LIGHTS ON EUROPE

“Dezoom. You might see that even this shameful experience was a gift at least for 1-2 people in the room.”  The first part of the interview with Estelle Lovi was all about re-discovering the voice of our intuition, burnout recovery and finding the courage to embark on a new career path that makes our heart truly sing.  This second part digs deeper into Estelle’s insights into: Motherhood, development opportunities offered by parenting and how to avoid projecting our expectations on kids, Bringing courageous conversations into the corporate world that needs to embrace a new culture of leadership, Tips for unleashing your creativity and fighting stage fright if you are scared of public speaking and blackout on stage.  This interview is part of a longer series of conversation about redefining failure and success. Check them out: Interview with Rose Bloomfield about discovering one’s life purpose, ethics of technology CEOs and delivering powerful TED speeches https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI89D5mzZU0&t=0s  Interview with Sofia Beloka about becoming shameless in pursuing one’s dream, inspired by success strategies of Olympic athletes; about embracing the power of feminine leadership and healing after pregnancy miscarriage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSW_fsB2zOk&t=0s   My speech about failure, inspired by my experience of running as a candidate in European Parliament elections. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mVZD-zTM7s&t=523s    Don't forget to: 1. SUBSCRIBE to this channel if you’re interested to follow my journey, watch my shows, and get inspired by the possibility of a new era of leadership becoming a reality in the EU. 2. LIKE this video and SHARE with your friends 3. Leave your COMMENT below 4. GO TO www.luciaklestincova.eu for more info about what I stand for in the world 5. Reach out if interested to COLLABORATE! ----------------------------- ESTELLE LOVI is an inspiring French-African artist and business consultant. After earning a degree from HEC Paris - top European Business School - and advancing to Regional Director, she felt unfulfilled by what was supposed to be a « dream job » and a « dream life ». In 2017, Lovi decided to quit her successful corporate career and launch her business.  A few months later, feeling confused and stuck, she took the biggest decision of her life: follow her intuition… unconditionally. The inner call was astonishing: take the stage. Little by little, Lovi discovered the Art of Heart-centered Creation that she now applies to artistic, business and life creation. Using her professional, personal and spiritual journey as a gateway to help others connect to their inner wisdom and achieve their highest dreams, she creates empowering, life-changing experiences combining art, pioneering teachings and consulting. -----------------    ABOUT LUCIA KLESTINCOVA  I am the stand for transformation of the EU via new culture of feminine leadership. A Slovak based in the EU capital Brussels, a European policy-maker, Lights on Europe podcast host, founder of several women networks and a career coach of emerging leaders aiming to amplify their impact without selling out on their soul. The light I carry in my name has become my ultimate signature: follow my YouTube channel or podcast Lights on Europe to experience me interviewing guests from behind the scenes of the EU bubble! The best is captured in my book on values guiding careers of leaders in Brussels. Are you also curious to explore how inner alignment work becomes a fuel for outer impact? Connect via www.luciaklestincova.eu.  

“When you’re unsure about yourself, the worst thing that you can do is to ask for advice outside of self - it will just emphasise your doubts.” How to get out of this trap when you're feeling stuck, unfulfilled and miserable in a career that seems so cool for everybody but not for you? Listen to this first part of interview with Estelle Lovi: - Why do we decide to bury the voice of our intuition, and instead end up in “cool” jobs that make us feel miserable? - How to distinguish critical opportunities that allow us to discover a long-forgotten passion? - Is it possible to speed up the process of re-discovering one’s truth? - How to avoid the risk of burnout even once it feels like we’re on a heart-fulfilling path? The second part will continue digging deeper into Estelle’s motherhood; and her art of public speaking, writing and singing. SUBSCRIBE not to miss her tips for unleashing your creativity and fighting stage fright! This interview is part of a longer series of conversation about redefining failure and success. Check them out: - Interview with Rose Bloomfield about discovering one’s life purpose, ethics of technology CEOs and delivering powerful TED speeches https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI89D...​ - Interview with Sofia Beloka about becoming shameless in pursuing one’s dream, inspired by success strategies of Olympic athletes; about embracing the power of feminine leadership and healing after pregnancy miscarriage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSW_f...​ - My speech about failure, inspired by my experience of running as a candidate in European Parliament elections. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mVZD...​ ... and don't forget to: 1. SUBSCRIBE to this channel if you’re interested to follow my journey, watch my shows, and get inspired by the possibility of a new era of leadership becoming a reality in the EU. 2. LIKE this video and SHARE with your friends 3. Leave your COMMENT below 4. GO TO www.luciaklestincova.eu for more info about what I stand for in the world 5. Reach out if interested to COLLABORATE!  Say hi on social: Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/klestincoval...​ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LKlestincova​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciaklesti...​ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-kle...​ Listen to Lights on Europe PODCAST here: My website: https://luciaklestincova.eu/podcast/​ iTunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...​ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wJSFtu...​ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-152900427​ Podbean: https://lightsoneurope.podbean.com​ ESTELLE LOVI is an inspiring French-African artist and business consultant. After earning a degree from HEC Paris - top European Business School - and advancing to Regional Director, she felt unfulfilled by what was supposed to be a « dream job » and a « dream life ». In 2017, Lovi decided to quit her successful corporate career and launch her business. A few months later, feeling confused and stuck, she took the biggest decision of her life: follow her intuition… unconditionally. The inner call was astonishing: take the stage. Little by little, Lovi discovered the Art of Heart-centered Creation that she now applies to artistic, business and life creation. Using her professional, personal and spiritual journey as a gateway to help others connect to their inner wisdom and achieve their highest dreams, she creates empowering, life-changing experiences combining art, pioneering teachings and consulting. ABOUT LUCIA KLESTINCOVA I am the stand for transformation of the EU via new culture of feminine leadership. A Slovak based in the EU capital Brussels, a European policy-maker, Lights on Europe podcast host, founder of several women networks and a career coach of emerging leaders aiming to amplify their impact without selling out on their soul. The light I carry in my name has become my ultimate signature: follow my YouTube channel or podcast Lights on Europe to experience me interviewing guests from behind the scenes of the EU bubble! The best is captured in my book on values guiding careers of leaders in Brussels. Are you also curious to explore how inner alignment work becomes a fuel for outer impact? Connect via www.luciaklestincova.eu. #lightsoneurope​ #luciaklestincova​ #luciavbruseli​ #euandme​ #europeanunion​ #eu​ #weareeurope​ #slovensko​ #slovakia​ #slovenkyvbruseli​ #europeancommission​ #slovakwoman​ #podcast​ #newepisode​ #podcasting​ #eucareers​ #careercoach​ #euleadership​ #futureisfemale

“Why should I trust you that you won’t turn me into one of ‘those’ TED speakers?” What makes for a great TED talk, really? How to share about your moments of crash & burn? In part 1, Rose shared about her own journey of discovering her purpose and translating it into a podcast on the intersection of community, technology and ancient wisdom. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI89D...​ In part 2, we looked into the mystery of pursuing one’s life calling without a risk of burnout, overwhelm and cynicism. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WAzL...​ This part 3 is the cherry on top of our conversation about embracing failure and converting it not just into an elixir for one’s own transformation but also a light that empowers others: - What makes for a great TED talk? - Should tech executives like Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk be more open about ethics driving their decisions? - How to pioneer a new culture of dialogue if you are on the bottom of the chain?   Our conversations about redefining success & failure will continue soon! So don't forget to: 1. SUBSCRIBE to this channel if you’re interested to follow my journey, watch my shows, and get inspired by the possibility of a new era of leadership becoming a reality in the EU. 2. LIKE this video and SHARE with your friends 3. Leave your COMMENT below 4. GO TO www.luciaklestincova.eu for more info about what I stand for in the world 5. Reach out if interested to COLLABORATE!   Say hi on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/klestincoval...​ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LKlestincova​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciaklesti...​ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-kle...​   Listen to Lights on Europe PODCAST here: My website: https://luciaklestincova.eu/podcast/​ iTunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...​ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wJSFtu...​ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-152900427​ Podbean: https://lightsoneurope.podbean.com​   Rose Bloomfield is an international communication specialist, podcast host and public speaking coach that empowers leaders to spark change on stage and in the boardroom across industries from aerospace to luxury, Fortune 500 companies to government and small startups. Deeply curious and concerned about the future of humankind on earth, she started a podcast in 2020 called Path & Purpose exploring meaning in the modern world through the intersection of technology, community and ancient wisdom. Her greatest learnings come from relationship and conversation, which is why she loves her work as a leadership and communication coach. Check out the podcast here: https://soundcloud.com/pathandpurpose​.   ABOUT LUCIA KLESTINCOVA I am the stand for transformation of the EU via new culture of feminine leadership. A Slovak based in the EU capital Brussels, a European policy-maker, Lights on Europe podcast host, founder of several women networks and a career coach of emerging leaders aiming to amplify their impact without selling out on their soul. The light I carry in my name has become my ultimate signature: follow my YouTube channel or podcast Lights on Europe to experience me interviewing guests from behind the scenes of the EU bubble! The best is captured in my book on values guiding careers of leaders in Brussels. Are you also curious to explore how inner alignment work becomes a fuel for outer impact? Connect via www.luciaklestincova.eu.   #lightsoneurope​ #luciaklestincova​ #luciavbruseli​ #euandme​ #europeanunion​ #eu​ #weareeurope​ #slovensko​ #slovakia​ #slovenkyvbruseli​ #europeancommission​ #slovakwoman​ #podcast​ #newepisode​ #podcasting​ #eucareers​ #careercoach​ #euleadership​ #futureisfemale

