explore a different perspective on high performance — one that starts with self-awareness, authenticity and learning to trust your own body instead of constantly following external advice. In a world where everyone tells us how we should live, train, work and perform, it becomes easy to disconnect from ourselves. What works for one person may completely drain another. True performance is not built by copying others. It comes from understanding your own nervous system, energy, emotions and values. Together, they unpack how emotional state directly influences decision-making, leadership, confidence and performance. When we feel disconnected, stressed or insecure within ourselves, it affects how we lead, communicate and show up in life. But when we build trust in ourselves — physically, mentally and emotionally — performance becomes more natural and sustainable. This conversation dives into: Why listening to your body matters more than following trends The connection between emotional state and high performance How self-confidence is built through keeping promises to yourself Why physical health is the foundation of mental clarity The impact of authenticity on leadership and success Gratitude, nervous system regulation and creating an optimal state for performance Why sustainable success starts with how we feel about ourselves A grounded and honest conversation about performance, wellbeing and learning to create success from alignment instead of pressure. Alex   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this collaborative episode, Alex Terrey and Magnus Olson explore the deeper psychology behind decision-making, confidence, values and personal growth — sharing both personal experiences and practical insights from business, leadership and life. Together, they unpack why so many people stay stuck in environments, relationships or careers they have already outgrown, often choosing familiarity and short-term comfort over alignment and fulfilment. The conversation explores: - making values-based decisions even when they feel uncertain or financially risky - learning to trust intuition alongside logic - overcoming fear, hesitation and excuses - why clarity is often found in stillness and the pause - the emotional cost of staying stuck Alex also shares a powerful perspective on confidence and decision-making: when people don’t trust themselves, decision-making becomes slow, fearful and emotionally exhausting. Confidence is not built through motivation alone. It is built through self-trust. Every time we keep a promise to ourselves, we strengthen our identity and belief in who we are. If you decide to exercise every day and follow through consistently, you are not only improving your health — you are proving to yourself that your word matters. That internal proof changes how you lead, communicate and make decisions. The stronger your body, mind and emotional resilience become, the easier it is to make aligned decisions quickly, because you trust yourself to handle discomfort, uncertainty and growth. This episode is a grounded and honest conversation about choosing the life you truly want instead of remaining trapped in fear, logic or comfort. If you like the episode please follow us or subscribe so you can get notification about the next episdoes. With love Alex & Magnus   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Reed Williams — founder of REED Public Relations and co-founder of Wealth of a Woman, for a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, culture, and building a business that can grow beyond the founder. Lauren shares the real story behind scaling an award-winning PR agency while raising children, navigating uncertainty through COVID, and leading with clarity during some of the most challenging seasons of business and life. We explore what it truly takes to create a thriving company culture, the mindset required to lead under pressure, and why emotional resilience matters more than most people realize. We also dive into visionary leadership and operational freedom. Lauren reveals how she built a business capable of running independently, allowing her to take a 90-day sabbatical while the company continued to grow by 20%. This conversation is full of practical leadership insights, honest reflections, and ideas that any entrepreneur or leader can begin implementing immediately. One of my favorite parts of the conversation was Lauren’s perspective on workplace culture and trust — including a remarkable initiative where team members are encouraged to work from anywhere in the world for a month, supported with an additional bonus $3,000 to help them fully experience life in a new environment. A refreshing reminder that great leadership is about creating environments where people can thrive both personally and professionally. We also explore Lauren’s work with Wealth of a Woman, a movement helping women redefine their relationship with money, self-worth, purpose, and spiritual wealth by breaking inherited beliefs and reconnecting with their authentic voice. This episode is filled with wisdom for founders, leaders, parents, and anyone wanting to build success without losing themselves in the process. Thank you Alex Terrey https://thementoringeffect.com/resources/ You can find Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-reed-williams/ reedpublicrelations.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Inna Segal for a deep conversation about intuition, transformation, creativity, and reconnecting with the truth of who we really are. We explore what it truly means to go within… to slow down enough to feel your body, listen to your inner guidance, and reconnect with the part of you that has always known the way. Inna shares how different cultures connect to intuition and self-awareness in very different ways, and why so many people slowly disconnect from their authentic expression over time. We talk about: Why the body holds wisdom beyond the mind How movement creates awareness and connection A simple exercise: shaking one arm for 30 seconds and sensing the difference between the left and right side of the body Masculine and feminine energy within us Why we are all born with endless possibilities and layers of self-expression How fear, conditioning, and survival slowly “close the doors” within us Why many people stop expressing their creativity and true self in their 20s How resistance around money, relationships, purpose, and self-worth gets stored in the body The fear of “not being good enough” and how to move through it How to reconnect with the vitality, joy, and energy of a child again One of the most powerful metaphors in this conversation is the idea that each of us is like a castle with many doors. As children, those doors are open. We explore, imagine, create, feel, and express freely. But over time, life experiences, fear, rejection, and conditioning slowly close many of those doors… until we are living only a fraction of who we truly are. This episode is an invitation to reopen those doors. To reconnect with your heart. To trust your intuition. To feel your body again. To create from your soul instead of survival. Because the moment you reconnect with your creativity and inner truth, new possibilities begin to emerge. And maybe the real question is: What could become possible if you truly listened to yourself? Alex Terrey https://www.amazon.com.au/Limitless-Soul-Alexandra-Terrey/dp/1923289217 https://thementoringeffect.com/resources/ Inna Segal contact: https://www.innasegal.com/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the life you’re living right now… is being driven by patterns you didn’t consciously choose? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Seema Dhanoa to explore the invisible forces shaping our decisions, behaviors, and results—our subconscious mind. Research in neuroscience and psychology shows that up to 90–95% of our daily actions are driven by subconscious programs. Which means… most people aren’t actually choosing their life—they’re repeating it. We dive into what it really means to become conscious. Not as a concept. But as a way of living, leading, and creating. This episode opens up a deeper understanding of: Why awareness is the first step to any real transformation How your thoughts and emotions silently shape your identity and outcomes Recognising when you’re operating on autopilot (and how to interrupt it) Discovering the hidden patterns and beliefs that are holding you back Reconnecting with intuition and creating from a place of flow, not force Finding meaning and purpose beyond external success This is not about fixing yourself. It’s about seeing clearly. Because the moment you see the pattern… you are no longer controlled by it. If you’ve ever felt like there’s more available to you—but you can’t quite access it… This conversation will open a new door. with love Alex and Connect with Seema Dhanoa: Website: www.seemadhanoa.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/seemadhanoa Instagram: @seemadhanoa You can connect with me here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-terrey/ or check my new book Limitless soul:  https://www.amazon.com.au/Limitless-Soul-Alexandra-Terrey/dp/1923289217 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.