Vidya By Pia & Bart

In this episode, we explore the emotional responses that arise from common, everyday triggers, focusing on how we become aware of and manage them. The conversation starts with a look at the stress of queuing at airport gates, where many of us experience heightened anxiety over small things, like whether there will be space for our luggage. Even when we know the anxiety is irrational, it persists. This leads us to reflect on how being conscious of these reactions allows us to manage them better over time, even if they remain part of our lives. We touch on various examples, from stress at the airport to dealing with unknown callers and the immediate negative reactions they evoke. We delve deeper into the concept of triggers—both positive and negative—and how they influence our energy and interactions with the world around us. For example, the feeling of anger after hitting our head or the satisfaction of seeing a free taxi can have immediate emotional impacts. These triggers shape our behaviour and, by extensio

In this podcast episode, we delve into the concept of mentorship, tracing its historical roots back to figures like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle and exploring its evolution into the modern corporate and personal development contexts. We discuss the distinctions and overlaps between mentorship and coaching, pondering how each plays a role in personal and professional growth. The conversation reflects on how mentorship has been a fundamental part of human development, facilitating the transfer of wisdom across generations. We consider the nature of mentorship as a relationship where more experienced individuals share their knowledge. This is similar to and different from coaching, which is often more structured and may not require the coach to have direct experience in the same fields as their clients. Further, we explore our personal experiences with mentorship, both as mentors and mentees. We discuss how the mentorship dynamics can vary, emphasising that while mentors typically offer guidance drawn from the

In this podcast episode, we come back to one of our favourite topics: Learning. We discuss the importance of understanding and leveraging personal strengths in professional and personal development. By recounting our experiences from the past when learning wasn't a consciously integrated part of our lives to now, where it forms a crucial aspect of our daily activities, we emphasise the transformative power of learning. This reflection leads us to consider the various ways learning has shaped our careers, hobbies, and self-awareness, highlighting the shift from passive to active and intentional learning. We discuss how learning is intertwined with our values and how it manifests in different aspects of our lives, such as professional development, personal interests like drawing and cooking, and even understanding complex concepts through formal education or self-driven inquiry. The conversation brings to light the notion that learning can be a highly motivating factor, enhancing mastery and personal growth. W

In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of the "corporate athlete," comparing the performance and preparation strategies of professional athletes to those of corporate professionals. The discussion begins with reflections on the Olympic Games, noting how athletes meticulously prepare for major events, emphasizing the importance of recovery, rest, and focus. We highlight the concept of categorizing tasks into A, B, and C "races," with A races being the most critical events requiring peak performance, while B and C races serve as preparation or less critical tasks. The conversation underscores the importance of planning, sustainability, and focus in corporate life, drawing parallels with how athletes manage their careers over the long term. We discuss the necessity of distinguishing between critical and less critical tasks, advocating for rest before major "races" and embracing a mindset that prioritizes recovery and resilience. The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to identify their "A races"

In this podcast episode, we delve into the profound influence that the people closest to us have on our personal growth and development. We explore the idea that "you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with," reflecting on how our relationships shape who we are. We discuss the dynamic nature of these relationships, noting that as the people around us change, so do we. This conversation is intertwined with personal anecdotes about family and the deliberate efforts to maintain strong sibling connections through annual trips and activities, emphasising the importance of intentional time spent together despite life’s inevitable changes. Furthermore, we touch on reconnecting with old friends and the surprising depth and renewal these rekindled relationships can bring. This discussion branches into the strategies for maintaining these relationships, such as setting expectations and recognising the different roles various friends play in our lives. We highlight how these relationships mirror

In this podcast episode, we explore the profound concept of rhythm in life as a more dynamic and integrated approach compared to the traditional notion of work-life balance. We recount a journey to Santiago de Compostela, where the experience of walking the pilgrimage illuminated thoughts about personal and environmental rhythms. We discuss how different rhythms, such as daily cycles and life stages, influence our actions and well-being. The conversation extends to how understanding these rhythms can lead to better integration of work and life, suggesting that life is not about balancing static elements but rather flowing with the natural rhythms that govern our existence. Delving deeper, we reflect on how aligning with these natural rhythms—like those of sleep and wakefulness influenced by natural light—can enhance our health and productivity. The idea is extended metaphorically to organisations, comparing the life stages of a company to seasons, which highlights the importance of adapting to each phase for

In this episode, we discuss the common misconceptions about healthy eating, emphasising that what is considered healthy can vary greatly among individuals. Our conversation highlights that ultra-processed foods like vegan burgers and certain breakfast cereals are often mistakenly perceived as healthy. We also touch on the importance of understanding what constitutes ultra-processed foods and their potential health implications. We further discuss the significance of whole foods, using examples like eggs and yoghurt, and the evolving perceptions of their health benefits over time. Then, we delve into broader aspects of nutrition, including the importance of timing of food intake, calorie intake, and diet variety. We advocate for a balanced approach to eating, suggesting an 80/20 rule where 80% of the diet consists of healthy, whole foods, and 20% allows for flexibility. We emphasise the importance of gut health, recommending a diet rich in fibre (prebiotics) and fermented foods (probiotics). The conversation a

