Lead Yourself First: The Journey from Engineer to Leadership Coach

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, Avik chats with Kyle Cords, a former Hollywood writer turned tech entrepreneur, who is now the co-creator of Om List, a movie recommendation app that unites people based on shared film preferences. Kyle shares his inspiring journey from the fast-paced world of television writing to becoming a digital nomad, where his global travels fueled his passion for building a platform that fosters connection through film. They dive deep into Kyle's pivot from Hollywood, the challenges of launching a tech startup, and how Om List aims to change the way we discover films and build communities. About the Guest: Kyle Cords began his career as a writer in Hollywood, contributing to various popular TV shows. However, his journey took a unique turn during the COVID-19 pandemic when he transitioned into the tech world as a digital nomad. Together with his partner Amy, Kyle founded Om List, a movie recommendation app that aims to bridge cultural gaps through the power of film. His story reflects resilience, adaptability, and a desire to create value beyond the traditional confines of the entertainment industry. Key Takeaways: Creative Evolution: Kyle’s journey from Hollywood writer to tech entrepreneur demonstrates how personal passion can evolve into new ventures. The Importance of Connection: Om List was born out of Kyle’s desire to connect people globally through shared tastes in films, proving that storytelling transcends borders. Work-Life Balance: Kyle shares insights on reclaiming control over one’s life and career, particularly the freedom that comes with entrepreneurship after years of burnout in a high-pressure industry. The Power of Reflection: The COVID-19 pandemic offered Kyle a moment of introspection, leading him to reassess his goals and the direction of his life. Resilience in New Beginnings: Transitioning from a career in writing to building a tech startup wasn’t easy, but Kyle emphasizes the importance of perseverance and self-belief in navigating unfamiliar territory.

6 Sep 202424min

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Sana welcomes David Roche, a seasoned professional coach and mentor, to discuss strategies for first-time CEOs to excel in their roles. David, who has a wealth of experience in leadership, publishing, and coaching through his company, Gray Area Coaching, shares insights from his Amazon #1 bestseller Become a Successful First-Time CEO. Topics include mastering corporate success, creating your own luck, building essential relationships, avoiding common CEO pitfalls, and overcoming imposter syndrome. This conversation is packed with actionable advice for executives and leaders aspiring to thrive in their careers.   About the Guest: David Roche is a professional coach and mentor specializing in working with first-time CEOs across multiple sectors. He is the non-executive chair of the London Book Fair and chair of the writing agency New Writing North. With extensive experience in retail and publishing, David has held CEO positions at Borders and Books etc., along with senior roles at Waterstones, HMV, and HarperCollins. His bestselling book, Become a Successful First-Time CEO, focuses on the crucial steps new CEOs must take to succeed. David’s unique coaching approach blends practical business strategies with personal development.   Key Takeaways: Creating Your Own Luck: Success in a corporate career often involves stepping beyond your immediate role and proactively addressing challenges faced by senior leaders. Building trust by offering solutions can set you apart. The Importance of Relationships: Networking is critical for CEOs, not only for external partnerships but also for managing internal dynamics with boards, leadership teams, and employees. Effective relationships are foundational to success. Avoiding CEO Pitfalls: New CEOs often falter due to insufficient support or a failure to build the right relationships. Seeking guidance and using an external mentor can help navigate the challenging transition. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Many high-achieving leaders experience self-doubt. Recognizing that it is common and focusing on teamwork, rather than feeling the need to have all the answers, can help overcome these feelings. The Value of Coaching: Just as elite athletes rely on coaches, first-time CEOs benefit greatly from having a mentor or coach to provide outside perspective, encouragement, and guidance.

6 Sep 202421min

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Aaron Parry, a man who has navigated high-stress environments, from elite sports coaching to the military and police force. Aaron shares his profound insights on overcoming the pressure to succeed, cutting through the noise of self-improvement trends, and discovering what true happiness really means. This conversation delves into his personal and professional journey, exploring how he learned to build resilience, thrive under pressure, and help others find their path to lasting success and mental well-being.   About the Guest: Aaron Parry is a seasoned professional with experience in high-performance environments, including military service in the Royal Air Force, elite-level rugby coaching, and frontline police work. Having faced numerous challenges, Aaron realized that success wasn't about money or societal expectations, but rather about inner fulfillment and happiness. Today, Aaron dedicates his time to helping others navigate their mental health, find resilience, and develop practical strategies for thriving in life. Key Takeaways: Redefining Success – Success is not about wealth or external validation but finding internal fulfillment and happiness. Resilience Under Pressure – Aaron’s experiences in the military, sports, and police force taught him valuable lessons in thriving under stress. Cutting Through the Noise – Avoid getting lost in self-improvement trends; focus on what truly resonates with you. Happiness is a Journey – Realizing what makes you happy is crucial, and it’s often different from what society defines as success. Mental Health Awareness – Everyone faces challenges, and it’s important to seek solutions that work for you, whether through self-exploration or professional help.

