One Spark Away

About One Spark Away

Most high-achievers are winning on paper but losing themselves. If you feel productive yet disconnected, you’re operating on a system that wasn’t built for this level of complexity. Welcome to One Spark Away. I’m Andreea Andrei, a Certified Systemic Agile Coach. I help leaders and professionals move from Default to Design. We bridge the gap between organizational agility and personal emotional depth. What we touch here: Self-Leadership: Breaking patterns of overthinking and burnout. Systemic Awareness: Navigating the "Emotional Recession" with EQ. Intentional Presence: Leading with authority without losing your empathy. Your choices don’t stop with you. How you lead yourself shapes the teams you build and the cultures you transform. Stop the autopilot. Reclaim your clarity. If you are ready to reclaim your life, lead with clarity, and build a career that feels as good as it looks, subscribe and turn on the Spark.

Publisher

Andreea Andrei

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Feb 2026

Latest episode

15 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

8 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Oct 2026

   Nobody Trains This Skill - It Costs Companies Trillions

   We are emotional beings who rationalize, not the other way around. Learn why Emotional Intelligence (EQ) drives 80% of success in the age of AI & modern leadership. In this episode of the One Spark Away Podcast, we dive deep into how to unblock emotional effectiveness in the corporate world and how each individual shapes and impacts the company culture. Since 2018, global Emotional Intelligence (EQ) has been steadily declining, meaning we are navigating increasingly complex environments with fewer interpersonal skills. When Gallup research reveals that employee disengagement is costing companies over $8.8 trillion a year, and data shows that EQ drives 80% of individual performance (including productivity, influence, and decision-making), we can no longer afford to treat empathy and emotional awareness as "soft skills." As we enter the 5th Industrial Revolution, in which human beings work in close synergy with machines, AI and EQ must come as a package. If you remove Excel from an organization, you will generate waves. But if you remove emotional care, motivation, optimism, purpose and sense of belonging, you lose the very essence of the company: the people and their connection. It’s time to update our "internal software" as fast as the machines do and learn how to use EQ professionally. In this episode you will learn: 🌟 What does 6seconds do and why is it important now 🌟 How to unblock effectiveness by using EQ professionally and save over $8.8 trillion lost to disengagement 🌟 Why AI and EQ come as a package and how we must update our human software as fast as the machines Important information mentioned: State Of The Heart: https://www.6seconds.org/emotional-intelligence/research/ (https://www.6seconds.org/emotional-intelligence/research/) Case Studies: https://www.6seconds.org/cases/ (https://www.6seconds.org/cases/) Gallup Research: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx (https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx) Connect with the Host (Andreea): Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/mindsparkscoach/)https://www.instagram.com/onesparkawaypodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/onesparkawaypodcast/) Website: (https://mindsparks.at/)https://onesparkawaypodcast.com/ (https://onesparkawaypodcast.com/)

2. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Neuro-Mindfulness Coach Andra Hartlieb: Use Applied Brain Science To Boost Performance

   The second you walk into a room, your team’s nervous systems secretly decide whether to collaborate or shut down. You can hold a Master’s degree in strategy, but if your meeting dynamics trigger unspoken threat responses, your best talent will silently disengage and your growth will hit a ceiling. This episode of One Spark Away is a tactical masterclass for executives, founders and team leads who are done wasting hours in unproductive meetings and are ready to master applied neuroscience, regulate team energy and lead with true psychological impact to get the most out of their experts. Meet Andra Hartlieb, a Neuro-Mindfulness Coach and Corporate Facilitator. Andra doesn't build engagement through 120-slide decks or passive Q&A sessions. She leverages applied neuroscience, Playmobil Pro, and interactive workshop design to break down social tension, eliminate meeting fatigue, and help teams collaborate at their highest capacity. In this conversation, we explore 5 practical frameworks to completely change how you show up in the room using her exact methodologies: 🌟 Drop Death-by-PowerPoint: Why swapping traditional slide decks for hand-drawn visuals, Playmobil Pro, and interactive play uncovers real solutions and creates instant buy-in. 🌟 Master the SCARF Model: How to decode your team’s hidden psychological drivers—Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, and Fairness—so you stop accidentally triggering threat responses. 🌟 Control the Room's Silence: Why a quiet room isn't a failure, and how counting to 5 gives quiet, reflective thinkers the space to process and share their best ideas. 🌟 Reset an Emotional Hijack in 60 Seconds: The exact double-inhale "Physiological Sigh" and grounding techniques to regulate your nervous system when a meeting gets tense or off-track. 🌟 Set Intentions, Not Just Agendas: How spending the first 180 seconds focusing on human connection and personal intent doubles team ownership over meeting outcomes. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST (ANDRA HARTLIEB): 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andracristianastefanescu/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andracristianastefanescu/) 👉 Website: https://andrahartlieb.com/ (https://andrahartlieb.com/) 👉 Website: https://teamflow.substack.com/ (https://teamflow.substack.com/) CONNECT WITH THE HOST (ANDREEA ANDREI): 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkawaypodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/onesparkawaypodcast/) 👉 Website: https://onesparkawaypodcast.com/ (https://onesparkawaypodcast.com/) 👉 Resources: https://stan.store/andreea-andrei (https://stan.store/andreea-andrei)

3. 

