Genius Leadership: Overcoming Everything Podcast

Bootstrapping Secrets: How to Build Big on a Small Budget

What does it take to build a thriving business from scratch while navigating the challenges of bootstrapping? In this episode, I sit down with Pavlo Pedenko, founder of Mathema.me, one of the biggest STEM tutoring marketplaces in the CEE region, serving families across 62 countries. Pavlo shares his inspiring journey of creating a platform that prioritizes both tutors and families, emphasizing the importance of solving real problems, focusing on customer needs, and staying adaptable.
We explore the key lessons Pavlo learned while scaling a startup without external funding, managing growth pains, and building a sustainable, impactful business model. From prioritizing tutors' success to experimenting with creative marketing strategies, this episode is packed with insights on how to grow a business rooted in value and resilience.
 
In this episode, you will learn about:
The art of bootstrapping and how Pavlo and his team scaled Mathema.me to serve families in 62 countries
how prioritizing the needs of tutors helped build a thriving platform with loyal users
why early-stage businesses should embrace manual processes before scaling with tech
the challenges of balancing growth with team-building and accountability
how to decide whether external funding is right for your business journey
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
Anna
 
Resources:
Find out more about Mathema.me: https://mathema.me 
Connect with Pavlo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlo-pedenko-7a02061b/?originalSubdomain=uk 
Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning
Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall 
Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/
 

Lessons About Humanity From the World’s Biggest Tech Conference

What if the most profound lessons from a massive global event had little to do with technology and everything to do with human connection? In this solo episode, I reflect on my time at this year’s Web Summit, the world’s largest tech conference, where I found more inspiration and insights in the unexpected moments of connection than on the stages and at the booths. 
I’ll share four powerful takeaways that will inspire you to reflect on your own journey. From embracing the mindset that “builders will keep building” to the importance of surrounding yourself with people who energize and uplift you, these lessons go beyond the professional world. They’re about how we show up, connect with others, and stay rooted in what truly matters. Whether you’re navigating challenges or celebrating wins, this episode will remind you of the power of resilience and human connection.
In this episode, you will learn about:
The importance of perseverance in challenging times
how surrounding yourself with the right people can create life-changing connections
the transformative power of saying "thank you" and how gratitude can uplift your environment
what it means to be human in the age of AI and how technology can help us reconnect with our true selves
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
Anna
 
Resources:
Learn more about the Web Summit: https://websummit.com 
Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning 
Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall   
Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/ 

One Metric to Rule Them All: Building and Measuring Team Culture

What does it take to lead a team with authenticity, resilience, and a deep commitment to collaboration? In this episode, I sit down with Helgi Hrafn Halldórsson, CEO of Maven, a consultancy company built on the foundation of teamwork and psychological safety. Helgi shares how his company fosters a culture that celebrates collaboration, prioritizes shared goals, and supports individuals in their personal and professional growth.
We dive into the metrics Maven uses to measure teamwork, how psychological safety plays a central role in fostering innovation, and why being vulnerable as a leader is a crucial aspect necessary for success. Helgi also opens up about his personal journey with overwork, stress, and learning to let go—a journey that’s deeply shaped his leadership philosophy and company culture.
 
In this episode, you will learn about:
Maven’s core value and the creative ways they measure and reward it
why psychological safety is essential for team collaboration and innovation
the surprising challenges of being vulnerable as a leader—and why it’s worth the effort
practical strategies for creating an environment where mistakes are embraced as learning opportunities
insights into how leaders can recharge and find balance in demanding roles
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
Anna
 
Resources:
Find out more about Maven: https://maven.is 
Connect with Helgi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harabanar 
Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning 
Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall   
Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/ 

Apply What Works: From Boardroom to Livingroom and Back Again

Have you ever wondered how the strengths and skills you excel at in one area of your life could be applied to another? In this solo episode, I dive into the concept of transferable skills—those talents and mindsets that we’ve mastered in one context but often overlook when facing challenges in another. Using real-life examples from my mindshifting practice, I share how clients have taken powerful skills from their professional lives and applied them successfully to their personal lives (and vice versa) for more fulfillment and ease.
 