6 Sep 202419min

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty welcomes John Hall, a former Fortune 100 tech leader turned executive performance coach. John, with over 30 years of experience in turning around struggling tech divisions, now focuses on guiding founders and entrepreneurs through his revolutionary BPM Method. This method blends Breath, Physiology, and Mindset to optimize performance and redefine success. John shares insights on how to transform stress into a performance advantage, make better decisions under pressure, and achieve extraordinary results in both business and personal life. Tune in to explore practical strategies for harnessing stress, improving decision-making, and incorporating breathwork and mindfulness into daily routines for enhanced focus and resilience. About the Guest: John Hall is a distinguished executive performance coach and former technology executive with a career spanning over three decades. Having held leadership roles at major companies like JP Morgan Chase, John specializes in turning around struggling tech divisions. His BPM Method, which combines Breath, Physiology, and Mindset, reflects his deep understanding of both the scientific and spiritual aspects of performance optimization. John’s journey from tech leadership to coaching is driven by his passion for helping others unlock their full potential and achieve peak performance. Key Takeaways: Understanding Stress Types: Learn about the three types of stress—neutral stress, distress, and eustress—and how they affect performance. Distinguishing between these can help manage stress more effectively. BPM Method: Discover the BPM Method (Breath, Physiology, Mindset), which integrates cutting-edge neuroscience with practical leadership strategies to enhance performance and redefine success. Breathwork's Impact: Understand how specific breathing techniques can mitigate stress, improve decision-making, and enhance overall performance. John demonstrates a simple breathwork exercise that can be incorporated into daily routines. Mind-Body Connection: Explore the significant role of the mind-body connection in managing stress and improving resilience. John shares insights from both scientific research and personal experience. Practical Strategies for Leaders: Gain practical tips on how leaders can incorporate mindfulness and breathwork into their daily routines to boost focus, resilience, and decision-making under pressure. Join us for this insightful conversation with John Hall and learn how to turn stress into a powerful tool for success.

5 Sep 202425min

In this insightful episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Sana sits down with Dr. Scott J. Allen, an award-winning educator and leadership development expert, to explore the intricacies of leadership and personal growth. They dive into Scott’s journey, starting from his early leadership experiences in college to his current role as an educator and leadership advocate. Scott shares his wisdom on what defines effective leadership and addresses common misconceptions, such as whether leaders are born or made. The conversation highlights the role of character, continuous learning, and emotional maturity in shaping effective leaders. About the Guest: Scott J. Allen, Ph.D., is an accomplished educator specializing in leadership development. He is a sought-after speaker and coach, passionate about helping individuals and teams unlock their leadership potential. With years of experience studying leadership across cultures, Scott brings a unique perspective on the skills and qualities that create impactful leaders. His work emphasizes the importance of character, self-awareness, and continuous growth, drawing on a wide range of research and personal experiences. Key Takeaways: Leadership is Both Born and Made: While some traits may come naturally to individuals, many leadership skills can be learned and developed over time, such as decision-making, charisma, and communication. Who You Are is How You Lead: Leadership is deeply connected to personal character and well-being. A leader’s mindset, maturity, and emotional intelligence are crucial to their effectiveness. Lifelong Learning is Essential: Effective leaders embrace a growth mindset and continuously seek feedback and opportunities for improvement. Cultural Nuances in Leadership: Leadership is perceived and valued differently across cultures, so it’s essential to be aware of these differences and adapt accordingly. Character and Integrity Matter: At the core of great leadership is strong character. Leaders who act with integrity, transparency, and authenticity inspire trust and commitment from their teams. Listeners will walk away with practical insights into how to refine their leadership approach and develop essential qualities for personal and professional success.