What if the pursuit of your purpose gives you more stress than joy? Have you had enough of constantly fighting the system if you try to bring a new style of leadership? Can and should Europeans embrace the American culture of failing fast? In the first part of my conversation with Rose Bloomfield, she shared about her own journey of discovering her purpose, filled with heart and soul-breaking love relationships, reality shows, dropping out of school and entire career identity. You will see how it translated into her podcast on the intersection of community, technology and ancient wisdom. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI89D...​ In this second part, we dig deeper into the mystery of pursuing one’s purpose without a risk of burnout: - How to avoid the overwhelm on the path of discovering one’s purpose? - What is the best language for this conversation so that individual empowerment can serve as a tool for transformation of large organisations? - As a leader, pioneer, hero bringing a new culture of leadership - how do you know whether it is time to leave or continue pushing through? - What is missing when Europeans try to adopt the American attitude towards failure? Very soon we will release the third part! Rose shares her experience of coaching TED speakers and whether world’s business leaders should be sharing more openly about their failure. So don’t forget to subscribe to follow this channel not to miss the next episode! ... and don't forget to: 1. SUBSCRIBE to this channel if you’re interested to follow my journey, watch my shows, and get inspired by the possibility of a new era of leadership becoming a reality in the EU.  2. LIKE this video and SHARE with your friends 3. Leave your COMMENT below 4. GO TO www.luciaklestincova.eu for more info about what I stand for in the world 5. Reach out if interested to COLLABORATE! Say hi on social: Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/klestincoval...​ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LKlestincova​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciaklesti...​ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-kle...​ Listen to Lights on Europe PODCAST here: My website: https://luciaklestincova.eu/podcast/​ iTunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...​ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wJSFtu...​ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-152900427​ Podbean: https://lightsoneurope.podbean.com​   Rose Bloomfield is an international communication specialist, podcast host and public speaking coach that empowers leaders to spark change on stage and in the boardroom across industries from aerospace to luxury, Fortune 500 companies to government and small startups. Deeply curious and concerned about the future of humankind on earth, she started a podcast in 2020 called Path & Purpose exploring meaning in the modern world through the intersection of technology, community and ancient wisdom. Her greatest learnings come from relationship and conversation, which is why she loves her work as a leadership and communication coach. Check out the podcast here: https://soundcloud.com/pathandpurpose​. ABOUT LUCIA KLESTINCOVA: I am the stand for transformation of the EU via new culture of feminine leadership. A Slovak based in the EU capital Brussels, a European policy-maker, Lights on Europe podcast host, founder of several women networks and a career coach of emerging leaders aiming to amplify their impact without selling out on their soul. The light I carry in my name has become my ultimate signature: follow my YouTube channel or podcast Lights on Europe to experience me interviewing guests from behind the scenes of the EU bubble! The best is captured in my book on values guiding careers of leaders in Brussels. Are you also curious to explore how inner alignment work becomes a fuel for outer impact? Connect via www.luciaklestincova.eu.

If Hollywood messes with your identity, if you think the world is your oyster and then crash in desperation… What is the trick to get connected to your inner truth and be brave to start discovering yourself again?   This is the first part of a beautiful conversation with Rose Bloomfield about the path of discovering and living one’s purpose, the challenging pressures that often accompany these conversations and how to stay playful along the way. As a hybrid of Hollywood branding machinery and Silicon Valley innovations, listen to Rose’s wisdom about: - Her own experience of discovering one’s life’s calling - When you feel like your life is one giant failure, how can you reconnect with the inner truth of knowing what is really your own dream? - As in every hero’s journey, when you hear the call to step into the unknown… how do you take the courageous decision to stay or to go? - Is there a path towards discovering one’s purpose, or is the purpose all about staying brave on the path? This is a three-part conversation so don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE TO THIS CHANNEL. 1. We know that the talk about life’s purpose can be very overwhelming for all of us. That is why in the SECOND PART of this series, we will deal with exactly that: How to embrace the mystery of pursuing one’s purpose without a risk of burnout or endless anxiety? 2. In the THIRD PART Rose shares her experience of coaching TED speakers and whether world’s business leaders should be sharing more openly about their failure. ... and don't forget to: 1. SUBSCRIBE to this channel if you’re interested to follow my journey, watch my shows, and get inspired by the possibility of a new era of leadership becoming a reality in the EU. 2. LIKE this video and SHARE with your friends 3. Leave your COMMENT below 4. GO TO www.luciaklestincova.eu for more info about what I stand for in the world 5. Reach out if interested to COLLABORATE!   Say hi on socials: Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/klestincoval...​ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LKlestincova​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciaklesti...​ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-kle...​   Listen to Lights on Europe PODCAST here: My website: https://luciaklestincova.eu/podcast/​ iTunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...​ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wJSFtu...​ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-152900427​ Podbean: https://lightsoneurope.podbean.com​

If you had a miscarriage and felt like it was your fault… If you are her partner and feel overlooked…. If you are their friend and don’t know how to react… If you are passionate about personal development and performance hacking and wonder how could anybody think of an incomplete pregnancy as an opportunity for growth…   Watch this last part of the Shameless series and the beautiful sharing of Sofia about her experience of miscarriage and healing that followed. How come the notion of failure is even part of this conversation if during pregnancy so little is within the parents’ control? Why did Sofia decide to share more on social media not just about the news, but also about the awkward reactions received from her network?   This episode unravels valuable advice about how to react and be supportive in such situations:  techniques to heal after a miscarriage without a trauma and victimising;  special insights into the process that the woman’s partner goes through; and if there’s a difference in the femine and masculine way of recovering after an incomplete miscarriage;  how it is related to hacking performance, personal growth and embracing vulnerability in life’s most challenging circumstances.   You can catch up the remainder of this Shameless series here: PART 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSW_fsB2zOk&t=12s: how to achieve golden performance, inspired by strategies applied by elite athletes and Olympians?  PART 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqsD08mW5rw&t=1s: how to embrace fear of failure as leaders in business but also in intimate relationships, balancing between our masculine and feminine energy.     ...don’t forget to: SUBSCRIBE to this channel if you’re interested to follow my journey, watch my shows, and get inspired by the possibility of a new era of leadership becoming a reality in the EU.  LIKE this video and SHARE with your friends  Leave your COMMENT below  GO TO www.luciaklestincova.eu for more info about what I stand for in the world and get my book on values guiding careers of leaders who shine lights on Europe. Reach out if interested to COLLABORATE!    -----------------  Find us on socials:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/klestincoval...​  Twitter: https://twitter.com/LKlestincova​  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciaklesti...​  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-kle...​    Catch up with Listen to Lights on Europe PODCAST here:  My website: https://luciaklestincova.eu/podcast/​  iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...​  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wJSFtu...​  Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-152900427​ Podbean: https://lightsoneurope.podbean.com​    -----------------  Dr. Sofia Beloka is an Executive Performance Consultant, an Academic in Exercise Physiologist Ph.D., Human Behavior and Neuropsychology Mentor. Sofia thrives when she works with global leading companies that desire to optimize performance, resolve conflicts and win negotiations, breakthrough challenges and transform team dynamics. Sofia has been working with high performers, leaders, politicians, elite athletes, coaches & healers to transform their lives for over 20 years. She healed her own autoimmune pathology (esophageal achalasia) using the same methods transforming her personal and professional life and has since gone on to serve leaders experiencing challenges that sabotage their performance in business and in life. Her clients hire her to investigate the pattern that leads them to hit their glass-ceiling keeping them and their teams away from the breakthrough they need in order to create the metamorphosis they long in society and the world. You can find more about Sofia on www.drsofiabeloka.com.   -----------------  ABOUT LUCIA KLESTINCOVA   I am the stand for transformation of the EU via new culture of feminine leadership. A Slovak based in the EU capital Brussels, a European policy-maker, Lights on Europe podcast host, founder of several women networks and a career coach of emerging leaders aiming to amplify their impact without selling out on their soul. The light I carry in my name has become my ultimate signature: follow my YouTube channel or podcast Lights on Europe to experience me interviewing guests from behind the scenes of the EU bubble! The best is captured in my book on values guiding careers of leaders in Brussels. Are you also curious to explore how inner alignment work becomes a fuel for outer impact? Connect to collaborate.   -----------------  #lightsoneurope​ #luciaklestincova​ #luciavbruseli​ #euandme​ #eu​ #weareeurope​ #slovensko​ #slovakia​ #slovenkyvbruseli​ #europeancommission​ #slovakwoman​ #podcast​ #newepisode​ #podcasting​ #eucareers​ #careercoach​ #euleadership​ #futureisfemale​

