Entrepreneurs

Abet My Occupation: ‘It’s a terribly keeping apart abilities’: The staunch technique to augment your Muslim colleagues in the route of Ramadan

Published

3 years ago

April 15, 2023

Abet My Occupation: ‘It’s a terribly keeping apart abilities’: The staunch technique to augment your Muslim colleagues in the route of Ramadan

Shaina Zafar aroused from sleep round 4:50 a.m. in Novel York Metropolis, cooked some eggs and ate them with a bagel and coconut water sooner than imsak, a time to discontinue ingesting and ingesting. She prayed and express her intentions for the day sooner than the solar rose. Zafar, the co-founder and chief advertising and marketing and marketing officer of JUV Consulting, went help to sleep sooner than waking all all over again for her work calls round 8 a.m. She had stayed up until midnight to internet up on some work after the nightly prayer.

In Toronto, Thamina Jaferi woke at 3:30 a.m. to express up and exhaust suhoor, the meal sooner than fasting — oatmeal with apples and nuts, some berries, and homemade Pakistani flatbread with minced-meat curry and yogurt — to last her until sunset. She drank two spacious bottles of water and a cup of herbal tea, then prayed. Jaferi managed to fetch some rest sooner than waking up all all over again for her mercurial adjusted work launch time of 10 a.m. in self-discipline of her extraordinary 9 a.m., an accommodation she had requested a month in arrive from her supervisor.

“Our schedule will get grew to develop to be the other plan up in Ramadan,” talked about Jaferi, a senior equity, fluctuate and inclusion consultant at Turner Consulting Group. “It is required to basically wake up in the heart of the night and launch ingesting meals.”

“‘Our schedule will get grew to develop to be the other plan up in Ramadan.’”

— Thamina Jaferi, a senior equity, fluctuate and inclusion consultant at Turner Consulting Group

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar; Muslims abstain from meals and drink from spoil of day until dusk for 29 to 30 days, and additionally alter to a prayer schedule and pray 5 times a day. For some, this additionally choices a lengthy extra prayer at night or in the mosque.

This year, Ramadan began the night of March 22 or March 23, relying on Muslims’ geographic space and sect. It might perhaps perhaps well pause with Eid al-Fitr, the competition and celebration on the discontinue of April that functions feasts, reward-giving and prayers. This year, Eid is anticipated to fall on April 21 or April 22 in North The United States, relying on the first sighting of the new crescent moon in the community.

For Muslims staring at Ramadan, fasting can create their energy ranges fluctuate, and loads might perhaps well suffer fatigue and complications. Taking into myth doable family tasks, the month might perhaps also be namely taxing on an emotional and bodily level. In terms of planning sleep schedules and work conferences, Muslim workers add, it’s repeatedly a game of formulation: Whereas work schedules in loads of Muslim worldwide locations shift in the route of Ramadan, workers in the U.S. and diversified worldwide locations have to work round their existing college or job schedules.

Companies and bosses might perhaps well additionally peaceable draw shut proactive steps to be inclusive of workers staring at Ramadan, experts and advocates narrate, in self-discipline of putting the onus entirely on workers. Nonetheless workers might perhaps well additionally peaceable additionally know their rights so they’ll recommend for his or her maintain lodging, they add.

Gleaming your rights and hunting for lodging

In the U.S., cheap lodging for a employee’s non secular prepare are a get hang of correct under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits employers from discriminating against a particular person due to their flee, coloration, religion, national starting build or sex. The regulations requires an employer to make a “cheap accommodation” to an employee’s non secular prepare except doing so would fetch “undue hardship” — which implies principal problem or financial expense — for the industry.

Cheap lodging and undue hardships are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but most steadily, courts ranking sided with workers who are denied lodging, in step with Muslim Advocates, a national civil-rights team representing American Muslim communities. Weighing undue hardships would hang furious by the price of the lodging, as effectively as their doable to build self-discipline of job effectivity or security at possibility or infringe on diversified workers’ rights, the team talked about in a fact sheet. Spiritual lodging can fluctuate relying on the particular person, and might perhaps well additionally encompass scheduling adjustments or reassigning tasks and tasks, Muslim Advocates talked about.

It’s important for Muslim workers, namely extra junior ones, to know their rights so they’ll ask for what they need, career experts talked about.

“Am I inquiring for too well-known?”, “I don’t undoubtedly need this,” and “They don’t even ranking to know that I’m fasting” are all issues that lumber through younger workers’ minds, Jaferi talked about. The identical goes for workers caring for youths or elders at home, she added.

What self-discipline of job lodging for Ramadan might perhaps well peep love

Gleaming about Ramadan is one thing, but working out what lodging might perhaps well peep love is one more, inclusion experts talked about.

Jaferi talked about she as soon as overheard a supervisor telling a Muslim employee on the phone that they would no longer accommodate the employee’s sound asleep schedule. Whereas she didn’t narrate anything at that moment, she talked about she felt upset on the employee’s behalf.

Sleep schedules must be the main accommodation managers provide in the route of Ramadan, Jaferi talked about. Jaferi, for her share, asks to alter her work hours so that she will fetch a shrimp extra sleep in the morning. She breaks up her sleep for the length of the day into three-hour increments so that she will create decided she meets her prayer schedule and maintains her energy level at work, and as soon as in a whereas takes a brief nap in the route of her lunch spoil.

Zafar, meanwhile, blocks off her calendar for the Friday prayer at 1 p.m., when she heads to the Islamic Center at Novel York University. She additionally schedules shrimp breaks for prayers for the length of the day.

“‘Am I inquiring for too well-known?’, ‘I don’t undoubtedly need this,’ and ‘They don’t even ranking to know that I’m fasting’ are all issues that lumber through younger workers’ minds.”

— Thamina Jaferi, senior equity, fluctuate and inclusion consultant at Turner Consulting Group

For younger workers transitioning from college to work, Ramadan might perhaps well be extra taxing due to the the shift from sitting in lectures to actively participating in conferences, Zafar talked about. And that’s where the flexibleness of working from home can help.

Working from home in the route of Ramadan is “love a dream attain valid,” Jaferi talked about. Having the ability to work remotely brings a technique of administration to no longer easiest your sound asleep schedule but additionally to the living, temperature and atmosphere you might perhaps well must your body in the route of a fleet, she talked about.

Jaferi’s most grueling Ramadans had been when she needed to streak back and forth to work on each day basis, which implies she needed to take care of up after waking up round 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. Jaferi has as soon as in a whereas needed to ship a humidifier into the self-discipline of job, since the dry air made her feel extra dehydrated when she wasn’t ingesting water in the route of the day.

One time, she obtained a nosebleed in the self-discipline of job. Jaferi handled it in the washroom, and her supervisor checked in on her. “They had been undoubtedly nice, but I don’t undoubtedly maintain they undoubtedly understood what I modified into as soon as going through,” Jaferi talked about.

Zafar’s company JUV Consulting published a recordsdata for companies on Ramadan.

Courtesy of JUV Consulting

With Eid drawing attain, permitting workers the flexibleness to draw shut days off is required, Jaferi talked about. The competition is effectively-known from one to three days, relying on the country and the community. On myth of Islam makes pronounce of a lunar calendar, the dates fluctuate by year and geographic space. Muslim workers might perhaps well no longer know the particular days they need off sooner than time, she added.

