Greater Than Myself

About Greater Than Myself

Podcast empowering change-makers with purpose greater than them, in finding their path to impacting millions of people. I'm Natalia Lemanska, and over the last decade I've hitchhiked 6000km, volunteered around the globe, worked with UNICEF in Lebanon, founded a social enterprise in Kenya, and developed decarbonisation strategies at McKinsey and the OECD I did it because I believe that discovering something 'greater than ourselves' is the path to an extraordinary life. - Get inspired by other change-makers - Adopt the mindset and skills to become your fullest self - Discover your path

Publisher

Natalia Lemanska

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Apr 2023

Latest episode

18 Jun 2024

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Jun 2024

   Ep #17: Opinions of Others: 3 Strategies for Overcoming Them

   What would your life look like if you were independent of others' opinions? Just imagine! The opinions of others are often the biggest obstacle to achieving extraordinary things. They are 95% of the time unhelpful or even paralysing. But how can we learn to ‘ignore’ these 95%? And how do we know when to actually learn from the 5%? Today, I share the three strategies I use to deal with others' opinions to live life on my terms: Comforting 7 TRUTHS behind the opinions of others A framework for checking the VALIDITY of those opinions Way for separating EMOTION from action

2. 

   28 May 2024

   Ep #16: How to Turn Your Mission into Your Superpower When NETWORKING with Sonia Piorek

   What if one LINKEDIN post CHANGED your LIFE? ✨ What if your mission, greater than you, opened doors to an abundance of opportunities? 🌍🚪 It did for Sonia. From Warsaw to London to Silicon Valley. Join us in this lighthearted conversation with my dear friend Sonia Piorek to hear about the benefits and hardships of networking. Don’t miss it if you want to know how to: Leverage your impact mission as your SUPERPOWER 💪 Avoid making the single BIGGEST networking MISTAKE ❌ Network to find investors, a job, or… friends! 🤝 Enjoy! 00:00 Introduction 04:22 Sonia's Greater Than Yourself 11:31 The Single Most Important Networking Incident 22:50 What Everyone Who Networks Should Know 30:46 How is Networking Different With a Mission Greater Than Yourself 38:30 How to Balance What You Say About Your Mission When You Network 41:46 How to Get Good at Networking 48:17 The Lesson That Took the Longest to Learn With Networking 50:58 Awkward Networking Moments! 54:23 How NOT to Network 56:54 Single Best Book for Sonia

3. 

   27 Feb 2024

   Ep #15 Founder of Octopus Energy Germany: 'I’ve Built 4 Companies, Across 4 Industries. Curiosity Was My Greatest Strength' with Ilona Ludewig

   Building four impact-driven companies across four sectors? Scary, right? But according to Ilona, founder of Octopus Energy Germany, fear doesn’t need to stop us. Ilona Ludewig believes that your curiosity can be your greatest strength. Before exiting her company to join Octopus Energy, she founded a consultancy, a bilingual school, and an organic leather company. As an impact-driven founder, whenever she encounters a problem she cares about, she dives straight into it "because someone has to." Join us to learn how to: Successfully build a company in any sector you care about Become a real impact-driven capitalist after growing up in a communist country Shift from "what others think" to "I hear you, but I will still follow my gut" mindset

4. 

   19 Dec 2023

   Ep #14 Founder Of THIS: 'It Started As A Business Opportunity. Now I'm So Obsessed With The Mission That I Sought Therapy' With Andy Shovel

   Andy Shovel, the founder of the vegan meat company THIS, knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur since he was 18 years old. He didn't pay much attention to studying and started his first business while still at university. Being a successful entrepreneur seemed to be the ultimate fulfillment… until one day he discovered something Greater Than His Business. THIS started as a 'great business opportunity,' and Andy didn't expect that animal welfare would become his life mission. A mission so unbelievably strong that now it distracts him from day-to-day work and leads him to start therapy. Join Andy and me in this vulnerable and inspiring conversation where he shares his beliefs: Anyone from a privileged background has an obligation to give back. Having a mission is not as 'rosy' as it may seem. BUT it transforms one’s life and brings an unprecedented amount of meaning and fulfillment. 00:00 Introduction 04:47 The Evolution of Personal Beliefs and Values 14:56 The Role of Privilege in Personal Success 21:13 The Pursuit of Fulfillment and Purpose 28:10 The Challenges of Being Passionate About a Cause 29:20 Finding Your Cause and Passion 33:08 When To (Not) Judge Others 38:00 The Magnitude of Animal Suffering 41:08 The Transition to a Plant-Based Diet 42:39 The Hypocrisy Argument 46:16 Quality And Values At THIS 51:41 Recommended Resource Resources: THIS https://this.co/ (https://this.co/) Andy Shovel’s profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-shovel-92533414/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-shovel-92533414/) Speach everyone should listen to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQCe4qEexjc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQCe4qEexjc)

5. 