“To experience success and overcome failure we need to play the masculine game but also enable the feminine game to support our leadership. Nothing is right or wrong. Both feminine and masculine styles of leadership coexist, like in a couple relationship.” In the second part of the Shameless series we unravel the secrets for boosting our everyday performance as business and community leaders. We reflect on the notion of success and failure in contexts that are way more complicated and not entirely linear as the world of sports, which we explored in part 1 of this series. Sofia gives us her insights in transforming fear into strength; tips on how to achieve AND maintain top performance; and how to make our goals come true, building on the bulletproof strategies applied by top athletes she supports for Olympic games. You will find out how to: Implement elite athletes’ strategies in our everyday lives; Fuel our sense of service without a risk of burning out; Master the gentle dance between masculine and feminine energy: by switching from being a CEO to a sexy goddess in a heartbeat. Especially in times of lockdown! As this is part 2 of a 3-part series: - here is part 1 on the most hidden secrets that get silver medalist achieve a golden performance in Olympic games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSW_f...​- for part 3, subscribe to this channel not to miss the grand finale once it’s released! So don’t forget to: 1. SUBSCRIBE to this channel if you’re interested to follow my journey, watch my shows, and get inspired by the possibility of a new era of leadership becoming a reality in the EU. 2. LIKE this video and SHARE with your friends 3. Leave your COMMENT below 4. GO TO https://luciaklestincova.eu/book/​ for more info about what I stand for in the world and get my book on values guiding careers of leaders who shine lights on Europe. 5. Reach out if interested to COLLABORATE!  Find us on socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/klestincoval...​Twitter: https://twitter.com/LKlestincova​​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciaklesti...​LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-kle...​ Catch up with Listen to Lights on Europe PODCAST here: My website: https://luciaklestincova.eu/podcast/​​iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...​Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wJSFtu...​Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-152900427​​Podbean: https://lightsoneurope.podbean.com​​ Dr. Sofia Beloka is an Executive Performance Consultant, an Academic in Exercise Physiologist Ph.D., Human Behavior and Neuropsychology Mentor. Sofia thrives when she works with global leading companies that desire to optimize performance, resolve conflicts and win negotiations, breakthrough challenges and transform team dynamics. Sofia has been working with high performers, leaders, politicians, elite athletes, coaches & healers to transform their lives for over 20 years. She healed her own autoimmune pathology (esophageal achalasia) using the same methods transforming her personal and professional life and has since gone on to serve leaders experiencing challenges that sabotage their performance in business and in life. Her clients hire her to investigate the pattern that leads them to hit their glass-ceiling, keeping them and their teams away from the breakthrough they need in order to create the metamorphosis they long in society and the world. You can find more about Sofia on www.drsofiabeloka.com. In this series, Sofia shares her insights of 20+ years long career of researching and coaching top athletes and business executives, enabling us to understand their notions of failure, juggling priorities, resisting distraction and getting back in the flow.  ABOUT LUCIA KLESTINCOVA I am the stand for transformation of the EU via new culture of feminine leadership. A Slovak based in the EU capital Brussels, a European policy-maker, Lights on Europe podcast host, founder of several women networks and a career coach of emerging leaders aiming to amplify their impact without selling out on their soul. The light I carry in my name has become my ultimate signature: follow my YouTube channel or podcast Lights on Europe to experience me interviewing guests from behind the scenes of the EU bubble! The best is captured in my book on values guiding careers of leaders in Brussels. Are you also curious to explore how inner alignment work becomes a fuel for outer impact? Connect to collaborate.  #lightsoneurope​​ #luciaklestincova​​ #luciavbruseli​​ #euandme​​ #eu​​ #weareeurope​​ #slovensko​​ #slovakia​​ #slovenkyvbruseli​​ #europeancommission​​ #slovakwoman​​ #podcast​​ #newepisode​​ #podcasting​​ #eucareers​​ #careercoach​​ #euleadership​​ #futureisfemale​

“The more shameless you are, the more authentic you can become, the more you can pursue that mastery and that gold performance and maintain it”.What is the magical ingredient to achieve the energetic balance for extreme performance? What gets an Olympic athlete from a silver to gold medal? Is there a way to get re-motivated once you hit the rock bottom? Can shame deep down block your energy? Search no more! In part one of this Shameless series, Sofia Beloka guides us through the back door of peak performance, sharing insights of her 20+ years long career of researching and coaching top athletes and business executives. You will hear how they think of failure, juggling priorities, resisting distraction and getting back in the flow. Sofia unravels secret tricks for energy mastery and achieving top performance mindset:How to keep on pushing, be persistent and self disciplined when the world seems to be closing on you.What can we learn from Olympic athletes and their approach to failure and performance.  What is the role of shame as a performance saboteur and whether we should become shameless.  Sneak-peak into the training strategies of paralympians - how accidents, and our response to what life brings, materialize in the world of elite performers. ----------------- Soon you’ll have a chance to tune into the second part of the series so don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE! We dive into the secrets of our everyday performance as business and community leaders - where the mainstream notion of success and failure is way more complicated than in the world of sports! Sofia guides us through strategies to transform fear into strength, how to achieve AND sustain top performance - if we choose it as our goal....don’t forget to: SUBSCRIBE to this channel if you’re interested to follow my journey, watch my shows, and get inspired by the possibility of a new era of leadership becoming a reality in the EU.  LIKE this video and SHARE with your friends  Leave your COMMENT below  GO TO www.luciaklestincova.eu for more info about what I stand for in the world and get my book on values guiding careers of leaders who shine lights on Europe. Reach out if interested to COLLABORATE! ----------------- Find us on socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/klestincoval...​ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LKlestincova​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciaklesti...​ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-kle...​  Catch up with Listen to Lights on Europe PODCAST here: My website: https://luciaklestincova.eu/podcast/​ iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...​ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wJSFtu...​ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-152900427​Podbean: https://lightsoneurope.podbean.com​ ----------------- Dr. Sofia Beloka is an Executive Performance Consultant, an Academic in Exercise Physiologist Ph.D., Human Behavior and Neuropsychology Mentor. Sofia thrives when she works with global leading companies that desire to optimize performance, resolve conflicts and win negotiations, breakthrough challenges and transform team dynamics. Sofia has been working with high performers, leaders, politicians, elite athletes, coaches & healers to transform their lives for over 20 years. She healed her own autoimmune pathology (esophageal achalasia) using the same methods transforming her personal and professional life and has since gone on to serve leaders experiencing challenges that sabotage their performance in business and in life. Her clients hire her to investigate the pattern that leads them to hit their glass-ceiling keeping them and their teams away from the breakthrough they need in order to create the metamorphosis they long in society and the world. You can find more about Sofia on www.drsofiabeloka.com.----------------- ABOUT LUCIA KLESTINCOVAI am the stand for transformation of the EU via new culture of feminine leadership. A Slovak based in the EU capital Brussels, a European policy-maker, Lights on Europe podcast host, founder of several women networks and a career coach of emerging leaders aiming to amplify their impact without selling out on their soul. The light I carry in my name has become my ultimate signature: follow my YouTube channel or podcast Lights on Europe to experience me interviewing guests from behind the scenes of the EU bubble! The best is captured in my book on values guiding careers of leaders in Brussels. Are you also curious to explore how inner alignment work becomes a fuel for outer impact? Connect to collaborate.----------------- #lightsoneurope​ #luciaklestincova​ #luciavbruseli​ #euandme​ #eu​ #weareeurope​ #slovensko​ #slovakia​ #slovenkyvbruseli​ #europeancommission​ #slovakwoman​ #podcast​ #newepisode​ #podcasting​ #eucareers​ #careercoach​ #euleadership​ #futureisfemale​ #eliteperfomance #accident #failure #sports #olympics #olympicathlete, #topperformers, #paralympians, #goldmedal, #silvermedal, #shame, #olympicgames, #beijing2022, #ολυμπιακοι αγωνες #αθλητές #επίδοση #χρυσό #ατύχημα #αποτυχία # βρυξέλλες

Will she introduce a new tax to feed the budget of the European institutions? Which of the current executives is her greatest role model? If she wasn’t a top EU politician, would she be a dancer, an engineer, or stay-at-home mom? All this and many more secrets disclosed in this last episode of a series of exclusive interviews with Margrethe Vestager. Also catch up on the previous ones:#1 on feminine leadership - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuEUmD1IHC0#2 on political enemies, team management, intuition and burnout prevention - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRt8SzoPv_sAnd then, warmed up to inquire more about the values driving careers of leaders in Brussels, remember to check out my book dedicated to this subject: https://luciaklestincova.eu/book/ .... and don't forget to: SUBSCRIBE to this channel if you’re interested to follow my journey, watch my shows, and get inspired by the possibility of a new era of leadership becoming a reality in the EU.LIKE this video and SHARE with your friends Leave your COMMENT below GO TO www.luciaklestincova.eu for more info about what I stand for in the worldReach out if interested to COLLABORATE! Say hi on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/klestincoval...Twitter: https://twitter.com/LKlestincova Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciaklesti...LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-kle...Listen to Lights on Europe PODCAST here: My website: https://luciaklestincova.eu/podcast/iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wJSFtu...Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-152900427Podbean: https://lightsoneurope.podbean.com Margrethe Vestager, age 52, is Executive Vice President of the European Commission for a Europe fit for the digital age. She previously served as Commissioner for Competition (2014-19). She was Minister for Economic Affairs and the Interior (2011-14) and Minister for Education (1998-2001) of Denmark. She was Political leader of the Danish Social Liberal Party (2007-14) and worked for the Danish Ministry of Finance (1993-95). Ms. Vestager holds an MSc in Economics (University of Copenhagen).

