This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, I attempt to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.What if the biggest leadership decision you'll ever make is choosing what kind of company you're building? In this episode of Choosing Leadership, Sumit Gupta sits down with Laurens van de Vijver, CEO of MyWheels, to explore how purpose, long-term thinking, and courageous decision-making can create businesses that leave a lasting impact on society.Together, they discuss the tension between short-term results and sustainable growth, how AI can strengthen rather than replace human leadership, and why great leaders never lose sight of the bigger picture. If you're navigating difficult decisions, leading through change, or wondering how to grow your business without compromising your values, this conversation is packed with practical insights. Tune in and discover how choosing the right mission can transform not only your organization but the world around it.You can find Laurens van de Vijver at the links belowhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/laurens-van-de-vijver-0a94ab/In the interview, Laurens shares"The most fulfilling work happens when your personal values align with your company's mission.""Great companies don't just generate profit—they create lasting value for society.""Leadership means choosing long-term impact over short-term convenience, even when it's harder.""Real innovation doesn't replace human judgment; it amplifies it.""The best leaders combine intuition, experience, and technology to navigate an uncertain future.""Building a successful business isn't just about growing bigger—it's about making a meaningful difference.""Systemic change happens when businesses stop solving symptoms and start addressing root causes.""A company's greatest legacy isn't its revenue—it's the positive impact it leaves on people and society.""The future belongs to organisations that collaborate to solve society's biggest challenges, not just compete for market share.""Choosing leadership means having the courage to build a business that makes the world better, not just more profitable."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, I attempt to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.What happens to leadership when life removes every assumption you had about control, identity, and ability? In this episode, Ajeya Raj shares a story that will challenge how you think about resilience, purpose, and what it really means to lead yourself when circumstances change overnight. After a life-altering accident left him paralysed below the neck, Ajeya made a choice most people never face: to expand his definition of possibility instead of shrinking his life. He takes us through the mindset shifts that helped him move beyond limitation, from aspiring civil service officer to international athlete and Paralympic hopeful. If you are navigating uncertainty, leading through pressure, or questioning what’s still possible, this conversation will stretch your perspective most practically and humanly.You can find Ajeya Raj at the links belowhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ajeya-raj-life-with-c4-249753213/In the interview, Ajeya shares"The biggest disability is not in the body; it's in the belief that you cannot achieve something.""When life changed in an instant, I had two choices: focus on what I had lost or discover what I was still capable of becoming.""Your mind is your most powerful asset. When you strengthen your thinking, you strengthen your future.""Many people have functioning bodies but never use their full potential. True ability begins with the courage to act.""Resilience is not about avoiding challenges; it's about choosing to rise every time life knocks you down.""Sometimes life redirects us away from the dream we planned so we can discover a purpose far greater than we imagined.""Limitations become opportunities when you stop asking, 'Why me?' and start asking, 'What's possible now?'""Faith, determination, and a positive mindset can take you places that physical strength alone never could.""Leadership begins when you stop waiting for circumstances to improve and start taking responsibility for your next step.""The human spirit is far more powerful than any obstacle. When you believe in yourself, extraordinary possibilities emerge."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, I attempt to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.What does it take to turn unexpected opportunities into a life and career beyond your wildest imagination? In this episode of Choosing Leadership, Arthur Gopak shares his remarkable journey from a shy teenage journalist interviewing world leaders to building successful businesses in media and wealth management. Together, Arthur and Sumit explore the power of trusting your intuition, embracing discomfort, and making courageous choices when the path ahead is uncertain. If you've ever felt stuck between playing it safe and pursuing a bigger vision, this conversation offers practical insights for navigating uncertainty and creating opportunities where others see obstacles. Tune in to discover why some of the most important leadership decisions begin with a simple willingness to say yes before you feel ready.You can find Arthur Gopak at the links belowhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/agopak/https://arthurgopak.com/In the interview, Arthur shares"The opportunities that change your life rarely arrive when you feel ready. They arrive when you're willing to step beyond your comfort zone.""Leadership begins the moment you stop waiting for permission and start trusting your own judgment.""Listening to your gut isn't about ignoring logic; it's about having the courage to follow a path that others may not understand.""Credibility is built when expertise meets visibility and consistently creates value for others.""The biggest breakthroughs often come from saying yes to opportunities that initially feel intimidating.""Success isn't about getting every decision right. It's about learning quickly when your assumptions are wrong and adapting accordingly.""Great leaders don't follow the crowd; they develop the confidence to chart their own course.""Your background doesn't determine your future. The choices you make when opportunity appears do.""Comfort may feel safe, but growth lives on the other side of uncertainty.""Leadership is a choice to pursue excellence despite fear, resistance, and the temptation to settle for mediocrity."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, I attempt to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.What does it take to lead through growth, uncertainty, and the constant pressure to have it all figured out? In this episode of Choosing Leadership, Sumit Gupta sits down with Michelle Hill, CEO of TLC, to explore her journey from a young woman passionate about social justice to leading a national organisation with an ambitious vision for change. Together, they unpack the realities of leadership, including self-doubt, imposter syndrome, scaling culture, and the importance of building genuine relationships in a divided world. Michelle shares hard-earned lessons on self-care, resilience, and staying true to your values while pursuing bold goals. If you're navigating leadership challenges, growing a team, or striving to create a greater impact, this conversation will leave you with practical insights and a renewed perspective on what leadership really requires.You can find Michelle Hill at the links belowhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-hill-567495a8/https://talklistenchange.org.uk/In the interview, Michelle shares"Leadership begins when you stop waiting for permission and start making choices that align with the difference you want to make.""The strongest leaders understand that you cannot pour from an empty cup; self-care is not a luxury, it's a responsibility.""Growth is exciting, but scaling an organisation means protecting the culture that made it successful in the first place.""Authentic leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about being honest enough to keep learning.""Some of the most important leadership decisions are also the loneliest, which is why supportive relationships matter.""Imposter syndrome doesn't disappear when you become a CEO; you simply learn how to keep moving forward despite it.""Healthy organisations are built on transparency, communication, and a genuine commitment to listening.""Curiosity and openness create space for meaningful conversations, especially in a world that often rewards division.""Real impact isn't measured by how big an organisation becomes, but by how many lives it can reach and transform.""A world filled with safe, healthy, and happy relationships doesn't happen by chance—it happens when leaders choose to make it possible."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, I attempt to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.What happens when someone walks away from a successful academic career to build something completely different? In this episode, Gerrit Sarens shares his journey from becoming the youngest professor at university to stepping into the uncertainty and excitement of entrepreneurship. Together, we explore what it takes to embrace risk, develop deep self-awareness, and lead beyond the limits of your comfort zone. Gerrit offers powerful insights on mentoring, personal growth, and why the best leaders are committed to understanding both their strengths and their blind spots. If you're facing a big leadership decision or wondering whether you're capable of more than your current path, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger and choose courage over certainty. You can find Gerrit Sarens at the links belowhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gerritsarens/https://www.ambits.eu/In the interview, Gerrit shares"Leadership is not a position you hold; it's a choice you make every day.""Growth begins the moment you step beyond the comfort of what you've already mastered.""Academia taught me how to think deeply; entrepreneurship taught me how to act boldly.""The transition from individual achievement to collective success is one of the most important leadership journeys.""The best leaders know their strengths, understand their blind spots, and stay curious enough to keep learning.""Entrepreneurship has a way of revealing who you really are when certainty disappears.""A great mentor doesn't give you answers; they help you see what you couldn't see on your own.""Every meaningful transformation starts with personal growth before it ever shows up in business results.""Big visions often feel uncomfortable to say out loud, but that's usually a sign they're worth pursuing.""When leaders become better human beings, they create better businesses, stronger communities, and a better society."