Milena Moser was born in Zurich, Switzerland in 1963. She trained as a bookstore clerk and lived in Paris for two years, where she wrote her first three – as of yet still unpublished – novels.After six years of collecting rejecting letters, she finally published her first book with a little help of her friends. They founded the “Krösus” publishing house that released her first three books, including the bestseller “The Cleaning Lady’s Island”. Since then she has published over 20 books, some of them non-fiction and memoirs, countless articles, columns, radio plays, essays and translations (Agatha Christie amongst others). She taught Creative Writing at the Swiss School of Journalism (MAZ) for years, as well as in workshops in Switzerland and the US. She performed on stage over 80 times as “The Unfinished Ones”.The mother of two grown sons, she has lived in San Francisco from 1998 to 2006 and returned to the United States in 2015. She currently lives with her husband, Mexican born artist Victor-Mario Zaballa, in San Francisco. They collaborate on numerous art installations and have published a book together.To learn more about my guest, please visit her social media pages and websites:Instagram: @milena.moserWebsite: Milena MoserColumn in Swiss Sunday Paper SonntagsblickPublisher: Kein und AberTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @shifthappens.podcast and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Social Media support Magdalena Reckendrees 

Busie's father's sudden death 2 months before her graduation walk, changed her walk. She was to work for Citigroup and move back to Uganda. But she stayed and became a workaholic to deal with that trauma and thrust herself into entrepreneurship while working a 9-5pm job. As a result, she founded one of the first fashion tech companies which was then twice acquired.Another significant pivot was the birth of her 2nd child, who had severe food allergies. She was forced to move to remote working in 2012 as she was her daughter's primary caregiver. Busie left regular employment to become a stay at home mom then eventually a work from home mom. This moved her into consultancy as well as policy driven assignments such as board position, as she realized mom's careers suffer most and they are usually driven to make decisions which impact our families and the broader community. Busie realized, that we need more women at the policy tables. She has been fortunate to have doors open for others and believes also in amplifying others. She believes, if we light more candles we illuminate more light and there's an African Proverb which says "If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far, go together. Let's continue to build and amplify!!She reflects on what she has learned, we need to be anchored by a strong ecosystem, and that it’s imperative that we intentionally and deliberately harness positive relationships. That's why some people bounce back more easily from adversity than others. Who you surround yourself matters. It’s like a charging bank, a reserved you may tap into because of one’s investment.A serial entrepreneur widely recognised for her impact leadership, Busie Matsiko-Andan is an award-winning global strategist and Board Trustee who has held positions on Wall Street at Smith Barney, Oppenheimer & Co and Citibank. She currently advises multilaterals like the African Union, Afreximbank, the Africa Renaissance and Diaspora Network, Lalela Project, and the Heritage and Cultural Society of Africa on private-sector scaling and development. As a global strategist and CEO of Pont Global, Busie has been instrumental in successfully scaling and growing companies and organizations. She is also the Executive Director of The Africa Future Summit which brings together investors and leaders in technology,entrepreneurship, and politics to address the challenges that affect Africa's future. She is also the first black woman trustee of Berkeley College, in the US. Busie was the founder of one of the first fashion technology companies, Fashion Indie, and also created RESET, a platform to discuss business strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her initiatives have been featured in international and local publications. Busie is also a sought-after keynote speaker and moderator. Busie is the founder and president of the New York African Chamber of Commerce.To learn more about my guest, please visit her social media pages and websites:Instagram: @busiematsikoandanLinkedIn: Busie Matsiko-AndanWebsite: New York African Chamber of CommerceTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @shifthappens.podcast and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Social Media support Magdalena Reckendrees 

Daisy Sindelar made the decision to leave her high-ranking position as Editor-in-Chief and Vice President of Radio Free Europe after 20 years, with no specific plan for what is next. Daisy, who has had a long and distinguished career in journalism, starting with a focus on Russian studies and working as a reporter in Russia in the 1990s, discusses how her rapid rise through the ranks at RFE was both rewarding and challenging, as the high-pressure environment took a toll.Daisy describes the decision to leave her job as head of a news organisation, as a difficult but necessary transition, as the job had become all-consuming and she was dealing with personal challenges, like her son's gender transition and her own experience of menopause. Daisy emphasizes the importance of taking time for self reflection and exploration after such an intense career.She talks about the danger of the on the ground work, especially for women journalists. Daisy also shares insights into how the war in Ukraine is being experienced in neighboring countries. She emphasizes the importance of staying informed and the value of creating communities, now that she is in her next phase of life. Daisy shares her excitement for playing Mah Jong, and expresses gratitue for the opportunity share her experiences and perspectives.To learn more about my guest, please visit her social media pages and websites:LinkedIN: Daisy SindelarTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @shifthappens.podcast and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Social Media support Magdalena Reckendrees