"You don't have to learn from your biggest critics, knowing they want to hurt you... and you don't have to decide immediately either." She's the ultimate role model but also a provocateur for many pseudo-leaders triggered by her commitment, authenticity and laser focus. Check out this second episode of an exclusive series of interviews with one of the most powerful women leading the European Union: Margrethe Vestager.You might found out about:- Discovering your inner voice and trusting your gut when taking some of the most costly decisions on the planet- Staying authentic even if political enemies want to destroy or at least hurt you with their criticism- Power of the team, trusting your intuition and collective intelligence when taking executive decisions- Work-life balance, women having it all, parenting challenges - Her well-being practices and advice to avoid burnout trap. In the first interview, she shared intimate secrets about unleashing her feminine leadership. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRt8SzoPv_sSUBSCRIBE NOW to be notified about the next episode of this series - the most exclusive Q&A packed with challenging & fun questions she was never asked before! CHECK OUT MY BOOK with powerful insights into the values driving careers of leaders in the Brussels bubble - check it out here! https://luciaklestincova.eu/book/  .... and don't forget to: SUBSCRIBE to this channel if you’re interested to follow my journey, watch my shows, and get inspired by the possibility of a new era of leadership becoming a reality in the EU.LIKE this video and SHARE with your friends Leave your COMMENT below GO TO www.luciaklestincova.eu for more info about what I stand for in the worldReach out if interested to COLLABORATE! Say hi on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/klestincoval...Twitter: https://twitter.com/LKlestincova Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciaklesti...LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-kle...Listen to Lights on Europe PODCAST here: My website: https://luciaklestincova.eu/podcast/iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wJSFtu...Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-152900427Podbean: https://lightsoneurope.podbean.com Margrethe Vestager, age 52, is Executive Vice President of the European Commission for a Europe fit for the digital age. She previously served as Commissioner for Competition (2014-19). She was Minister for Economic Affairs and the Interior (2011-14) and Minister for Education (1998-2001) of Denmark. She was Political leader of the Danish Social Liberal Party (2007-14) and worked for the Danish Ministry of Finance (1993-95). Ms. Vestager holds an MSc in Economics (University of Copenhagen).

Labelled as the EU most feared tax lady - and at the same time openly admitting the pain of many executive women - often seen as wrong as soon as they enter the room, before speaking out. What was her journey to discovering the feminine leadership that she is now so admired for? Tune into this first part of an exclusive interview series with Margrethe Vestager, opening up to QUESTIONS THAT SHE NEVER ANSWERED BEFORE. Some have quoted her as the greatest enemy, others as one of the most inspiring female leaders of this era. No need to ask which tribe I’m part of. She is one of my greatest role models and most admired colleagues... and definitely THE most honourable guest I could have wished for! Right after the publication of the FIRST EVER BOOK that not only gives you the best of Season 1 but also a unique overview of values driving careers of leaders in Europe - check it out here! https://luciaklestincova.eu/book/. So tune into this precious series of short but juicy, inspiring and worldview shifting answers. I’m excited to hear your main takeaways from her opinions like this one: "Diverse leadership is such a challenge because it becomes so much more difficult to find that comfort of fitting in. You must immediately be much more yourself." You will also hear her speak of: Feminine leadership and balancing it out with political powerplay Discovering your inner voice and trusting your gut and team when taking some of the most costly decisions on the planet Staying authentic even if political enemies want to destroy or at least hurt you with their criticism Parenting challenges and burnout prevention Life purpose, political role models, weaknesses, spirituality and much more. FOR THE SECRET ANSWER TO HOW SHE UNLEASHED HER LEADERSHIP, GO TO https://luciaklestincova.eu/vestager/.... and don't forget to: SUBSCRIBE to this channel if you’re interested to follow my journey, watch my shows, and get inspired by the possibility of a new era of leadership becoming a reality in the EU.LIKE this video and SHARE with your friends Leave your COMMENT below GO TO www.luciaklestincova.eu for more info about what I stand for in the worldReach out if interested to COLLABORATE! Say hi on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/klestincoval...Twitter: https://twitter.com/LKlestincova Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciaklesti...LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-kle...Listen to Lights on Europe PODCAST here: My website: https://luciaklestincova.eu/podcast/iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wJSFtu...Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-152900427Podbean: https://lightsoneurope.podbean.com Margrethe Vestager, age 52, is Executive Vice President of the European Commission for a Europe fit for the digital age. She previously served as Commissioner for Competition (2014-19). She was Minister for Economic Affairs and the Interior (2011-14) and Minister for Education (1998-2001) of Denmark. She was Political leader of the Danish Social Liberal Party (2007-14) and worked for the Danish Ministry of Finance (1993-95). Ms. Vestager holds an MSc in Economics (University of Copenhagen).

The book brings you the best of season 1 of Lights on Europe and exclusive bonus content about the values underpinning new culture leadership for Europe. DONATE NOW via this link: https://luciaklestincova.eu/book/ . If you contribute over 30 EUR, you will receive a free signed copy of this book! Once you hold it in your hands, I promise you will be: - humbled by the transformation stories of our guests, - inspired by their tips for a deeper inner work, and - challenged by the homework suggested for each leadership principle, so that you deepen your own exploration. If you are called to support this project, please contribute as much as you want and join my team in our efforts to shed more Lights on Europe! CLICK TO DONATE NOW HERE: https://luciaklestincova.eu/book/ .... and don't forget to: 1. SUBSCRIBE to this channel if you’re interested to follow my journey, watch my shows, and get inspired by the possibility of a new era of leadership becoming a reality in the EU. 2. LIKE this video and SHARE with your friends 3. Leave your COMMENT below 4. GO TO www.luciaklestincova.eu for more info about what I stand for in the world 5. Reach out if interested to COLLABORATE!

What a ride!! Are you sure you haven't missed any of the best moments of Lights on Europe? Join me in celebrating Season 1 of this the world's only podcast shining light on the human story behind the story of Brussels, packed with thought-provoking interviews on the future of EU's leadership! In this short sharing from our Lights on Europe summer party, I shower you with some of my top themes explored in season 2019/2020, such as creation of: 1. Strong mind - after a terrorist attack explosion, burnout or Brexit depression; 2. Resilient body - for a marathon in desert, or for handling an invisible disability; 3. Aligned soul - to re-ignite passion for EU policy making, create your own job inside of a bureaucracy and defending the most fundamental EU values like equality or religious freedom. Our audience also report they've picked on very valuable EU career skills useful for: 4. Involvement in national or European politics 5. Getting a job in the EU bubble 6. Women empowerment - countering sexism at workplace and dealing with domestic violence during COVID-19 lockdown 7. Digital business management, especially in sector of travel and tourism 8. Public speaking and mastering your voice. Are you still breathing?? Stay tuned for amazing surprises awaiting you for season 2! In the meantime, don't forget to: 1. SUBSCRIBE to this channel if you’re interested to follow my journey, watch my shows, and get inspired by the possibility of a new era of leadership becoming a reality in the EU. 2. LIKE this video and SHARE with your friends 3. Leave your COMMENT below 4. GO TO www.luciaklestincova.eu for more info about what I stand for in the world 5. Reach out if interested to COLLABORATE! .... and don't forget to: 1. SUBSCRIBE to this channel if you’re interested to follow my journey, watch my shows, and get inspired by the possibility of a new era of leadership becoming a reality in the EU. 2. LIKE this video and SHARE with your friends 3. Leave your COMMENT below 4. GO TO www.luciaklestincova.eu for more info about what I stand for in the world 5. Reach out if interested to COLLABORATE!

The journey of becoming an accidental entrepreneur: from a travel blogger to EU lobbyist to setting up own digital startup. Open sharing about the disconnect between the worlds of politics and business. Criticism of the European institutions but also ideas for more impactful conversations with the citizens. Here’s the third episode of a series of interviews with Nick Hall, founder and CEO of the Digital Tourism Think Tank, about the entrepreneurial careers in digital tourism. IN THIS EPISODE, Nick shares: How elitist is the Brussels bubble in blocking the market entry of outsiders? Skills of the future and letting the business flow unfold Reconciling the passion for policy / politics and entrepreneurial creativity Vision of a British citizen for transforming the European leadership Views of a male CEO in a female-dominant company on glass ceiling and diversity in travel industry and tourism boards Examples of a female leader and a business brand to follow as champions of new values Have you also listened to PREVIOUS INTERVIEWS with Nick on this channel? Check them out now!  In the first one, we discussed the impact of COVID-19 crisis on the travel, tourism and hospitality industry.  In the second one we looked at the strategies and mindsets that you need to master if you want to succeed in digital transformation of your tourism business. Lucia's Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/lightsoneurope/ https://www.facebook.com/klestincovalucia/https://www.linkedin.com/company/lights-on-europe/https://twitter.com/LightsEuropehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYaXz2kfMeyzuYNpbu4IrLw?view_as=subscriber