“I would real direct [my manager] in arrive, ‘Howdy, it would additionally fall from on the present time to on the present time, and let’s thought for contingency,’” Jaferi talked about.

Alternatively, contingency planning might perhaps well peep very diversified from industry to industry, and is steadily simpler for self-discipline of job workers than for those whose work requires bodily labor, Jaferi talked about.

For workers in the service sector, she recommends giving managers and coworkers an early heads up, and furious by alternate choices equivalent to taking on early shifts in self-discipline of heart of the night ones.

‘A terribly keeping apart abilities’

Quiet, many Muslim workers face psychological obstacles to hunting for self-discipline of job lodging, experts talked about. Being Muslim at work basically is a lonely abilities: Muslims myth for easiest about 1% of the U.S. population, by some estimates, no matter creating up a quarter of the realm population.

“Tons of Muslim workers feel love they’re inquiring for too well-known after they don’t maintain there’s a decided majority of Muslim workers available in offices,” Zafar talked about. “It’s a terribly keeping apart abilities to feel love or no longer it is a ways a have to to streak to your supervisor and recommend for yourself.”

That feeling of isolation is compounded by the heightened stereotyping and Islamophobia that Muslim communities in the U.S. ranking experienced since the 11th of September terrorist attacks. The Equal Employment Opportunity Payment and its express and native counterparts ranking viewed a “important prolong” in self-discipline of job-discrimination charges filed since 9/11 by folks perceived to be Muslim, Arab, South Asian or Sikh, in step with the agency.

Islamophobia in the self-discipline of job can draw shut on many kinds, along with no longer easiest bias and discriminatory conduct but additionally offices’ or coworkers’ failure or refusal to accommodate non secular or dietary wants, in step with an infographic by Turner Consulting Group.

More than two-thirds of U.S. Muslims in a national 2020 watch by the University of California, Berkeley’s Othering and Belonging Institute talked about they’d for my fragment experienced Islamophobia one day in their lives, and 94% of respondents talked about Islamophobia impacts their psychological and emotional effectively-being.

“Every time there is a terrorist assault, Muslims the entire time feel as in the event that they’re going to be held accountable,” talked about Hira Ali, a London-based govt coach, speaker and management-improvement specialist who contributes on a long-established basis to the Harvard Business Overview. (Many Muslims in the U.Okay. additionally face discrimination and Islamophobia, surveys and stories ranking proven.)

“I’m a lady of coloration and [an] Asian lady. I’m a working mother, I’m an immigrant, and I’m a Muslim lady,” Ali suggested MarketWatch. “Nonetheless I ranking viewed that me being a Muslim obtained the most hateful feedback from other folks than any of my diversified identities.”

Islam isn’t any longer a monolith: Other folks ranking diversified racial identities, ethnicities, lived experiences and languages, Ali talked about. Nonetheless most Muslim other folks residing in Western societies abilities Islamophobia, she added. This would perhaps well additionally create Muslim workers reluctant to direct their non secular identification, let alone ask for self-discipline of job lodging, experts talked about.

‘The responsibility lies with the organization’

Thanks to the stigma Muslim workers already face, pushing for alternate might perhaps well additionally peaceable no longer be a non-public responsibility for Muslim workers, Ali talked about — rather, organizations and bosses might perhaps well additionally peaceable launch conversations to create the self-discipline of job extra inclusive.

Companies can promote cultural consciousness by growing an inclusive schedule for workers with faith-connected wants, opening discussions to listen to other folks’s issues and thoughts, bringing in guest speakers and senior function objects of the identical faith, and designating inner most rooms as interfaith areas where workers can pray, Ali wrote in a Harvard Business Overview article last year.

Faith inclusivity remains a taboo self-discipline of job topic in loads of worldwide locations, and is steadily no longer integrated in fluctuate, equity and inclusion conversations, Ali talked about.

JUV Consulting’s 2nd annual industry iftar at Zooba gathered extra than 30 industry leaders in 2023.

Courtesy of Shaina Zafar

Offering workers with frameworks and templates to achieve cheap-accommodation conversations is required for constructing a extra inclusive atmosphere for Muslim workers, so they don’t ranking to all all over again and all all over again direct their project to managers, experts suggested MarketWatch.

These might perhaps well draw shut the make of monthly communications equivalent to newsletters, or an organization-extensive announcement: As an illustration, the corporate can project communications on the starting of the month and sooner than important dates equivalent to Eid al-Fitr so that managers and workers are mindful of any anticipated adjustments, in step with a Ramadan recordsdata by Zafar’s company, JUV Consulting.

“You would possibly perhaps well perhaps’t undoubtedly recommend for yourself in case your work atmosphere doesn’t even know if here’s going on,” Zafar talked about.

Alternatively, offices as soon as in a whereas fail to draw shut proactive steps, and workers have to formulation the project themselves. If it comes to that, Ali talked about, Muslim workers can launch by talking to coworkers or managers one on one about their issues, and glance out allies. Beget in thoughts the corporate’s fluctuate initiatives, she added, and save in thoughts starting an employee helpful resource team.

“The responsibility lies with the organization at the start,” Ali talked about. “Nonetheless if the organization isn’t any longer stepping up, then I would narrate you might perhaps well ranking to invent a case. And the plan attain you invent a case? You completely ranking to rally strengthen.”

Nonetheless the biggest thing Muslim workers can attain is draw shut care of themselves, and easiest draw shut on this work if “you might perhaps well additionally attain it in a get hang of potential where you’re being listened to” and “whereas you occur to ranking the psychological capability,” Ali talked about.

Non-Muslim coworkers can provide compassion, collaboration and suppleness

Non-Muslims in the self-discipline of job can strengthen their Muslim colleagues in the route of Ramadan in deal of solutions, experts talked about: They’ll provide to draw shut over or swap shifts to permit Muslim workers to hope for five to 10 minutes, as an illustration. In terms of meeting invites, coworkers might perhaps also be unsleeping of the timing of suhoor and iftar and steer clear of those time slots. They’ll additionally steer clear of scheduling early-morning conferences to permit Muslim coworkers to fetch some sleep.

This is additionally a time when teamwork can attain in at hand, Zafar talked about. As an illustration, her coworker has offered to ranking diversified team contributors participate extra in the route of calls so that Zafar can “piggyback” in self-discipline of bearing the entire public-talking fragment of the meeting, which is draining.

Shaina Zafar and Ziad Ahmed, co-founders of JUV Consulting, at their 2nd annual industry iftar in 2023.

Courtesy of Shaina Zafar

Drinking and ingesting in front of fasting Muslim colleagues is OK, Ali talked about, but steer clear of or reschedule events which might perhaps well be centered on meals or drink. Anticipate about Muslim coworkers’ wants when scheduling networking events and self-discipline of job gatherings, she added. Counting on the time zone and diversified geographical locations, some Muslim workers might perhaps well be fasting for a long time with earlier morning time and later sunsets.

Coworkers can additionally provide to be a sounding board when a Muslim employee has issues about inquiring for lodging, experts talked about. Figuring out and compassion on the percentage of coworkers and bosses are wanted for Muslim workers, they added.