Dayle Haddon is a Canadian model and actress, internationally, she was on multiple covers of fashion and lifestyle magazines, starred in a variety of movies, and according to the New York Times: “shattered age taboos”, as she is the only model having held multiyear contracts with big cosmetic companies like L’Oréal and Estée Lauder, among others. Dayle broke down barriers in the beauty and fashion industry addressing ageism early and demanding change.Dayle is a speaker and advocate and the author of two globally acclaimed books on ageless beauty and healthy living.She had the urge to share what she felt was gifted to her and travelled the world's most pressing crisis areas in support of underprivileged women and children. After being an active UNICEF ambassador, Dayle started Womenone, a non-for-profit providing access to education for women and girls. She has seen it all, travelling under life endagering circumstances, on the other side of glamor. She says, these experiences really formed her outlook on life.My take away today was this quote from Dayle: “What was I going to do with all that’s been given to me?” So strong, so true and such an important reminder to be grateful, to know yourself and whole heartedly and gracefully be there for others.To learn more about my guest, please visit her social media pages and websites:Instagram: @daylehaddonWebsite: Dayle HaddonWebsite: WomenOne Books: The Five Principles of Ageless Living, Ageless Beauty: Looking and Feeling GreatTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @shifthappens.podcast and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Social Media support Magdalena Reckendrees

Dr. Christina Enzmann, a gynecologist in Baltimore, MD, former assistant professor and book author, describes her own experience navigating peri-menopause and menopause, including intense physical symptoms, relationship changes, and the need to take a more proactive, integrative approach to her health. She emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes rather than just treating symptoms.Christina’s shift started with the transition from a busy academic role in medicine at the University of Maryland to pursuing a more integrative, functional medicine approach. She discusses feeling burnt out, wanting more work-life balance, and not feeling fulfilled on her then position.Claudia and Christina discuss the significant lack of research, funding, and understanding around women’s health issues, especially during menopause. They note that many women feel unsupported and dismissed by the traditional medical system.Christina discusses the benefits of integrative and functional medicine, including addressing nutrition, sleep, movement, and mindset. She contrasts this with the more data-driven, symptom-focused approach of traditional medicine, which she feels often fails to provide women with the deeper understanding and personalized care they need.Claudia and Christina acknowledge the overwhelming amount of often contradictory self-care information available, especially on social media. They emphasize the importance of finding trusted, qualified sources and not getting caught up in the noise of marketing and unsubstantiated claims.Christina shares her personal strategies for managing stress and maintaining energy, including spending time in nature, going for walks, and using adaptogenic supplements. She underlines the importance of listening to your body’s needs and not pushing too hard. Instagram: Dr. Christina EnzmannWebsite: Dr. Christina EnzmannBook: Somebody Told Me (in German), co-author Dr. Christina Enzmann and Susanne LiedtkeTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @shifthappens.podcast and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Social Media support Magdalena Reckendrees

Ayanna Taylor, the Chief of Staff of GirlTrek, America's largest public health movement for Black women and girls, discusses her upbringing by a single immigrant mother from Jamaica, and how her mother’s sacrifices and actions to provide for her, shaped Ayanna’s understanding of love as an active commitment rather than just a feeling. Ayanna also shares how the loss of her father at a young age taught her not to take time for granted.She describes, how becoming a stepmom to her husband’s two children, and then having her sown son, were pivotal moments, that shifter her perspective from just focusing on herself to prioritising the needs of her new family.We talk about GirlTREK. Ayanna explains that she leads the largest Black women’s health movement in the US. GirlTREK encourages women to walk 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, and provides culturally-relevant programming and community engagement to keep them motivated and connected. Ayanna’s reflects on her career journey and the influence of her experiences. She shares how her early aspirations to be in an encyclopedia later translated in being someone who is there and committed to people. This evolved through her career as a teacher, textbook publisher, and education consultant. She sees how her diverse career path has equipped her for her current role as Chief of Staff, and how her personal experiences have shaped her approach to leadership and service to community.Ayanna discusses her personal strategies for relaxation and rejuvenation, including her daily walking routine, solo quiet time, and the energising effect of travel, and exploring new ideas through books and podcasts.To learn more about today's guest, please visit:Instagram: GirlTREKLinkedIN: Ayanna TaylorWebsite: Access Educational AdvisorsTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @shifthappens.podcast and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Social Media support Magdalena Reckendrees

