Cool is Dead: Being "Cringe" Is How Brands Will Grow in 2026, The 2026 Branding Reset with Creator Entrepreneur, Ka5sh #84

If you are still trying to curate the perfect "aesthetic" feed, you are leaving money on the table. The era of the polished influencer is over. Welcome to The Great Brand Reset. In this episode, I sit down with the one and only Ka5sh, mastermind behind nation-wide rave moment, Shrek Rave, and the founder of the Cool is Dead. Ka5sh went from sleeping on the beach in LA with $300 in his pocket to building a nationwide touring empire that sells out venues like Red Rocks by embracing the "cringe."We dive deep into why "trust" is the new currency, why traditional marketing is failing, and how to build a cult-like community by simply being your weirdest, most authentic self.If you are a creator, founder, or brand builder trying to survive the 2026 landscape, this is the playbook you need.🎙 In this episode, we discuss:The "Cool is Dead" Thesis: Why consumers are tired of perfection and how "ugly" content is outperforming traditional branding and marketing.The $0 Marketing Hack: How Ka5sh turned memes into a business model without spending a dime on ads.Identity Branding: The shift from "selling a product" to "world-building" (and why users need to buy into you first).Overcoming Perfectionist Paralysis: Why your first product should suck and how to stop self-editing your potential away.The Future of Attention: Why Livestreaming is the new TV and how to capitalize on the "next gold rush" of the creator economy.Trust by Design: How to navigate the "Recession of Trust" and use data ethics as a competitive advantage.“Your brand is not your logo. Your brand is your ability to make people feel like they belong.”If you’re ready to stop masking, unleash your true creative potential, and turn your "dumb ideas" into a massive business, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now to learn how to turn Cringe into Money. Chapters:00:44 Turning Creativity into Money01:07 The Meta Creator Party01:44 Building Cool is Dead02:23 Authenticity in the Digital Age: The New Cringe is the Old IG Cringe04:14 The Mental Shift That Has to Happen For Brand Marketing05:26 Ka5sh's Early Life Story & How It Shapped His Entrepreneurial Journey11:31 The Move to LA with $30016:27 The Struggles and Hustles in LA (He highly recommends you to NOT copy him)22:16 The Birth of Shrek Rave As the Pandemic Hit and Killed The Idea26:11 Pandemic Pause and More Personal Struggles27:22 Shrek Rave Rebirth From Trying To NOT Promote Tragedy and A Sad Fundraiser 28:39 Ka5sh's Money-Mindset For Locking In & Avoiding Procastination and Perfectionism30:15 It's Normal That Your Product Sucks34:17 Creating a Safe Space for Fun39:24 Innovating and Staying Ahead, Disrupting YOurself Before Others Do41:19 The Future of Content and AI46:54 Recession of Trust and Ethics49:47 Final Thoughts and FarewellFollow Ka5sh, Shrek Rave, and Cool is Dead IG, Cool is Dead Third Space 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’re at the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey and secretly wondering, “Am I even cut out for this?” then this episode is for you.In this conversation, we talk honestly about what no one prepares you for when you start building something of your own:the self-doubt, the identity confusion, the feeling that everyone else knows what they’re doing while you’re making it up as you go.Because the truth is, we all start there. We all start as imposters. We all feel inadequate before we feel capable.And most of us don’t become entrepreneurs because it was a lifelong dream, we fall into it, and then have to figure it out from there. In this episode, we unpack:How to pivot when your passion isn’t what people are willing to pay forThe emotional reality of building a brand from scratch (and why it’s normal to feel lost)How to know if entrepreneurship is actually for youThe difference between passion projects and doing free work strategicallyHow to build a reputation, a network, and momentum — especially in a city like LAWhy identity clarity matters when you pivot (and why having “two identities” confuses the market)How to expand your brand into new markets and navigate (reverse) culture shockWhat integrity looks like when doing business with friends — and what to do when it gets messyMore than anything, this conversation is here to remind you of one thing:You’re not crazy.You’re not behind.And you’re not alone in this.Entrepreneurship isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about staying in the game long enough to learn who you are, what you don’t want, and what you’re willing to take ownership of and figure out. If you’re building, pivoting, or quietly questioning everything, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Zemo and His Journey01:34 Zemo's Early Entrepreneurial Path04:04 Challenges and Realizations in Entrepreneurship08:12 Strategic Growth and Free Work12:20 Navigating Market Demands and Pivots17:06 Adapting to Industry Changes and Future Outlook21:50 Balancing Multiple Careers22:40 Navigating Identity Shifts24:36 The Importance of Clear Positioning27:08 Collaborative Culture in LA29:33 Friendship and Business37:32 Expanding Business Globally38:13 Cultural Differences in Business41:55 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with Zemo on IGFollow Seemingly Virtual on IG 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! 