From the art of prioritization to the nuances of listening, I’ll walk you through four insightful stories that highlight the simplicity and brilliance of this approach. Whether you’re leading a team at work, nurturing relationships at home, or balancing various life roles, learning to transfer your skills can transform how you handle challenges and opportunities.
In this episode, you will learn about:
The surprising ease of applying professional skills to personal self-care and well-being
how recognizing strengths from one area can solve problems in another
why transferring positive patterns can lead to more constructive communication and relationships
practical ways to identify and transfer your own skills to improve life balance
the importance of spotting unhealthy patterns and shifting them across different life contexts
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
Anna
 
Resources:
Heima App: https://www.getheima.com/is 
Listen to my episode with the co-founder of Heima: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7j6Gqj3iWXEG7wVJRUkz1t 
Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning 
Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall   
Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/ 

From Distraction to Action: Unleashing Neurodiversity’s Potential in Workplaces

What is neurodiversity, and why is it so critical for fostering inclusive workplaces and educational environments? In this milestone 200th episode, I sit down with Grischa Liebel, an expert in computer science, diversity, and neurodiversity, who also happens to be my husband. We dive deep into his research on ADHD, discussing its impact on both education and the workplace, and how leaders can foster a more inclusive environment.
We focus on the challenges and opportunities for neurodivergent individuals, specifically those with ADHD, and explore practical ways to build inclusive workplaces that allow people to thrive. Grischa shares insights from his interviews and research, explaining the common struggles individuals face and the powerful strategies that have helped them succeed. If you’re a leader looking to build a better and more inclusive work culture, this episode offers valuable perspectives on embracing differences for a more productive environment.
 
In this episode, you will learn about:
The fundamentals of neurodiversity and what it really means to have ADHD
how neurodivergent individuals experience challenges like attention deficits and hyperactivity in work and education
practical strategies that leaders can implement to build more inclusive, ADHD-friendly teams
how common stereotypes about ADHD can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities
why embracing neurodiversity in the workplace can lead to higher productivity and innovation
why some people dislike their neurodiversity being called a superpower
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
Anna
 
Resources:
Visit Grischa’s Website: https://grischaliebel.de 
Connect with Grischa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grischa-liebel
Read the Neurodiversity at Work report: https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/media/109514758/neurodiversity-in-business-birkbeck-university-of-london.pdf
Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning 
Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall   
Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua

Beyond Mind Reading: 'Guide To Me'—The Game-Changer For Team Dynamics

What if there was a simple tool that could drastically improve your team’s collaboration, productivity, and overall well-being? Sounds utopic, but such tool does exist! In this solo episode, I introduce you to a brilliant tool called "Guide to Me"—a personal owner's manual designed to enhance self-awareness, communication, trust, and effectiveness within teams. This tool is so powerful that I believe it should be a legal requirement in any workplace with more than one person!
We’ll explore the origins of the Guide to Me concept, how it can be used both in professional and personal contexts, and why understanding yourself and others at a deeper level is essential for creating high-performing teams. Whether you're managing a team or simply looking for a better way to navigate relationships, this episode will show you how to use this tool to foster open communication and mutual respect.
 
In this episode, you will learn about:
 
The powerful benefits of the "Guide to Me" tool and why it should be a staple in every team
how this tool can help you build trust and improve collaboration within your team
ways to customize your own personal manual to fit your workplace or relationships
practical examples of how the Guide to Me has transformed group dynamics in my own work with students
why understanding how your team members work best can help you create a thriving, high-performance culture
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
Anna
 
Resources:
Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning 
Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall   
Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/ 
 

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of The Beginner’s Mindset

What does it mean to approach life with a beginner’s mindset, and how can this philosophy shape your personal and professional growth? In this solo episode, I take you through the benefits AND challenges of embracing a beginner’s mindset. We’ll explore how staying curious and open to learning can improve your adaptability, creativity, and even cognitive health. But it’s not all smooth sailing—maintaining this mindset can sometimes lead to overwhelm, imposter syndrome, and even stagnation if not managed carefully. 
So, when is it time to lean into being a beginner, and when is it time to step into your expertise?
Whether you're navigating career shifts, learning new skills, or trying to stay flexible in an ever-changing world, this episode will give you the tools to balance curiosity with confidence.
In this episode, you will learn about:
The key benefits of adopting a beginner's mindset, from improved learning to fostering creativity
how maintaining this mindset can sometimes lead to overwhelm and imposter syndrome
when the beginner’s mindset starts to hinder growth instead of promoting it
practical strategies to balance learning and execution without losing momentum
real-life examples of how embracing this mindset can boost empathy and collaboration
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
Anna
 
Resources:
Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning 
Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall   Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/