Sophia's definition of happiness @ 0:00Sophia discusses her background in the corporate world, including roles in management consulting, a hedge fund, and consumer companies. She explains that she never really aspired to be an entrepreneur, but was inspired to start Oddball after becoming frustrated with "catfish foods" - highly processed products masquerading as healthy.Also, seeing more diverse role models in entrepreneurship gave her the courage to make the leap. When she was younger, she did not see female founders that "looked like her". So in the beginning of her career, the thought of starting up on your own was too daunting. We are also talking about the importance of meaningful work, making a difference in the world and meaningful relationships. Sophia explains that as she has grown, she has learned to rely on different friends for different needs, rather than expecting one person to fulfill all her needs.She openly shares her challenges with stress and anxiety, and finding ways to truly relax and recharge. She finds solace in activities like travel, exercise, and discovering new, beautifully curated spaces. Connecting with other entrepreneurs also helps provide perspective and motivation when she struggles.Sophia started Oddball to create a healthy, minimally processed snack inspired by how ate growing up in Hong Kong and Singapore: balanced and whole food-based eating. The goal is to bring bach the fun and joy into snacking, without the guilt or pressure associated with many health foods today.Sophia is gearing up for a nationwide launch by the fall and discusses the lengthy prosedd of perfecting the product formulating and building out the team and supply chain to support the larger launch.Follow and learn more about my guest today:Instagram: Sophia Cheng LinkedIN: Sophia ChengInstagram: Oddball WorldWebsite: Oddball WorldTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @shifthappens.podcast and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Social Media support Magdalena Reckendrees

Edwina describes how she started her career at a technology consulting firm called CACI, where she discovered her passion for data analysis and understanding customer behaviour. This led to her groundbreaking work with Tesco, where she helped them launch one of the first successful customer loyalty programs by leveraging customer transaction data.After her success in the corporate world, Edwina became frustrated by the lack of visible female role models, which inspired her to start the Female Lead, as educational charity focused on highlighting the achievements of contemporary women, She discusses the importance of providing young women with inspiring examples of what they can accomplish.Edwina reflects on the male-dominated environments she navigated throughout her career, and how she overcame the challenges of being the only women in the room. She discusses the need for businesses and leader to better understand the diverse and evolving needs of women as consumers and employees.Edwina and Claudia discuss the power of combining personal stories with data-driven insights to drive change for women. They emphasize the importance of women finding common ground and speaking with a unified voice to advocate for their needs and create meaningful progress.Edwina shares how she finds fulfilment and motivation in her work, including through reading and connecting with inspiring people, and enjoying simple pleasures like gardening. She discusses her latest book "When She's in the Room" and her goal of helping people discover their unique "fulfilment personas" through the Fulfilment Finder Tool.Follow and learn more about my guest today:Instagram: The Female LeadLinkedIN: Edwina DunnWebsite: Edwina DunnTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @shifthappens.podcast and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Social Media support Magdalena Reckendrees