Awareness of Ramadan and non secular lodging for Muslims is growing, but it has a lengthy potential to streak, experts suggested MarketWatch.

Zafar’s Ramadan is devoted to internet hosting many iftars, the night meal to spoil the each day fleet, that would additionally ship together visitors, family, colleagues and young experts in the community. Last year, when she and her co-founder invited CEOs and chief advertising and marketing and marketing officers to an iftar, other folks with two decades of abilities in the corporate world approached them and talked about, “This is the first time I’ve been invited to a industry-connected iftar,” she talked about.

“My co-founder and I had real graduated that earlier year, so we had been ready for to be invited to iftars,” Zafar talked about. “As an replace, we had been those internet hosting them.”

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Mindset: 7 Powerful Secrets to Build an Unstoppable You

Published

3 months ago

October 28, 2025

Ellora Cummins

Introduction: The Foundation of Every Great Entrepreneur

Behind every thriving business lies one defining force — the entrepreneur mindset. It’s not just about ideas or investment; it’s about the belief system, resilience, and hunger to evolve when others quit. Whether you’re starting from a small apartment or running a multimillion-dollar enterprise, your mindset determines how far your vision travels.

1. Embrace Growth Over Perfection

A true entrepreneur knows progress beats perfection. Every success and setback strengthens your mindset. Focus on learning daily — read, listen, and observe those ahead of you. Growth compounds over time, opening doors you never imagined.

Perfection slows momentum; growth builds it. When you prioritize action over ideal outcomes, you evolve faster. Every experience — good or bad — becomes a stepping stone that shapes your entrepreneur mindset and sharpens your vision.

2. Turn Failure into Fuel

Failure isn’t final — it’s feedback. Every setback reveals lessons that guide you toward smarter decisions. The most successful founders don’t avoid failure; they analyze it, learn, and adapt quickly.

When you treat every obstacle as training, resilience becomes your greatest advantage. Failures test your limits but also expand them. Learn to love the lessons hidden inside losses, and your entrepreneur mindset will transform challenges into catalysts for growth.

3. Protect Your Energy and Environment

Your environment defines your direction. Surround yourself with thinkers and doers who push you to grow. Distance yourself from negativity and self-doubt — they drain creativity and confidence.

Energy is currency. Guard it wisely. Spend time where you feel inspired, supported, and challenged to improve. Protecting your space and your spirit ensures that your entrepreneur mindset stays clear, focused, and unstoppable.

entrepreneur mindset

4. Build Relentless Self-Belief

An entrepreneur mindset is built on unwavering confidence. Even when no one sees your vision, keep moving. Your belief must be louder than external noise. Speak affirmations, visualize your goals, and act as if success is already in motion. Confidence is contagious — let it lead.

Doubt is natural, but discipline is stronger. Every time you take action despite uncertainty, you prove to yourself that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about never fearing failure — it’s about trusting that you’ll rise no matter what. When belief meets consistent effort, momentum becomes unstoppable.

5. Adapt Fast, Evolve Faster

Entrepreneurship moves at lightning speed. Markets shift, trends fade, and new technologies rewrite the rules overnight. The best founders don’t just react — they anticipate what’s next. The ability to pivot without losing focus separates leaders from followers.

Adaptability is your greatest edge. Every change brings an opportunity to innovate and refine your strategy. When you embrace uncertainty with confidence, you unlock growth. Evolution isn’t optional — it’s the core of the entrepreneur mindset that keeps you relevant and unstoppable.

6. Lead with Purpose, Not Pressure

Money is a result, not a reason. True entrepreneurs build from purpose, not pressure. When your vision solves a real problem, it inspires loyalty, impact, and long-term success. Passion fuels consistency — far more than profit ever will.

Purpose-driven leadership builds resilience. It keeps you grounded when challenges arise and focused when distractions tempt you. A clear “why” gives direction and drive — the hallmark of a strong entrepreneur mindset.

7. Celebrate Small Wins — They Build Big Momentum

Momentum builds magic. Every milestone, no matter how small, deserves recognition. Celebrating progress strengthens belief, boosts motivation, and reminds you how far you’ve come.

Gratitude fuels growth. When you honor every win — big or small — you turn effort into energy. These moments compound, creating lasting drive and a resilient entrepreneur mindset ready for the next challenge.

The Takeaway: Your Mindset Is Your Legacy

Every entrepreneur faces storms — what separates the resilient from the rest is mindset. Success isn’t born overnight; it’s cultivated daily through choices, discipline, and persistence. Strengthen your entrepreneur mindset, and watch your vision evolve into something extraordinary.

Because every great mindset deserves great visibility — with Level Up PR. We believe powerful stories deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Whether you’re a founder shaping an idea or a leader building an empire, your journey deserves the spotlight. Let your purpose inspire others, your growth create impact, and your brand truly Level Up PR.

Entrepreneurs

How One Security Expert Is Bringing Old-School Principles to a Modern Industry

Published

3 months ago

October 21, 2025

Ellora Cummins

How One Security Expert Is Bringing Old-School Principles to a Modern Industry

In the heart of Los Angeles, where nightlife pulses through the streets of Hollywood and Downtown, one name is quietly becoming synonymous with trust and professionalism in the security industry: OLDPGS – Old Patrolman Guard Services. Founded in 2018 by Hayson Tasher, OLDPGS has quickly risen from a local security outfit to a consultation powerhouse, bridging gaps between businesses and reliable, licensed security management.

Tashera’s journey began not with a business plan, but with licenses. Armed with credentials ranging from security guard certification to bail bondsman, and even a license as a bounty hunter, Hayson asked a simple but transformative question: Why not formalize all of this under one banner? And thus, the California Old West Division of OLDPGS was born, a name that pays homage to the rugged, principled guardians of the past while embracing modern professionalism.

From Raves to Theatres: Early Milestones

OLDPGS opened its doors officially in 2018, quickly making waves in Los Angeles’ entertainment scene. One of the company’s first assignments was providing security for Summertramp, a rave in Downtown LA. “After six bars decided to go in-house, unlicensed, it became clear the industry needed a legally compliant, professional alternative,” Hayson recalls.

Soon, OLDPGS was securing iconic venues like The Fonda Theatre, The Roxy, and El Rey Theatres, cementing a reputation for reliability and meticulous attention to detail. However, as the world shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses went dark, but OLDPGS remained operational as essential workers, underscoring the critical role of security services even in unprecedented times.

Turning Struggles into Strategy

The idea of OLDPGS was born out of both opportunity and necessity. Hayson recognized that many businesses were skirting the law with unlicensed security, often veering into illegal protection schemes. “It’s against the law, and frankly, it’s extortion disguised as safety,” he explains. OLDPGS positions itself as the legal, ethical alternative: a fully licensed security and consultation firm with nationwide affiliates, offering clients peace of mind and professional accountability.

Unlike many in the industry who distance themselves from frontline work, Hayson still works directly on security details, managing operations personally. “Being in the field allows me to understand the challenges firsthand and maintain the quality standards we promise our clients,” he says. This hands-on approach differentiates OLDPGS from competitors and instills confidence in both clients and staff.

