What’s the secret sauce to being a great leader in today’s world?

On this episode of Timeless Teachings, I sit down with Sascha Menesi, a global leader whose journey spans continents and industries. From his roots in Croatia to a thriving career in the U.S., Sascha’s path is a masterclass in adapting, leading, and thriving across cultures.

We dive into the nuances of leadership—what makes it conscious, empathetic, and transformative. Whether you're leading a team, a business, or just aiming to lead yourself better, Sascha’s insights will inspire you to step up your game.

Tune in to uncover the mindset and strategies behind impactful leadership!

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) What does winning a green card have to do with leadership?
(02:00) From Croatia to Germany: A journey that shaped a leader.
(06:00) How global travel rewires your leadership mindset.
(09:00) What leaders get wrong about working across cultures.
(12:00) Empathy decoded: The secret sauce of great leadership.
(16:00) Micromanagement vs. trust: The battle every leader faces.
(20:00) Are leaders born—or made through life's challenges?
(25:00) Why your childhood shapes the leader you become.
(27:00) The one week that transforms a new hire's success.
(29:00) Sascha’s golden rule for authentic leadership.

Sascha Menesi

Sascha Menesi, a global leadership enthusiast, entrepreneur, and author of "Leading the Way: Unleashing Your Leadership Potential." Over the past 35 years, he had the privilege of working in both corporate and entrepreneurial spaces, helping individuals and organizations unlock their true potential.

Born in Croatia and raised in Germany, he has spent his life exploring and working in incredible places like Dubai, Qatar, Hong Kong, and Switzerland before making the United States his home. These experiences shaped his understanding of leadership and taught him how to connect with people across different cultures and backgrounds.

Connect with Sascha at https://www.linkedin.com/in/saschamenesi/ / sascha@meetus.us

YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Yana has been helping global leaders to realise their full potential since 2012 and interviewing thought leaders and change makers since 2015 . You can find more of her thought-provoking interviews on YanaTV, an online talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful, influential and conscious people of Asia.

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

==► YanaTV: https://youtube.com/@yanatvsg

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Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked among top 3 podcasts in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving full potential.

What’s the secret to an empowered birth experience?

In this episode, I sit down with Ho Kin Ing, a mom of three from Singapore with three incredible and unique birth stories. We met through the Mindful Mama’s Walks, and today she opens up about her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and the wisdom she shares with other moms through her work at Kindle Space.

From navigating anxiety as a first-time mom to embracing primal instincts during a home birth, her story is a powerful reminder of the strength and intuition we all have within. Tune in for heartfelt stories, practical insights, and a celebration of motherhood!

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) How different can three birth stories be?
(01:00) The anxious mom’s first journey begins—what was the biggest surprise?
(03:00) Challenging the myth: Is there only one way to give birth?
(06:00) The mental battle: What changed after a simple 15-minute decision?
(09:00) The power of surrender—how instinct overrides expectations.
(13:00) Beatrice's dramatic entrance: What happens when birth plans collide with reality?
(17:00) Roaring through labour—why embracing primal instincts might just work.
(22:00) Cherish’s arrival: What happens when a birth defies all expectations?
(27:00) A home birth story—raw, real, and unforgettable.
(29:00) What’s your true north? Finding stability through motherhood’s transitions.

Ho Kin Ing

Ms Ho Kin Ing is a passionate advocate for women’s well-being throughout their life stages, with a particular focus on the transformative journey of pregnancy and motherhood. KinIng’s background is a tapestry woven from experience in both the corporate world and the world of wellness. Having honed her leadership skills in Fortune 500 companies and top fashion retailers, she understands the unique demands placed on women in today’s fast-paced environment. However, a deep desire to connect with women on a more profound level led her to pursue a new path – childbirth educator.

https://kindlespace.sg/

YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Yana has been interviewing thought leaders and change makers since 2015 . You can find more of her thought-provoking interviews on YanaTV, an online talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful, influential and conscious people of Asia.

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

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Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked as a top 3 podcast in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving your full potential.

What do you do when after having a successful corporate career for many decades you turn 60 and retire? You go to Africa, of course. And you start bringing other executives with you to help them to reconnect with nature and become better leaders.