Tanvi shares her pivotal moment of when she started her first organization in India at the age of 19. It is called Becoming I Foundation and began as a platform for young people to connect with community development. The inspiration to start it came from frustration with what was happening around her, and having gone through a breakup that made her feel very small, she needed something to uplift her from that.This shift was so meaningful and a turning point because other then the intellectual experience of starting something, the emotional experience of starting something at that age that eventually became a young people's movement, was a unique growing experience. It gave Tanvi the confidence to try something she had never done before, enter rooms and make important asks, and lead people to action on things they are about. That moment lead the path for her career today, who she is and how she sees the world.Tanvi Girotra is an advisor and coach to global purpose-driven organizations and leaders. She has worked with numerous social, business and political leaders, helping them reflect on both the head and the heart of their own leadership and solve adaptive challenges in order to lead better, more equitable organizations. Tanvi holds a Masters in Public Policy from the Harvard University where she frequently returns to teach and coach student programs and fellowships on values-based leadership and storytelling. She calls New York and New Delhi home.Prior to starting her advisory practice 'Enable', Tanvi was an entrepreneur building new organizations, movements and campaigns in India to create solutions for systemic challenges in the education system. Through authentically moving and empowering people for large-scale change, she created a volunteer movement of young people that still continues to train young leaders for purposeful problem-solving. She is a National Advisor at GirlTrek - America’s largest health movement focused on black women and their leadership. A Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award recipient, she is the Vice Chair, Board of Directors for Fora Network for Change that is a center for excellence for women’s leadership. She has won various awards for Justice, Empowerment and Citizen Action and her work has been recognized at the UN. Tanvi is a public speaker and has been invited to speak at the World Economic Forum, UN ECOSOC, UN WOMEN, European Union Development Days, the Clinton Global Initiative and at various TEDx conferences, alongside heads of state, social and business leaders.Follow and learn more about my guest today:Instagram: Tanvi GirotraLinkedIN: Tanvi GirotraTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @shifthappens.podcast and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Social Media support Magdalena Reckendrees 

Anna Believantseva, Co-founder & COO at Esper Bionics, shares a transformative moment she and her team experienced at their office, when they were setting up the first bionic hands for their users. One of the users, Nika, was born without a hand and had never experienced grasping something with both hands. The first time she used the bionic hand to hold something, it was profoundly moving, not just for her but for all  witnessing it. The emotional impact of that moment, seeing her reaction, her tears of joy and accomplishment, was unforgettable and deeply impactful.It was such a meaningful moment because it encapsulated the essence of Anna's work's impact on real lives. It brought to light the profound difference technology can make, offering something fundamentally life-changing to someone who never thought it possible. It was a poignant reminder of the human side of technological advancements.From this, Anna learned the value of empathy and the emotional connection in her and her team's work. All the years dedicated to refining their product, overcoming obstacles, enduring late nights, and working through countless weekends – all these efforts are validated in the feedback they have witness firsthand. This experience has reinforced the importance of perseverance and the motivation to continue innovating for the sake of transformative impacts on lives.Anna efficiently transforms tech concepts into practical operational plans. She has over eight years of leading experience in operations management, managing teams, finance and legal processes for three international startups. At 29, Anna was listed in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in North America. For over 1,5 years she leads WTech New York Chapter, advocating for women in hardware tech sectors.At Esper Bionics, Anna focuses on streamlining team functions and strategies, enhancing market analysis and secures U.S. partners.Guided by the philosophy to "make things done", Anna’s current focus at Esper Bionics is on enhancing team efficiency and maintaining sharp focus. She ensures that tasks are executed effectively and innovative solutions are consistently delivered.Follow and learn more about my guest today:Websites: Esper BionicsLinkedIN: Anna BelievantsevaTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @shifthappens.podcast and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Social Media support Magdalena Reckendrees

Nearly two decades ago, while swimming in the Aegean Sea, Yasmine encountered a distressing sight: plastic waste clinging to rocks. This observation marked a turning point in her life. Over the years, the situation worsened, with more plastics dumped into the oceans, often with poorer countries being paid by the Western world to accept this waste. This realisation struck a chord with her, especially since she has always had a passion for materials in her roles as a designer and architect.It was then that her interest in sustainable materials took root. She dedicated her time and that of her team to researching and experimenting with recycled materials and various sustainable alternatives from around the globe. Yasmine's ambition is about demonstrating tangible, viable design and architectural solutions that avoid environmentally harmful materials like plastics and concrete, the latter of which accounts for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions.Today, she and her team have amassed a library of over 300 sustainable materials. Gradually, they started incorporating these into their projects, and it's only in recent years that the demand for sustainable options has surged. Yet, the battle against greenwashing persists. Yasmine is committed to demonstrating that sustainable decisions not only benefit the environment but can also enhance financial returns, contrary to common misconceptions. Her mission is to change the way we build by utilising alternative materials that are not only environmentally friendly but also aesthetically pleasing. This journey began with a single, transformative moment in the Aegean Sea, and it has propelled her to advocate for a more sustainable future in design and architecture.This meaningful moment extends beyond her personal realisation and into her broader mission to mobilize others towards sustainability. Her involvement in global discussions on sustainability, such as those at COP28 and during the World Economic Forum, has provided her with a platform to share her experiences and advocate for the adoption of sustainable materials. These talks are an integral part of her effort to not only showcase the environmental benefits of such materials but also to highlight their positive impact on our health. This awakening drove me to explore beyond traditional material research into the realm of 3D printing, specifically with recycled plastics, leading to global recognition and opportunities to exhibit her work at prestigious venues like Design Miami in Basel, the Venice Architecture Biennale, and the London Design Festival. Follow and learn more about my guest today:Websites: Impact Design & www.mahmoudieh.comInstagram: Yasmine MahmoudiehLinkedIN: Yasmine MahmoudiehTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @shifthappens.podcast and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Social Media support Magdalena Reckendrees