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, I attempt to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.In this powerful conversation, Roisin Wood shares what leadership looks like when you choose courage, inclusion, and humanity over division. From growing up amid sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland to leading conversations around belonging, justice, and social change, Roisin offers hard-earned wisdom for leaders navigating polarized and emotionally charged environments. This episode will challenge you to rethink how you handle disagreement, build trust across differences, and create spaces where people genuinely feel they belong. You’ll also discover why football, community, and face-to-face connection still matter deeply in an increasingly disconnected world. If you’re leading a team, a company, or even your own family through uncertainty and tension, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about the kind of leader the world needs now. You can find Roisin Wood at the links belowhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/roisin-wood-342b5524/https://communityfoundationni.org/ In the interview, Roisin shares“Leadership isn’t about avoiding difficult conversations. It’s about having the courage to sit across from people you disagree with and still choose humanity.”  “Belonging changes everything. When people feel seen, valued, and included, communities become stronger and leadership becomes transformational.”  “The people who shaped me most weren’t the ones who agreed with me — they were the ones who challenged me to listen more deeply.”  “You cannot build peace while refusing to engage with people who hold opposing views. Real leadership lives inside uncomfortable dialogue.”  “Football showed me something powerful: when people share a purpose, barriers that once felt impossible to cross suddenly begin to disappear.”  “Standing up for justice will often invite criticism, but silence has never been the thing that changes societies.”  “Technology can connect us instantly, but it can never replace the power of genuine human connection and face-to-face belonging.”  “Young leaders need to understand this early: courage isn’t loud. Sometimes courage is simply staying true to your values when it would be easier not to.”  “Kindness, curiosity, and bravery are not soft leadership traits — they are the foundation of creating meaningful change.”  “Leadership is not just about managing organizations. It’s about building a world where every person feels they have a place and that they matter.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, I attempt to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.In this episode of Choosing Leadership, Sumit Gupta sits down with entrepreneur and leader Lokendra Tomar for a raw conversation about ambition, pressure, success, and what it actually takes to build a meaningful life while growing businesses. From navigating career pivots and scaling companies to making hard decisions during COVID, Lokendra shares the unseen emotional weight that leaders carry behind the scenes. This conversation will challenge the way you think about achievement, especially if you’ve ever felt trapped by expectations, comparison, or the pressure to constantly prove yourself. You’ll walk away with practical insights on trust, delegation, resilience, and building an internal anchor strong enough to withstand uncertainty and chaos. If you’re a founder, executive, or ambitious leader trying to grow without losing yourself in the process, this episode will hit close to home.You can find Lokendra Tomar at the links belowhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lokendratomar/In the interview, Lokendra shares“Leadership gets dangerous when your self-worth becomes dependent on repeating your last success.”“Most people chase external validation. Real leaders build a life they actually enjoy living.”“The freedom to choose your path matters more than the prestige attached to it.”“Growth doesn’t come from comfort. It comes from stepping into uncertainty before you feel ready.”“A strong business means nothing if you lose yourself trying to build it.”“In moments of crisis, people don’t need perfection from leaders — they need honesty.”“The higher you climb, the more important trust and delegation become.”“Success without an internal anchor will eventually leave you exhausted, disconnected, and empty.”“The best leaders stop proving themselves and start multiplying impact through others.”“Leadership begins the moment you stop living by society’s definition of success and start defining it for yourself.