Consultation, Management, and Beyond

Today, OLDPGS provides a full spectrum of security management and consultation services, helping businesses navigate the complexities of safety compliance. From risk assessment to deployment strategy, the company’s model emphasizes legal, ethical security solutions. Current expansion talks include acquiring another security firm, further broadening the company’s reach and capabilities.

Looking ahead, Hayson envisions a future where OLDPGS extends beyond consultation and management into retail and training, with stores offering tactical boots, gear, batons, firearms, and dedicated security training centers. The goal: a full ecosystem for security professionals, combining education, equipment, and operational expertise under one trusted brand.

A Message of Opportunity and Responsibility

For Hayson, the core philosophy of OLDPGS extends beyond security. “Opportunity is key,” he emphasizes. His journey illustrates how seizing the right moment, combined with integrity and diligence, can transform both a career and an industry. His advice is simple but profound: Take opportunities seriously, and never compromise on professional standards.

With a growing footprint in California and a vision for nationwide impact, OLDPGS is setting new standards for security management. As Hayson Tasher puts it: “Security you can count on. Security professionals dedicated to a secure environment.”

For businesses seeking professional consultation or reliable security services, OLDPGS represents more than protection, it represents accountability, expertise, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

Entrepreneurs

From Code to Compliance: How Geol Gladson Battu Is Building Trustworthy AI for Global Finance

Published

3 months ago

October 13, 2025

Ellora Cummins

trustworthy-ai-global-finance-geol-battu

In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, the financial world stands at a critical crossroads, balancing innovation with accountability. At the forefront of this transformation is Geol Gladson Battu, Assistant Vice President of Securities Services Technology at Citigroup, author of From Code to Compliance, and a leading advocate for responsible, production-grade AI. His work demonstrates how transparent, auditable, and regulation-aligned AI can redefine compliance, fraud detection, and risk management for the world’s largest financial institutions.

Bridging Technology and Trust in Financial Systems

Battu’s journey began in engineering roles at Infosys and Zwitch Payments, where he mastered the fundamentals of secure, scalable data systems. But it was at Citigroup, over a span of eight years, that his career reached global impact. There, he led modernization programs that replaced legacy reconciliation and surveillance processes with AI-driven automation frameworks.

The results were measurable: predictive models that reduced false positives by up to 30%, shortened reconciliation cycles, and improved audit transparency. These weren’t mere proofs of concept; they were enterprise-grade deployments that balanced cutting-edge performance with the rigorous compliance demands of global banking.

“AI in finance is not just about speed or automation: it’s about trust,” says Battu. “Transparent, resilient, and ethical systems shape a financial future that serves both institutions and people.” His approach emphasizes embedding trust from the ground up, ensuring that AI solutions not only enhance efficiency but also withstand regulatory scrutiny. By focusing on scalability and security early in his career, Battu laid the foundation for innovations that address real-world challenges in high-stakes environments like banking.

This bridging of technology and trust has positioned him as a key figure in transforming how financial institutions approach digital evolution. His hands-on experience highlights the importance of integrating AI with existing systems without compromising on reliability or ethical standards.

Operationalizing Responsible AI Through Innovation and Research

The seed for Battu’s personal brand was planted in a recurring tension: banks wanted AI’s efficiency, but regulators demanded explainability. He realized the key was not just building intelligent systems but ensuring they were traceable, auditable, and compliant from design to deployment.

His pioneering work focused on reducing false positives in fraud detection, enhancing reconciliation accuracy, and enabling regulatory reporting automation. The breakthroughs came from treating AI not as a standalone algorithm but as part of a larger ecosystem of governance and auditability.

That philosophy underpins his book From Code to Compliance, a practical guide that bridges the gap between data science and financial regulation. The book and his research papers presented at IEEE ICCNT 2025 and IEEE ETNCC 2025 offer reproducible frameworks for explainable AI, AML risk scoring, and regulatory audit readiness. His papers, cited more than 50 times on ResearchGate, are helping practitioners and academics alike design AI that regulators can trust.

Battu’s contributions extend beyond theory; they provide actionable strategies for implementing AI in compliance-heavy sectors. By addressing the “black box” nature of many AI models, he advocates for tools that allow stakeholders to understand decision-making processes, thereby fostering greater adoption in risk-averse industries.

Academic Excellence and Future Frameworks for Trustworthy AI

Beyond corporate leadership, Battu’s influence extends to academia and research. He is a Doctorate (DBA) candidate at Indiana Wesleyan University, holds an MSc from the University of South Florida, and contributes as a peer reviewer for IEEE and other journals. His patented design, a UK-registered system for AI-driven financial fraud detection using scalable cloud infrastructure, underscores his ability to innovate across both theory and implementation.

His philosophy is clear: “Regulation and innovation are partners; when we embed compliance into design, we unlock sustainable automation at scale.”

Today, through his practitioner-led FinTech consultancy and advisory work, Battu helps institutions design, pilot, and scale responsible AI frameworks. His services span from model validation playbooks and data governance design to explainability and regulatory mapping workshops. The model is built on measurable KPIs, reducing false alerts, ensuring audit readiness, and improving decision transparency.

Looking ahead, Battu envisions an ecosystem where governance, explainability, and auditability are not afterthoughts but foundational design principles. “My goal,” he says, “is to shift the narrative from ‘AI is risky’ to ‘AI is manageable and auditable.’”

As financial institutions worldwide grapple with evolving regulations and rising risks, Geol Gladson Battu offers a replicable model for what trustworthy AI can look like, not just in concept, but in production. His work is a reminder that the future of finance won’t be defined by algorithms alone, but by the integrity, transparency, and accountability built into them.

Business

Disney Faces Shareholder Concerns Over Jimmy Kimmel Suspension

Published

4 months ago

September 25, 2025

Sahil Sachdeva

cinemaexpress2F2025-09-232F25faepjj2FJimmy-Kimmel-1

The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, is facing growing concerns from shareholders following the recent weeklong suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! host Jimmy Kimmel. The decision, which led to a $4 billion drop in Disney’s stock value, has sparked questions about the influence of political pressures on the company’s choices and raised important discussions about free speech, corporate responsibility, and shareholder trust.

A Call for Transparency

Prominent shareholder groups, including the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the AFL-CIO, and Reporters Without Borders, have come together to demand answers from Disney’s leadership. Represented by esteemed attorney Roberta Kaplan, known for her successful legal work in high-profile cases, these organizations sent a detailed letter to Disney CEO Bob Iger. The letter questions whether the decision to suspend Kimmel was driven by external pressures rather than sound business judgment, potentially violating the company’s fiduciary duties to its investors.

The groups expressed concern that Disney’s actions may have prioritized political considerations over the financial and ethical obligations owed to shareholders. They point to statements from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who reportedly threatened regulatory action following Kimmel’s on-air comments about MAGA and former President Donald Trump’s response to the tragic shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Additionally, major ABC affiliates, including those owned by Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, chose not to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! During the suspension, further complicating the situation.

Nexstar’s role is particularly significant, as the company is currently navigating federal approval for a multibillion-dollar merger with Tegna. Shareholders suggest this may have given affiliates leverage to influence Disney’s decision to temporarily remove Kimmel from the air.