KEY QUESTIONS FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF TOURISM BUSINESS. The purpose behind tech is obvious for some but many small businesses resist having at least some online presence. Where to start? How to deal with the daily overwhelm of business management, augmented in times of economic uncertainty? CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS EPISODE with Nick, sharing his analysis of COVID-19 impacts on tourism industry, most frequent strategic mistakes but also recipe for success of those entrepreneurs who managed to restart their business during this crisis with a radical yet inexpensive innovation.  IN THIS EPISODE we Debunk myths blocking many European entrepreneurs from having at least a website Reveal the most overlooked part of customer journey that should be digitised Show where to kick-start tech transformation if you are a digital alien  Disclose how a tourism consultancy redesigned its model of event management after COVID-19 paralysisDON’T FORGET TO SET A REMINDER to be notified about the next episode, in which Nick shares his personal story of developing his career from a travel blogger to tourism policy lobbyist in Brussels all the way to setting up the Digital Tourism Think Tank.  Lucia's Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/lightsoneurope/ https://www.facebook.com/klestincovalucia/https://www.linkedin.com/company/lights-on-europe/https://twitter.com/LightsEuropehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYaXz2kfMeyzuYNpbu4IrLw?view_as=subscriber

STRATEGIES TO GROW TRAVEL BUSINESS are hard to think of if the global travel is shut down. But there are champions leading the way with courage to experiment and test innovation in European tourism and hospitality industry. COVID-19 months led to chaos and bankruptcies but also opportunities to rethink the usual business model.   Check out the first out of this new series of interviews focusing on the tourism sector in the EU during covid-19 and beyond. Our guest is Nicholas Hall, founder and CEO of the Digital Tourism Think Tank! IN THIS EPISODE, we unveil: The paralysis of travel sector and expectations for the post-summer season Challenges of family-owned tourism businesses Difficult choices between building profitable business and following your passion to build a lifestyle travel company  Travellers’ safety concerns and how technology can respond to mass tourism and overcrowded sightseeing  How Airbnb and others used the covid-19 lockdown to repurpose Power of courage to experiment and fail, not just in good timesIN THE NEXT TWO EPISODES upcoming with Nick, we will dive deeper into digital transformation opportunities offered by modern technologies; and Nick’s personal story of building his career, looking at competitiveness of European businesses and opportunities to improve the support provided by the EU and national policy makers. So don’t forget to SET A REMINDER above to be notified about the future episodes! Lucia's Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/lightsoneurope/ https://www.facebook.com/klestincovalucia/https://www.linkedin.com/company/lights-on-europe/https://twitter.com/LightsEuropehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYaXz2kfMeyzuYNpbu4IrLw?view_as=subscriber

Are you also worried that your impact is limited if speaking via zoom or skype calls? Voice is our only communication tool if we cannot experience each other face to face. Either because of lockdown or simply because we operate globally and collaborate remotely…As you’re listening to this series on hidden mysteries of vocal coaching, here’s a special episode recorded for you on importance of voice during covid-19 period.  Technology connects us but increases the difficulty of getting our message across. Does corona crisis generate higher demand for voice coaching?Main mistakes to avoid during your conference calls Easy-to-do tricks to make sure you are better understood  Have you also listened to PREVIOUS INTERVIEWS with Ines on this channel? Check them out now! In the first one, we discussed what is vocal coaching, how it supports your leadership and examples of problems that this therapy can or cannot fix. In the second one we discovered the most-frequent mistakes reducing our impact when speaking; and experimented with exercises that can improve the pitch, speed, body posture or articulation (stay tuned for that embarrassing yawn!!).  Lucia's Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/lightsoneurope/ https://www.facebook.com/klestincovalucia/https://www.linkedin.com/company/lights-on-europe/https://twitter.com/LightsEuropehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYaXz2kfMeyzuYNpbu4IrLw

VOCAL COACHING TIPS AND HOW YOU CAN MASTER YOUR VOICE. Is your voice too weak or breaking? Have you been told you’re monotone, making your audience fall asleep? Do you sound like Kim Kardashian? Find out what’s the secret to Hollywood stars’ voices: How you can train your throat muscles Importance of the body position when speaking A powerful yawning trick to do before you start presenting And other secrets to impactful public speaking - ted talk or any business negotiationCHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS EPISODE with Ines, which explains what is vocal coaching, why any leader should try it and examples of problems that this therapy can or cannot fix.  SET A REMINDER to be notified about the next episode - going into tips for increasing your impact when doing business remotely, via video conferences or phone calls - relying only on your voice, instead of a full body language self-expression.  Lucia Klestincova, your host of Lights on Europe interviews Inês Moura who trains leaders, politicians and other professionals to use their voice in a professional context. She is a speech and language therapist, master in vocal coaching (Barcelona), certified coach, author of the book “The Secret Power of Voice” (for now only in Portuguese) and co-founder of the international certification “High-Performance Vocal Coaching” – the first one for use in a business environment. Inês believes everyone has a voice that deserves to be heard. Her purpose is to guide people to achieve their personal and professional goals by teaching them to use their voice with confidence and authenticity.  Lucia's Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/lightsoneurope/ https://www.facebook.com/klestincovalucia/https://www.linkedin.com/company/lights-on-europe/https://twitter.com/LightsEurope

EVERY LEADER AND SPEAKER MUST TRY VOCAL COACHING. Are you embarrassed by your high pitch, sweating or simply because your message doesn’t land with your audience? If you invest in public speaking skills and communication training, you clearly care about the impact you have with your audience. Time to discover what’s limiting your true voice.  IN THIS EPISODE, we discuss and demystify:  Why every speaker should try vocal coachingThe mismatch between your story and how your identity is actually communicatedSound of your perfect voice If executives are ready to discover why they sweat when public speakingFrom breathing problems, through high pitch or voice identity of transgender people. IN THE NEXT TWO EPISODES upcoming with Ines, we will go into concrete examples of voice coaching exercises; and also tips & tricks for those of you spending hours on video-conferencing calls (during covid-19 lockdown and beyond, in ‘normal’ business time). So don’t forget to SET A REMINDER above to be notified about the future episodes!Lucia Klestincova, your host of Lights on Europe interviews Inês Moura who trains leaders, politicians and other professionals to use their voice in a professional context. She is a speech and language therapist, master in vocal coaching (Barcelona), certified coach, author of the book “The Secret Power of Voice” (for now only in Portuguese) and co-founder of the international certification “High-Performance Vocal Coaching” – the first one for use in a business environment. Inês believes everyone has a voice that deserves to be heard. Her purpose is to guide people to achieve their personal and professional goals by teaching them to use their voice with confidence and authenticity. Lucia's Social Media : https://www.instagram.com/lightsoneurope/ https://www.facebook.com/klestincovalucia/https://www.linkedin.com/company/lights-on-europe/https://twitter.com/LightsEuropehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYaXz2kfMeyzuYNpbu4IrLw 

HELPING SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE is what Brianna was doing for 6 years in American rape centres. All of us can be inspired by her story and reflect how we can show up to contribute to help provided to millions of victims out there. Everybody has got expertise, time or money that can be donated so that the support system for survivors of domestic and intimate-partner violence works more effectively.  Have you listened to the previous interviews with Brianna on this channel? Check them out now! We explained what is sexual violence and what kind of safety planning is possible in times of corona lockdown.  In this episode, we look at the story of Brianna and her professional career as an advocate for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in the United States. She has been a counselor for adults and children experiencing violence, a medical advocate for survivors of sexual assault, and has worked in emergency shelters. She currently works with a Brussels-based NGO that advocates for human rights at a political level. She manages two programs: women’s rights and gender equality; and LGBTQI people and human rights. Brianna has a MA in International Migration with a specialization in Human Rights Law from the University of Kent’s Brussels School of International Studies, and a BS in Psychology from Northeastern University. Lucia's social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/klestincovalucia/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LKlestincova Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciaklestincova/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-klestincova/

ARE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE STILL PROTECTED BY THE INSTITUTIONS? During corona lockdown, safety planning is even more complicated for survivors of intimate-partner violence. In previous episodes, you learned what is (and what’s not) sexual violence, challenges in times of covid-19 pandemics, and how was Brianna’s professional experience of working with victims of rape. In this last episode of this series about gender-based violence, you fill hear: Are the institutions failing in supporting victims of sexual violence during the covid-19 pandemics? Can victims count on health care, courts, jails as under normal times?Are perpetrators of these crimes less likely to be detained?How can we as a community help victims with their safety planning strategies?What about the kids that are witnessing or targets of domestic violence?How does financial stress caused by the global economic crisis contribute to the rise of intimate-partner violence and unhealthy relationship dynamics?  Lucia Klestincova, your host of Lights on Europe interviews Brianna Hertford, who spent 6 years as an advocate for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in the United States. She has been a counselor for adults and children experiencing violence, a medical advocate for survivors of sexual assault, and has worked in emergency shelters. She currently works with a Brussels-based NGO that advocates for human rights at a political level. She manages two programs: women’s rights and gender equality; and LGBTQI people and human rights. Brianna has a MA in International Migration with a specialization in Human Rights Law from the University of Kent’s Brussels School of International Studies, and a BS in Psychology from Northeastern University.  Lucia's social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/klestincovalucia/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LKlestincova Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciaklestincova/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-klestincov