The Pain and Gain Equation: Finding Your New Way to Balancing Short-Term Wins with Long-Term Goals

How do you balance the pressure to achieve long-term goals while also focusing on short-term wins that help you stay energized? In this solo episode, I tackle a common struggle for leaders and founders—the interplay between pain and gain, and how to strategically redefine your journey toward success. 
We often hear phrases like "no pain, no gain," but what does that really mean in the context of personal growth and leadership? Does every step towards success have to be difficult, or are there moments when taking the easier path is actually the smarter choice?
I challenge the traditional mindset that equates success solely with struggle and sacrifice. Instead, let’s explore how embracing both short-term victories and long-term visions can help you build resilience without burning out. Whether it's taking a tactical pause to restore energy or reevaluating whether your current efforts are truly contributing to your future goals, this episode is all about making smarter decisions that lead to sustainable success. Leadership doesn't have to be a constant uphill battle—sometimes, it’s about finding a path that allows you to thrive, not just survive. 
 
In this episode, you will learn about:
The surprising value of short-term wins and why they are crucial for reaching long-term goals
how to recognize when you need immediate gains to restore your energy and focus
why sometimes it’s okay to step back and make decisions that prioritize your well-being
how the phrase "no pain, no gain" can be misunderstood and misapplied in our daily routines
examples from my own experience of navigating these challenges, and how small changes can create lasting momentum
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
Anna
 
Resources:
Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning 
Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall   
Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/ 
 

The One-Book Challenge: Why Reading Fewer Books Could Lead to Greater Growth

In today’s solo episode, we’re celebrating a big milestone—10,000 downloads! Thank you for being a part of the Genius Leadership community and for your continued support. While we’re on the topic of growth, I want to dive into something that might challenge you: the idea that you may be consuming too much knowledge and not taking enough time to implement it.
Are you constantly reading, listening to podcasts, or consuming self-help content but still feel like you’re not making progress? Well, today, I want to challenge the idea that more knowledge always leads to more progress. With self-help books, podcasts, and personal development courses at our fingertips, it’s easy to get caught up in constant consumption. But when do we stop and actually implement what we’ve learned?
Today, I’ll share why it’s time to hit pause on reading and focus on integrating one powerful piece of knowledge at a time. Drawing from my own journey of spending two and a half years fully absorbing just one book, I’m encouraging you to slow down, pick one book, and make it your personal Bible for the rest of the year. This is the episode that might just help you take real, meaningful steps forward.
In this episode, you will learn about:
How consuming too much self-help content holds you back
why it took me two and a half years to read a book and what made it life changing 
the impact of slowing down and focusing on truly integrating what you learn
why trusting your own wisdom is just as important as external advice
a challenge for you in Q4 that could transform the way you approach personal development
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
Anna
 
Resources:
 
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
 
Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning 
 
Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall   
 
Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/ 

Founder Rollercoaster: Managing Downs and Enjoying Ups of Building a Company from Scratch

What does it take to lead a company through challenging times while fostering a culture of trust and resilience? In this episode, I sit down with Oleksandr Mykolaienko, CEO of Tallium, a company focused on crafting top-notch mobile and web applications for both startups and enterprises.
During the episode, Oleksandr shares his journey from founding his company in Ukraine to managing a distributed team across multiple countries. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, Oleksandr has continued to lead with a focus on team’s well-being, trust, and sustainable growth.
We explore how Oleksandr navigated the shift from working 24/7 to creating a balanced leadership style that supports both personal and professional well-being. He opens up about the key mindset shifts that helped him say no to more clients, projects, and tasks—ultimately leading to improved focus and productivity. Oleksandr also shares how he learned to delegate effectively and trust his team, even when managing remotely.
 
In this episode, you will learn about:
How Oleksandr built Tallium from the ground up and scaled it to a 100-person team
the biggest mindset shifts that helped him balance his leadership responsibilities
why saying ”no” can be a powerful tool for sustainable growth
the importance of trust and delegation in managing a remote team
how to lead effectively in a remote-first culture and maintain strong relationships
insights on maintaining motivation and energy as a founder through personal challenges
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
Anna
 
Resources:
Connect with Oleksandr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oleks-mykolaienko-ua/?originalSubdomain=nl 
Learn more about Tallium: https://tallium.com/company 
Join the free yoga classes I teach every Monday and Thursday: https://annaliebel.as.me/lytmorning  
Book a Mindshifting Intensive: https://annaliebel.as.me/strategycall  
Support Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/