Well, at least that’s what Dr. Boy Van Droffelaar did. My guest today is a former corporate executive turned wilderness and leadership guide who, at 60, began leading leadership retreats in the African wilderness. He has done it for 10 years and led his last group when he was 70. With over 2,500 participants joining his transformative journeys, Dr. Van Droffelaar shares his insights on nature’s impact, self-discovery, and the power of silence and presence. Join us as we dive into his journey from boardrooms to riverbanks and what he's learned about leadership, life, and love along the way!

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) What drives a man to reinvent himself at 60?
(03:30) Nature’s “billion-star hotel” – more than just a view
(06:30) Alone in the wilderness: a moment of pure stillness
(08:30) The “talking stick” lesson every leader needs to learn
(12:00) Walking among giants: an unforgettable lesson of respect
(16:30) Can nature reveal who we really are?
(19:30) Age is just a number when you find purpose
(23:00) Why true leadership begins with listening
(29:00) Love and care: the hidden strength in leadership
(32:00) A journey home: discovering what truly matters

Our Guest: Dr. Boy Van Droffelaar
Dr. Boy Van Droffelaar currently works at the Department of Cultural Geography, Wageningen University & Research. He does research in Quantitative Social Research and Qualitative Social Research. Their current project is 'The role of wilderness experiences in leaders' development toward authentic leadership'.

Connect him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boyvandroffelaar/

Your Host: YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Yana has been interviewing thought leaders and change makers since 2015 . You can find more of her thought-provoking interviews on YanaTV, an online talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful, influential and conscious people of Asia.

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

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Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked as a top 3 podcast in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving your full potential.

Women go through so many life changing situations - period, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, menopause….

In this episode, I sit down with Divya, a feminine wellness coach from Singapore who’s on a mission to help women find harmony with their menstrual cycles and hormonal health. She opens up about her personal journey with hormonal struggles, from teenage years to motherhood, and how it shaped her path toward wellness. Together, we dive into the importance of slowing down, reconnecting with our natural rhythms, and embracing kindness to ourselves. This conversation is packed with practical tips every woman can apply to live more balanced and joyful lives!

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) How Divya’s Journey with Hormonal Health Began
(01:30) The Surprising Solution That Worked… Until It Didn’t
(03:30) A Life-Changing Diagnosis After Years of Mystery
(05:00) Real Talk: The Pressure to “Bounce Back” Post-Pregnancy
(08:30) Does Modern Society Fail New Mothers?
(10:00) The Hidden Challenge of Postpartum Anger
(13:00) Rediscovering Purpose Through Personal Healing
(16:30) The Secret Benefits of Following Your Body’s Natural Rhythms
(23:00) How Simple Foods Can Transform Your Health
(36:30) Embracing Kindness: The Advice Every Woman Needs to Hear

Divya Malar Chandragesan
Divya Malar Chandragesan is a personal growth and wellness coach dedicated to empowering individuals to unlock their full potential. With four years in tech and startups, she founded Soulsisters Network Malaysia, a nonprofit supporting women's growth journeys through workshops, wellness events, and mentorship. Her passion for coaching was ignited through her work as a facilitator and mentor, leading her to pursue an ICF accreditation. Divya specializes in guiding motivated individuals through life's transitions, helping them find clarity and purpose as they strive to show up as their best selves.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/divya-malar-chandragesan-b9104812a/

YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Yana has been interviewing thought leaders and change makers since 2015 . You can find more of her thought-provoking interviews on YanaTV, an online talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful, influential and conscious people of Asia.

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

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Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked as a top 3 podcast in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving your full potential.

Is it possible for leaders to balance their responsibilities without burning out? In this episode, I share a personal story that taught me the importance of self-care in leadership. Yesterday, I lost my temper with one of the people in my team - not because that person did something wrong, but because I was very exhausted. This moment made me reflect on how crucial it is for leaders—whether at home or work—to manage their emotions and take care of their well-being. Join me as I explore the simple actions we can take to recharge, lead by example, and create a positive impact on those around us!

