Genius Leadership: Overcoming Everything Podcast

The Power of Play: How This EdTech Startup is Transforming Math Education - Part 1 with Evolytes

How can game-based learning reshape the future of math education? What happens when a team of visionaries decide to challenge the status quo of traditional learning? 
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating story behind Evolytes, a math learning platform that is taking Iceland by storm and expanding its impact globally. I’m joined by Mathieu Skulason and Iris E. Gisladottir, the innovative minds behind Evolytes, who share their unconventional journeys into education technology, the challenges of creating an educative game that kids actually want to play, and the bold decisions that helped them scale their impact.
In part 1 of our conversation, we explore how Mathieu’s background in psychology and software engineering merged with Iris’s experience in business and sales to create something truly special. You’ll hear about the unexpected obstacles they faced, the pivotal moments that defined their success, and the role of diversity and collaboration in their innovative approach.
 
In this episode, you will learn about:
The unconventional paths that led Mathieu and Iris to building Evolytes
how a simple idea evolved into a comprehensive platform transforming math education
the importance of diversity in their team and how it fuels creativity and problem-solving (sometimes, through heated discussions =) )
balancing data and feelings in building a successful business
the challenges of creating a math game that kids AND teachers love—and the breakthrough moments
Stay tuned for next week when we continue the conversation with Iris and Mathieu. You will find out about the uncomfortable truth about fundraising that many founders should know and much more.
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
 
Anna
 
Resources:
 
Connect with Mathieu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathieuskulason/ 
Connect with Iris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iriseg/ 
Learn more about Evolytes: https://www.evolytes.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/ 

Become the Captain of Your Life: 4 Steps to Regain Control and Thrive

What does it truly mean to be in control of your life? How do you navigate the complexities of modern living, set boundaries that protect your well-being, and channel your energy into pursuits that fulfil you? In this solo episode, I dive into the art of self-leadership, offering practical strategies that will empower you to take the helm and steer your life in the direction you desire.
Throughout the episode, I share insights drawn from my own experiences and those of my clients, illustrating how small but intentional changes can create a ripple effect in your overall well-being. We will explore the power of saying no, daily habits that enhance your physical health, and how it can free up time and energy for what truly matters.
Whether you’re at a crossroads in your life, seeking more balance, or simply wanting to live with greater intention, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you regain control and “become the captain of your own life”. Tune in and discover how you can start making impactful changes today!
 
In this episode, you will learn about:
The importance of saying “No” and how it can be a game-changer in your life
why energy management matters more than time management, and how to align your activities with your energy levels
simple yet powerful habits for improving your physical health that can lead to big change
the value of meaningful conversations and why having the right support system is crucial for your success
how to reflect on what truly drives you and make decisions that align with your core values
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
 
Anna
 
Resources:
50 Shades of ”No” - Your Guide to Protecting Your Boundaries
Mindshifting Moment 7. What the Hell Is Energy Budget?
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/ 
 

Overcoming Burnout: Mental Resilience Lessons from a Serial Entrepreneur

How do you stay resilient when faced with personal and professional hardships? What steps can you take to understand and manage burnout effectively? Imagine pushing through multiple business challenges while also dealing with stress, anxiety, and personal loss. How do you keep moving forward and stay passionate about your work?
This week's guest is Haukur Gudjonsson, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience and a passion for building startups that solve problems and create value. Haukur has a diverse portfolio, from investing in real estate to running startups focused on tech and education. He is the CEO and founder of Sundra, a SaaS captioning solution that automates the transcribing of subtitles and captions.
During the episode, Haukur shares his journey of overcoming mental health challenges and the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to business and life. He opens up about the critical lessons learned from his experiences with burnout, the importance of self-awareness, and how he managed to rebuild his life and career. 
In this episode, you will learn about:
Haukur's entrepreneurial journey and the challenges he had to face
the impact of anxiety, stress and personal loss on Hakur’s career and life
identifying and managing different levels of burnout
a surprising benefit that several days of anti-anxiety medication can give
the role of mental health in personal and professional success
strategies for detaching from work and finding balance
the importance of building a supportive network
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
Anna
 
Resources:
Connect with Haukur on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haukurgud/ 
Learn more about Sundra: https://www.sundra.io 
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/ 

