February 2025

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this inspiring episode, former Dutch middle-distance runner turned corporate leader, Sanne Wolters-Verstegen, shares her incredible journey from the track to the boardroom.

She reveals how the lessons of resilience, focus, and adaptability from her athletic career shaped her approach to leadership in high-pressure environments.

Discover how teamwork, passion, and embracing what you can control can transform your leadership challenges into opportunities for growth.

Sanne also highlights the power of having mentors and finding joy in the journey to fuel both personal and professional success.

Tune in for actionable insights and a fresh perspective on what it takes to lead with purpose and drive!

You can find Sanne Wolters-Verstegen at the below links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanne-wolters-verstegen-3427212/

In the interview, Sanne shares

• “Commitment and adaptability can bridge the gap between success in sports and leadership in the corporate world.” 
• “Do your best with what you can control and learn to let go of what you can’t. It’s a philosophy that transforms challenges into opportunities.”
• “High-pressure environments teach us to focus on clear goals and ignore distractions beyond our control.”
• “Success is rarely a solo journey – a strong support network is vital, whether in sports or corporate life.”
• “Teamwork and collaboration empower individuals to achieve more than they ever could alone.”
• “Passion turns challenges into joy and transforms routine into an adventure worth pursuing.”
• “Mentors and coaches aren’t just for athletes – they’re essential in driving motivation and clarity in corporate leadership.”
• “Finding joy in the journey is as important as reaching the destination – embrace the process wholeheartedly.”
• “Leadership is like a race: it demands resilience, dedication, and a supportive team to reach the finish line.”
• “Choose leadership in your life – strive for excellence, embrace growth, and make your journey meaningful.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this episode, I sit down with Srikant Chellappa, CEO of Engagedly and author of *Into The Blue: Implementing the Ikigai Philosophy to Create a Meaningful Workplace*.

Together, we explore the transformative power of the “blue zone”—the sweet spot where passion, skills, and organizational needs align.

Srikant shares actionable insights for tackling disengagement, reigniting team passion, and creating workplaces that empower individuals to thrive.

From balancing corporate demands with personal purpose to leading with courage during times of failure, this conversation is packed with strategies to elevate your leadership.

Tune in to discover how to design meaningful work environments that inspire growth, fulfillment, and lasting impact.

You can find Srikant Chellappa at the below links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/srikantchellappa/
https://engagedly.com/

In the interview, Srikant Chellappa shares

• “The blue zone is where passion, skills, and organizational needs converge—a space of true alignment and fulfillment in the workplace.”
• “Misalignments in the workplace often lead to disengagement and burnout. Leaders must act boldly to realign roles and reignite passion.”
• “Recognize when employees have outgrown their roles. Position them in work that sparks joy and unlocks their potential.”
• “Courageous leadership means making tough talent mobility decisions—even if it means letting go of great talent to help them grow.”
• “A healthy workplace thrives on open conversations, trust-building practices, and a culture of continuous learning.”
• “Reigniting team passion requires regular check-ins, honest feedback loops, and opportunities for skill development.”
• “Fulfillment is measurable: well-designed surveys can uncover trends linking employee happiness to business outcomes.”
• “Failure is a part of leadership. Respond with empathy, transparency, and a focus on root cause analysis to build trust and resilience.”
• “A healthcare success story proves that investing in employee development and coaching leads to empowerment and continuous improvement.”
• “Choose leadership daily. Lead with joy, meaning, and pride—not just for yourself, but to inspire those around you.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this episode of “Choosing Leadership,” I sit down with Ritu Mohanka, the inspiring CEO of VONQ, to uncover how intentional choices and authentic leadership can transform careers and lives.

From navigating cultural shifts across continents to embedding trust and innovation in her organization, Ritu shares powerful lessons on resilience, empathy, and servant leadership.

She opens up about balancing family and professional values, leveraging feedback for growth, and the pivotal role of AI in reshaping talent attraction.

Whether you’re a leader striving to empower your team or seeking fresh insights to elevate your leadership style, Ritu’s journey will leave you inspired and ready to take action.

Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with real-world strategies and heartfelt wisdom!

You can find Ritu Mohanka at the below links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritu-mohanka-1337031/
https://www.vonq.com/

In the interview, Ritu shares

• “Intentional choices reshape our paths and motives, paving the way to significant achievements.” 
• “Leadership begins with service. Servant leadership is the cornerstone of organizational success.”
• “Feedback isn’t criticism; it’s a catalyst for growth and a lifelong commitment to learning.” 
• “Children keep me grounded, offering unfiltered honesty that shapes my leadership style.”
• “Trust and innovation are at the heart of my vision as a CEO. Empowering leaders and embedding AI responsibly will define the future of work.” 
• “Resilience and empathy are essential strengths in leadership, enabling us to foster environments of psychological safety.” 
• “Balance may be elusive, but intentional presence allows us to manage energy and priorities effectively.”
• “The leadership journey isn’t linear or easy—it’s a constant process of learning and adaptation.” 
• “Great leaders empower others to take ownership, celebrating openness and accountability as pathways to success.” 
• “Designing a life infused with joy, meaning, and dedication starts with authentic conversations about what truly matters.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Georgios Syntellis, who left the structured world of investment banking to lead a thriving FinTech startup in Greece.

Georgios shares how curiosity and adaptability have shaped his leadership style, offering practical insights for navigating change and embracing growth.

He reveals the secret to building a company culture rooted in trust, integrity, and collaboration—one that empowers teams to thrive.

With parallels between sailing and decision-making, Georgios unpacks the balance between intuition and strategy when leading through uncertainty.

Tune in to discover how you can lead with resilience, foster innovation, and create a legacy of meaningful impact.

You can find Georgios Syntellis at the below links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiossyntelis/
https://www.everypay.gr/

In the interview, Georgios shares

• “Curiosity is the compass that led Georgios Syntellis from investment banking in London to leading a FinTech startup in Athens.”
• “Leadership thrives at the intersection of trust, integrity, and a commitment to continuous learning.”
• “Life’s greatest opportunities often come disguised as abrupt changes—embrace them with courage and curiosity.”
• “Building a strong company culture isn’t just about today; it’s about creating values that resonate far into the future.”
• “Leadership is like sailing—decisions are made with incomplete data, guided by intuition, experience, and strategy.”
• “Georgios sees every challenge as a building block toward becoming a more resourceful and humble leader.”
• “Innovation and cultural evolution must go hand in hand to create workplaces where everyone can thrive.”
• “Failures and successes teach us what spreadsheets cannot—intuition is born from experience.”
• “Georgios reminds us that as leaders, we occupy a small but significant place in shaping the world around us.”
• “Choosing leadership is a daily decision—make it with resilience, humility, and a commitment to growth.”