Harvard Business School Executive Director + Salesforce Leader: Social conditioning is Silently Sabotaging Your Confidence, Career and Leadership! How to Turn Performative Confidence into Authentic Leadership! Carin-Isabel Knoop and Nancy Luong #65

In this episode, Kristina Morf, Founder/CEO of UXD Lab and UX/UI Expert, and I unpack one of the most misunderstood questions in 2025: Can AI build better products than we can? The answer? It depends—on you.We explore the truth behind what Fortune 500 companies and successful startups are getting right about how to integrate UX with AI, and why the real differentiator is still something only humans bring to the table: judgment, emotional intelligence, user empathy, and the ability to integrate the customer's voice into your product's vision.From Siemens' AI-powered platform and successfully leveraging UX to bring it to market, to AI tools for UX + UI in product development, we talk about why "an app is not a goal", what the rise of no-code means for your product team, and how to avoid building a feature no one wants—faster than ever before.If you’re a founder, product leader, or UX strategist wondering how to stay ahead without losing your soul in the process—this one’s for you.4 Takeaways:AI gives you speed—but only you can steer. → In a world of instant output, your judgment is key.UX uncovers edge cases, let that be your edge.→ The outliers in your data aren't distractions. They're where breakthrough differentiation begins.User data and AI are not enemies—they're symbiotic. → UX is no longer a “nice to have.” It's the strategy that turns insights into product advantage.You don’t need to code from scratch. But you do need to think from scratch. → AI can scaffold ideas, but creative vision still has to come from you.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to AI + User Centricity01:35 Kristina's Background02:22 AI in Product Development03:12 Authenticity in Product Management04:55 Key Challenges to building a Web3 Product before AI: "Would you have done it the same today with AI?"08:53 AI Applications in Product Development09:52 The Importance of User Research10:08 Prototyping and Testing with AI11:51 The Evolving Role of Product Managers13:30 The Intersection of UX and AI17:05 The Importance of Edge Cases And How To Find Them With UX27:32 The Power of No-Code Tools31:13 Workshops and Final Thoughts Connect with me:IG: https://www.instagram.com/whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helena.arjuna?_t=8oSbtTilPSQ&_r=1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenasuter/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?si=g63NToOK45W1CiBI Support the show🎙If you enjoyed this episode, you can send it to a friend, DM me to chat on IG, LinkedIn or comment on YouTube or on Spotify in the podcast Q&A section! You can also head over to Apple and leave a written review, or to the top of Spotify and leave a lil rating -- I adore hearing from you! 

She’s reshaping climate leadership in Europe—Lara Obst reveals how success in climate is found by co-creating the business case for sustainability with customers.Lara Obst is the co-founder and Chief Climate Officer of ClimateChoice, a Berlin-based tech company helping companies decarbonize their supply chains. Her team has worked with clients like Lenovo and T-Systems, raised over $2M in funding, and won the Startup Slam at the GreenTech Festival in LA and many others.She explains:– Why 90% of carbon impact often hides in the supply chain—and how that’s where change truly begins.– How the European climate legislation drives corporate climate action, and why European impact leaders are redefining the rules of the game as the U.S. steps back.– The surprising mindset that helps her avoid burnout while leading systemic change.– Why real innovation starts with listening to users—not chasing perfect ideas or political alignment.– How her background in culture, design thinking, and the arts shaped her approach to impact leadership.– The quiet revolution of building resilience in a world where policy may not always lead the way.This episode isn’t just about climate—it’s about how we show up, lead with clarity, and build purpose-driven systems that actually work.00:00 Introduction and Startup Challenges00:51 Welcome to the Podcast01:02 Meet Lara: Climate Choice Co-Founder02:01 The Rollercoaster of Climate Tech02:27 US Politics and European Climate Goals03:58 Inspiration and Early Influences05:59 Innovation and Collaboration in Climate Action10:05 Building Climate Choice: The Founding Story21:48 Balancing Profitability and Sustainability28:47 Personal Habits for Sustainable Leadership31:29 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with Lara:LinkedinHer climate tech company: ClimateChoice Connect with me:IG: https://www.instagram.com/whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helena.arjuna?_t=8oSbtTilPSQ&_r=1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenasuter/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?si=g63NToOK45W1CiBI Support the show🎙If you enjoyed this episode, you can send it to a friend, DM me to chat on IG, LinkedIn or comment on YouTube or on Spotify in the podcast Q&A section! You can also head over to Apple and leave a written review, or to the top of Spotify and leave a lil rating -- I adore hearing from you! 