In this podcast episode, we delve into the concept and importance of stillness in achieving clarity, productivity, and overall well-being. We share our personal experiences and the challenges of slowing down in a fast-paced world, highlighting that the discomfort felt during slower moments can actually lead to greater productivity and insight. Our discussion draws on insights from Ryan Holiday's book "Stillness is the Key," emphasising stillness as a universally recognised virtue across various philosophies and religions. We explore different methods to achieve stillness, such as meditation, yoga, and reducing distractions, and underscore their significance for mental and physical health. Additionally, we discuss practical applications and benefits of stillness, including enhanced creativity, more profound gratitude, and improved personal connections. We share anecdotes and strategies for integrating stillness into daily life, such as engaging in slow activities, practising mindfulness, and setting intention

On our business development trip to Spain, we find ourselves going for a run in the morning and realise we have quite different approaches to running. One of us is more structured, more planned, and measures and analyses a lot more data. The other just runs. You guess which is which! During our conversation, we delve into the reasons behind our fitness routines. We exercise for various reasons: the feeling of well-being, the joy of physical movement, the impact on our health, and the mental benefits like clarity and problem-solving. We also value the social connections, mental well-being, and personal growth that come with exercise. We emphasise the importance of incorporating various forms of exercise, including strength and resistance training, flexibility work, stability training and different intensities of cardio training, to maintain a balanced and holistic approach to our well-being. We also stress the importance of a varied exercise routine on our health and longevity, maximising the chances of stay

In this conversation, we delve deeper into the fascinating realm of emotions and, in particular, negative emotions and how we can effectively deal with them. We reflect on our experiences with these emotions and explore the concept of Stoicism, an ancient philosophy that offers valuable insights into managing and minimising the impact of negativity in our lives. Moreover, we stress the significance of using negative emotions as sources of insight, leveraging them to enhance emotional intelligence and make informed decisions in our pursuit of personal growth and well-being. Our discussion highlights practical Stoic tools for navigating everyday challenges, emphasising the importance of understanding and addressing negative emotions. By reframing situations and embracing a Stoic perspective, we aim to limit the influence of these emotions and foster a more tranquil and virtuous life. In essence, this conversation revolves around the powerful techniques and philosophies that enable us to gain mastery over our e

In this conversation, we explore the significance of questions and their diverse applications in various roles and settings. Questions serve as connectors, bridging emotions, thoughts, and being. They create space for exploration, authenticity, and deeper understanding. The intention behind a question is crucial, and a curious, positive vibe enhances its impact. Being present in a dialogue is essential for conveying the true purpose behind a question. Concise, well-articulated questions often carry more weight, and silence can be a powerful tool in fostering reflection and deeper conversation. We also delve into how questions can be a valuable tool in parent-child relationships, helping parents connect with teenagers and young adults who may be entering a more closed-off phase. By asking open, thought-provoking questions, parents can engage their children in meaningful conversations. Similarly, questions can be a bridge to connect with older generations, allowing us to tap into their wisdom and gain perspect

We find ourselves in a recording studio surrounded by professional sound equipment, creating an environment that truly excites at least one of us! As we sit together, one of us with an analogue notebook and the other with a laptop, we reflect on our evolving note-taking habits. While acknowledging the shift towards electronic notes, we also appreciate the enduring charm of handwritten notes. Our discussion unfolds, transitioning into exploring the multifaceted world of note-taking, encompassing journaling, gratitude writing, meeting notes, reflection notes and learning summaries. We emphasise that note-taking is more than daily reflections; it's a versatile practice with numerous applications. The conversation pivots to the compelling reasons behind note-taking, delving into its power as a memory aid, an accurate record keeper, and an invaluable tool for introspection and personal growth. We stress the significance of documenting our thoughts, emotions, learnings and meeting details, highlighting the enduri

When we think about the words "stability" or "grounding," it conjures up feelings of calmness, peace, relaxation, and overall well-being. It's akin to maintaining a solid foundation that keeps us safe from harm. Conversely, an excess of stability or grounding can lead to sluggishness, weight gain, and inflexibility. For us, the concept of grounding extends beyond the physical realm. It's about finding our inner core, a point of navigation, and using it as a base from which we can explore and grow, both personally and physically. Just as we ensure stability before doing a squat in the gym, we see the importance of grounding in life. It's like having a safe haven to return to after adventures or experiences, a place where we can do simple, stabilizing activities like tidying our homes or indulging in comfort foods. Grounding provides a sense of balance amidst life's changes, allowing us to venture out while always knowing where we can come back to.