In January of 2011 , Yrthya started a new position as the very first Chief Diversity Officer for New York State. This was a huge shift from her previous role at Toyota. Here, she found myself securing the most exciting job she'd never thought she'd get. It was a big role, with lots of potential, great responsibility in an administration that, at that moment in time, was going to transform the way NY State government.Inspite of saying yes to the role with excitement and lightness, she immediately started suffering from that now well documented phenomenon of “impostor syndrome.” She took the role and 2 days later learned that she was pregnant. She was so worried that she wouldn’t be able to balance it all, do her best and handle the stress.The job was demanding in and of itself, but doing it while being a first-time mom made it exponentially harder. Yrthya dealt with the pressures of serving in public office, a toxic, male dominated work environment and the incredibly loaded and unfair demands placed on mothers in our society. She does not want to diminish how difficult and hard it was. But, it was also such a unique moment to test her metal, if you will, to emerge much stronger, wiser and kinder.It was a moment, a time period, that taught her so much about herself, about her potential and about developing personal vision. It was a step that redefined the things she valued, reframed my career aspirations, and ignited her passion for my own potential.Yrhtya learned three very important life lessons:One, she realized after taking that position that she needs to be the architect of my own career: "The only person who has my career interests at heart was me". The second lesson she learned, was that she was powerful and strong. She tapped into energy reserves and a resilience she  didn’t know she had. She was a first-time mom, breastfeeding her baby and commuting once a week to Albany. It all gave her so much perspective into the power of being a woman. And thirdly, she learned from that role, that being the first means nothing, if you don’t leave enough behind for someone else to take up the torch.Follow and learn more about my guest today, check out Yrthya's LinkedIN profile:LinkedIN: Yrthya Dinzey FloresTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @shifthappens.podcast and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Social Media support Magdalena Reckendrees

In 2017 Mari hit rock bottom mentally and physically, and decided to take ownership of my health by turning to wellness. She lost an astonishing 90lbs through strength training and completely transformed her life, inspiring her to launch both Bloom and the Strength app that have grown through her own platforms. Since then, she has dedicated her life to helping women from all backgrounds reach their full potential both mentally and physically.The moment taught her about the working from the inside out, learning to believe in yourself, and knowing that you are WORTH the time and energy it takes to become your best self. She further learned to keep going, keep doing the work, and keep transforming into the best version of herself. She always reminds herself "this is what hard feels like".Mari Llewellyn, Co-Founder of Bloom, Founder of Strength by Mari, Mental Health Advocate and Fitness Entrepreneur who in 2022 landed on Forbes’ coveted “30 Under 30” list further solidifying her place in the health and wellness space. She has grown her platform of over 2M combined followers by documenting her everyday life and sharing her inspiring fitness journey with her loyal community. Mari lost an astonishing 90lbs through strength training and completely transformed her life, inspiring her to launch both Bloom and the Strength app which are completely self-funded businesses that have grown through Mari's owned platforms. Since then, she has dedicated her life to helping women from all backgrounds reach their full potential both mentally and physically.Most recently, Mari has expanded her empire as the host of the podcast “Pursuit of Wellness.” After launching, the show peaked on Apple Podcasts at #2 in the Mental Health genre and #3 in the Health & Wellness genre. On the Spotify Podcast charts the show peaked at #4 and charted for a total of 42 weeks, putting Mari in the top 10% of chartered podcasters.Follow and learn more about my guest today, check out Mari's website and activities here:Website: www.marillewellyn.comBrands: Bloom, Strength by MariInstagram: instagram.com/marillewellynTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @claudiamahlerconversations and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Social Media support Magdalena Reckendrees 