   13 Aug 2026

   Sunny Yoga Founder: Bringing Yoga as a Way of Life to Business & Leadership

   Unlock the transformative power of emotion, energy, and mindfulness in this deeply inspiring episode featuring Sunny, the first native Thai yoga teacher on Koh Phangan, founder of Sunny Yoga (E-RYT 500), and former hospice caregiver. What if the secrets to handling burnout, imposter syndrome, and emotional suppression are rooted in understanding your body's energy? Drawing from her years working in palliative care in Canada, Sunny shares how bearing witness to life's final stages taught her about deep acceptance, presence, and aligning with true purpose. She reveals how traditional Hatha and Vinyasa yoga combined with chakra work serve as practical, science-backed tools to navigate anger, anxiety, and self-doubt. 🌟 Key Topics Covered: Asana Beyond Stretching: How physical postures and heart-openers act as gateways for emotional release and energetic balance. The Chakras & Health: Explaining the energy system from a practical perspective and using root chakra awareness to clear fears around money and job security. Mindfulness for Corporate Warriors: Practical ways to combat overwhelm, imposter syndrome, and corporate fatigue through breathwork. Authentic Leadership: How vulnerability, humor, and transparent communication build trust in personal and professional settings. The Power of Stillness: Why practices like Yoga Nidra and Shavasana are crucial for emotional processing, integration, and surrender. About Our Guests: Sunny (Sunny Yoga): A registered Yoga Alliance E-RYT 500 instructor and lead trainer for over 30 Teacher Training Courses (TTCs). Trained in Sivananda, Hatha, and Ashtanga Vinyasa, Sunny bridges Eastern traditional philosophy with modern practical wisdom. 👉 Website: https://omsunnyyoga.com (https://omsunnyyoga.com)👉 Instagram: @omsunnyyoga Connect with the Host (Andreea): Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/mindsparkscoach/)https://www.instagram.com/onesparkawaypodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/onesparkawaypodcast/) Website: (https://mindsparks.at/)https://onesparkawaypodcast.com/ (https://onesparkawaypodcast.com/) Resources: (https://stan.store/mindsparkscoach)https://stan.store/andreea-andrei (https://stan.store/andreea-andrei) 🔔 Enjoyed this conversation? Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell so you never miss an episode on inner growth and holistic leadership!

4. 

   2 Jul 2026

   How To Beat Stage Fright In 10 Seconds

   The Blunt Truth: You can master your business strategy, your spreadsheets, and your data, but if you don’t master how you make people feel when you speak, your leadership will hit a wall. This episode of One Spark Away is built specifically for corporate executives, team leaders and ambitious coaches who are ready to move past dry, predictable scripts, take absolute responsibility for their communication, and connect with people on a deeper emotional level every time they speak. Meet David Corcoran, an International Coaching Federation (ICF-PCC) Language and Communication Coach, an Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Expert, and a University Lecturer. David didn't build his communication skills in a standard corporate office. At 23, he discovered he could sing, and by 26, he was a principal tenor performing main-stage solo roles at the world-famous Sydney Opera House. In this conversation, we break down 5 simple topics to completely change how you show up by using his exact frameworks: Drop Your Professional Labels: The exact advice that pulled David out of the "wilderness" of a massive career change, and how to stop hiding behind old job titles to uncover your real skills. Master Cross-Cultural Agility : How to navigate entirely different cultures, from the casual "no worries, mate" style in Australia to the structured unwritten rules of Austria. Control the Room's Climate: Why your vocal tone, melody and those very first moments of engagement dictate exactly what your audience feels. Beat Stage Fright in 10 Seconds: How to trick your brain out of public speaking anxiety by shifting your focus entirely to what the room needs to hear. Find Your "Noble Goal": The secret internal compass that goes beyond your daily tasks and empowers people to take absolute responsibility for their own words. Now holding a Master's in Human Resources and advanced credentials in applied behavioral science, David combines his operatic background with EQ tools to help modern leaders conquer stage fright, find their vocal variety, and win the room. If you are trying to navigate your own career change, or you simply want to learn how to use your voice to change the energy of a room, David's story is your blueprint. 🌟 Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-corcoran-msc-pcc/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-corcoran-msc-pcc/) 🌟Check out David’s Website: www.davidcorcoran.com.au (http://www.davidcorcoran.com.au)

5. 