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) Why leading starts with taking care of yourself first
(01:30) The moment exhaustion took over – and what it revealed
(03:00) The hidden cost of burnout for leaders
(04:00) How your actions shape those who look up to you
(05:30) What’s your health score? A powerful self-check
(06:30) One simple action to shift your energy today
(08:00) Leading by example: How to truly inspire others
(09:00) The surprising power of proximity in shaping your life
(10:30) Are you lifting people up or dragging them down?

YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Yana has been interviewing thought leaders and change makers since 2015 . You can find more of her thought-provoking interviews on YanaTV, an online talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful, influential and conscious people of Asia.

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

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Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked as a top 3 podcast in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving your full potential.

Are you a power woman, who wants to go to the next level in any area of your life? This episode is for you.

My guest is Taya Stapelfeldt, a Somatic Leadership Coach who’s spent years guiding women toward unlocking their true potential. From raising families to leading businesses, Taya helps women redefine leadership and embrace their feminine energy in profound ways. Join us as we explore what it means to truly lead from a place of embodiment!

IN THIS EPISODE

[00:00] - Singapore to Ibiza: A Connection That Transforms Lives

[01:00] - The Secret Power of Choosing Your Own Name

[03:30] - Breaking Through the Invisible Ceiling of Success

[06:00] - Life Redefined: What Happens When Your Reality Becomes Too Small?

[10:30] - The Feminine Awakening: Tapping into Raw Life Force

[17:00] - The Dance of Intimacy: Discovering the True Tango of Love

[20:30] - Rewriting the Rules: How Women Over 50 are Reinventing Their Lives

[27:00] - Unlocking the Feminine Power: Vulnerability Meets Strength

[32:30] - A 2-Minute Practice to Activate Your Inner Power Anytime, Anywhere

[37:00] - You’re Already There: Embracing the Essence of Who You Truly Are

TAYA STAPELFELDT

Based in Ibiza, Taya Stapelfeldt is a somatic leadership coach, mentor, and embodiment trainer for women entrepreneurs and coaches who want it all: a soul partner, motherhood, and a purpose-driven, flourishing business. Over the years, Taya has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless impactful individuals – among them numerous conscious entrepreneurs, celebrity coaches, speakers, as well as renowned artists, guiding them to embody their Higher Selves and navigate the complexities of life with resilience and purpose. Known to her clients as ‘the woman with the key’ – who has the ‘direct connection to truth,’ the essence of magic can be felt when working with Taya because there is an element of the unexplainable about her results. At the same time, she is a somatic strategist with a laser focus on tangible outcomes for her clients in real life. Her unique approach to somatic mastery combines many years of spiritual practice with leadership coaching, mindset, movement, breath- and energy work that enables clients to transform at every level. In her 1:1 exclusive mentorship, she trains conscious business leaders and coaches in unique somatic skills for sustainable impact.

Connect with her at:

www.soulpilot.org/taya-exclusive

https://www.linkedin.com/in/taya-stapelfeldt-894ab7234/

https://www.instagram.com/tayasomaticleadership/

YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Yana has been interviewing thought leaders and change makers since 2015 . You can find more of her thought-provoking interviews on YanaTV, an online talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful, influential and conscious people of Asia.

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

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Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked as a top 3 podcast in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving your full potential.

What would you do if extreme hair loss transformed your entire life and career?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Xi Ren Yan, who shares her journey of overcoming the challenges of alopecia areata, a condition that led to her losing all her hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. After 20 years in corporate HR, Xi Ren’s experience inspired her to leave that path and focus on mental health and resilience. She now runs her own company, Xel Consulting, where she coaches and trains others on how to manage stress and thrive through her C.A.R.E. framework, a method that helped her through some of the toughest moments in her life. Tune in to hear how Xi Ren turned her struggles into a mission to help others!

