Resilient Voices - In Leadership & Life

Resilient Voices #37 From Born Dead to Olympic Record Breaker: Mikael Avatar's Journey

In this episode of @Resilient Voices Podcast, Mikael Avatar Stjernvall shares his extraordinary journey from being born dead to becoming a record-breaking athlete and transformational coach. Discover how mindset, resilience, and small daily actions can lead to profound life changes.
"Repetition and consistency are key to mastery."
Key topics:
  • Mikael Avatar's extraordinary birth and early life  • The impact of upbringing and cultural influences  • The mindset of resilience and overcoming adversity  • The importance of small daily actions and repetition  • The role of authenticity and living in the present  • Lessons from Olympic training and world record achievement  • The significance of inner peace and happiness  • The influence of Thai culture on personal growth  • Practical steps for personal transformation  • The ripple effect of positive actions on others
Takeaways
  • Small daily actions can create profound life changes.  • Repetition and consistency are key to mastering new skills.  • Your mindset and perspective shape your reality.  • Authenticity and living in the present bring inner peace.  • Overcoming adversity builds resilience and strength.  • The power of visualization and mental training.  • Every scar and challenge contributes to personal growth.  • Living authentically in Thailand offers unique freedom.  • The importance of smiling and positivity in daily life.  • Impacting others positively starts with self-awareness.
Connect with Mikael here: 
Instagram: instagram.com/mikaelavatar (Reels & Videos)  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikaelavatar  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikaelavatarYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikaelAvatarStjernvall  Facebook: facebook.com/mikaelavatarstjernvall
 
🎙️ ABOUT RESILIENT VOICES
Resilient Voices is hosted by Jessica Schultz —business coach and leadership advisor with 20+ years of experience.
Bi-weekly we bring you honest, unfiltered conversations with leaders and professionals who have faced challenge, change, and transformation — and chosen to move forward with intention and integrity.
🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
👉 Want to be a guest on Resilient Voices?
Visit: succesumleadership.com/resilient-voices-1
🔗 Connect with Jessica Schultz: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaschultzleadership

Resilient Voices Podcast #36 Building Audacity for Entrepreneurial Success

What if your next breakthrough started with the decision to keep going?
In this episode of Resilient Voices Podcast, host Jessica Schultz speaks with Mireia Paino, an oceanography student turned successful online business strategist.
Mireia shares her inspiring journey of resilience, from overcoming challenges and rejection to building stronger self-esteem through action and self-awareness. Together, they explore the role of audacity(especially asking for what you deserve), and how mindset shifts can turn fear and imposter syndrome into fuel.
This is a conversation about what resilience really looks like - and how to build confidence that lasts, step by step. 
 
 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE WE EXPLORE:
→ Resilience as a promise to oneself —and why it changes how you show up  → Mireia’s journey from oceanography to entrepreneurship→ How to overcome fear and imposter syndrome (even when things get hard)  → Building self-esteem through action and honest self-reflection  → Why audacity matters—especially when you’re asking for what you deserve  → How vision boards and visualisation support goal achievement  → The mindset shift from “what if it fails?” to “what’s my next brave step?”  → Practical ways to transform challenges into sustainable personal growth  
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 👤 ABOUT MIREIA PAINO
Mireia Paíno is a business strategist for online service-based entrepreneurs and coaches.
🔗 Connect with Mireia:  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mireiapaino/
 🎙️ ABOUT RESILIENT VOICES
Resilient Voices is hosted by Jessica Schultz —business & executive coach and leadership advisro with 20+ years of experience.
Bi-weekly we bring you honest, unfiltered conversations with leaders and professionals who’ve faced challenge, change, and transformation—and chosen to move forward with intention and integrity.
🔔 subscribe so you never miss an episode.
👉 Want to be a guest on Resilient Voices?
Visit: succesumleadership.com/resilient-voices-1
🔗 Connect with Jessica Schultz:  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaschultzleadership/  - Website: succesumleadership.com