Financial and Ethical Implications

The suspension had a measurable impact on Disney’s financial standing, with the company’s stock value dropping by approximately $4 billion. While this represents a single-digit percentage decline, the scale of the loss has heightened shareholder concerns about the decision’s rationale and its alignment with Disney’s commitment to its investors.

In their letter, the shareholder groups set a five-day deadline for Disney to provide documents and communications related to the suspension. They have also requested that the company preserve all relevant records, including internal discussions and correspondence with affiliates and federal officials. Failure to comply, the groups warned, could lead to legal action, including a potential derivative lawsuit filed on behalf of Disney.

A Broader Conversation About Free Speech

Disney has stated that Kimmel’s suspension stemmed from remarks on his September 15 broadcast, which the company described as “ill-timed” and “insensitive.” However, many see the decision as a response to external pressures, raising concerns about the balance between corporate decision-making and free expression.

Upon his return to Jimmy Kimmel Live! on September 23, Kimmel addressed the controversy with candor, clarifying the intent behind his comments and expressing gratitude for the support he received from viewers, colleagues, and free speech advocates. He also voiced concerns about the broader implications of censorship in the media.

Roberta Kaplan, speaking on behalf of the shareholder groups, emphasized the importance of protecting free speech. “No one, whether a government official or a corporation, should silence someone simply because they disagree with their views,” she said. Kaplan also reflected on ABC’s legacy, noting its history of airing Schoolhouse Rock, a beloved series that educated generations about the U.S. Constitution and the value of democratic principles.

Ongoing Tensions and Next Steps

Despite Kimmel’s return, Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains off the air on stations owned by Nexstar and Sinclair, highlighting lingering tensions between Disney, its affiliates, and regulatory bodies. For shareholders, the situation has prompted deeper questions about Disney’s leadership, its commitment to journalistic independence, and its responsibility to prioritize investor interests.

As the five-day deadline approaches, Disney’s response will be critical in determining whether this issue is resolved or escalates into a larger legal and public relations challenge. What began as a temporary suspension has evolved into a broader conversation about corporate governance, the role of media in upholding free speech, and the delicate balance between external pressures and principled decision-making.

Entrepreneurs

Elon Musk, Andrew Tate, and Nigel Farage: Why Major Figures Are Talking About Samuel Leeds

Published

4 months ago

September 10, 2025

Ellora Cummins

elon musk, andrew and nigel farage on samuel leeds

When property entrepreneur Samuel Leeds went viral earlier this year for turning down a lucrative accommodation deal at one of his boutique hotels, the reaction went far beyond the British press.

Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, reposted Leeds’s video and described him as “a good man” (see post here). The Daily Mail went further, reporting that Musk was “a fan” of Leeds. For Leeds, it was a moment that showed his message resonated well outside his own audience.

elon musk, andrew and nigel farage on samuel leeds

The story also brought him onto GB News, where he was interviewed in primetime by Nigel Farage. Farage did not raise the asylum seeker issue at all. Instead, he asked Leeds about taxation, including the potential National Insurance charge on landlords announced by Rachel Reeves and later referenced in the new budget. GB News producers described themselves as fans of Leeds and treated him as a credible voice on policy and business, not just a one-off viral guest. Later that same evening, Leeds appeared on TalkTV with Alex Phillips, meaning he featured on both major challenger networks in back-to-back primetime slots. You can watch the full GB News debate with Nigel Farage here

Andrew Tate, one of the most widely recognised and controversial entrepreneurs in the world, also spoke publicly in support of Leeds. Responding directly to Musk’s post, Tate praised Leeds as “a real G”, encouraged him to “keep up the good fight”, and said he was proud of him (see post here). For Leeds, these words highlighted the level of attention his work is drawing from some of the most high-profile figures online.

Support has also come from closer to home. Paul Bristow, Member of Parliament for Peterborough, praised Leeds publicly on social media, saying he respected his decision to keep Willingham House open for paying guests rather than converting it into migrant accommodation. Bristow also pointed to the importance of the hotel for the local economy and has since expressed interest in visiting in person.

Leeds is keen to stress that he is first and foremost a businessman. He owns multiple hotels and a nationwide property portfolio. His decision to turn down an offer at Willingham House, worth around £35,000 per month over nearly seven years, was only one example of how he applies his principles to his business.

He accepts that not everyone appreciates his outspoken style. “The people who criticise me online are usually not my customers. They are not wealthy investors, they are not in property, and they have never been to my trainings,” he says. “My students, who are actually building businesses, are the ones who know the real value.”

What is harder to ignore is the calibre of the people engaging with him. Musk’s endorsement in particular cements Leeds as more than just a UK property coach. “You cannot buy that kind of validation,” one observer commented. “It shows that influential voices are paying attention.”

As Leeds continues to grow his portfolio, he is now investing internationally, with projects underway in Africa and the Middle East. Between high-profile entrepreneurs and supportive MPs, his influence is increasingly being recognised in circles far beyond property.

Entrepreneurs

From Zero to 400K Views: Daniel Marrujo Podcast Success

Published

5 months ago

August 27, 2025

Ellora Cummins

Daniel Marrujo Podcast microelectronics success

The Daniel Marrujo Podcast didn’t begin with big sponsors, flashy studios, or a ready-made audience. It started with a simple microphone and a bold idea: to open up the world of microelectronics in a way that felt human and accessible. Today, with over 400,000 views, Marrujo’s podcast has become a surprising voice in a niche industry that is now getting mainstream attention.

The Early Spark of an Unlikely Entrepreneur

Daniel Marrujo wasn’t born into the podcasting industry. Like many entrepreneurs, he started out with nothing more than a passion for technology and a hunger to share stories that mattered. His interest in microelectronics came from years of following how chips, circuits, and tiny components power everything from smartphones to self-driving cars.

Most people overlook microelectronics because it feels too technical, too small, or too distant from everyday life. But Marrujo saw an opening: if he could break down complex ideas into conversations that felt relatable, he could give the field a cultural spotlight. That realization was the entrepreneurial spark that launched his podcasting journey.

Building a Podcast with Zero Listeners

Starting a podcast in today’s crowded market is already an uphill battle. Starting one without a budget, a marketing team, or an established name feels nearly impossible. But Marrujo leaned into what every true entrepreneur understands, you don’t need perfect conditions to begin, you just need consistency.

The early episodes of the Daniel Marrujo Podcast were raw, unpolished, and sometimes only heard by a handful of listeners. Yet Marrujo refused to stop. He treated every guest with the same respect as if he were interviewing a global tech leader. His conversations built trust, his consistency built credibility, and slowly, word began to spread.

Microelectronics: The Invisible Giant

Microelectronics is everywhere, yet often invisible. Every app, every sensor, every device in modern life depends on the relentless innovation of microchips and circuits. For decades, the field existed mostly in research labs, academic journals, and closed-door conferences.

What Marrujo did differently was to open the doors. On the Daniel Marrujo Podcast, engineers, researchers, and founders could share stories without drowning in jargon. Instead of technical papers, listeners heard real conversations, about challenges, risks, failures, and breakthroughs. That accessibility was a game-changer.