Why We Still Can’t Say ‘Vagina’ at Work, and What It’s Costing Women in Leadership. Ugh. I know. But there's hope:What if the biggest barrier to women’s leadership isn’t a lack of confidence, but the shame we’re taught to carry about our own bodies?In this episode, Helena sits down with Kamola Mir, CEO and founder of Lidovex, a health-tech company building the world’s first cervical (data) ecosystem. What begins as a conversation about fem-tech quickly expands into a deeper truth:You cannot build a world that values women if you still devalue the female body.From being laughed at on stage for saying the word “vagina,” to navigating investor meetings where a woman’s worth is often assessed before her work isKamola breaks down the emotional, biological, and cultural realities women face when they lead inside male-designed systems.Together, we explore:Why de-stigmatizing women’s bodies is a leadership issue, not a “women’s topic”How shame shapes everything from our ambition to our burnout cyclesWhy female biology is not a weakness, but a strategic advantageThe hidden mental load female founders carry in every roomHow to stay authentic when the world rewards you for fitting inHow to build inner power even when the system feels riggedThis is an episode for every woman who has ever hustled through pain, silenced her intuition to appear “professional,” or tried to win inside a structure that was never built for her.If you’re ready to unlearn the shame, reclaim your biology, and lead from a place of grounded power, this one is for you.Chapters:00:55 Intro: Why femtech isn’t niche but a cultural revolution01:20 Moving past generations of research centered on white men02:16 The rise of women leading taboo-breaking innovation02:49 How women are finally steering investment and change03:37 Celebrating Kamola Mir, Founder/ CEO reshaping women’s health with Lidavex: Building an ecosystem that returns ownership to women’s bodies04:16 Kamola's Trauma: childbirth care built without women in mind06:00 Leaving patriarchal workplaces, listening to our inner voice and create the change we need in the world07:30 Women must fight for their bodies09:07 The moment intuition becomes survival in labor10:41 Why women need both intuition and data to lead well12:06 How shame still silences women’s conversations about our bodies13:03 Reclaiming our anatomy and naming our truths without fear15:01 When saying “vagina” triggers giggles and how to speak up17:09 Patriarchy at work and why women don’t fit the 9–5 mold19:37 Redefining productivity through the wisdom of female cycles21:08 Navigating sexualization while trying to lead authentically24:26 Three ways women can release shame and rise into leadership29:43 Building an immune system for disagreement and staying grounded under pressure31:53 The emotional cost of being ‘fuckable’ in male-dominated spaces & how to deal with it33:07 Showing up empowered while navigating safety, power, and perception37:53 Knowing when to adapt, when to walk away, and when to stand your ground43:01 Why patriarchal hustle culture breaks women’s bodies and how to reclaim balance Connect with Kamola on LinkedInDiscover, stay up to date, fund and support Lidovix' journey: Website and LinkedInUntil next time!! xx 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! 

To improve the world, we don't need more of the same. We need you—your unique way of seeing, doing, and building things.In this episode, Kameale Terry, CEO and co-founder of ChargerHelp, shares how to build and lead a business from scratch to transform society despite extreme headwinds:America is an idea—if it’s broken, build the missing parts. Your voice is not optional.Put your resourcefulness to work when the ecosystem is fragmented, find the backdoor and capitalize on itHire for the real game. Kameale’s first hire? Government affairs, because innovation needed rules.Prove the invisible. Pay for the data early → moat, credibility, and sales leverage.Design systems where humans win. Pair blue-collar skill with AI to raise wages, not erase jobs.Self-care = capacity. Let grief, loss, and doubt sharpen your mission.Her approach is a blueprint: inner conviction + unique approach to innovation → outer systems change.If you’ve ever doubted whether your perspective belongs, this conversation will rewire you.About Kameale's story: ❤️‍🔥 She's from South Central LA and the CEO and co-founder of ChargerHelp. She rebuilt an industry playbook most people never saw coming: reliability for EV charging at scale.❤️‍🔥She raised $20M, pioneered a national technician certification, and hired government relations as her first role: She shows how policy, workforce, and AI must co-exist if you want climate tech that works at scale.❤️‍🔥She talks about: Loss, grief, and doubt. It didn’t break her mission; it clarified it. Self-care wasn’t indulgent—it was operational capacity.Chapters:01:13 Meet Kameale Terry: Rewiring the EV Industry03:11 Growing Up in South Central LA05:38 Facing Personal Challenges07:25 Discovering the Environmental Crisis10:53 The Birth of Charger Help12:32 Overcoming Doubts and Building Trust15:55 Personal Loss and Unstoppable Drive19:24 Balancing Tech and Service Companies20:38 The Role of Co-Founders and Team Dynamics21:31 Challenges in Company Culture22:31 Integrating Technology and Service25:39 Upskilling and Valuing Blue Collar Workers28:37 Fundraising and Authentic Storytelling33:06 Encouragement To Own your voice40:00 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsConnect with Kameale 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! 