Resilient Voices #35 ""From Tiredness to Transformation" with Simone Reichert

What if your greatest challenge became the foundation of your greatest strength?
In this episode of Resilient Voices Podcast, host Jessica Schultz speaks with Simone Reichert — leadership and mindset coach, NLP practitioner, and speaker — about the journey from chronic illness to conscious leadership.
Simone was diagnosed with chronic fatigue at age 13. Instead of letting it define her, she used it as a catalyst. Through NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), she transformed her limiting beliefs, rewired her inner narrative, and built a life and career rooted in authenticity, intuition, and purpose.
This is a conversation about what resilience really looks like from the inside out. 
🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE WE EXPLORE:
→ How chronic fatigue at age 13 became a turning point, not a full stop
→ What NLP is and how it helps transform limiting beliefs
→ The role of intuition and surrender in making bold life decisions
→ Using the elements (fire, water, air, earth, ether) as tools for self-awareness
→ Why high expectations can work against you — and what to do instead
→ The difference between human connection and AI in coaching and personal development
→ How spontaneous opportunities can lead to the biggest breakthroughs
→ Practical mindset tools for turning challenges into resilience
👤 ABOUT SIMONE REICHERT
Simone Reichert is a leadership and mindset coach, NLP practitioner, and speaker helping leaders and professionals reconnect with their authentic selves and lead with intention.
🔗 Connect with Simone: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-reichert-mindset-coach-nlp-speaker/ Instagram: @transformwithsimone 
🎙️ ABOUT RESILIENT VOICES
Resilient Voices is hosted by Jessica Schultz — executive coach and leadership advisor with 20+ years of experience.
Bi-weekly we bring you honest, unfiltered conversations with leaders and professionals who have faced challenge, change, and transformation — and chosen to move forward with intention and integrity.
🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
👉 Want to be a guest on Resilient Voices?
Visit: succesumleadership.com/resilient-voices-1
🔗 Connect with Jessica Schultz: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaschultzleadership/ Website: succesumleadership.com 

Resilient Voices Podcast #34 The Power of Curiosity in Building Resilience with Kia Temmes

In this episode of Resilient Voices, host Jessica Schultz speaks with Kia Temmes, an author and body therapist, about resilience, travel, and the inner work of healing childhood trauma. Kia shares her journey from Sweden to Myanmar and beyond, and how curiosity, releasing control, and working with plant medicine have helped her heal, overcome fears, and live a life aligned with her true self.
Through this honest conversation, she reflects on how early life experiences shape the way we think, relate, and move through the world — and how resilience often begins with becoming aware of the stories and patterns we carry. Together, we explore resilience as a journey of self-discovery, the role of curiosity and letting go of expectations, and why living more authentically starts with listening to yourself.
In this episode, we talk about:
resilience as a journey of self-discovery
how travel, curiosity, and letting go of control can foster healing
the role of Ayahuasca in healing childhood trauma and gaining self-awareness
building resilience through acceptance, inner guidance, and mindfulness
practical tools for living a flexible, authentic, and resilient life
Memorable moments ✨
“All the stress just floated away.”
“Ayahuasca helped me face my shadows.”
“Live a life of your own choosing.”
Connect with Kia Temmes:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@kiatemmes?si=GkA1GnMGpZpLLObJ
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6xMfc2b0DJFGU0bAB06CG9?si=iNax2ibKT8qgiy_ZlzUavg
Storytel: https://www.storytel.com/se/authors/kia-temmes-47687
Email: kiatemmes@gmail.com
Resources
Nicholson McBride Resilience Test - https://example.com/resilience-test
Want to share your story on the podcast? 🎤
Apply here: https://www.succesumleadership.com/resilient-voices-
 

Resilient Voices Podcast #33 Patric Svanberg on Resilience, Self-Discovery & Inner Strength

In this episode of Resilient Voices the podcast - in Leadership & Life, host Jessica Schultz speaks with Patric Svanberg, founder of Coach4Life Sweden, about resilience, personal growth, and the inner work of overcoming life’s challenges. Patric shares his journey from childhood struggles to building greater self-awareness, inner strength, and purpose.
Through this honest conversation, he reflects on how early life experiences can shape the way we think, relate, and move through the world — and how resilience often begins with becoming aware of the stories and patterns we carry. Together, we explore resilience as a journey of self-discovery, the role of hope and meaning in difficult times, and why living more authentically starts with learning to listen to yourself.
Patric also shares practical insights on mental fitness, self-love, and the importance of being present rather than staying trapped in old conditioning or future fear. This is a thoughtful and grounded conversation for anyone navigating personal challenges, seeking greater clarity, or wanting to live with more courage, meaning, and resilience.
In this episode, we talk about:
- resilience as a journey of self-discovery
- how childhood programming can shape adult life
- the role of hope and meaning in overcoming adversity
- practical tools for mental fitness and self-love
- the importance of living in the present moment
Memorable moments ✨ “It’s never too late to give up.”
“Find meaning in something.”
“Your thoughts create your reality.”
 