Reaching 400K Views — Why It Matters

For big entertainment podcasts, millions of downloads are the norm. But Marrujo’s 400,000 views stand out precisely because of their niche focus. His audience isn’t passive, it’s engaged, loyal, and deeply invested in the topics he covers.

Episodes from the Daniel Marrujo Podcast are shared in university classrooms, research labs, and LinkedIn communities. Startups have cited them while pitching to investors. Students use them as supplemental learning. For some professionals, they serve as the first introduction to an industry that’s shaping the future of technology.

In short, Marrujo didn’t just build a podcast, he built a resource.

Entrepreneurial Lessons from Marrujo’s Journey

Marrujo’s rise from zero to 400K views isn’t just a podcasting success story; it’s an entrepreneurial roadmap. His experience highlights strategies that any creator or founder can apply:

Own Your Niche – Instead of chasing broad trends, Marrujo went deep into microelectronics, a space no one else was talking about in mainstream media.
Consistency Wins – He showed up week after week, even when the audience was tiny. Over time, consistency built momentum.
Authenticity Over Perfection – Listeners connected to Marrujo’s genuine curiosity more than polished production. His authenticity built a real community.
Content Compounds – Each episode became part of a growing library. The more he produced, the more discoverable his podcast became.
Impact Beats Scale – The true power of the Daniel Marrujo Podcast isn’t in millions of views, but in how deeply it resonates with its community.

A New Model for Creators in America

Marrujo’s story reflects a larger entrepreneurial trend in America: niche creators are rewriting the rules of influence. Instead of chasing mass markets, they are going deep into specialized industries and creating content that matters.

This model is powerful because it proves you don’t need millions of followers to build impact, you need the right followers. Whether it’s a YouTube channel on space exploration, a Substack on climate policy, or a podcast on microelectronics, American entrepreneurs are finding that focus is the new growth strategy.

For Marrujo, this meant owning a space that was overlooked, then building a reputation as one of the few voices making it accessible. In an age where every creator is trying to be everywhere, his success shows the value of being indispensable to a few.

The Future of the Daniel Marrujo Podcast

With momentum on his side, Marrujo isn’t slowing down. His podcast continues to bring on new guests, from engineers working on cutting-edge chips to entrepreneurs building hardware startups. The conversations are evolving from “what’s possible” to “what’s next.”

And the future looks bright. As microelectronics becomes more central to America’s economic and technological competitiveness, the demand for accessible storytelling will only grow. Marrujo is positioned not just as a podcaster, but as a cultural translator for one of the most important industries of our time.

Level Up Insight

The rise of the Daniel Marrujo Podcast proves that entrepreneurship in 2025 isn’t only about building products, it’s about building platforms of influence. By turning microelectronics into a conversation, Marrujo has redefined what it means to create value in a niche industry. His success is a reminder that the next wave of entrepreneurs won’t be measured by the size of their audience but by the depth of their impact.

For anyone starting at zero today, Marrujo’s journey offers the clearest lesson: pick your niche, stay consistent, and trust that real conversations still matter.

Entrepreneurs

John E. Wall: Redefining Financial Success Through Personal Transformation

Published

5 months ago

August 14, 2025

Ellora Cummins

John-E-Wall-Transforms-Financial-Success-Mindset

In a world obsessed with “get rich quick” schemes and extreme hustle culture, John E. Wall is challenging the narrative. His philosophy is simple yet profound, which says True financial success doesn’t just live in your bank account; it’s built into your identity.

Rather than teaching shortcuts or promoting deprivation, John focuses on transforming individuals into disciplined, high-performance achievers who can build, protect, and enjoy wealth without sacrificing lifestyle. His approach blends financial literacy, identity transformation coaching, and lifestyle design principles, creating a holistic path to lasting prosperity.

“I don’t just teach financial success, I engineer the personal transformation required to achieve and sustain it,” John says.

Breaking Away from the Scarcity Mindset

While many financial coaches push the “cut every expense” mentality, John believes wealth building should be sustainable, not restrictive. He teaches clients how to grow their finances while living a life of elegance, purpose, and impact.

“Through a rare blend of executive coaching, wealth strategy, and lifestyle design, I help people build and protect wealth without living like a monk,” he explains.

This mindset has made John a sought-after public speaker, executive coach, and financial consultant, attracting high-achieving clients who want both financial growth and a fulfilling lifestyle.

The Frameworks That Drive Transformation

At the heart of John’s coaching are two proprietary systems:

The P.A.C.E. System – For Identity Transformation

Perspective – Redefining how you view opportunity, challenges, and self-worth.
Alignment – Ensuring daily actions match long-term goals and values.
Clarity – Defining your desired lifestyle and measurable outcomes.
Execution – Building habits and discipline that make success inevitable.

The S.H.I.F.T. System – For Financial Transformation

Set Your Internal Programming
Harness High Income Thinking
Implement Strategic Money Management
Follow the Path of Value & Leverage
Transform Through Consistency & Growth

Through these frameworks, John equips clients with mindset mastery, strategic habits, and tailored wealth strategies, allowing them to enjoy the rewards in real time, not just in retirement.

Integration with Wise Financial

John’s expertise extends to his role as a financial consultant at Wise Financial, where he merges strategic wealth planning with emotional intelligence. This unique blend helps clients move seamlessly from vision to action, pairing personal development with custom financial solutions.

To John, public speaking, executive coaching, and financial consulting aren’t separate professions, they’re interconnected parts of a single mission:

“Transform who you are so financial freedom becomes not just possible, but inevitable.”

The Psychology Behind His Method

John draws on emotional intelligence, stoicism, and Adlerian psychology to help clients develop the resilience needed to sustain high performance.

From Stoicism, he teaches the discipline to act with virtue under pressure
From Adlerian psychology, he reinforces the power of choice and responsibility
From Emotional Intelligence, he equips clients to lead themselves and others effectively

From Stage to Strategy

Whether speaking at conferences or in one-on-one coaching, John is instructional and results-driven. On stage, he guides audiences through live identity shifts, showing them exactly how to evolve their thinking, habits, and financial decisions. In private coaching, he translates those insights into step-by-step, personalized strategies that align lifestyle desires with financial goals.

One client summed up the experience:

“John gave me clear advice and actionable material that finally gave me a starting point on my investment journey. Now I feel confident moving forward, and I can’t wait to work with him again.”

What’s Next for John E. Wall

With demand for his expertise growing, John is expanding his speaking engagements, workshops, and high-impact coaching programs. His upcoming initiatives aim to equip more professionals with the tools to elevate their identity, master their finances, and design a life of intention.

For those ready to rewrite their personal and financial story, John E. Wall isn’t just another speaker, he’s a strategist for lasting transformation.

For bookings, partnerships, or coaching inquiries: jevan.wall@gmail.com

Business

Breaking Barriers: The Challenges and Triumphs Behind Sahil Khanna’s Journey

Published

5 months ago

August 13, 2025

Ellora Cummins

breaking-barriers-sahil-khanna's-Inspiring-journey

Sahil Khanna’s path from a chemical engineer to a digital marketing pioneer is a powerful story of overcoming obstacles and defying the odds. From his humble beginnings as a student balancing studies and freelancing to building and selling a 100-crore digital marketing agency, Sahil’s journey exemplifies persistence, strategic thinking, and the ability to turn challenges into triumphs.