75% of Gen Z and Millennial say “trusting the unknown” is a leadership skill they’re working on. But how, when everything’s falling apart?Adam — a mixed-race writer, director, and creative leader who’s built a thriving artistic career in spite of early adversity, discrimination, and the pressure to “get a real job”, joins Helena on the pod.They discuss:Real resilience (spoiler: stop making it just about “you”)Why “performing strength” ≠ being strong: 3 ways to thrive when everything feels stagnant, broken, chaoticGrounding habits = acts of quiet rebellionReminders from the episode:Empowerment isn’t a solo trip — it’s built in community.Chaos is not the enemy; it’s the catalyst for reinvention.Inner alignment (emotional, physical, mental) is your new compass.Momentum doesn’t require perfection — it requires presence.Self-care isn’t indulgent, it’s strategic. Stop being afraid of it.Reminder: Your inner strength and empowerment gives someone else the permission to tap into theirs, too.Chapters00:00 Trusting the Unknown: A Leadership Skill 00:19 Facing Market Uncertainty, A Personal Reflection 00:59 Introducing Adam Ambriz03:24 Empowerment Through Community + Heritage 09:48 Navigating Business Challenges With Emotional Resilience 11:25 Grounding Practices for Personal and Professional Growth 18:51 The Power of Self-Acceptance 19:45 Transforming Stress into Positive Anticipation 20:54 The Subjectivity of Advice & How it Influences Our Power 21:17 Creating / Living for Yourself, Not Others 23:46 The Myth of Guaranteed Success, Letting Go of It For True Freedom 25:22 Community and Representation 27:47 Overcoming Perfectionism 33:39 Pre-requisite of New Age Success = Self-Care 35:41 Final Thoughts Connect with Adam:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamambrizInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamambrizz/ Connect with me:IG: https://www.instagram.com/whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helena.arjuna?_t=8oSbtTilPSQ&_r=1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenasuter/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?si=g63NToOK45W1CiBI Support the show🎙If you enjoyed this episode, you can send it to a friend, DM me to chat on IG, LinkedIn or comment on YouTube or on Spotify in the podcast Q&A section! You can also head over to Apple and leave a written review, or to the top of Spotify and leave a lil rating -- I adore hearing from you! 