5 Sep 202434min

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty is joined by Melinda Colon, a marketing expert who transitioned from corporate life to building a successful agency. Melinda shares her powerful 3-step system—Vision, Vehicle, and Voice—designed to help service business owners achieve time and money mastery. Discover how aligning your passion with practical strategies can attract high-paying clients, create predictable revenue, and ultimately bring more freedom and balance into your life. About the Guest: Melinda Colon is a marketing strategist and founder of a successful marketing agency that has helped clients generate over $4.4 billion in new business. After mastering high-ticket offers and transforming her business model, Melinda now shares her expertise with service business owners, helping them achieve financial success and personal freedom. Key Takeaways: The Power of Vision: Understanding your true self and aligning your business with your core values is essential for sustainable success. High-Ticket Offers: Transitioning from traditional pricing models to high-ticket offers can revolutionize your business and attract clients who value your expertise. Articulating Value: Learn how to communicate the value of your services effectively, making it easier for clients to see the benefits of your offerings. Time and Money Mastery: By following Melinda's 3-step system, service business owners can achieve greater freedom, reduce stress, and live a more balanced life.

4 Sep 202428min

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty delves into the essential topics of body positivity and self-love, exploring how embracing these concepts can transform lives. Avik is joined by Amanda Haro, a burnout and confidence coach, and intentional single mom of four daughters. Amanda shares her personal journey from feeling lost in a one-sided marriage to rediscovering her self-worth. Through her powerful story, she reveals the importance of body positivity, especially for women and mothers, and offers practical advice on how to liberate oneself from societal pressures and embrace one's unique self. About the Guest: Amanda Haro is a dedicated burnout and confidence coach who helps moms reclaim their sense of self and prioritize their well-being. As a single mother of four girls, Amanda's journey from a life of self-neglect in a one-sided marriage to becoming a beacon of self-love and confidence is truly inspiring. She is the host of the "Ferociously Mothering" podcast, where she teaches women how to step off the back burner and live intentionally with purpose and authenticity. Amanda’s mission is to support mothers at all stages of motherhood, empowering them to embrace their bodies and live confidently. Key Takeaways: Body Positivity Begins with Self-Acceptance: Amanda emphasizes that true body positivity is about accepting and loving your body as it is now, not as it once was or as you wish it to be. Rewriting the Mental Narrative: She explains how the brain often clings to negative body images, and how important it is to actively rewrite this narrative to focus on the positive aspects of your body. Impact on the Next Generation: Amanda shares her motivation for embracing body positivity—ensuring she doesn’t pass down a legacy of self-loathing to her daughters, but instead teaches them to love their bodies unconditionally. Beyond the Surface: The journey to self-love and body positivity is deeper than just appearance; it requires a shift in mindset and a focus on the inherent value of oneself. Practical Steps for Moms: Amanda provides practical advice on how mothers can begin to prioritize themselves, embrace their post-baby bodies, and model self-love for their children.

4 Sep 202419min

In this inspiring episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Cindy Rand, an influential leader, entrepreneur, and founder of A Grateful Mind International. Together, they delve into the crucial topic of avoiding complacency in both personal and professional life. Cindy shares her philosophy on the importance of continual growth, distinguishing between being content and being complacent. She offers practical advice for maintaining momentum, whether you’re a seasoned professional, an empty nester, or someone just starting on their journey. About the Guest: Cindy Rand, affectionately known as "The Busy Woman's Cheerleader," is a powerhouse in leadership and personal empowerment. As the driving force behind the Busy Woman's Network and the founder of A Grateful Mind International, Cindy has dedicated her life to helping women thrive. With a rich background in leadership, holistic wellness, and motivational speaking, she empowers others to embrace a holistic approach to life, balancing mind, body, spirit, and finances. Key Takeaways: Complacency vs. Contentment: Understand the difference between being content, which is a state of satisfaction, and being complacent, which can lead to stagnation. The Importance of Growth: Whether you're successful or just starting, continuous growth is essential to prevent stagnation and keep your life and business moving forward. Purposeful Living: Don’t lose sight of your purpose while fulfilling family or other obligations. Everyone has a unique purpose to serve, and it’s important to nurture it. Strategies for Scaling: Learn practical ways to scale your business or personal goals, even when you feel like you’ve "arrived" at your destination. Empowerment Through Action: Stay proactive in pursuing new opportunities and challenges to avoid the trap of complacency.

4 Sep 202424min