   14 May 2026

   The Truth About The "Thai Smile": Why You’re Misreading Everyone

   In this enlightening episode of One Spark Away, we are joined by Jay Touchaphol Threechitdhanachai (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaytouchaphol/overlay/about-this-profile/), a senior Agile Coach and change agent based in Bangkok. Jay brings a unique, multi-continental perspective to the table, having lived and worked across Singapore, Germany, and the United States. We dive deep into the nuances of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and how it manifests uniquely within Thai culture. Jay introduces a fascinating four-dimensional model of EQ: balancing internal/external awareness with internal/external regulation and explores the powerful Thai concepts of Greng Jai (extreme care for others' emotions) and Khao Jai (to understand from the heart). From discussing the challenges of hierarchy and "saving face" in the Thai workspace to sharing practical techniques for leaders to foster psychological safety, this conversation is a masterclass in empathy, agility, and authentic connection. In This Episode, We Discuss: Defining Emotional Intelligence: Jay’s personalized breakdown of EQ into four key variables: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social influence. The Power of Language: Exploring the literal meanings of Thai words like Jai (heart) and how they shape cultural interactions. Cultural Dynamics: The impact of Greng Jai and power hierarchies on workplace vulnerability and innovation. The "Thai Smile": Why a smile doesn't always mean agreement and how to read the subtle cues of awkwardness or disagreement. Leadership Transformation: Practical tools for transition from "Command and Control" to empowered teams, including Roleplay, Reverse Mentoring, and Intentional Active Listening. The Future Leader: Why the successful leader of tomorrow must balance a high IQ with an even higher EQ. A Spark of Thai Wisdom: Why sharing a meal is the ultimate equalizer and the best way to bridge emotional distances. Meet our guest: Jay is a senior Agile Coach and freelance consultant with a background as a CEO in Southeast Asia. He is a quick learner and frequently utilizes the Feynman Technique, the ability to explain complex topics to a child, to deepen his own understanding and help others grow. Connect with Jay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaytouchaphol?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaytouchaphol?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app)

6. 

   9 Apr 2026

   Happiness in 4 Steps: Navigating Your "Inner Dragon"

   Is emotional intelligence just about being an "empath," or is there a deeper, more practical science to it? In this episode, we sit down with Magda Tabac, a specialist in emotional assertiveness and applied neuroscience, to tear down the myths surrounding EQ in the workplace. In this episode, we explore: The 4 Pillars of EQ: Why you can't manage what you aren't aware of. Emotional Assertiveness vs. People Pleasing: How to stand up for your needs while maintaining healthy, win-win relationships. The "SCARF" Model: Understanding the 5 brain triggers (Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Fairness) that drive our reactions to change. Leading with Vulnerability: Why the most effective leaders are those who aren't afraid to show their "human" side. The "Relationship Triangle": A simple framework for healthy boundaries and shared responsibility in any partnership. Meet Our Guest: Magda Tabac Magda Tabac is a dedicated trainer and consultant who bridges the gap between complex neuroscience and practical, everyday life. After experiencing a significant career burnout in 2017, Magda shifted her focus to psychology and brain science to understand the biological roots of stress and human connection. Her Expertise & Credentials: Author: Writer of The Simple Neuroscience of Stress, a practical guide to understanding and "bouncing forward" from pressure. Certified Trainer: Specialist in the Process Communication Model® (PCM) and Emotional Assertiveness® (EA). NeuroMindfulness® Master Practitioner: Expert in using applied neuroscience to foster resilience, psychological safety, and mindful leadership. Connect with Magda: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magdatabac/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/magdatabac/) Instagram: @magdatabac Website: https://www.magdatabac.com (https://www.magdatabac.com) Emotional Assertiveness Training: https://magdatabac.com/emotional-assertiveness/ (https://magdatabac.com/emotional-assertiveness/) Open Emotional Assertiveness Training (for individuals who want to take part in the training): https://magdatabac.com/emotional-assertiveness/open-ea-training/ (https://magdatabac.com/emotional-assertiveness/open-ea-training/) My Book: The Simple Neuroscience of Stress: https://books2read.com/NOS (https://books2read.com/NOS) ________ Use Coupon Code SPARK to receive a 15% discount on my Online pre-recorded course on the Neuroscience of Stress here: https://magdatabac.thinkific.com/products/courses/the-neuroscience-of-stress (https://magdatabac.thinkific.com/products/courses/the-neuroscience-of-stress) Location: Vienna, Austria Studio: https://www.studio-wien.at/ (https://www.studio-wien.at/) Wanna know more about EQ? Let’s get in touch! https://mindsparks.at/ (https://mindsparks.at/)

7. 