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, I attempt to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.Most leaders chase success—but still feel something is missing. In this episode, Sumit Gupta sits down with Mark Coscarello to unpack why fulfilment in leadership has less to do with titles and money and everything to do with human connection. Mark shares his raw transition from corporate life to building a career rooted in trust, meaning, and aligned values—and what it really takes to discover your “why.” They dive into the uncomfortable realities of change, from redefining success to learning how to sell your value without losing your integrity. If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or ready to lead in a way that actually feels right, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what success means on your terms.You can find Mark Coscarello at the links belowhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/markcoscarello/ https://www.markcoscarello.com/In the interview, Mark shares“Leadership isn’t about position—it’s about the choices you make when no one is watching.”“Too many brilliant leaders stay stuck in survival mode instead of stepping into their full potential.”“Fulfilment doesn’t come from climbing the corporate ladder—it comes from meaningful human connection.”“Your ‘why’ isn’t something you find overnight—it’s something you uncover by paying attention to what actually matters to you.”“If the work you’re doing doesn’t energise you, it’s not a career—it’s a slow drain.”“Leaving the corporate world isn’t just a career shift—it’s an identity shift.”“Building a business is hard, but building it with people you trust makes it worth it.”“Transparency, integrity, and authenticity aren’t buzzwords—they’re the foundation of a life and business that actually work.”“Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s the training ground for it.”“Mediocrity is a choice—and so is excellence. The question is, which one are you practising daily?”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, I attempt to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.What if the biggest thing holding you back as a leader isn’t strategy—but how you relate to people? In this episode, Katie Tamblin breaks down what it really takes to lead through uncertainty, build trust, and create teams that actually thrive. She shares hard-earned lessons on navigating change, managing emotions under pressure, and why curiosity might be your most underrated leadership skill. You’ll hear a refreshing take on success—one that prioritizes peace, authenticity, and long-term impact over ego and short-term wins. If you’re tired of surface-level leadership advice and ready to lead in a way that actually works, this conversation will challenge how you think—and how you show up.You can find Katie Tamblin at the links belowhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/katietamblin/katietamblin.comIn the interview, Katie sharesLeadership isn’t a fixed path—it’s a series of transformations driven by curiosity and a willingness to change.The hardest transitions in leadership aren’t about skills—they’re about trust, relationships, and team dynamics.Great leaders don’t control everything—they build trust, delegate, and let people take ownership.Success isn’t just performance—it’s creating a sense of peace in how you and your team operate.Ego and righteousness often show up together—real leadership is choosing collaboration over being right.Emotional mastery isn’t optional in leadership—it’s the foundation for stability in chaotic environments.Curiosity is a leader’s greatest advantage—it keeps you learning, adapting, and open to better solutions.Growth will challenge your identity—not just your ability—and that’s where real development happens.Non-toxic workplaces don’t happen by accident—they’re built through conscious, values-driven leadership.Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about authenticity, learning as you go, and creating space for others to thrive.

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, I attempt to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.What does it really take to lead when everything in you wants to hold on tighter? In this episode, Bob van Luijt shares the unexpected journey from music to building a cutting-edge tech company—and why that path gave him an edge most leaders overlook. You’ll hear a raw take on letting go of control, building trust at scale, and leading without losing what makes you unique. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the weeds or unsure how to grow without breaking your culture, this conversation will challenge you. It’s an honest, refreshing look at leadership as a choice—and what becomes possible when you actually make it. You can find Bob van Luijt at the links belowhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bobvanluijt/ [email protected]. In the interview, Bob shares“Leadership isn’t something you stumble into—it’s a choice you make, especially when it’s uncomfortable.”  “Most leaders are stuck in daily firefighting, but real impact begins the moment you decide to step out of it.”  “Your background doesn’t define your ceiling—sometimes the most unconventional paths create the most innovative leaders.”  “Discipline from one world can become your unfair advantage in another.”  “As your company grows, your job is to let go—not hold on tighter.”  “Trust isn’t just a leadership trait; it’s the foundation for innovation to exist.”  “Standing out is powerful—but only when it’s grounded in purpose, not ego.”  “Technology should amplify human potential, not replace it.”  “AI can scale efficiency, but it can’t replace genuine human connection.”  “The values you refuse to compromise on will define the company you build—and the leader you become.”