Mindkicker Impact: Becoming the Captain of Your Own Life

What happens when a seasoned entrepreneur steps into a transformative program like the Mindkicker? How can this experience help professionals find new perspectives and deeper balance? In this episode, we explore the impactful journey of Håkan Mildh Svensson, another Mindkicker participant, who shares his journey of discovery and growth through the program.
A dynamic and visionary entrepreneur, Håkan is the founder of Berotec, a platform for entrepreneurial business in the engineering sector. In this episode, he dives into his multifaceted career and the driving forces behind his continuous pursuit of growth. 
He discusses the art of balancing ambition with personal well-being, and the value of making decisions without overthinking. He talks about his participation in the Mindkicker program, what made him want to join and the invaluable lessons he took from this experience.  He opens up about his struggles with maintaining his true self while striving to meet the needs of others, revealing how the program helped him overcome them.
We dive into the importance of curiosity, mindfulness, and self-appreciation in achieving a balanced and fulfilling life. We also discuss the significance of self-leadership, and the importance of creating space for reflection. 
 
Join us as we explore Håkan’s meaningful experience with the Mindkicker program, the key lessons he took from it and how he has implemented them in his personal and professional life.
In this episode, you will learn about:
About Håkan’s entrepreneurial journey and diverse professional background
the importance of balancing personal and professional growth
the impact of self-leadership on personal and professional life.
the role of failure as a gift and learning opportunity
strategies to balance speed and reflection in entrepreneurship
why slowing down can lead to greater control and success
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
Anna
 
Resources:
 
Connect with Håkan:https://www.linkedin.com/in/h%C3%A5kan-mildh-svensson/
Book Håkan’s Entrepreneur fika: https://www.videoask.com/fn5ra77am 
Join Mindkicker in January 2025: https://www.mindkicker.se/iceland25/
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/ 

Mindkicker Impact: Exploring What Else Is Possible When Life Is Good

How can a successful professional continuously push their boundaries and explore new horizons? What drives an individual to keep seeking growth and challenge even when life seems settled? How can the Mindkicker program transform your perspective and help you embrace the joy of continuous growth?
In this episode, we delve into the transformative experience of another Mindkicker program participant, Shamala Samuelsson, who shares her incredible journey from her roots in Malaysia to becoming a dynamic leader and interim consultant in Sweden. 
Shamala’s background in auditing and financial compliance, combined with her adventurous spirit and incredible ability for self-reflection, makes for an inspiring conversation. As a participant in the Mindkicker program, she reflects on how the program has helped her discover new facets of herself and talks about the importance of curiosity, mindfulness, and self-appreciation in achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.
In this episode, you will learn about:
The transformative power of curiosity and continuous learning
back to basics and the experience of living without a phone
the importance of redefining  “ambition” in each phase of our lives
the importance of play and how we can integrate it in our daily lives 
who should and who should not join Mindkicker
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
Anna
 
Resources:
Connect with Shamala: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamala-samuelsson-fca-4a2494b/
Join Mindkicker in January 2025: https://www.mindkicker.se/iceland25/
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/ 

Mindkicker Impact: Navigating Stress and Distractions as a Busy CEO

How do you manage the challenges and the demands of being a CEO while maintaining a fulfilling family life? What strategies can you use to optimize both professional and personal commitments effectively? Imagine leading a dynamic company and having two early teenagers at home, while your spouse also holds a high-pressure job that involves frequent travel. How do you keep everything balanced and running smoothly?
In this episode, we delve into the transformative experience of one of the Mindkicker program participants. As the CEO of Lyfjaver in Iceland, Hakon Steinsson faced the challenge of growing a business while managing a busy family life and felt like he needed to take a break and reset.
At the Mindkicker kickoff, Hakon embraced the opportunity to disconnect from daily distractions and immerse himself in physical training, meaningful groupwork, meditation, and stress management practices which provided him with new perspectives and tools for achieving balance. These experiences have significantly enhanced both his professional and personal life, allowing him to navigate challenges more effectively.
In this episode, you will learn about:
Hakon's decision to join the Mindkicker retreat and his initial expectations
how the Mindkicker has helped Hakon manage stress and improve productivity so far
the experience of living without a phone
the benefits of silence and meditation in a high-pressure leadership role
strategies for balancing family responsibilities with professional demands
Hakon’s key takeaways from the retreat and how he has implemented them in his life
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
Anna
 