In today’s conversation, we discuss leadership and its evolution in our programs. Over time, we've refined our approach, focusing on key leadership aspects. We explore the difference between leadership and management, emphasising how leadership goes beyond traditional roles. Our discussion highlights these essential elements in the leadership toolbox: Presence: Being fully engaged in the present moment, achieved through practices like mindfulness. Learning and Growth Mindset: Continuously seeking knowledge, embracing mistakes, and fostering personal growth. Self-awareness: Understanding one's personality and learning preferences, recognising learning obstacles, and appreciating diverse personalities. Culture and Values: Acknowledging personal values' role in shaping organisational culture and understanding the real impact - beyond written statements. Well-being: Prioritizing physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being, which leaders role model to their teams. Motivation: Inspiring and motivating team

In today’s conversation, we explore the concept of simplicity and how it differs in our perceptions. We share our personal associations with simplicity and discuss contrasting notions of simplicity and complexity in various aspects of life, such as travel, lifestyle, possessions, and relationships. As we delve deeper, we realize that simplicity can be considered internal and external. Internally, we aim to reduce worry and declutter our minds, while externally, we strive for fewer possessions and intentional decision-making. We appreciate the benefits of simplicity, including reduced stress, enhanced mindfulness, and improved sleep. However, we acknowledge that simplicity is subjective and can be pursued in different ways based on our individual values, preferences, and circumstances. Ultimately, we believe that embracing simplicity, whether in thought, possessions, or lifestyle, may bring a sense of ease, mindfulness, and reduced worry to our lives.

In today’s episode, we delve into the realm of personal growth, revisiting the topic we addressed in the episode of November 2022. We explore the reasons behind engaging in personal growth, highlighting the universal and individual benefits it brings. Reflecting on the influential people in our lives, we recognize the significance of journaling and reflection as essential tools for self-coaching and inner dialogue. We emphasize the importance of accountability and community support, whether through WhatsApp groups or habit trackers, in fostering personal growth. Deliberate reading becomes a valuable practice, allowing us to seek inspiration and insight from books that resonate with our present journey. Additionally, we encourage creating intentional experiences infused with fun, adventure, and curiosity, setting the stage for personal development. Our discussion presents practical steps to embark on this transformative journey, emphasizing self-awareness, intentionality, and the power of community support. As

Today’s discussion revolves around our recognition of the importance of connection and the need to reconnect with others, ourselves, and content. We acknowledge that in our fast-paced lives, we often underestimate the significance of meaningful connections. We believe in the value of intentional and authentic connections, where we show up authentically, actively listen, and seek to understand before being understood. We also discuss the impact of technology on our connections, acknowledging that while it offers convenience, it can lead to superficial interactions and a sense of loneliness. We advocate for taking the time to reconnect, emphasizing activities like sharing meals, going for walks, and having face-to-face meetings to deepen our connections. We encourage you to reflect on your personal and professional connection maps, identify gaps and take action to foster more meaningful connections. By prioritizing genuine connections, we believe we can enhance our personal and professional lives, experiencin

This episode is a direct response to a request of one of our clients. We suggest you listen to this episode in conjunction with episode 33, which was released the week before Christmas one year ago. We again discuss the Life Design process, but now dive deeper into the framework, the categories and the questions. Listen to episode 33 (Life Design - part 1) first, and make sure you have a notebook and a pen to hand (or a laptop with your favourite note taking app). A friend, partner or coach to do this together with and discuss your insights is optional. Enjoy!

Another episode where Bart has no idea in advance what we are talking about. This is becoming a bit of a habit for Pia! We start by addressing this question: What are the most interesting questions you get about our work? What is the elevator pitch of our work? Then we go into this issue: How to deal with people at work that are not as passionate and engaged about work as you are? A lot of what we are getting into here is about personal development, personal growth. So we continue the discussion about this and decide to call this episode “Personal Growth”. We discuss why personal growth is so important to us, the work with our clients, and the world. Then we continue discussing some of the most important ingredients of personal growth, such as personal values, curiosity, presence, experimenting and courage. Towards the end we decide there will need to be a part-2 or even a part-3 to this episode, as this is such a massive subject.

Interesting episode this, if we say so ourselves. We continue a (not recorded) conversation we had at AfrikaBurn three years ago, where we discussed stuckness and the question: How can stuckness become unstuck? Neither of us could remember the answer we had then, unfortunately. But we are having a go at it today. A part of the episode is taken up by Pia coaching Bart on changes in his life, which was very nice (thank you Pia). We (also) discuss: Fear of uncertainty, principle of impermanence, intentional experimenting, the foolishness of clinging, the distinction between moving towards and moving away from, the importance of seeking opportunities for change, the concept of life phases, the importance of solitude (internal time), and the related practices of meditation, reflection, journaling and reading and the believe that it’s ok, even desirable, to be uncomfortable and that we can learn from the negative emotions, when going through big changes. Apologies for the bad sound quality on Bart’s side.