Connect with Patric Svanberg
https://coach4lifesweden.se/
Want to share your story on the podcast? 🎤
Apply here: https://www.succesumleadership.com/resilient-voices-

Resilient Voices Podcast # 32 Leadership, Change & Self-Trust with Angelica Björklund

In this episode of Resilient Voices in Leadership & Life, Jessica Schultz speaks with Angelica Björklund about resilience, leadership, and the courage to choose a new path when work no longer feels aligned.
Angelica openly shares her journey through demanding leadership roles, toxic organisational dynamics, and the personal cost of losing touch with her own voice. She reflects on the pressure of high performance, the impact of unhealthy workplace cultures, and the lessons that ultimately led her toward deeper self-awareness, authentic leadership, and starting her own coaching business.
Together, we explore what it means to lead with integrity, how resilience is built through challenge and change, and why self-awareness is essential for both personal growth and sustainable leadership.
This is an honest and insightful conversation for anyone navigating leadership pressure, career change, workplace culture, or the journey back to themselves.
In this episode, we talk about:
toxic organisational culture and leadership dynamics
the importance of authentic leadership and self-awareness
career change and the journey into coaching
work-life balance and the cost of constant performance
lessons in resilience, courage, and personal growth
Memorable moments ✨
“Now I am enough.”
“I lost my own voice.”
“I was a workaholic.”
Resources & Links 🔗
ICF Certification: https://coachfederation.org/icf-credential
Angelika Björklund’s Website: https://angelikabjorklund.com
Connect with Angelika Björklund
Website: https://angelikabjorklund.com
Want to share your story on the podcast? 
Apply here: https://www.succesumleadership.com/resilient-voices-

Resilient Voices Podcast episode 31 Unshaming Your Story with Maryam Jan Akbari

In this episode of Resilient Voices in Leadership & Life, host Jessica Schultz sits down with Maryam Jan Akbari for an inspiring and deeply honest conversation about resilience, storytelling, and the courage to stand in your truth.
Maryam shares her journey from a silenced childhood in Afghanistan to becoming a powerful voice for women’s freedom, healing, and self-expression. Through her story, she reflects on what it means to reclaim your voice, unshame your past, and transform painful experiences into strength, purpose, and impact.
Together, we explore the role of storytelling in healing trauma and how speaking openly about lived experience can become both a personal and collective act of empowerment. Maryam speaks about the importance of facing what has been hidden, releasing shame, and reconnecting with the truth of who you are.
This conversation also highlights the connection between resilience and leadership. Maryam offers a powerful perspective on how authentic leadership is shaped not by perfection, but by honesty, courage, and the willingness to move through pain rather than around it. Her reflections are a reminder that our hardest experiences can become the foundation for both personal freedom and meaningful leadership.
This is a moving episode for anyone navigating healing, identity, leadership, or the journey of turning their story into something powerful.
Resources & Links
Get the Unshamed Story to Authority Kit by subscribing Maryam's newsletter here: https://maryam-jan-akbari-2.kit.com/47878d1f93
Or join Voice to Visibility Academy, a private community for women ready to turn stories they’ve been holding back into a visible personal brand, build trust & attract aligned clients.
https://www.skool.com/voice-to-visibility-academy-8135/about
Also to order and read the book from Amazon here:
https://a.co/d/0cXt38wV
Connect with MaryAm here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryam-jan-akbari/
Do you want to share your story and be on guest on the podcast? Follow the link for application: https://www.succesumleadership.com/resilient-voices-
Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilient_voices_podcast/
 
 

Resilient Voices episode 30 - A Story of Identity and Transformation with Jennifer Nunez