Resources:
Connect with Hakon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hakon-steinsson 
Learn more about Lyfjaver: https://www.lyfjaver.is 
Join Mindkicker in January 2025: https://www.mindkicker.se/iceland25/
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/

Genius Leadership Is Going On Vacation

Hey Genius Leader! In this short episode, I am sharing the podcast plan for July and the reasons behind it, along with giving you a sneak peek for what's to come in August.
Follow me on LinkedIn to get hand-picked suggestions of episodes for July: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-liebel/
Learn more about Mindkicker in 2025: https://www.mindkicker.se/iceland25/
Join me for Mindshifting Year with the surfcamp kickoff: https://mailchi.mp/01c8c7d79080/mindshifting-surfcamp
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 

Mastering Momentum: E-commerce CEO’s Secrets to Building an Empire

How can you transform your life from living paycheck to paycheck to running a multi-million dollar business? What drives an entrepreneur to push through insurmountable challenges and come out successful on the other side? Imagine facing the daunting decision of risking everything for a dream and the responsibility of providing for a child on the way. How do you find the strength to keep going when everyone tells you to stop?
This week's guest is Anatoliy Labinskiy, a successful entrepreneur and eCommerce expert with four Two Comma Club awards who has an incredible journey from a struggling food runner to a global CEO. Anatoliy is the founder of GSM Growth, an agency for e-commerce success, and co-founder of EcomScout.io, an AI-powered ad optimization service. He hosts the Ecom Business Stream Podcast, is a Forbes Business Council member, and one of the Top 100 USA Entrepreneurs with Ukrainian origins. 
From overcoming financial hardships and navigating personal crises to discovering the transformative power of mentorship, Anatoliy's experiences offer valuable insights for any aspiring entrepreneur. Join us as we discuss the strategies he applied to build a thriving business, the importance of having a strong "why," and the lessons learned along the way.
In this episode, you will learn about:
Anatoliy's humble beginnings in Ukraine and his move to Dubai
facing financial struggles and the pivotal moment in his journey
the critical role of mentorship in Anatoliy's success
building GSM Growth Agency: From zero to 32 million in online sales
the importance of hiring for potential and creating a win-win company culture
navigating team challenges and the tough decisions that drive growth
key takeaways for entrepreneurs facing similar obstacles
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
Anna
Resources:
Connect with Anatoliy on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/anatoliylabinskiy/
Learn more about GSM Growth Agency: https://gsmgrowthagency.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 

From Free to Fee: A CEO's Bold Move to Charge for Electric Power

How do you shift the whole market from taking a resource for granted to paying for it? Why would you celebrate it when your customers are angry? What can help you withstand the challenges associated with your bold business moves? These and other topics I discussed with Sigurdur Astgeirsson, the founder and CEO of Isorka, the only company in Iceland that does nothing but charge electric cars.
In this episode, you will learn about:
Siggi's journey of charging the first customer for something the market used to get for free
conviction and resilience as crucial drivers of a business
a powerful tool for reminding yourself about the choices you have in life and business
Siggi's ways of dealing with peaks and valleys of entrepreneurship
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
Anna
Resources:
Connect with Siggi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sigurdur-astgeirsson-57159069/
Learn more about Isorka: https://isorka.is/
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/

Get Out of Your Business's Growth Way: A Serial Entrepreneur on Balancing Growth Between Two Businesses

How do you choose which of your businesses to pay more attention to, especially if they perform and grow very differently? How can you let go of control in the business you have been running for years to let it outgrow you? These are not easy questions, but my today's guest, Serge Baidin, openly shares about his ups and downs of running two businesses simultaneously.
Serge is a Ukrainian serial entrepreneur and is currently managing two businesses - Bride&Groom.video — a video editing hub , and Markupus — a web development agency.
In this episode, you will learn about:
Serge's rocky road of entrepreneurship, overcoming the economic crisis, global pandemic, and full-scale war in his home country
how he chose which business to invest more of his time into, based on his background and the companies' growth (I was surprised by this choice)
why we all should have mentors and how to get them
investing in business growth in good and bad times
Stay safe and #standwithukraine,
Anna
Resources:
Connect with Serge: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergebaidin/
Learn more about Bride&Groom: https://bridengroom.video/
Learn more about Markupus: https://markupus.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/