RISE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN is a fact. What are the triggers? How to get out when normal safety planning is impossible? Here’s the second interview out of a series of expert conversations about gender-based violence in times of corona pandemic.  In this episode, we discuss and demystify:  Concrete examples of what’s happening behind the closed doorsSafety planning strategiesPublic policy innovation when you can’t fully rely on the justice or health care systemSocial support you can count on even during the pandemics crisisHow can citizens, neighbours, family and friends help victims and survivors of domestic violence  Check out also the previous episode with Brianna - we discuss more broadly what is sexual and intimate-partner violence. You’ll hear an intro into identifying the control and power dynamics in a toxic relationship, basic concepts of safety planning and trauma healing. We also wonder whether America and Europe differ in how they stigmatise victims of rape. Lucia Klestincova, your host of Lights on Europe interviews Brianna Hertford, who spent 6 years as an advocate for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in the United States. She has been a counselor for adults and children experiencing violence, a medical advocate for survivors of sexual assault, and has worked in emergency shelters. She currently works with a Brussels-based NGO that advocates for human rights at a political level. She manages two programs: women’s rights and gender equality; and LGBTQI people and human rights. Brianna has a MA in International Migration with a specialization in Human Rights Law from the University of Kent’s Brussels School of International Studies, and a BS in Psychology from Northeastern University.  Lucia's Social MediaInstagram: @luciaklestincovaIG podcast: @lightsoneuropeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-klestincova/ 

Po našom vstupe do EÚ sa mohli cítiť v Bruseli osamelo a bez zázemia. Namiesto toho sa rozhodli nečakať na niekoho iného a začali si sami organizovať podujatia pre svoju novú komunitu. Simona Pohlová je jednou z líderiek Českej inspiracie – českého spolku, ktorý pripravuje každoročne množstvo podujatí pre bruselské rodiny – od divadla a umeleckých dielní pre deti až po už zabehnutý zbor Brusinky a pravidelný český ples. Vypočujte si v jej rozhovore s Luciou Kleštincovou príbeh českej komunity v Bruseli a ako môžete prispieť k jeho úspechu. ----Ak ste zvedaví na ďalšie epizódy, sledujte “Lights on Europe” cez iTunes, Google podcasty, Spotify alebo priamo na webe tu: https://lightsoneurope.podbean.com/Okrem lajkov a zdieľania podcastu s vašimi známymi sa veľmi tešíme aj z vašich komentárov a spätnej väzby! Najlepšie ak si vyhľadáte Luciu Kleštincovú cez Instagram, Facebook, Twitter alebo LinkedIn. Ďakujeme!Simonine Sociálne MédiaFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/inspirationtchequeLuciine Sociálne MédiaInstagram: @luciaklestincovaIG podcast: @lightsoneuropeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-klestincova/

EXPERIENCING SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN A TOXIC RELATIONSHIP tortures too many many women and men in the European Union and the USA. Even more during COVID-19 pandemics. Here’s the first myth-busting interview on gender-based violence; before we go into the specific challenges (and strategies for protection) during the lock-down. Tune into this first episode out of an expert series dedicated to this problem, with an exclusive focus on the two continents.  In this episode, we discuss and demystify:  What is sexual, gender-based, intimate-partner violence? When is a healthy relationship shifting to an unhealthy pattern? Can you be one of the victims of cyber-violence or gaslighting? What’s the power & control dynamics in an abusive relationship?How to turn your inner voice into defining a safety plan?How bad is the stigma attached to rape in America vs. Europe?Do we have the right statistical data on how pervasive this crime is for women, men, LGBTI or migrant communities?What is consent, especially if you’re a teenager experimenting with your own identity and sexuality?Lucia Klestincova, your host of Lights on Europe interviews Brianna Hertford, who spent 6 years as an advocate for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in the United States. She has been a counselor for adults and children experiencing violence, a medical advocate for survivors of sexual assault, and has worked in emergency shelters. She currently works with a Brussels-based NGO that advocates for human rights at a political level. She manages two programs: women’s rights and gender equality; and LGBTQI people and human rights. Brianna has a MA in International Migration with a specialization in Human Rights Law from the University of Kent’s Brussels School of International Studies, and a BS in Psychology from Northeastern University. As you probably know, sexual violence occurs all around the world. Although in most countries there has been little research conducted on the problem, available data suggest that in some countries nearly one in four women may experience sexual violence by an intimate partner, and up to one-third of adolescent girls report their first sexual experience as being forced. (WHO)  Lucia's Social MediaInstagram: @luciaklestincovaIG podcast: @lightsoneuropeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-klestincova/ 

“Understanding why we came together is essential to continue building our European history.” How should we deal with the challenge of finding common European narratives across 50 countries? Listen to the story of curating the House of European History and filling it with objects from all around Europe. Lucia Klestincova speaks to William Parker-Jenkins, Communications Manager at one of the most unique museums in the world. You will also learn how you can make most of a visit and how you can contribute to the collection with objects related to Brexit or other European phenomena.For more episodes, follow Lights on Europe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify or go to https://lightsoneurope.podbean.com/To share your feedback, get in touch with Lucia Klestincova via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. William's Social MediaLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-parker-2396711a/Twitter: @WillParkerBrxFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoriaEuropa/Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoriaEuropaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseeuropeanhistory/ Lucia's Social MediaInstagram: @luciaklestincovaIG podcast: @lightsoneuropeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-klestincova/

Asi máloktorý úradník sa v rámci práce stretáva s Veronikou Cifrovou Ostrihoňovou a zháňa nových influencerov na tik-toku. Asi máloktorý kreatívec či fashion-bloger by veril, že dokáže slobodne vyjadriť svoj talent v centre európskej byrokracie. Ak ste minulý rok sledovali kampaň vyzývajúcu k voľbám do Európskeho parlamentu, možno ste dostávali newsletter od istej Petry. Dnes sa táto Petra, Petra Rusinová, zhovára s Luciou Kleštincovou o tom, ako sa z Liptova a štúdia krajčírstva dostala cez Luxemburg do európskych inštitúcií. Zistíte, ako vznikajú spolupráce Európskeho parlamentu s influencermi, ako sa k nim môžete pridať a či vám pritom zostane čas a priestor aj na vlastnú kreativitu.Petrine Sociálne MédiaInstagram: @petqaLuciine Sociálne MédiaInstagram: @luciaklestincovaIG podcast: @lightsoneuropeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-klestincova/

“Murder of Jan Kuciak is a tragedy but it also prompted an unprecedented awareness in a generation that has taken the European integration for granted. We need to nurture this civic awakening even further.” This is not just a story of Slovakia. People all around Europe embrace a greater responsibility for holding their politicians accountable if trust and respect for human dignity are lost. Alberto Alemanno and his team at The Good Lobby empower citizens to speak up and inform policy decisions at all levels. Listen to his interview with Lucia Klestincova to hear the story of how he decided to disrupt the traditional advocacy industry, demystify the lobbying process and support citizens with tools needed to embrace their democratic power. He also shares his views on where is the dividing line between the neutrality of a public servant and their right for civic activism; and how to awaken activism among citizens disillusioned with the current state of democracy.For more episodes, follow Lights on Europe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify or go to: https://lightsoneurope.podbean.com/To share your feedback, get in touch with Lucia Klestincova via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. Alberto's Social MediaInstagram: @aalemannoIG The Good Lobby: @thegoodlobbyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-good-lobby/Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thegoodlobby Lucia's Social MediaInstagram: @luciaklestincovaIG podcast: @lightsoneuropeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-klestincova/

How will the Coronavirus impact Brexit negotiations? And how is this public health crisis similar to the mental health damage caused to the Europeans by Brexit? Laura Shields is a communications consultant and civic activist engaged in the fight for the post-Brexit rights of Brits living in Europe. Learning from her own experience of depression and mental health issues, she is now openly talking about the mental health issues faced by the Brexit generation.In this interview with Lucia Klestincova, she shares her views of how the COVID-19 crisis is handled by public authorities, which are the self-care practices to protect our physical and mental health, and which are the opportunities that this challenging period offers for the business of freelancers. Stay well and remember to listen to our episodes to learn how to transform your interest in public change into action and impact.For more episodes, follow Lights on Europe on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify or go to: https://luciaklestincova.eu/podcast/. To share your feedback, get in touch with Lucia Klestincova via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. Lucia's Social MediaInstagram: @luciaklestincovaIG podcast: @lightsoneuropeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-klestincova/

After she survived the bomb explosion during the terrorist attack at Brussels airport in 2016, it took Elizabeth Krahulecz almost a year to recover from the physical damage and get back to work. The emotional one is still there. She pushed through and became even more engaged in supporting victims of various traumas and women in having greater access to opportunities for career growth and self-expression. As a former diplomat and accomplished government and public affairs professional, she has first-hand experience with and an ambitious vision for transforming the way our businesses and so-called stakeholder relations are managed. In her interview with Lucia Klestincova, she shares more about her healing process, obstacles faced on her journey of a mom and associate partner at one of the biggest professional services in the world, Chair of the Diversity of Inclusion Task Force at AmchamEU. Listen to this beautiful sharing filled with resilience and vulnerability at the same time.Lucia's Social MediaInstagram: @luciaklestincovaIG podcast: @lightsoneuropeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-klestincova/