In this episode, Helena sits down with Carin, an Executive Director at Harvard Business School, Nancy, a leader at Salesforce, to unpack why so many of us limit our potential because we buy into social conditioning. Is your work ethic actually a coping mechanism?Carin-Isabel Knoop is the Executive Director of the Harvard Business School Case Research and Writing Group. She was a consultant at McKinsey and Price Waterhouse Coopers. Carin has her bachelors summa cum laude in Government, Economics and International Relations from the University of Texas at Austin, and holds an MBA from Harvard Business school with honors. She is a very active Medium writer on creating better workplaces.Nancy Luong is a Speaker, Author, Content Creator, and Empowerment Coach. A proud daughter of Vietnamese/Chinese parents, she fosters inclusive spaces that amplify diverse voices. Her mission is to help individuals find clarity, build momentum, and step into their most authentic, confident selves. She’s a Global Communications leader at tech giant, Salesforce. And just brought out her recent book “We Are All Weirdos”.This episode is about:🔹 Why your confidence is a product of your socialization. Confidence rooted in output = fragile. Confidence rooted in self-acceptance = unbreakable.🔹 The link between authenticity + innovation: Performative leadership kills impact, authentic leadership grows it!🔹 The hidden impact of societal pressures on our true power—and how to rewrite the rules with grace::Understanding cultural and generational pressures, beauty and societal expectations🔹 Practical tools  for inner safety: The role of energy and self-perception, boundaries and self-love, and unlocking the power of language, and self-respect00:00 Welcome to the We're Boundaries of Selves Podcast for 01:55 Intro 02:16 Carin Perspective on Authenticity 03:03 Nancy's Journey 04:14 The Importance of Authenticity 07:13 Generational Differences in Authenticity 13:51 Building Inner Safety + Confidence 18:23 Self-Acceptance and Personal Growth 24:50 Balancing Work + Self-Love 26:10 Resilience + Self-Management 26:51 The Impact of Self-Respect 27:22 Output and Self-Worth 28:34 Perfectionism + Appearance 30:51 Beauty Standards and Cultural Pressures 37:08 Navigating Feedback and Boundaries 42:35 Handling Family Criticism 46:02 Changing the Language Around Compliments 47:28 Systematic Change and Human-Centric Approach-----Follow Carin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carinknoop/Carin and her co-author's book: Compassionate Management of Mental Health in the Modern WorkplaceFollow Nancy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyluong17/Nancy’s book: We Are All Weirdos: It's Normal.  Connect with me:IG: https://www.instagram.com/whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helena.arjuna?_t=8oSbtTilPSQ&_r=1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenasuter/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?si=g63NToOK45W1CiBI Support the show🎙If you enjoyed this episode, you can send it to a friend, DM me to chat on IG, LinkedIn or comment on YouTube or on Spotify in the podcast Q&A section! You can also head over to Apple and leave a written review, or to the top of Spotify and leave a lil rating -- I adore hearing from you! 

In this solo episode, Helena dives deep into the transformative power of creativity and its connection to authenticity, self-expression, and inner fulfillment. Reflecting on her own experiences navigating the hustle and creative blocks of life in Los Angeles, Helena shares profound insights on breaking free from performative living, embracing your uniqueness, living intuitively and with more resilience.Through the lens of Martha Beck's transformative CAT model (Calm, Art, Transcendence), Helena provides actionable steps to tap into your creative potential, reconnect with your intuition, and find joy in the process rather than the outcome. Whether you're feeling stuck in a 9-to-5 rut, craving artistic expression, or looking to live a life true to yourself, this episode offers the inspiration and tools you need to unlock your creative flow.👉 Tune in to discover:Why focusing on the process over the outcome leads to resilience and fulfillment.How inner stillness is the foundation of intuition and creativity.The role of small artistic practices in reigniting your creative spark.The transformative power of living authentically and transcending fear.🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help us inspire more people! Happy New Year and cheers to a creatively fulfilling January!  Connect with me:IG: https://www.instagram.com/whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helena.arjuna?_t=8oSbtTilPSQ&_r=1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenasuter/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?si=g63NToOK45W1CiBI Support the show🎙If you enjoyed this episode, you can send it to a friend, DM me to chat on IG, LinkedIn or comment on YouTube or on Spotify in the podcast Q&A section! You can also head over to Apple and leave a written review, or to the top of Spotify and leave a lil rating -- I adore hearing from you! 

Lt. Col. Andrea M. Peters, PhD, is a groundbreaking transformation leader, engineer, and entrepreneur. Her journey navigating male-dominated spaces in the military is an inspiring + empowering story about transforming the system and becoming a voice for underrepresented communities.Dr. Peters reveals 3 science-based skills for authentic leadership that she uncovered during her PhD research to close gender equality gaps in the US military system. This episode empowers marginalized leaders to shift from surviving to speaking up + leading change!If you want to:✅ Leverage the power of your voice to stand up for what you believe in.✅ Reclaim confidence in environments that push you to "fit in."✅ Turn rejection into fuel for growth + transformation....Then this episode is for you! 💥It’s unfair that we, as marginalized leaders, have to be the disruptors and advocate for ourselves—BUT this journey is an opportunity for us to reclaim our strength. Tune in and find out how. 🧠💡Connect with Dr. Peters: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-m-peters-mba-pmp-ph-d-b7079520/ Connect with me:IG: https://www.instagram.com/whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helena.arjuna?_t=8oSbtTilPSQ&_r=1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenasuter/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?si=g63NToOK45W1CiBI Support the show🎙If you enjoyed this episode, you can send it to a friend, DM me to chat on IG, LinkedIn or comment on YouTube or on Spotify in the podcast Q&A section! You can also head over to Apple and leave a written review, or to the top of Spotify and leave a lil rating -- I adore hearing from you! 