   22 Nov 2023

   Ep #13 How to LEAVE Corporate Tech Career for CLIMATE? Founder of Women&Climate and Clever Carbon, Michelle Li

   Michelle Li had a successful career and loved her work at Salesforce and DocuSign. But somehow, it never felt like enough: "Why would I save for my retirement if I don't know if I will ever be able to retire?" She left in search of her new "climate job" and despite her experience, struggled to find anything. She didn't yet know that she would never need to look for a job again. Since then, Michelle founded Clever Carbon, a company educating people on carbon literacy, whose clients include the NBA (National Basketball Team) and Estée Lauder. She also started the world's fastest-growing community for women in the climate space (Women and Climate), which is followed by 10,000 passionate women and is present in 40 cities globally. Are you scared to make a radical move in your career? Do you want to enter the "climate sector" but don't know where to start? Join me and Michelle, who shares how she learned to bet on herself and follow her values despite the risks. 00:00 Introduction 06:22 Michelle's Vision for a Carbon-Literate World 11:10 Michelle's Personal Journey and Career Shift 13:15 The Impact of Business School and Transition into Tech 18:13 Experience at Salesforce and DocuSign 26:36 The Birth of Clever Carbon 28:18 Personal Journey Towards Sustainability 38:05 Transition from Corporate Job to Clever Carbon 43:30 The Birth and Growth of Women and Climate 46:36 Lessons Learned from Building Communities 49:45 Advice for Climate Advocates 50:34 The Book Everyone Should Read: Sapiens Clever Carbon: https://clevercarbon.io/ (https://clevercarbon.io/) Women and Climate: https://www.womenandclimate.co/ (https://www.womenandclimate.co/) Michelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellelimba/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellelimba/) Book everyone should read: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23692271-sapiens (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23692271-sapiens)

6. 

   24 Oct 2023

   Ep #12 How To Accept The 5 Things We Cannot Change

   Happiness = Events - Expectations What if we make ourselves miserable because of the unrealistic expectations we set in the world? We all know this world isn’t always fair, and people aren’t always loving. Yet we spend hours on negative self-talk: ‘he/she shouldn’t act like that,’ ‘why is this happening to me?’ ‘I worked so hard, I should have got it…’ What if we accept the world’s ‘imperfections’ upfront and detach from our expectations about loved ones, the economy, world leaders… Inspired by David Richo’s book, I explore my journey of accepting the 5 givens in life and the power it gave me in pursuing what I believe in without unnecessary looking back: - Everything changes and comes to an end - Things don’t always go according to plan - Life is not always fair - Pain is part of life - People are not always loving and loyal Join me on this journey of moving from ‘How things should be’ to ‘Who do I want to become and what do I want to create in this highly imperfect but beautiful world?’ Inspired by: The Five Things We Cannot Change: And the Happiness We Find by Embracing Them by David Richo. 🔗 Link to the Book on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/555253.The_Five_Things_We_Cannot_Change)

7. 

   10 Oct 2023

   Ep #11 James Mitra. Power of Mentorship, Networking and Telling Your Impact Story with with JBM Founder and 40 Minute Mentor Host

   "Doing something for someone else without expecting anything in return may well be a game-changer for your career and life.” Driving extraordinary change involves building deep, authentic relationships with those who empower us and whom we can empower to make the impact story a reality. In this episode, I welcome James Mitra, who, at the age of 25, decided to rewrite the narrative of the recruitment industry. He believed it didn’t have to be about 'smashing calls,' but rather about building relationships and transforming lives and businesses. Over the past decade, his company, JBM, has been disrupting the recruitment sector, while his '40 Minutes Mentor' Podcast has democratized access to career mentorship. In this episode, James reveals why: 🌟 Everyone should HAVE a mentor and BE a mentor 🌟 Having your impact story is CRUCIAL but, in most cases, CAN’T REPLACE the skills 🌟 When presenting your impact story to a company or investors you must be authentic, prove your passion through your achievements, and 'over-research' the organization Join us as James dives deep into the importance of mentorship, authenticity, and building genuine connections to create a lasting impact in your career and beyond 🔗 Useful Links: Connect with James on LinkedIn: James’ LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmitra-jbm/) Explore JBM’s Innovations: JBM (https://jbmc.co.uk/) Dive into Career Mentorship: 40 Minute Mentor Podcast (https://jbmc.co.uk/insights/category/40-minute-mentor/) Recommended Read: "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18176747-the-hard-thing-about-hard-things)

8. 

