Leadership To Go

Latest Episode

#10 Why Waiting is a Mistake: Jochen Meissner on Courage, Following Your Passion, and Building a Life of Impact in Myanmar

Jochen Meissner is a passionate social entrepreneur, adventurer, and the founder of Uncharted Horizons, a unique tour company in Myanmar, as well as a project coordinator for SONNE International, an Austrian NGO focused on education and healthcare in vulnerable communities. Originally from Austria, Jochen’s adventurous spirit led him to explore Southeast Asia, where he found his new home in Myanmar.

In this episode, Jochen shares his journey from Austria to Myanmar and his search for purpose; from quitting a corporate job to launching Uncharted Horizons, a tour company born from a passion for exploration. He also opens up about his work with SONNE International, where he supports slum communities, street children, and healthcare initiatives for marginalised groups. Throughout the episode, Jochen reflects on the power of courage, following your heart, and living life fully in the present.

Ninth Episode

#9 Playfulness to Go: Modern Leadership with Lightness, Social Intelligence and Other Boardroom Lessons | with Silke Maurer

Silke Maurer is the COO of MTU Aero Engines and a Supervisory Board Member of Bilfinger SE, with over 25 years of experience, including two decades in leadership roles. Holding a Ph.D. in industrial engineering, Silke’s career spans renowned companies like BMW, Rolls-Royce, and BSH Home Appliances.

In this episode, Silke shares her journey from engineering to the boardroom, revealing how modern leadership is evolving to embrace emotional and social intelligence, individuality, and even playfulness. She discusses her lessons from navigating high-pressure roles, trusting gut decisions, and learning from mistakes. She also talks about the importance of knowing yourself first as a leader, and the inspiring power of women in executive and boardroom roles. 

Eigth Episode

#8 Integrity to Go: Leading with Heart, Inspiring Teams, and Building a Lasting Legacy | with Raj Lakhanpal

Rajesh Lakhanpal is the Managing Director for India at Coats Group Plc, Raj is the Managing Director for India at Coats Group Plc, a world leader in thread manufacturing and structural components for apparel and footwear, as well as an innovative pioneer in performance materials. With over two decades of experience, Raj has held leadership roles across several continents, including China, Mexico, and Brazil.

In this episode, Raj shares his insights from over 20 years of global leadership experience. He discusses the importance of fostering a culture of trust, the balance between leading with both head and heart, and the critical role of transparency in building successful teams. He reflects on his career journey, from his early days as a management trainee to his current position, and highlights the joy of helping others grow. He also talks about his passion for corporate social responsibility and making a difference in local communities across India.

Seventh Episode

#7 Innovation to Go: Building Startups, Empowering Founders and Turning Dreams Into Reality | with Kambis Kohansal Vajargah

Kambis is a serial entrepreneur and angel investor with a strong presence in the European startup ecosystem. He is the Head of Startup Services at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and has co-founded successful ventures like Watchado and Carployee (now PaveCommute). Named a European Digital Leader by the World Economic Forum, Kambis is passionate about mentoring founders, promoting innovation, and fostering entrepreneurship. 

In this episode, Kambis dives deep into his journey from founding multiple startups to becoming an influential angel investor and mentor. He shares insights on the dynamics of the startup ecosystem, the importance of fostering innovation in a country, and the lessons learned from supporting emerging entrepreneurs. Kambis also reflects on the challenges and joys of balancing personal life with professional responsibilities, and how he would explain his world to his new son. 

Sixth Episode

#6 Impact to Go: From First-Gen Student to Tech Leader, Empowering the Next Generation, Navigating Burnout and Finding Purpose | with Hailey Yoon

Hailey is the founder and leader of DevelopL, a startup dedicated to providing accessible college counselling for all students, with a special focus on first-generation students. Recognised as one of the Middle East’s top 50 tech leaders by Engati, she is also a Google Women Tech Founder MENA 2021.

In this episode, Hailey shares her journey from being a first-generation college student to becoming a tech leader and entrepreneur. She discusses the challenges of navigating life after graduation, the importance of finding meaningful work, and how her experiences with burnout have shaped her approach to wellbeing and leadership. She also delves into the power of fast learning in tech, her passion for empowering young people — and her go-to method for recharging as an introvert.

Fifth Episode

#5 Strength to Go: Balancing Dual Careers, Embracing Complexity, Building Strong Teams, and Leading with Power and Passion | with Anu Wadhwani

In this episode, Anu shares her journey of balancing dual careers, following love, the importance of reflection for transformational leaders, balancing pace and pause, how curiosity and growth have shaped her leadership, and her dedication to creating resilient, high-performing teams, and empowering local talent for global success — and her favourite song.

Fourth Episode

#4 Vision to Go: From a Small Town to Advising Presidents, Building Strong Relationships, and Living with Gratitude | with José Diego Manzanera

José is the Founder and CEO of Gulf Business Consulting, based in the UAE. José has advised Ministers, Diplomats, and Business Leaders from over 20 countries on how to do business in the Arab World and is an expert advisor to several semi-government entities and private companies in Europe.

In this episode, José talks about his personal journey from a small town in Spain to building a global business in the Middle East, empowering his teams to shine, and staying humble and grateful throughout the journey of leadership and life.

Third Episode

#3 Resilience to Go: Leading Through Risk with Authenticity, Adaptability, and Seeking Home as a Global Nomad | with Edgard Bou-Chahine

Meet Edgard Bou-Chahine! Edgard, currently based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is the General Manager – Central Asia and Caucasus at Schneider Electric. He is a seasoned leader navigating multiple countries, cultures and VUCA environments. Beginning in Finance, he soon progressed to become CFO and then CEO / General Manager. 

In this episode Edgard opens up about his leadership journey, how he developed resilience from growing up in war-torn Lebanon, his skill of constant adaptability to lead and work in so many regions, leading teams through risk and complexity, and the eternal question of belonging.

Second Episode

 #2 Courage to Go: How to Build Influence, and Leading with Heart and Justice | with Monika Speckmaier

Meet Monika Speckmaier! Monika is Head of Strategic Business Segment Solutions Central Bank and Printworks at Giesecke+Devrient Germany.

In this episode Monika shares her wisdom on making difficult decisions and authentic leadership, building influence and impact even before becoming a manager and leader, and unlocking success through diversity and self-empowerment.

First Episode

#1 Hope to Go: Breaking Rules, Empowering Young Minds and Finding Worth Beyond Work | with Matthew Savage

In this episode he talks about his journey both professionally and personally, his experience of having to adapt to life in a wheelchair, his passion for his work, wellbeing and inclusion, and his inspiring advice to young minds and future leaders of tomorrow.