Pumela Salela, one of Africa's leading Global Business Facilitators, shares how her meeting Nelson Mandela in person and receiving a scholarship from him, propelled her into a life of purpose and a stellar academic and professional career. Pumela describes how her dedication for  human connection is infused by the turning point of shaking Mandela's hand.She then distinguishes between a turning point and a pivotal moment. Her pivotal moment was brought on by Covid and the lock down in London, far from her family. She took the circumstance as a chance to go deeply within and reflect and work on things, she has never had the space and mindset to address. In comparing this phase with the evolving of a butterfly, she felt that cocooning and withdrawing into stillness made it possible to reset and fly out with a new and invigorated sense of self.Pumela Salela considers herself a Visionary Catalyst ™️. She helps individuals, organisations and countries ignite their spark and fuel their fire. Multiple Award Winning Pumela Salela has been Country Head for the United Kingdom (UK) under Brand South Africa, the custodian of the South Africa Country Brand in the last 8 years. Pumela has also worked as a Consultant for the World Bank, based at the organisation’s headquarters in United States, Washington D.C. and a Director: BPO at the dti, South Africa, The Director role was preceded by her position as Deputy Director for Investment Promotion at Trade and Investment South Africa. In 2022 she was awarded the EuroKnowledge Leadership Award, a prestigious award for excelling in Leadership. In the same year she was awarded the Champion for Africa Award in the UK. She is considered one the United Kingdom’s most influential Africans in 2018, Pumela was featured as a POWERHOUSE in DESTINY magazine in South Africa. She is the 2018 recipient of the African Achiever Award presented to her in the House of Lords, UK. In 2019 she received the BRITISH Award for African Development.Prior to this Pumela was the Chief Director for Economic Policy Development and Planningat the Department of Economic Development in South Africa. The Rockefeller Foundation acknowledged her contribution and innovation in formulating systems which address poverty by selecting Salela to be one the 18 global recipients of the foundation’s inaugural Global Fellowship on Social Innovation–and only South African to receive the honor.Follow and learn more about our episode guest and check out Pumela's website and activities here:Website: www.pumelasalela.comFoundation: ELNOS FoundationInstagram: instagram.com/pumelasalela To learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @claudiamahlerconversations and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Social Media support Magdalena ReckendreesShe has also been a lecturer in Strategic Brand Management at VEGA, The School of Branding. Salela studied to complete her MBA with distinction (cum laude) in England through a Nelson Mandela Scholarship where she received the Council Award for being the Best MBA student. Pumela is the Chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Scholarship Alumni Associationand a Mentor to Graca Machel Scholars. She is featured in the 2013 issue of the book:South Africa’s Most Inspirational Women. She has also been featured in the 2012 issue ofDESTINY magazine as one of South Africa’s Young and Powerful Achievers. In 2013 theDESTINY magazine showcased her as one of the Top 40 young leaders, innovators andjob creators in South Africa. Ms Salela has served as an On-air Advisor to investors on anEntrepreneurship Television Show called Rise South Africa.

"I’ve been able to build a career for myself I never imagined possible - a career I didn’t even know could be a career - sex education and sexual pleasure are so important to me - that to be able to make it my life’s work to try to enable greater access to information and tools for more informed, more pleasurable experiences, for hopefully millions of people, is extremely fulfilling".Leeza Mangaldas is India’s foremost pleasure positive content creator, author of "The Sex Book: A Joyful Journey of Self-Discovery", and founder of delightful intimacy products brand, Leezu’s. Given how shrouded in stigma sex is in India, Leeza started creating sex education content on YouTube and Instagram in 2017 with the intention to normalize conversations around sexuality, sexual health, gender, pleasure, and the body. Her videos reach millions of young people around India and the world, everyday. She launched her book in 2022 and then her brand in 2023 to provide tangible tools and resources to her community as an extension of her vision for a more sexually informed, more pleasure filled world. Leeza is a recipient of The Pleasure Project’s Pleasure Fellowship, and was named Sexual Health Influencer of the Year at the Cosmo India Blogger Awards in 2022- the first year they introduced this category. She has also been named one of GQ’s Most Influential Young Indians in 2021 and 2022, and received a Golden Mike award for Best Podcast for The Sex Podcast, her Spotify Exclusive Hindi Sex Education Podcast in 2022.Leeza spent her childhood in Goa, went to boarding school in Kodaikanal, and then to college in New York City on a scholarship at Columbia University. She graduated magna cum laude with a BA in English and Visual Art with a focus on gender and sexuality in 2011.Follow and learn more about our episode guest and check out Leeza’s digital Sex Ed content here:Instagram: instagram.com/leezamangaldasYoutube: youtube.com/leezamangaldas1Brand: leezus.comTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @claudiamahlerconversations and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Social Media support Magdalena Reckendrees  