What if I told you there is a secret method for women to selling products or themselves that makes you feel good about putting yourself out there—and enhances genuine connection with clients and important stakeholders?Julie Serot, a highly successful sales and business coach, helps women unlock how to sell more with less through a proven method rooted in feminine leadership principles she learned from her mentor.In this conversation, Julie and Helena discuss:✔️ Why alignment is more important than "the grind"✔️ Why male selling techniques don’t work for women in the long run✔️ The 3 types of integrity for inner strength, confidence, and authority✔️ The best journaling prompts to identify where you’re out of alignment✔️ How emotional integrity builds unshakable confidence and drives sales successWhether you're an entrepreneur or professional navigating sales and leadership, this episode will redefine how you approach success—with more ease, confidence, and authenticity.Connect with Julie on Instagram  and download her free gift: Limitless Sales Mindset Training Connect with me:IG: https://www.instagram.com/whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helena.arjuna?_t=8oSbtTilPSQ&_r=1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenasuter/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?si=g63NToOK45W1CiBI Support the show🎙If you enjoyed this episode, you can send it to a friend, DM me to chat on IG, LinkedIn or comment on YouTube or on Spotify in the podcast Q&A section! You can also head over to Apple and leave a written review, or to the top of Spotify and leave a lil rating -- I adore hearing from you! 

Do you feel like you’re constantly adapting yourself to fit into spaces that weren’t made for you?In a world that demands conformity, how do you lead authentically while navigating systemic challenges? Join Helena's powerful conversation with Sanyin Siang, Duke University Professor and Executive Director of the Coach K Center for Leadership & Ethics, as she unveils transformative strategies for embracing your strengths, and unique leadership potential.This episode is a masterclass in personal empowerment, designed for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or struggled to find their voice in professional spaces. Sanyin breaks down the critical mindset shifts that transform self-doubt into confident, impactful leadership.In this conversation you will learn:How to Embrace Your True SelfHow to Overcome Self-Doubt and FearHow to Find Confidence Within YourselfHow to Turn Negative Thoughts into PositivityHow to Discover Your Inner StrengthHow to Set Boundaries for Self-CareHow to Be Kind to YourselfHow to Trust Your Own ChoicesHow personal and professional integrity is tested as a woman or member of a marginalized group.How to overcome feelings of non-nelongingHow to maintain integrity in leadershipHow to stay true to your values and leading with the concept of “the truth”How to identify and leverage unique strengths and superpowersHow to embrace vulnerability in leadershipHow to find your tribeHow to adapt to different company cultures while staying true to one’s core values.Exercises and habits to better understand and embrace your true self, including the value of getting feedback from others.How engaging with different perspectives can enhance self-awareness and growth.Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:18 Sanyin's Background and Career Journey 01:16 Helena’s Professional Challenges and Inequity 04:58 Maintaining Integrity and Values 07:34 Discovering and Embracing Superpowers 17:06 Navigating Fear and Uncertainty 26:39 How to lead Authenticity 31:22 The Power of finding your tribe, the concept of “Withness” and Collective Impact 36:34 Sanyin’s exciting projectsConnect with Sanyin on Linkedin   Connect with me:IG: https://www.instagram.com/whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helena.arjuna?_t=8oSbtTilPSQ&_r=1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenasuter/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?si=g63NToOK45W1CiBI Support the show🎙If you enjoyed this episode, you can send it to a friend, DM me to chat on IG, LinkedIn or comment on YouTube or on Spotify in the podcast Q&A section! You can also head over to Apple and leave a written review, or to the top of Spotify and leave a lil rating -- I adore hearing from you! 