   25 Sept 2023

   Ep #10 How to Get Inspired by 20th Century Change-Makers

   Ready for a dose of inspiration, empowerment, and gratefulness? Today, I'm exploring one of my favorite concepts that keeps me motivated: how the actions of change-makers in the past continue to impact you and me today, and therefore why what we do matters. Let’s embark on this journey back to the 20th century to hear the stories of… Coco Chanel, who wasn’t afraid of wearing trousers. Patricia Banks, who became a stewardess despite facing racial discrimination The thousands of volunteers who contributed to creating an (almost) polio-free world. Join me in experiencing a wave of positivity towards your work and discovering your own hero-change-makers who have made a difference in your life. For some inspiration: Vox The Missing Chapter: ‘When flight attendants fought the airline industry and won’ www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEbE92RIgh0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEbE92RIgh0) Time ‘100 Persons of the Century’ content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,26473,00.html (https://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,26473,00.html)

9. 

   6 Sept 2023

   Ep #9 How to Balance Family and Passion for Impact with Ryan Caplin, Husband, Father and Christian

   What is a woman’s first thought when she finds out she is pregnant? There are probably many, but Ryan's wife had a unique one: 'Wow, but... how will we move to Ghana now?' But they did. They also moved to the US, the UK, and now to Kenya, all in pursuit of a passion for changing the world for the better, a passion for... WASTE. Many young people ask, 'Can I start a family without sacrificing what I am passionate about?' Ryan Caplin and his family, guided by their faith, are a beautiful example of how 'you can have it all,' with the caveat that it doesn't always need to be both at the same time. How? Accept that there will be moments when you prioritize one over the other. Overcommunicate with your partner. Know the difference between what you think is good for your family vs. what others think. As a family, decide what is a necessity vs. a 'nice-to-have. Ryan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancaplin/

10. 

    21 Aug 2023

    Ep #8 The Crisis of Meaning and How to Create It. Viktor Frankl vs Simon Sinek

    Have you ever experienced a sense of meaninglessness? Or do you possess a clear understanding of your 'why'? Do you believe that you are the one choosing the meaning of your life? Today, I am sharing how the work of two thought leaders on this topic, V. Frankl and S. Sinek, has influenced my feelings and thoughts about my greater purpose. Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, psychiatrist, and author of 'Man's Search for Meaning' (ranked among the top 100 books of all time). Simon Sinek, an author and leadership expert best known for popularizing the concept of "Start with Why" after his TED Talk ranked in the global top 10. Join me in exploring our most significant 'whys' and what we can do today to define our purpose and infuse vibrancy into our lives. What are the initial steps? Engage in a '7 WHY' exercise Reflect on what makes you cry Consider what puts you in a state of flow Envision yourself at 90 years old Formulate your personal WHY statement Enjoy listening! Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4069.Man_s_Search_for_Meaning (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4069.Man_s_Search_for_Meaning) Simon Sinek’s TEDx - https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action (https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action)

11. 

    8 Aug 2023

    Ep #7 Self-awareness, Mindfulness, and Impact Driven by LOVE, not EGO. Reece Griffiths

    An hour of meditation every day as a fresh start-up founder at Y Combinator (world's #1 start-up accelerator)? Reece Griffiths proves it is possible and explains why it is the most important hour of his day, asserting that time spent on self-awareness practices pays off exponentially. Join us on this journey of awakening as change-makers, connecting with our true selves to drive transformational change from a place of love, not ego. Discover how deepening self-awareness allows us to build entirely new relationships with our beneficiaries and even those we perceive as 'oppressors.' Wondering how to start your mindfulness journey? Reece highlights: Set the bar low – for example, start with a goal of 1 minute of meditation a day. Find 'the door' that works best for you, such as journaling, yoga, meditation, therapy, or slow walks. If you feel stuck, consider exploring the concept of 'positive intelligence' (link below). Books and other resources Reece’s BLOG (https://reecewgriffiths.com/)!!! Book everyone should read:  Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality (https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/94318) by Anthony de Mello and J. Francis Stroud The Power of Now (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6708.The_Power_of_Now?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_16) by Eckhart Tolle Positive intelligence test (https://assessment.positiveintelligence.com/saboteur/overview) Silent retreat Hridaya (https://hridaya-yoga.com/) Reece’s LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/reece-william-griffiths/)

12. 