In this episode of Resilient Voices with host Jessica Schultz, Jennifer Nunez shares a deeply personal and inspiring reflection on identity, resilience, and the ongoing journey of becoming. Drawing on her multicultural background, she explores how culture, belonging, and self-awareness have shaped her path through different seasons of life and work.
Jennifer speaks openly about her transition from corporate life toward greater personal fulfilment, and how that journey was guided by deep inner listening, body awareness, and a growing trust in her own wisdom. Her story is a powerful reminder that resilience is not about having everything figured out, but about learning to navigate uncertainty, respond to misalignment, and allow identity to evolve.
We talk about the pivotal role of yoga and body awareness in self-discovery, as well as the importance of recognising the early signs of burnout. Jennifer reflects on what it means to say “no,” set boundaries, and choose a different path when life no longer feels aligned.
Our conversation also explores the value of curiosity and experimentation during times of transition, and how approaches such as Internal Family Systems and parts work can help foster self-compassion and deeper self-understanding. Together, we reflect on resilience as a fluid, multi-dimensional process rooted in trust, openness, and authenticity.
We also touch on the shift from control to surrender, and on how identity continues to unfold through life stages such as motherhood. This is a thoughtful and grounded conversation filled with honest insight and practical inspiration for anyone navigating change, seeking greater alignment, or learning to live and lead more authentically
Resources & Links
Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life by James Hollis
Internal Family Systems Therapy
 
Connect with Jennifer Nunez
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferjnunez/  https://substack.com/@jenniferjnunez https://www.instagram.com/jenniferjnunez/ 
https://www.instagram.com/lumacircle.co/ 
 
Do you want to share your story and be on guest on the podcast? Follow the link for application: https://www.succesumleadership.com/resilient-voices-
 
 
 

Resilient Voices episode 29 - Finding Your Voice: The Path to Authenticity with Jenny Karlsson

In this episode of the Resilient Voices podcast, host Jessica engages in a deep conversation with Jenny "Jenkamichiko” Karlsson, a multi-passionate individual from Sweden. They explore Jenny's journey of resilience, self-discovery, and personal growth, discussing the challenges she faced and the lessons learned along the way. From her early experiences of people-pleasing to finding her voice and setting boundaries, Jenny shares her insights on embracing vulnerability, the importance of self-love, and the power of resilience. The conversation highlights the significance of navigating uncertainty, embracing chaos, and ultimately leading oneself with authenticity and purpose.
Resilience is about bouncing back from setbacks.
Finding your voice is crucial for personal growth.
Connect with Jenny here: 
Jenny “Jenkamichiko” Karlsson is an international motivational speaker, wellness practitioner, and entrepreneur known for her practical yet holistic approach to personal transformation.
https://www.instagram.com/jenkamichiko/
Follow the podcast on Instagram: 
 
https://www.instagram.com/resilient_voices_podcast/
 

Resilient Voices episode 28 - Finding Purpose in Portugal: Kate's Transformation

In this episode of Resilient Voices, Kate Shifman shares her transformative journey from a successful advertising career in New York to a new life in Portugal. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to seek deeper meaning and purpose, including a life-changing experience at a yoga ashram. Kate emphasises the importance of resilience, community, and self-discovery in navigating life's challenges. She also shares insights on creating a community-centric living space that fosters connection and creativity, while reflecting on the ongoing journey of personal growth and the need for clarity in a noisy world.
"This is happening for me, not to me. ....Life is a gift, even when it's hard."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Resilience and Life Changes
01:15 The Catalyst for Change: A Journey to Self-Discovery
04:45T he Decision to Move: Leaving a Successful Career Behind
10:13 The Search for Purpose in a Changing World
12:58 The Ongoing Journey of Personal Growth
14:48 Defining Resilience: Purpose and Ownership
20:50 Creating a Community-Centric Living Space
27:32 Navigating Challenges as a Foreigner in Portugal
31:11 The Role of Resilience in Building a Project
36:01 The Importance of Connection and Community
42:29 Finding Clarity in a Noisy World
52:29 Final Thoughts on Resilience and Enjoying Life
 
Connect with Kate here:  https://www.instagram.com/katie.openworld/
 
Follow the podcast on Instagram: 
 
https://www.instagram.com/resilient_voices_podcast/