“Coaching women is useless if the leaders don’t get the business case behind diversity. Can’t we see that humanity and our planet need a radical change of leadership?” Isabella Lenarduzzi has been a social entrepreneur in employment & gender equality for 35 years. As a founder of JUMP and Ashoka fellow, she inspired thousands of women and business leaders to transform their approach to leadership, training and innovation strategies. In her interview with Lucia Klestincova, Isabella shares her experience of being a pioneer of the women empowerment and secrets to successful conversations about equality, but also disappointing experience of raising investment for her social impact company. She is shocking but disruptive and inspiring. Listen to see what needs to be done to move the women empowerment movement ahead and also what’s the common link between the climate emergency and the crisis of our society.For more episodes, follow Lights on Europe on iTunes, Google podcasts, Spotify or go to: https://luciaklestincova.eu/podcast/. To share your feedback, get in touch with Lucia Klestincova via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.Isabella's Social MediaInstagram: @isabellajump @jumpequalityLucia's Social MediaInstagram: @luciaklestincovaIG podcast: @lightsoneuropeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-klestincova/ 

After the victory of presidential and European elections, how can a party lose the parliamentary elections only by 926 votes? Will the values of a liberal voter and of the green movement be represented in Slovakia at all? This podcast episode looks at the results of the 2020 national elections in Slovakia. To the surprise of many, we saw some unexpected results and many lessons learned for all those interested in political campaigning. Despite the polls, Slovakia’s incoming government coalition will not include the party that was on a steep rise to become a leader of a fundamental shift in Slovakia’s political leadership.  Our guest Martin Hojsík shares his insights into what happened and also about his experience of one of the most active Slovak members of the European Parliament (representing Progressive Slovakia, member of ALDE/RENEW liberal group). In this interview with Lucia Klestincova, you will hear him share about his work on climate emergency and meeting with Greta Thunberg; but also about the campaign in Slovakia:  authenticity vs disinfo; touring the regions vs populist shows; diversity vs harassment of political candidates.For more episodes, follow Lights on Europe on iTunes, Google podcasts, Spotify or go to: https://luciaklestincova.eu/podcast/. To share your feedback, get in touch with Lucia Klestincova via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.Martin's Social MediaInstagram: @martinhojsikLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinhojsikLucia's Social MediaInstagram: @luciaklestincovaIG podcast: @lightsoneuropeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-klestincova/

Does a bit of intellectual arrogance compensate for the absence of a crystal ball in political analysis? Where or what is Central Europe? What will forthcoming parliamentary elections mean for Slovakia? In this episode, Lucia Klestincova speaks to Otilia Dhand, managing director at Teneo and a mom of two. Listen to Otilia sharing her insights into the cultural identity of Central Europe and what’s so special about the Slovak elections. Learn more about her forecast for the future of political analytics industry and how to shine on this rapidly shifting job market. And try to guess what’s her strategy for raising ‘Slovak’ children with an Indian partner that she’s lived with in London and Brussels!To share your feedback, get in touch with Lucia Klestincova via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.Otilia's Social MediaTwitter: @otiliadhand  Instagram: @otiliadhand Lucia's Social MediaInstagram: @luciaklestincovaIG podcast: @lightsoneuropeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-klestincova/

Mnohí by povedali, že kultúrna diplomacia je to posledné, čo nás vytrhne z našich problémov. Možno aj preto Slovensko nemá v Bruseli žiadne kultúrne centrum. Pre našich českých susedov je však prezentácia českého pre belgické (a európske) publikum skutočná priorita. Jitka Panek Jurková ako riaditeľka Českého centra v Bruseli v tomto interview s Luciou Kleštincovou zdieľa svoju skúsenosť s presadzovaním českého umenia na veľmi presýtenej bruselskej scéne. Ako sa dostať na výslnie s obmedzenými zdrojmi a v konkurencii kultúrnych inštitútov Nemecka či Ruska? Prečo je jej práca spojením toho najzaujímavejšieho zo sveta umenia a diplomacie? A aký je konkrétny prínos podujatí ako prezentácia českých videohier? Sociálne siete - JitkaFacebook: Jitka P JurkováInstagram: @jujitkaTwitter: @jujitka1 Sociálne siete - LuciaFacebook: Klestincova LuciaInstagram: @luciaklestincovaLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-klestincova

How to get a normal date in the era of superficial swiping apps? Is it more difficult to find love in a multicultural city filled with expats? Which parts of your love-search can you outsource to increase the odds of finding a life partner? Listen to Marjorie Libourel who works at Berkeley International, an exclusive matchmaking agency in Brussels. In her interview with Lucia Klestincova, she shares more about the art of finding the perfect match between what you’re looking for and what’s on offer on the dating scene. Marjorie's social media:Facebook: www.facebook.com/Berkeley.International.BelgiumLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/berkeley-international-belgium Lucia's social media:Instagram: @luciaklestincovaPodcast Instagram: @lightsoneuropeLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-klestincova  

Her mom was the first woman Yoga teacher in Brussels, but even that didn’t suffice to protect her from dying of stress-induced cancer. As a child who grew up watching the growth of yoga practice in and around European institutions, she understood there was more to health and self-care. Catherine Polet became specialized in Nutrition and Health coaching and desire mapping, complementing her passion for healthy and delicious food with the wisdom of Ayurveda, Feng Shui, Yoga, and Autogenic Training. Tune into her conversation with Lucia Klestincova, explaining why food is not our ‘primary food’, how to strike the right balance between self-improvement goals and gentle self-care, and how to win the support of your partner and kids on the journey of transforming your lifestyle for greater health and vitality.Catherine's Social Media:IG: @catherine.poletFB: https://www.facebook.com/catherinepoletcoach/Web: https://www.catherinepolet.coach/ Lucia's Social Media:IG: @luciaklestincovaIG podcast: @lightsoneuropeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-klestincova/  

Katarína Mathernová je najvyššie postavenou Slovenkou v systéme európskych inštitúcií. Ako zástupkyňu generálneho riaditeľa Európskej komisie pre susedské vzťahy a rozširovanie ju možno poznáte z diskusií o Ukrajine či Balkáne. Tento jej rozhovor s Luciou Kleštincovou však nie je o týchto témach, ale skôr o jej príbehu. Katarína zdieľa svoje skúsenosti s budovaním kariéry na Slovensku, v EÚ a v Amerike. Ukazuje, aké je to, snažiť sa vniesť do rokovaní pohľad strednej Európy a kde robíme ako európske Slovenky chybu pri budovaní svojho profesionálneho networku. A nechýba ani dôležitá výzva pred blížiacimi sa parlamentnými voľbami!

 94% of women experience sexism yet only 25% report even the most serious incidents. Speak up if you don’t know a woman who experienced sexism. Speak up if you know a woman who’s confident dealing with it on spot. Speak up if you are sure that your company is immune to these kinds of toxic behaviors.If you’re still silent, listen to the next episode of Lights on Europe. Lucia Klestincova interviews Dorothy Dalton, CEO of 3Plus International, HR consultant, and career coach, to learn how to handle the sexism epidemic in our society. How does sexism differ from harassment? What is ‘normal’ in multicultural workplaces? How to recognise, stop and deal with it if you are the target, or if you see it happening to someone else? How can men and women in the workplace support each other in the face of everyday sexism? Listen and learn the one single phrase, which will empower you to take your authority back. Dorothy's social media:https://twitter.com/DorothyDaltonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothydalton/https://www.facebook.com/dorothy.dalton1 3Plus International on social media:https://twitter.com/3PlusInthttps://www.linkedin.com/companyhttps://www.facebook.com/3PlusInt/https://www.instagram.com/3plusinternational/  

This episode with Mary Heneghan combines a conversation about our guest’s EU career experience with a heartfelt expression of her wisdom and poetic creativity. Tune in to get inspired by her journey from being a voice therapist to a health policymaker and ultimately an internal coach at the European Commission. She shares valuable lessons of self-compassion and courage, which she learned along her personal and professional journey from Ireland via France to Brussels. In this interview with Lucia Klestincova, Mary is also reading examples of her recently published book of poems, touching upon her commitment to building the EU as a historical peaceful project, all the way to the expression of her love for her child.

Ak oslavujeme 30 rokov slobody od pádu železnej opony, ich prvý polčas bol o prístupových rokovaniach a ten druhý o dospievaní nášho členstva v EÚ. Ján Figeľ bol ich súčasťou ako slovenský aj európsky politik, hlavný vyjednávač prístupového procesu do EÚ či náš prvý komisár. Prvá slovenská epizóda novej sezóny Lights on Europe je špeciálnym pripomenutím základných európskych hodnôt, ktoré v posledných rokoch pomáha šíriť cez vysokú európsku politiku z novovytvorenej role. Ako prvý vyslanec EÚ pre slobodu náboženstva a presvedčenia mimo EÚ sa podieľal na oslobodení niekoľkých neprávom odsúdených väzňov a zvýšení ochrany ľudských práva po celom svete. S Luciou Kleštincovou sa rozprával o prepájaní obchodnej a kultúrnej diplomacie, o aktuálne prebiehajúcej predvolebnej kampani, ale najmä o hodnotách, ktorých nositeľmi by mali byť novozvolení politici. Ktorá je vaša hlavná hodnota, ktorá vám pomôže vysporiadať sa s výzvami v novom desaťročí? Veríme, že láska a odhodlanie vás budú sprevádzať v novom roku na každom roku!