The Early Struggles: A Balancing Act

Sahil’s journey began with a simple yet profound idea: to merge his engineering background with his growing passion for digital marketing. During his undergraduate years, he took on his first client while still studying chemical engineering. However, the transition from engineering to digital marketing was no easy feat. Juggling academic commitments and freelancing required immense dedication and time management skills.

The real turning point came during his MBA studies, where Sahil’s vision started to take shape. Balancing the demands of his coursework, a part-time job, and freelancing, he began building a virtual agency. But this period was fraught with challenges, managing clients while still learning the intricacies of digital marketing was not easy. It demanded relentless determination and an ability to pivot quickly when necessary.

Turning Point: The Shift to Entrepreneurship

After completing his MBA, Sahil worked in a corporate job to gain more experience. However, it didn’t take long for him to realize that his true calling lay in entrepreneurship. With his growing expertise in digital marketing, Sahil made the bold decision to leave his job and focus fully on his agency. This was not an easy decision, and it came with its own set of risks, including the fear of failure and uncertainty. But his commitment to his vision was unwavering.

During this phase, Sahil faced the challenge of scaling his operations. As he transformed his virtual agency into a full-fledged digital marketing company, the competition grew fiercer. But Sahil’s approach, which combined technical expertise with marketing strategies, paid off. His agency flourished, ultimately reaching a point where it was sold for over 100 crores, a testament to the value he had built through hard work and smart decision-making.

Reinventing Himself: A Passion for Content Creation

Despite his success in digital marketing, Sahil recognized a shift in the industry. As businesses sought ways to establish strong digital identities, Sahil saw an opportunity to evolve once again. His next move was to dive into content creation, seeing it as the next frontier for digital success.

Starting with his own YouTube channels, Sahil built a following by offering accessible, actionable digital marketing insights. His dedication to simplifying complex marketing concepts set him apart from others in the space, earning him a loyal audience. Over time, Sahil scaled his content creation efforts, launching 7 YouTube channels, which collectively garnered over 2 million subscribers.

Building a Personal Branding Empire

Sahil’s passion for content creation didn’t stop at YouTube. He recognized the growing demand for personal branding solutions and launched a full-service content creation agency. This new venture focused on providing end-to-end services, from setting up YouTube channels to editing and publishing, offering entrepreneurs and business owners the tools to build their personal brands.

Despite facing the challenge of starting from scratch in this new domain, Sahil’s experience in digital marketing allowed him to navigate the content creation landscape with ease. His success in this venture is a result of his deep understanding of both technical and creative aspects, which gave him the edge in a highly competitive market.

Empowering Others: The Solopreneur Blueprint

One of Sahil’s greatest triumphs has been his ability to mentor and inspire others. Through his “Solopreneur Blueprint” program, he shares his expertise with individuals looking to build their own successful digital ventures. This program, which teaches aspiring entrepreneurs to create high-margin agency businesses with minimal overhead, is a culmination of Sahil’s own experiences.

The program emphasizes personal branding, automation, and digital leadership, providing actionable advice and real-world training. By empowering others to break free from traditional work structures, Sahil is giving them the tools to become the CEOs of their own lives, further cementing his legacy as not just a digital marketing expert but a mentor and leader.

A Legacy of Overcoming Challenges

Sahil Khanna’s story is one of breaking barriers at every stage of his journey. From balancing studies and freelancing to scaling and selling a multi-crore agency, Sahil’s ability to turn obstacles into stepping stones is a testament to his perseverance. His transition from digital marketing to content creation and his efforts to empower other entrepreneurs through his “Solopreneur Blueprint” program showcase his commitment to continuous growth and helping others achieve success.

Sahil’s journey proves that with the right mindset, any challenge can be transformed into a triumph, and every setback can serve as the foundation for future success. As he continues to shape the digital marketing landscape and mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs, his legacy will undoubtedly inspire others to break through their own barriers and achieve greatness.

Entrepreneurs

From Ancient Wisdom to Zero Limits: Lidia Kuleshnyk’s Revolutionary Approach to Executive Wellness

Published

6 months ago

July 14, 2025

Sahil Sachdeva

from-ancient-wellness-to-zero-limits-lidia-kuleshnyks

How a wellness visionary is transforming high-performance coaching by bridging 12 Ancient Universal Principles with modern executive needs*

In a world where executive burnout has reached epidemic proportions and traditional wellness approaches fall short, one visionary is pioneering a revolutionary path forward. Lidia Kuleshnyk, known as Lady Apona, isn’t just another wellness coach, she’s a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern high-performance needs, recently featured in the groundbreaking “Zero Limits” movie alongside renowned author Dr. Joe Vitale.

The Zero Limits Connection: Where Ancient Meets Infinite

Kuleshnyk’s feature in the Zero Limits Movie represents more than just recognition, it’s validation of her unique approach to achieving what she calls “the Zero Point of all possibilities.” In the film, she shares her transformative story of healing chronic illness and demonstrates how equine therapy can activate the peace and empowerment that already exists within each person.

“The Zero Point is that place of mastering Taoist non-attachment where you can easily discern and deflect external stressors,” explains Kuleshnyk. “It’s becoming the Buddha, sitting in the middle of the burning inferno, untouched by the flames around you.”

This isn’t metaphorical philosophy, it’s practical methodology that has earned her recognition as a recipient of the Ranath Media Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 and multiple industry honors.

Beyond Mindset: The 12 Ancient Universal Principles Revolution

While mainstream coaching focuses on mindset shifts, Kuleshnyk goes deeper, utilizing what she calls her “12 Ancient Universal Principles” based on Taoist non-attachment. These principles, combined with her three pillars of lasting self-empowerment, Being Centered, Connected, and Conscious™, create what she describes as “a flow state where one moves beyond mindset into a new paradigm of what is possible.”

This approach resonates powerfully with her target audience: overworked CEOs, C-Suite executives, and high performers who’ve mastered traditional success strategies but still struggle with chronic stress and burnout.

“Unlike modern mindset approaches, I have 30 years of expertise in deep healing and deep transformation,” Kuleshnyk notes. “I help clients resolve not just performance issues, but chronic illness, terminal diagnoses, and the chronic stress that leads to serious health conditions.”

The Evolving Self-Mastery Mastermind: Where Leaders Transform

At the pinnacle of Kuleshnyk’s offerings sits her exclusive “Evolving Self-Mastery: Mindset, Power, and Consciousness for Limitless Growth” mastermind, a program designed for executives and thought leaders who have already mastered high-level skills but are ready to expand into new frontiers of their limitless potential.

“This mastermind is a circle of conscious leaders who are the pioneers of expanding consciousness,” she explains. “They’re applying wisdom to experience unprecedented heights of growth while helping humanity navigate this incredible paradigm shift in human consciousness.”

One executive client captured the transformative power of her approach: “With your focused presence, you activated within me parts of myself that were yearning to come out, but I couldn’t access on my own.”

The Healing Power of Horses: Ancient Wisdom in Action

What truly sets Kuleshnyk apart is her integration of equine therapy into high-performance coaching. At her horse rescue sanctuary, Apona Healing Ranch in Ontario, Canada, she demonstrates how “honouring the divinity of horses” helps leaders connect with their own divinity and remember their self-worth and empowerment.