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) – From Corporate Leader to Wellness Advocate: How a life-altering experience pushed Xi Ren from HR leadership to wellness coaching.
(01:30) – Stress and Its Hidden Dangers: Xi Ren opens up about the stress that nearly derailed her life and career.
(02:30) – Coping Gone Wrong: How binge eating and punishing workouts masked deeper pain.
(04:30) – The Power of Positivity: What happens when you stop suppressing emotions and choose positivity?
(05:30) – Vulnerability Is Strength: Xi Ren reveals how vulnerability became her greatest asset in healing.
(07:00) – C.A.R.E. Framework: Learn about Xi Ren’s science-backed strategy that’s helped her overcome life’s toughest challenges.
(09:00) – Turning Pain into Purpose: Discover how adversity became the fuel for Xi Ren’s global mission.
(13:00) – Redefining Beauty and Self-Worth: Losing her hair was just the beginning of a deeper transformation.
(15:30) – From Stress to Success: How Xi Ren transitioned from corporate HR to empowering others through wellness.
(22:30) – Dreaming Big: Xi Ren shares her vision of global impact and helping others rise above their struggles.

Our Guest: Xi Ren Yang, Motivational Speaker on Mental Health

At the age of 35, Xi Ren Yang faced a traumatic experience of alopecia areata, which occurred after a period of intense stress and poor stress management. Her condition was severe, resulting in the complete loss of her long, thick hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes, deeply affecting her self-esteem and mental well-being.

Her journey inspired the development of the C.A.R.E. framework, grounded in science, which has helped her navigate personal and professional challenges, including job loss and unemployment during the onset of Covid. Leaving behind a 20-year corporate HR career, Xi founded Xel Consulting to empower professionals, offering coaching, training, and keynote speeches aimed at helping individuals manage work stress and enhance their well-being.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/xi-ren-yang/

YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Yana has been interviewing thought leaders and change makers since 2015 . You can find more of her thought-provoking interviews on YanaTV, an online talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful, influential and conscious people of Asia.

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yanafry

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Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked as a top 3 podcast in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving your full potential.

How do you balance the joys of motherhood with the demands of a fulfilling career? Join me as I sit down with Jiezhen Wu, a fellow conscious leadership coach and mother of two, who has mastered the art of leading a conscious life while nurturing her growing family. In this episode, Jiezhen shares her journey from maternity leave to the boardroom, offering insights on how she helps conscious leaders thrive in their professional and personal lives.

Discover how she navigates the evolving roles of being a mother and a professional, and learn practical tips for finding your own rhythm in the delicate dance of work and family life!

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) How do new mothers manage work and family? Explore the challenges and strategies for balancing professional life with motherhood.
(01:00) What is conscious leadership for mothers? Learn how conscious leadership principles can guide mothers in their dual roles.
(02:30) How does a second child change your career? Understand how becoming a parent of two impacts professional priorities and routines.
(04:00) What should you consider before returning to work? Gain insights from a Harvard professor on the mental and emotional shifts after childbirth.
(09:00) How can you create a work-life playbook? Discover Jiezhen’s approach to designing a flexible and fulfilling work-life balance.
(25:00) Can working mothers have it all? Reflect on what it means to "have it all" and how to prioritize effectively.
(27:00)] How can you stay present as a mother? Learn tips for being fully present with your children and at work.
(31:00) Why is presence more important than perfection? Emphasize the value of being present over striving for perfection in parenting.
(36:00) How can workplaces support returning mothers? Explore ways organizations can better support mothers rejoining the workforce.
(38:00) What does "having it all" mean to you? Reflect on defining success in alignment with your current life stage.

Jiezhen Wu

Jiezhen is a Leadership Consultant and Coach, and a Senior Principal with Korn Ferry in their Leadership Advisory - CEO & Board Practice and is based in the firm's Singapore office. She is committed to helping individuals, teams and organizations find clarity, alignment and ease amidst uncertainty in building a more intentional and conscious world.

Before moving back to Singapore from the United States, Jiezhen was a Senior Consultant and Coach with Linden Leadership as well as an Equity and Inclusion Fellow and part of the Mindful Leaders Collective at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, where she completed her master’s degree focusing on leadership, inclusion and impact.

Connect with her on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jiezhen) and Instagram (instagram.com/jiezhen and Instagram.com/thepossibilityplaybook).

YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Yana has been interviewing thought leaders and change makers since 2015 . You can find more of her thought-provoking interviews on YanaTV, an online talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful, influential and conscious people of Asia.

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yanafry

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Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked as a top 3 podcast in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving your full potential.