Riza Sukman is an intuitive emotional healer and a yoga teacher. He grew up in Bali as a son of Indonesian-American parents and later on, love brought him to Brussels. A great opportunity to discuss if and how we in Europe differ from people in Asia in handling our pain, disharmony in family relationships or pressure to choose one professional identity. Lucia Klestincova had a chance to interview Riza during her holidays in the middle of Balinese nature. Tune in if you are curious to hear a new perspective during your New Year’s self-reflection period and to release the pressure to have your path figured out as we step into the new decade.

What if this new decade could also mean more authenticity in our conversations about Europe?That’s the purpose behind Lights on Europe. It is THE reason why this podcast does not focus on the European policies, but on the humans creating them on the backstage instead. So in this short opening of the 2020 season, Lucia Klestincova starts by expressing her gratitude to those who make this authentic engagement possible. She also has one special wish – so if you’re here, take those couple of minutes to listen to this episode and find out how you can contribute to fulfilling her dream of shedding more light on authentic new leaders of Europe.

Čo ak by naše rozhovory o Európe mohli byť ľudské a radikálne autentické?To je presne dôvod vzniku podcastu Lights on Europe. Dôvod, prečo sa namiesto obsahu európskych politík venuje príbehom ľudí, ktorí v zákulisí zažívajú tornáda v snahe o zmenu zabehaného systému. Preto Lucia Kleštincová začína túto úvodnú epizódu novej sezóny veľkou vďakou tým, bez ktorých by táto autentická konverzácia nebola možná. Má aj jedno špeciálne novo(desať)ročné prianie – tak ak ste už tu, vypočujte si pár minút tohto privítania novej sezóny. Zistíte, ako môžete svojou troškou prispieť k tomu, že tento podcast dokáže lepšie naplniť svoj zámer a prinášať verejnosti príbehy o novej generácii európskych lídrov pripravených tvoriť lepšiu Európu.

Katharina von Schnurbein was appointed the first European Commission Coordinator on combating antisemitism. Prior to this, she worked for five years as part of the advisory team of President Jose Manuel Barroso on the dialogue with churches, religions and non-confessional organisations. Her interest in building bridges and facilitating dialogue with other cultures was strongly impacted by her experience of liberation of Central and Eastern Europe and fall of the Berlin Wall, which ultimately led her to Slavonic Studies and perfect mastery of Czech language. Interested to hear how all of us can play a role in increasing tolerance in our society? In her interview with Lucia Klestincova for Lights on Europe, Katharina explains the sensitive nature of her function, outlines the origins of rise of anti-semitism in Europe and what can be done to combat it by mediating better dialogue at the European level. You will also learn whether there is any link between her current function and the knowledge of Central Europe she built when working for the Czech Commissioner Vladimir Spidla!Follow Katharina:Twitter: @kschnurbein

Jaromír Novák pracuje v Bruseli ako spolupracovník TASR - za slovenské printové médiá je tu jediný dlhodobo prítomný novinár. Ako sa potýka so snahou informovať o dianí v EÚ, keď v jeden deň musí pokryť všetko od rokovaní premiéra a ministrov až po bežné dianie v Beneluxe? Má šancu dostať slovo na slávnych poludňajších tlačovkách Európskej komisie, kde o mikrofón súperia novinárske štáby z celého sveta? Aj o tom sa Jaromír porozprával s Luciou Kleštincovou v najnovšom vydaní Lights on Europe – posvieťme si spoločne na politiku v zákulisí informovania o dianí z hlavného mesta EÚ, ale aj na dôležité maličkosti ako zlaďovanie takto časovo náročnej kariéry s rodinným životom.

Vera Pinto Gomes is one of the experts working on the EU’s space program Galileo but also an activist for patients’ healthcare. What do space shuttles have in common with diapers? In this interview with Lucia Klestincova, she busts a whole range of myths such as space industry being open exclusively for male engineers, or chronic diseases being an obstacle to living an energised and fulfilled life without barriers to exciting experiences. Listen to her as a unique example of a woman that is determined to follow her passion to reach for the stars and at the same time transform the life of chronically ill individuals in Portugal at the same time. We were all brought to tears seeing the standing ovation she received during her TED talk. Let us know what you think about her journey of courage and vulnerability. Follow Vera on social media: Instagram: @escadinhasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/veracgomesTwitter: @astropoliticaLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vera-gomes-83701418/

Alexandra Ekkelenkamp is the advisor to the director for media and communications of the Council of the EU - one of the main EU institutions. What’s the magic bullet behind the successful communication of Donald Tusk? How does Alexandra manage to bring the latest digital trends into a bureaucracy? What’s left when personal branding strategy meets national political interests and institutional safeguards? Learn how to stay on top of your game in a hyper dynamic environment, how to stay sane when your phone doesn’t stop ringing and how to set the boundaries of taking care of your body and mind before becoming a mindless robot. Get inspired by Alexandra’s time management tips, which allow her to pursue her EU career but also lead mindfulness and yoga classes, sing in a choir and manage women empowerment networks. In this interview led by Lucia Klestincova, you will be amazed by a conversation that combines performance measurement with letting go, top EU politics with authentic humanity, leadership vision with career tips, all the way to advice to those managing their communication projects without big support teams or budgets.(This episode was recorded before President Charles Michel joined the European Council as its president on November 29 2019.) Follow Alexandra:Twitter: @alexekkelenkamp

Agnès Hubert built her entire career on fighting discrimination and promoting gender equality  – as a senior advisor to the European Commission Presidents, a founder of the first European feminist think-tank in Brussels, as a professor and a recognised author on EU gender equality policy. Throughout her 30 years lasting career of a senior civil servant at the European Commission, she focused mainly on development, social innovation, gender and social policies. In her interview with Lucia Klestincova for Lights on Europe, she shares her experience of past decades of feminist claims and achievements within European policies and what kind of work is still ahead of us. She’s still active in shaping the EU’s gender policies as a founder of the GENDER FIVE PLUS think tank and as a professor of gender policies at the College of Europe in Bruges and at Science-Po in Paris. How does she see the future of gender activism? Where is the link between the attacks on gender studies at university and the rise of populism? Agnes calls on her listeners to recognise that gender equality is THE topic of the next decade. It will serve all of us in pushing humanity away from the production madness that brought us where we are, towards greater compassion and reproduction of our businesses, planet and families.

Frans Nijs is known around the European Commission mainly as one of the early ambassadors of more participatory way of working and hosting of the conversations we have among ourselves and so-called ‘stakeholders’. In this episode he talks to Lucia Klestincova about his experience of experimenting with more fun in his meetings dedicated to strict financial procedures – quite an unusual area to start with. As a Belgian that has worked for decades in the international context of the European  institutions, he also shares his impressions of the impact of the EU enlargement on Brussels and integration of us, expats, into the city of Brussels. Lastly, would you expect a financial expert to also be a writer, philosopher and possibly your role model in journaling? Stay tuned.

Radovan Javorčík je stály predstaviteľ Slovenska pri NATO. Ako sa z absolventa Strojníckej fakulty stane diplomat, veľvyslanec a ako sa dá zasmiať, keď si niekto neskontroluje vaše krstné meno? Počúvajte jeho rozhovor s Luciou Kleštincovou - odhaľuje aj rozdiely v zákulisí bilaterálnej, európskej a svetovej diplomacie a pridáva viaceré kariérne postrehy: pre startupistov, čo sa môžu niečo podučiť z jeho izraelskej skúsenosti, ale hlavne pre študentov a študentky s obavami, ako sa presadiť v náročnom svete diplomacie. Sleduj Radovana Javorčíka tu:Twitter: @RadovanJavorcikLinkedIn: Radovan JavorčíkTwitter Stálej delegácie SR pri NATO: @Slovakia_NATOFacebook Stálej delegácie SR pri NATO: @SlovakiaNATOBrussels

We nearly could have recorded this in Slovak too - as an American Slovak (or Slovak American?) Rick Zedník speaks Slovak and knows the central-European political landscape very well. Having lived in post-communist Slovakia and co-founded a news media company there, in this interview with Lucia Kleštincová he shares insights into Slovakia’s democracy building and current political turmoil. Now working as Managing Director at Women Political Leaders (WPL), the worldwide network of female politicians, he has a clear vision for the value that more female political leaders can bring into global politics. Listen to his call for action - addressed to everyone from political parties to the general public, women themselves as well as the European Commissioner in charge of gender equality - and share it in your networks!Twitter:@RickZednik and @WPLeadersOrgFacebook:Rick Zednik and @WPLeadersOrg  Linkedin: Rick Zednik and Women Political Leaders (WPL)

Lucia Kleštincová probably wouldn’t work for the European Commission if it wasn’t for the training received from András Baneth – a household name for everyone who ever tried passing very competitive selection process for the European institutions. Listen to their conversation about the Brussels job market, how to build successful careers in the area of EU public affairs and what are the skills to develop if you wish to remain competitive in the future.  Speaking of public affairs, we also look into the myths surrounding this industry and how it differs from questionable lobbying practices. You may also learn about the differences in lobbying the Hill in Washington DC.Follow @andrasbaneth on Twitter!