What if the secret to success and growth in your business isn't working harder, but working aligned?In this game-changing episode, executive coach Rachel Hamlin shatters the myth that burnout is the price of entrepreneurial success. Through powerful insights and practical wisdom, Rachel reveals how your nervous system holds the key to unlocking sustainable high performance.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Burnout01:05 Personal Struggles and Mindset02:06 Guest Introduction: Rachel's Journey03:14 Tarot Card Reading06:37 Understanding Burnout and Safety12:56 Gender Differences in the Workplace18:20 Path to Alignment and Purpose29:57 Understanding Intuition and Resistance30:25 Somatic Tools for Neural Pathways31:57 Interrupting Stress with Bilateral Stimulation33:53 Power Posing and Confidence Building36:07 The Body Keeps the Score39:35 Permission to Rest and Self-Care43:06 Appreciating Accomplishments and Satisfaction43:57 Mission-Driven Leadership and Stress45:31 Breathwork and Emotional Release49:47 EFT Tapping for Stress Relief53:14 Shifting the Scarcity Mindset53:33 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned58:03 Conclusion and How to ConnectYou'll learn about:Why top performers often miss the early warning signs of burnout (and the real cost to your business)The counterintuitive truth about why positive thinking won't prevent entrepreneurial burnoutA revolutionary approach to nervous system regulation that enhances creativity and decision-makingPractical tools to break free from the "hustle harder" trap while accelerating your successHow to identify and transform the leadership patterns that may be holding you backWhether you're scaling a startup or leading an established company, this episode provides the blueprint for achieving ambitious goals while maintaining your well-being. Rachel shares battle-tested strategies that have helped countless executives and founders transform their relationship with success.🎯 Key Takeaways:The science behind sustainable high performancePractical nervous system regulation techniquesTools for rewiring limiting beliefsLeadership archetype awarenessStrategic stress management for executivesPerfect for: Entrepreneurs, founders, and leaders who want to build thriving businesses without sacrificing their health, relationships, or joy along the way.Take her leadership type quiz: https://www.rachel-hamlin.com/leadership-typeconnect with Rachel on LinkedIn Connect with me:IG: https://www.instagram.com/whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helena.arjuna?_t=8oSbtTilPSQ&_r=1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenasuter/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?si=g63NToOK45W1CiBI Support the show🎙If you enjoyed this episode, you can send it to a friend, DM me to chat on IG, LinkedIn or comment on YouTube or on Spotify in the podcast Q&A section! You can also head over to Apple and leave a written review, or to the top of Spotify and leave a lil rating -- I adore hearing from you! 

If  you feel stuck and unfulfilled in your career and life this is for you. We’re diving into what it takes for women to reinvent if they are in toxic workplaces and relationships.I talk with Dr. Jasmine Escalera, Reinvention Coach, Career Expert, Leader of the “Courage Crew”, a community for women who are reinventing themselves. She explains what we underestimate during reinvention: The right environment being as important as the inner work.This episode will help you:Understand the difference between hustling out of fear and taking aligned action.Let go of limiting beliefs and external pressures that keep you stuck.Build the confidence to leave toxic workplaces and find your tribe.Tap into your inner strength to reinvent your career on your own terms.If you’re ready to stop surviving and start thriving, this episode is for you. Tune in and learn how to create the career—and life—you truly deserve.Connect with Dr. Jasmine Escalera and join her community to find your tribe, too:LinkedinInstagram Connect with me:IG: https://www.instagram.com/whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helena.arjuna?_t=8oSbtTilPSQ&_r=1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenasuter/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@whereboundariesdissolvepodcast?si=g63NToOK45W1CiBI Support the show🎙If you enjoyed this episode, you can send it to a friend, DM me to chat on IG, LinkedIn or comment on YouTube or on Spotify in the podcast Q&A section! You can also head over to Apple and leave a written review, or to the top of Spotify and leave a lil rating -- I adore hearing from you!