Most female leader don’t fail because they lack skill—they fail because they leak power. In this solo episode of where boundaries fissolve, Helena shares a painful sales call that cracked her open and reshaped her approach to self-leadership. Through this story, she uncovers why chasing likability undermines authority, how the “gender trust gap” changes the game, and why building inner safety is the ultimate growth hack for influence, respect, and results.This isn’t theory. It’s a hard-won lesson from the trenches of entrepreneurship—and a roadmap to help you stop selling yourself short and start standing in your power.5 key take awaysLikability doesn’t close deals—authority, clarity, and confidence does. Learn why respect, not validation, is the foundation of successful leadership.People aren’t targeting you—they’re targeting your power. A mindset shift that dissolves fear, emotional reactivity, and imposter syndrome.Know who’s in front of you. Understand the gender trust gap and how tailoring your approach builds faster, stronger connections.Inner safety is your secret weapon. Stop outsourcing validation—practice the rituals that anchor you in authority before any high-stakes conversation.Detach from the outcome and lead with clarity. Prepare, rehearse, and step into the energy of the leader you need to be—because impact starts with how you show up.Chapters:00:00 Introduction: The Myth of Likability in Business00:32 Welcome to the Podcast00:41 A Brutal Week in Sales, Learning the Hard Way..03:02 The Gender Trust Gap in Sales--Know Who You Are Speaking To!! Men vs Women..06:01 The Importance of Preparation and How To Put Your Best Foot Forward07:47 Insights from Farrah Khan on Avoiding Imposter Syndrome10:47 Building Inner Safety and Confidence13:36 Final Thoughts and Takeaways  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! 

Helena sits down with Farrah Khan, former mayor of Irvine and the first Muslim, South Asian woman ever elected to the city council. They unpack how Farrah broke through political resistance, navigated public microaggressions, and turned personal identity into political power.They talk about the emotional toll of leadership, pivoting after rejection, and why vulnerability and transparency aren’t weaknesses—they’re leadership superpowers. Farrah shares what helped her run again after losing, and how she turned sexist and racist jabs into assets, and why she believes community-driven governance is the future of innovation. Under her leadership, Irvine officially celebrated Pride and Juneteenth for the first time. She also passed anti-discrimination protections for the LGBTQ+ community.If you’re a person of color, a young leader, or someone navigating power structures that weren’t built for you—this episode will leave you grounded, fired up, and ready to lead on your terms.🚨SPECIAL DEAL: Grab your FREE ticket and meet Farrah Khan and Helena at the Symposium for Women in Tech on July 25: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-in-tech-symposium-by-quantum-emotion-tickets-1409552141399?aff=oddtdtcreatorNow, back to the epiosde: Key Takeaways:1. Flip the narrative they try to trap you in.When Farrah was publicly dismissed as “just a PTA mom,” she didn’t shrink—she reframed. 2. Detach from the title, attach to your purpose.Whether you’re a founder, mayor, or business owner—people will project their fears onto you. Farrah reminds us: it’s not you they’re attacking, it’s the seat. When you stay rooted in who you are beyond the title, you don’t take it personally— that’s where real freedom lies.3. Let community be your strategy.Farrah didn’t pass groundbreaking policies alone. She invited people in and made sure they were seen in the process. Real leadership isn’t about taking up the most space. It’s about designing rooms where people have a voice. Power shared is power multiplied.Chapters:03:11 Are you proud and connected of your cultural heritage? What was it like growing up?08:27 Career pivot after career pivot: How to stay sane and turn change into opportunity.10:51 Being underestimated: Politics is dirty, and people are mean. 18:19 Community-Centric Leadership: This is how you get every bill passed, you're welcome. 21:02 The Importance of Open Dialogue in Leadership: Transparency isn't the enemy. 22:02 What does a boundary actually look like when you deal with public micro-aggressions?!23:43 Handling public scrutiny: How to deal with misogyny as a brown woman–when comments are harsher and more interrogating. 25:12 The one thing that's holding all female leaders back28:44 New Age Activism: It's about educating yourself to be a better person. And checking in on people.35:30 Authentic leadership as a vehicle for progress: It's not about you, or sharing your unfiltered POV, it's about them–how well do you listen?38:16 Farrah's New BeginningsConnect with Farrah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farrah-n-khan-2635b237/PS: This is episode 79 instead of 69. Yes, the last epi is 68..but many episodes in the beginning were never numbered..and my ADHD part in my brain (it's small, but there), wants the numbering to reflect the number of episodes that are out. So here we go. Hope your ADHD brain can handle it. Much love, Helena 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, 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!