   12 Mar 2026

   The #1 Mistake Leaders Make With Gen Z (It’s Not About the Paycheck)

   Welcome back to One Spark Away, a space where we talk about the quiet shifts happening in our lives and at work. In this episode, we’re looking at why so many people feel burned out, how leadership is changing, and why emotional intelligence (EQ) is more important than ever in our fast-paced world. We start by talking about Gen Z at work. While they are sometimes misunderstood as "lazy," they are actually high-achievers with strong inner motivation who expect to see results quickly. However, they are also facing a mental and emotional health crisis fueled by loneliness, leading many to feel low satisfaction or turn to "silent quitting." We discuss how leaders can better support them by giving faster feedback and really listening. About Our Guest: Simona Luca Simona Luca is a clinical psychologist and systemic psychotherapist in training, based in Timișoara, Romania. She works both from her private practice and online, supporting clients around the world. What makes Simona’s perspective especially compelling is that she actively bridges two professional worlds. Alongside her clinical practice, her work as a Human Resources Business Partner in the IT industry has her partnering with both employees and leadership teams to navigate interpersonal dynamics and build healthier, more effective collaboration. As a systemic psychotherapist, she approaches relationships through an attachment-based lens, exploring how early relational patterns shape the way we connect, communicate, and respond to conflict. She brings insights from both the organizational and therapeutic spaces into her work, supporting primarily families and couples in understanding their dynamics, strengthening emotional bonds, and creating more secure, resilient relationships. In This Episode, We Talk About: -Gen Z's True Motivation: Why they aren't lazy, but instead need to see that their work matters and want frequent "Kudos" and feedback. -The "Emotional Recession": Why global emotional intelligence scores are dropping and how it’s causing more burnout. -Real Leadership: How great leaders treat people as human beings, not just "resources," and why micromanaging always fails. -EQ for Parents: Why it’s so important for parents to show their kids how to talk about feelings and stay calm when things get tough. -Silent Quitting: Why Gen Z won't stick around if they don't feel heard and how to keep them engaged. -Handling Conflict: How to talk about the "elephant in the room" without blaming others. -Burnout: Why burnout is a shared responsibility between employer and employee Connect with Simona: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575251950232 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575251950232) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simona_luca_psiholog/ (https://www.instagram.com/simona_luca_psiholog/) Website: https://www.psihologsimonaluca.ro/ (https://www.psihologsimonaluca.ro/) Wanna know more about EQ? Let’s get in touch! https://stan.store/mindsparkscoach (https://stan.store/mindsparkscoach) Filmed at: https://www.instagram.com/vivoproduction.ro/ (https://www.instagram.com/vivoproduction.ro/) Read the Report: Six Seconds: State of the Heart 2024: https://www.6seconds.org/emotional-intelligence/research/ (https://www.6seconds.org/emotional-intelligence/research/) If this talk helped you, please Like, Subscribe and Share. Let’s keep the conversation going!

8. 

   12 Feb 2026

   Give Me 15 Minutes and You’ll See What Happens When You Finally Say 'Yes' to Yourself

   Most leaders don’t struggle because they lack answers, they struggle because they’re disconnected from the emotional patterns shaping their decisions. One Spark Away is a global podcast exploring emotional intelligence, leadership and the small inner shifts that quietly change how we lead, decide, and relate to ourselves. In a time many researchers describe as an emotional recession, this conversation opens space for a different kind of leadership. Not louder voices. Not faster solutions. But deeper awareness of what’s already at play beneath our habits, reactions and choices. For the very first episode, I’m joined by my sister Sorana and we co-create this opening conversation together, from a place that shaped both of us in who we are today: Timișoara, Romania, our hometown. Filmed in the beautiful studio @vivoproduction.ro (http://vivoproduction.ro), this episode is both a beginning and a return home. As you listen, notice what resonates and what doesn’t. Your spark often appears in that awareness. In this episode, we explore: -Why this podcast matters now -Honest emotional intelligence exercises that help name, notice and relate differently to our emotions -What the “spark” in One Spark Away truly stands for, and the long-term vision behind this space -How transformation often begins through lived experience, including moments from the founder’s own journey -Why quieter voices, inner work and presence deserve space in a world that rewards visibility over depth What we discuss: 00:00 Welcome to One Spark Away 00:58 Why this space exists and why now 01:15 Arriving emotionally: the opening ritual 04:30 The meaning of “one spark” 05:04 Why awareness shapes change more than effort - transformation story based on pattern recognition 07:15 About sustainable change - becoming aware of what is shaping us 08:30 Why do we need spaces like these now - conscious voices instead of loud 09:56 Who this podcast is for 12:30 The role of presence, lived experience and conscious leadership 13:25 What is the vision for One Spark away? What would it really shift? 14:37 Emotional integration: what shifted during the conversation One Spark Away is for people who understand that awareness is the beginning of real power.

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