    12 Jun 2023

    Ep #6 Amplifying My Impact: Embracing an Agile Lifestyle

    What if someone gave you a ‘time machine’ which for every year of your life gave you additional three years? What if by that you could then increase the impact you have by x40? That’s what making my life ‘agile’ did for me. Welcome to my series of the 5 biggest lessons I have learned so far on my impact journey. I believe these lessons can help any change-maker achieve their full potential while also taking care of themselves. Being agile is all about validating your assumptions quickly to avoid going for too long in the wrong direction. Today everyone is being agile in business and with software - but what about our lives as a whole? How often do you sit down, and understand the assumptions which are quietly driving your biggest life decisions without you even knowing them? And importantly, how often do you decide to test them? Testing my life assumptions in an agile way brought me some of the best experiences in my life such as creating a video documentary with UNICEF in Lebanon. It allowed me to move on my impact journey so much quicker and I am confident it can have a huge impact on you. Join me if you want to hear about the 3 steps you can take today to make your life agile and increase your impact. → Video Documentary I created with UNICEF Lebanon as my agile journey UNIted in Help - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jWOIzcG_zo)

13. 

    29 May 2023

    Ep #5 Women in International Development. Self-Care, Burnout and Setting Boundaries with Camille Neyhouser

    How to set personal boundaries when your work is meant to 'save' lives? When women enter the International Development sector, they often encounter the harsh reality of 14-hour workdays, burnout, and workplace harassment. Their passion may turn into depression and they may abandon their dreams. But does it have to be this way? In today's episode, my guest Camille Neyhouser, who spent 13 years in the International Development field, decided to transition into becoming a life coach. She opens up about the most challenging moments she and her female colleagues faced while working in Niger and Uganda. Camille takes us through her personal journey of self-growth, self-care, and the realization that people in the Global South do not need any more 'saviours.' Are you trapped in the drama triangle of victim, rescuer (saviour), and persecutor, or would you rather be part of the triangle of creator, coach, and challenger? Which path do you choose? By learning to establish boundaries instead of being the 'saviour' at any cost, we not only serve ourselves but also fulfill our mission in the long run. Let’s find out how.

14. 

    15 May 2023

    Ep #4 Making Impossible Possible

    What if you believed in making the impossible possible? What if you could impact people's lives in a way you have never imagined before? Welcome to my series of the 5 biggest lessons I have learned so far on my impact journey. I believe these lessons can help any change-maker achieve their full potential while also taking care of themselves. Have you ever heard of Roger Bannister, who was the first to run a mile in under 4 minutes, even though it was commonly believed that the human body is unable to break that record? Join me if you want to find out how hearing this story was a breakthrough moment for me and how breaking the ceiling of 'impossible' can transform the impact you have with your work.

15. 

    7 Apr 2023

    Ep #3 James Lo. Impact Now or Later

    My guest today has led pro-democracy strikes in Hong Kong, set up an educational social enterprise at the age of 16, designed strategies at McKinsey and built a new fund at SoftBank. With every new experience on his journey, his perception of how to bring real change has been slowly evolving. Today, James Lo is a Co-Founder and CEO of Mana – the app designed to make entrepreneurship more accessible to anyone despite their background. James is a highly impact-driven spirit with a lifelong mission to widen access to opportunity and create a world where everyone can make a living by sharing their passion. Join us in our conversation on When to prioritise impact in our career and when to focus on building what compounds over time: skills, networks and capital How what James learned at McKinsey and in Softbank helped him in following his mission Why the whole world should read the The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness → More about James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yfjameslo/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/yfjameslo/) → More about Mana: https://mana.live/qr?shortlink=1asclcd4&is_retargeting=true&pid=QR_code (https://mana.live/qr?shortlink=1asclcd4&is_retargeting=true&pid=QR_code)

16. 

    6 Apr 2023

    Ep #2 Quitting in a Recession: Mission as a Leverage to Guide you Through Hard Times

    Have you ever allowed fear to be more important than your meaning/mission? What if you could leverage your mission to give you strengths in the most challenging moments? Today I talk about my experience of quitting McKinsey during the recession to follow what I deeply believe in and commit to the impact I want to have. I share some of the hardest and most vulnerable moments and the lessons I took from them 1. Use the past to build trust in yourself and leverage it when making tough decisions 2. Schedule the time to ‘redecide’. If you were to choose again, would you choose the same career/relationships/mission/goals? 3. Create a vision of future impact which is so compelling that you can’t resist following it

17. 

    4 Apr 2023

    Ep #1 Introduction

    ‘Greater than myself’ is your go-to place to hear stories from inspiring change-makers, reflect on how you want to choose a meaning ‘greater than you’ and create a fulfilling yet impactful life. Conversations about finding, pursuing and achieving the mission you choose for yourselves and for the betterment of humanity. Stories from social and environmental change-makers from different backgrounds who are connected by a sense of mission to serve others, a mission ‘greater than them’. Join me if you are exploring the idea of choosing life’s mission and/or might feel some sense of meaninglessness in life are discovering which career path will allow you to pursue your mission look for a space which will help you stay committed to your mission despite external and internal pressures look for ways to find a balance between pursuing your ‘greater cause’ and living a happy, fulfilling life

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