"Menopause is a transition in life that the Japanese call the second Spring. It's an opportunity. It's another chapter. It's another era beyond our reproductive era." Clinical nutritionist and integrative health practitioner Tapp Francke Ingolia, shares her journey through peri-menopause and into menopause, and the shock her own body brought to her through this shift. Tapp says, that the changes within her body and mind - alarming at times - were also an amazing route to rediscover and understand her body and self acceptance, that she had never experienced like this before.Tapp opened her holistic wellness center STANDWellness in 2013. Driven by the desire to educate her clients on how to eat properly for their respective bodies and conditions, Tapp has been guiding clients for 10 years on how to make informed health choices. With a focus on deep nutrition, Tapp aims to have her clients nourished on a cellular level in order to support their bodies at every stage of life. Published in multiple Wellness magazines, including The Purist Magazine, where she is a Wellness editor and frequent contributor, Tapp uses her extensive knowledge about the healing power of food to teach and to inspire people. This is SEASON 2 of SHIFT HAPPENS,  a bi-weekly podcast (released every second Wednesday). SHIFT HAPPENS creates a space for women to pause for a moment and to share, to listen and to feel heard. A space where we connect and talk about life and its pivotal moments. This podcast is a little window into the world. Host Claudia Mahler invites women from around the globe and all walks of life. Claudia is in conversation with authors, business owners, artists, life coaches, change-makers, and listens closely to their individual life stories, and all the wisdom shared.Follow and learn more about episode guest Tapp Francke Ingolia at: StandWellness - A Holistic Wellness CenterTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @claudiamahlerconversations and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Social Media support Magdalena Reckendrees

"Growing up as a Muslim girl, with a Muslim background in Nairobi… I grew up with my aunt and she was super strict, so I was really traditional in the way I wore clothes, the way I appeared, and went to school. I went to Muslim girl’s school, so we wore long trousers and covered our legs and always covered everything up. it was a special time, as a young girl or young woman, I didn’t have boyfriends. But I still had feelings as a young girl. And just watching my girlfriends enjoying that, I actually could never really imagine, that I could do what they’re doing. Although I respected my space and my place. On the other hand, I  always knew: I will be traveling. There was something in me, I knew that I’m not going to be staying in Nairobi or in Kenya, I'd be traveling–but I didn’t know where yet."Waridi is a fantastic story teller. She takes us through her journey from growing up in Nairobi under the strict guard of her aunt, into unfolding into her own, slender body which leads her, as a Kenyan, to a successful modeling career in London, Paris, Milan and New York. Waridi shares how her positiv outlook on life always helped her to pivot forward into a next phase, to reconnect to her past, and embracing not only her African heritage, but also her Arabic roots. Fashion has become her tool to change the narrative about Africa and to focus on new, young, talented Fashion Designers with her platform Fashion Africa 254.SHIFT HAPPENS is a bi-weekly podcast (released every second Wednesday). SHIFT HAPPENS creates a space for women to pause for a moment and to share, to listen and to feel heard. A space where we connect and talk about life and its pivotal moments. This podcast is a little window into the world. Host Claudia Mahler invited women from all walks of life, and various counties, countries, and continents. She is in conversation with authors, business owners, artists, life coaches, change-makers. All these women have their individual life stories, and much wisdom to share.Follow and learn more about episode guest Waridi Wardah at: Fashion Africa 254To learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @claudiamahlerconversations and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Marketing support by Amy Jacobus Marketing.

