Raising Successful Kids Podcast

July 5, 2020

IEs with Despina Hapeshis

May 10, 2020

Growing up feeling different - with Despina Hapeshis

It was difficult to be a normal teen for Despina Hapeshis (or Des, for short), particularly because she was a refugee. Eyes were always on her and bullies often made fun of her background.  To be truthful to yourself and to live your life when so many saw you differently was difficult. In this episode of the Raising Successful Kids Podcast, we hear more of Des’ personal stories and even her passion project turned business, the Transforme Fitness. It’s through Transforme that she helps people achieve transformations in their lives and relationships. Learn more about how she was able to keep her chin up whilst growing up differently and how she continues to inspire others by listening in today. KEY TAKEAWAYS Des was born in Cyprus, but she and her family had to seek refuge from different countries during her childhood. It was in 1999 when she and her family moved to England and then stayed there for good. Contrary to most refugees, Des, as an extrovert, got along well with other people easily. There was a culture shock at first, but she was always adaptable and ready to learn. Being surrounded by other Cypriots in her neighbourhood helped a lot. Though Des became a medical doctor, she didn’t feel that was where she should be. She was happy that she was helping others, but felt there was something else out there for her. Then, she discovered Zumba. At first, she was only planning Zumba to be a side hobby, but it crossed her mind that she could do this for the rest of her life, she could train others and help them achieve their fitness goals. So this is what she did. It made her happy to see others being the best versions of themselves. Influencing a community involves responsibility and compassion. It’s the people who should be at the centre of your cause, not you. The priority lies in bettering them, guiding them to attain their transformation. Everything else is will follow—the fulfilment, success, and even wealth. For kids, it’s important to not to pamper them. While, yes, parents and educators are big influences, keep enough distance for them to discover and find their values and skills. It is also important to instil some discipline and responsibility as early as possible. Success leaves clues. It’s easy to learn from other people’s journeys. You can tweak it according to your needs and capabilities. It should be easy to do this if you’re self-aware and determined to push forward. Des suggests that you find a coach or a mentor that jives with you so you have someone who can be there alongside you. BEST MOMENTS “The wealth will come but the wealth is not just money.” - Irene “We become slaves of our business.” – Des “You don’t know how far our ripples of our lives are gonna touch. So, you have a responsibility… whenever you are teaching kids or young people.” – Irene “If you have an element of faith in your life, it’s like adding an extra ingredient into a dish to make it tastier.” “Never stop seeking. Search deeper. Be open-minded. Your life is your life. You’re responsible. You’re able. You have the power inside you to make your choices.” VALUABLE RESOURCES Listen to the Raising Successful Kids Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-successful-kids-podcast/id1378597983 Take the course Lose Weight, Tone Up and Balance Your Hormones on Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/course/lose-weight-tone-up-and-balance-your-hormones/ Book a Zumba class with Despina Hapeshis: https://www.zumba.com/en-US/profile/despina-hapeshis/108551 ABOUT THE GUEST Despina Hapeshis runs Transforme Fitness. She is the daughter of refugee parents who came to England from war torn Cyprus. Des became a qualified doctor and scientist but gave all of that up following a severe bout of anxiety and depression. She has built a successful fitness business for women, along with a community of people that help and inspire. Des has always been passionate in helping people to build community and see transformations in lives and through friendships. Connect with Despina Hapeshis on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/despina-hapeshis -14884237 Follow Des on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/des_hape_world/   ABOUT THE HOST Irene Santineer is a working mum of an entrepreneurial child and shares a passion with her husband to see him succeed. She’s the creator and host of the Raising Successful Kids Podcast which aims to help parents, educators and mentors effectively guide children towards success.  CONTACT METHOD https://www.facebook.com/Irene-Santineer-1827282224265825/ https://twitter.com/irenetwin1

April 26, 2020

Elaina Jones interview

How is it lately being stuck with your kids 24/7? For some, the current living situation might be very difficult and also have a significant impact on family dynamics. In this episode of Raising Successful Kids Podcast, Irene talks to Elaina Jones about how parents and children can cope together during this very worrying and stressful period. Irene also reminds us that it’s important to keep a check on our mental health and maintain healthy relationships. Tune in as she gives you tips on how you can survive all of this as well as annihilate the stigma of mental health. KEY TAKEAWAYS How can parents and kids cope together during the coronavirus quarantine? If you’re anxious about the pandemic and the new living situation, learn how to work out your feelings and communicate it to your kids. Treat them as important as anyone in the family. Don’t coddle them. Respect their input, so they’ll listen to you. Schedule family activities. This can help beat the cabin fever. Or let them volunteer to do some chores in the house. This way they also learn about responsibility. Social media has its pros and cons. For some, this is where they get news updates. Elaina Jones advises choosing what and who you see on your news feed or timeline. If someone makes you feel bad about yourself, think twice. Maybe it’s time to cut them off. You’ll find the right people (the ones who help you grow) soon. Attend a therapy with your family. When we’ve exhausted every way to reach out, and nothing’s still working out, then maybe it’s time to consider an intervention. Openly communicating thoughts and sentiments among family members is always possible. What are the traits of successful people? Happiness and wellness. When people are happy with what they’re doing, they try to step out of the confined box and take on fresh adventures. They’re aware of their failures and they’re unafraid to face and get through them. BEST MOMENTS “The things that make us comfortable, look at them if they’re making situations worse.” “It takes courage to say, ‘I will not fall for it.’” “Find your people. Find your tribe. Find those who you truly feel good about yourself.” “Kids know when you talk them down.” VALUABLE RESOURCES Listen to the Raising Successful Kids Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-successful-kids-podcast/id1378597983 Listen to the Cope Queens Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cope-queens/id1482485234 Listen to the Cope Queens Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2EmgzXF4Til5nez4q8omgm ABOUT THE GUEST Elaina Jones is the host of Cope Queens Podcast, which is on a mission to annihilate the stigma of mental health. Alongside this, she is a Learning and Development professional with over 15 years of business experience. Among her areas of expertise are instructional design, course / curriculum design and development, adult learning principles, learning styles and multiple intelligences, course implementation, needs analysis, evaluation and measurement, leadership development and coaching, stakeholder analysis and management, process improvement, and employee engagement. Elaine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainajones/ ABOUT THE HOST Irene Santineer is a working mum of an entrepreneurial child and shares a passion with her husband to see him succeed. She’s the creator and host of the Raising Successful Kids Podcast which aims to help parents, educators and mentors effectively guide children towards success.  CONTACT METHOD https://www.facebook.com/Irene-Santineer-1827282224265825/ https://twitter.com/irenetwin1