“When we stand in stillness, silence, and presence with horses, their unconditional love activates our intuition, heart, and spirit,” she shares. “This dissolves barriers and creates lasting connection of inner peace and strength.”

Turning Crisis Into Success: The Conscious Leadership Imperative

Kuleshnyk’s ultimate message transcends individual transformation. She’s passionate about empowering conscious leaders to feel secure and confident in their ability to “turn any crisis or situation into success and activate human potential to turn lead into gold.”

Her signature program, “The High Performer’s Secret: 90 Days to Conquer Stress, End Burnout and Create More Energy,” offers a streamlined system for busy executives, while her mastermind provides ongoing support for sustained transformation.

The Future of Executive Wellness

As traditional approaches to executive wellness prove insufficient for modern challenges, Kuleshnyk’s ancient-meets-modern methodology offers what New York Weekly called “something increasingly precious: a sustainable path to true power, performance, and possibility.”

Her approach addresses a critical gap in the market, while coaches like Tony Robbins and Brendon Burchard focus on performance optimization, Kuleshnyk uniquely combines deep healing expertise with high-performance coaching, creating what she calls “the roadmap to exponential success.”

Reclaiming Sovereignty in Leadership

“What makes my approach unique is that it’s not just about achieving goals,” Kuleshnyk emphasizes. “It’s about reclaiming your sovereignty, living as the conscious leader of your life, and becoming a conscious leader of the world.”

This vision of conscious leadership couldn’t be more timely. As executives face unprecedented challenges—from global uncertainty to personal burnout, Kuleshnyk’s integration of ancient universal principles with modern coaching creates a trusted pathway to lasting transformation.

The Zero Limits Life: A New Paradigm

Through her feature in the Zero Limits Movie and her comprehensive coaching programs, Kuleshnyk offers executives something rarely found in traditional wellness approaches: a methodology that addresses the root causes of stress while building sustainable foundations for limitless growth.

“Each person can achieve their goals and dreams, create a limitless life and attract miracles, in any circumstance, with lasting self-empowerment,” she states. “This is about moving beyond what you thought was possible and claiming your place as a great conscious leader.”

For executives ready to move beyond traditional mindset work and into the realm of conscious leadership, Kuleshnyk’s approach represents not just personal transformation, but a pathway to becoming the visionary leaders humanity needs during these transformative times.

—

*To learn more about Lidia Kuleshnyk’s:

Zero Limits Movie feature, and the Zero Limits Movie Movement, visit www.AponaHealing.com/movies

Zero Limits Movie is scheduled to be released in September 2025

High Performance Wellness Coaching Programs, including the exclusive “Evolving Self-Mastery” Mastermind, visit www.AponaHealing.com/coaching

*For interviews, speaking engagements, or additional information about Lidia Kuleshnyk’s four pathways to wellness programs and Zero Limits Movie feature, visit www.AponaHealing.com

Entrepreneurs

Unconventional Wisdom for the Scrappy CEO: Colin Davis on Coaching Underdog Entrepreneurs

Published

6 months ago

July 14, 2025

Ellora Cummins

coaching-underdog-entrepreneur-insights-colin-davis

When underdog entrepreneurs go looking for a coach, they’re not chasing credentials, they’re searching for someone who understands the weight of real leadership and the complexity of building something from the ground up. That’s the heart of First Principles Coaching, based in Richmond, Virginia. The founder of First Principles Coaching, Colin Davis, helps small business owners cut through complexity, stay accountable, and lead with clarity by drawing on real-world experience and timeless principles, not trendy corporate theory.

From Monk to Mentor: A Journey of Purpose

Colin’s professional story doesn’t start in a boardroom, it starts in silence. For nine years, he lived as a missionary and monk, cultivating habits of mindfulness, discipline, and deep listening. In that time, he helped churches and ministries align their teams, grow their communities, and find shared purpose skills that would later become central to his coaching philosophy.

But it wasn’t until later in life, after years of leading church organizations and nonprofit teams, that Colin felt the pull toward entrepreneurship. “I saw how small businesses could transform communities, families, and individual lives,” he explains. “It reminded me of my dad, who lost everything in business, and then rebuilt it from scratch. That had a profound impact on me.”

First Principles Coaching: Built for the Underdog

Colin didn’t launch First Principles Coaching with a flashy investor pitch or Silicon Valley buzz. He built it on grit, trust, and one core belief: small business owners deserve the same level of strategic and personal support that executives at large companies get.

His coaching practice focuses on founders with teams of 2–10 employees, often bootstrapped businesses that have grown organically but now face the challenges that come with scale. These entrepreneurs are often overwhelmed, misaligned, and stuck. Colin steps in with a unique hybrid model that combines:

A proven curriculum on time management, systems, mindset, and team building
Custom coaching to address real-time problems as they arise
Psychological insight into how leadership and emotion intersect
Holistic systems thinking that looks beyond surface symptoms

This approach has led to tangible results. Two of his clients recently saw 3x revenue growth over 2.5 years. The average growth across all clients? A remarkable 40%. But Colin is quick to emphasize: “The real success isn’t just revenue, it’s alignment. When a business owner becomes the best version of themselves, the business transforms too.”

Coaching Without Credentials And Proud of It

The executive coaching industry often leans heavily on titles and degrees. But Colin believes lived experience, self-awareness, and results matter more. “Like most of my clients, I don’t have an Ivy League education, but I know what it means to lead under pressure, to navigate failure, and to help others do the same,” he says. “My first principles come from philosophy, psychology, and most importantly, real life.”

His work is inspired by ancient thinkers like Socrates, Aristotle, and Epictetus. These thinkers emphasized knowing oneself before leading others, a principle Colin lives by. In fact, the name First Principles Coaching draws directly from this idea: get to the root, understand the cause, build from the foundation.

Why Small Business? Why Now?

Colin has a soft spot for very small businesses, and it’s deeply personal. “My dad was a small business owner. I saw him fail, and I saw him rise again. I know the highs and the heartbreaks. That’s why I work with founders who are in the trenches. They don’t need jargon. They need clarity, accountability, and a strategy that works.”

And in today’s economic climate, where uncertainty is the norm, Colin’s grounded, no-nonsense coaching is a lifeline for many. Surprisingly, the recession hasn’t dented his business. In fact, it’s made his value clearer. “When everything feels unstable, you need someone who can help you make sense of the chaos and build on solid foundations.”

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Colin envisions growing First Principles Coaching into a national or even international coaching firm with a small team of like-minded coaches serving entrepreneurs across the spectrum, from startup solopreneurs to executive teams. But his ultimate goal goes beyond numbers: he wants to spark a ripple effect of purpose-driven leadership. He imagines communities transformed, relationships deepened, and business owners who are more fulfilled, not just more profitable.

Colin Davis may not fit the traditional mold, but maybe that’s the point. He’s not offering glossy slogans or recycled frameworks. He’s offering something far more important in today’s business world: mental clarity, alignment from the inside out, and real results.

With Colin Davis, coaching isn’t about credentials. It’s about character. It’s about results. And it’s about finally becoming the kind of leader your purpose in life calls you to.