This week’s guest, Maria Tibblin, is an interior designer and founder of Maria Tibblin Ltd, a Medical Health promoting Interior Design Firm, based in London.Maria shares how she persevered when her 3-year-old daughter was kidnapped by her father and went missing for nearly a year. This unfathomable time shaped Maria as a woman, as a mother, and as a person. In reflection, she shares how she acquired strength and wisdom through a period marked by deep despair and fear.After this deep trauma, Maria went on with her little family (two daughters) and built a life for them, a multifaceted career for herself and today shares her knowledge and wisdom  as a mentor of young women through the Athena40 organisation. Maria dives into questions about the various stages of a women's life and the questions, we might want to ask us, at each of those turning points. She is also a strong advocate of growth and expending her mind: Maria is soon to be an accredited Jungian coach and her Biography will be published in 2024.She was born and raised in Sweden but has lived and worked globally most of her adult life, she resides in London with her two daughters.SHIFT HAPPENS is a bi-weekly podcast (released every second Wednesday). SHIFT HAPPENS creates a space for women to pause for a moment and to share, to listen and to feel heard. A space where we connect and talk about life and its pivotal moments. This podcast is a little window into the world. Host Claudia Mahler invited women from all walks of life, and various counties, countries, and continents. She is in conversation with authors, business owners, artists, life coaches, change-makers. All these women have their individual life stories, and much wisdom to share.Follow and learn more about episode guest Maria Tibblin at: mariatibblin.comTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @claudiamahlerconversations and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Marketing support by Amy Jacobus Marketing.

In this episode, Angie Weinberger shares her wisdom on inclusive leadership and intercultural competence. Her book, The Global Rockstar Album – 21 Verses to Find Your Tact as an Inclusive Leader, was published in October 2023, and is geared towards leaders that are going through challenging times in their personal and professional lives, addressing vulnerability, privilege, and imperfection. Tune in to hear how a shift in Angie’s personal life led her to slow down and experience a burst of creativity — and write a book that helps others discover that “rockstar feeling.”At home at heart in India, Angie Weinberger, who is originally from Germany, lives and works in Zurich, where she focusses on building bridges between cultures: within countries, organisations and businesses, and between her own work-life and family. In this conversation we speak about global rockstars and role models, cultural biases, intercultural behaviour patterns, and how her 101-year-old grandmother inspired Angie to rethink life, recalibrate work dynamics and the relationship to herself, to unleash her full creative potential.SHIFT HAPPENS is a bi-weekly podcast (released every second Wednesday). SHIFT HAPPENS creates a space for women to pause for a moment and to share, to listen and to feel heard. A space where we connect and talk about life and its pivotal moments. This podcast is a little window into the world. Host Claudia Mahler invited women from all walks of life, and various counties, countries, and continents. She is in conversation with authors, business owners, artists, life coaches, change-makers. All these women have their individual life stories, and much wisdom to share.Follow and learn more about episode guest Angie Weinberger at: angieweinberger.chTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @claudiamahlerconversations and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Marketing support by Amy Jacobus Marketing.

In the 5th episode of SHIFT HAPPENS - A PODCAST WITH CLAUDIA MAHLER, Claudia is in conversation with Dr. Barbara Mutedzi, a Conscious Leadership Coach for, originally from Zimbabwe and now living and teaching in Bali. Barbara is trained in neuroscience, with a background in health & community psychology, and socio-cultural and medical anthropology. Her purpose is to help leaders running businesses in low to middle income countries.The inner voice - a gut feeling - a spiritual notion - intuition ... there are many ways people try to name and pin point this notion one so often senses, and that has the potential of guiding us in the (our) right direction, but it seems that it becomes harder and harder to listen to it. Maybe because the world around us it too loud or too fast or too intimidating? Like everything, it takes work and attention.How following and trusting one's inner voice can be a loyal and protecting companion not only in hard times, but throughout life, is the story that Barbara shares with us in this episode of SHIFT HAPPENS. Lots of wisdom and hands on life hacks guaranteed.SHIFT HAPPENS is a bi-weekly podcast (released every second Wednesday). SHIFT HAPPENS creates a space for women to pause for a moment and to share, to listen and to feel heard. A space where we connect and talk about life and its pivotal moments. This podcast is a little window into the world. Host Claudia Mahler invited women from all walks of life, and various counties, countries, and continents. She is in conversation with authors, business owners, artists, life coaches, change-makers. All these women have their individual life stories, and much wisdom to share.Follow and learn more about episode guest Dr. Barbara Mutedzi at: consciousnessleaders.comTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @claudiamahlerconversations and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Marketing support by Amy Jacobus Marketing.