If you’ve ever felt isolated, judged, or wondered if true connection could transform lives, this episode is for you.

As your host, I invite you into an unforgettable, deeply honest conversation with George Orwa, founder of Safi Nyuolo Safi Community Based Organization in Nairobi, Kenya. This isn’t just a story of surviving seven years of incarceration in a foreign land: it’s about finding purpose, forging new connections, and learning how vulnerability, honesty, and faith can rebuild not only one’s own life but also ignite hope for others still imprisoned physically or emotionally.

Know someone who needs to hear this? Please share the episode, subscribe for more soul-nourishing stories, and join the Circle of Hope, where second chances create new circles of influence.

Watch This If:

• You want to understand the realities of incarceration and life after prison
• You believe everyone deserves a second chance (or want to learn why that matters)
• You’re searching for the courage to share your true story and build authentic trust
• You work in community-building, rehabilitation, faith-based service, or nonprofit outreach
• You want actionable inspiration to support marginalized or forgotten people

Episode Highlights (with Timestamps):

• 02:38 Why George said yes to sharing his story
• 04:41 The truth behind his project and personal experience with incarceration
• 09:31 The moment it was safe to share his real story
• 19:09 George’s journey: Seven years incarcerated in England
• 22:40 The personal fallout—marriage, family, and isolation
• 29:09 Staying connected through faith and action inside prison
• 36:47 Building trust and community among inmates
• 41:10 Coping with pain and being a silent support to others
• 46:03 Rebuilding life, family, and finding real love
• 54:42 Coming home: Why George started giving back in Kenya
• 57:01 Conditions in Kenyan prisons and how George’s organization is supporting inmates
• 1:02:43 The impact of empathy, prayer, and practical help in rehabilitation
• 1:14:42 Closing thoughts: Why everyone deserves a second chance

What You’ll Learn:

· How radical honesty and vulnerability can transform relationships—even when shame or fear is present

· Ways faith and service create resilience and a sense of purpose for those facing adversity

· The vital importance of support networks for incarcerated people—and how you can help

· How to rebuild trust after betrayal and navigate painful family fallout

· Actionable steps to get involved or start your own project for marginalized communities

Contact Information:

• Guest: George Orwa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/george.orwa.795376

• Host: Valerie Hope
• Website: https://www.valeriehope.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy

Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.

#CircleOfHopePodcast #SecondChances #RestorativeJustice #PrisonRehabilitation #HumanConnection

If you’re seeking deeper connections, hope through life transitions, and inspiration for your own purposeful living, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I sit down with Iris Huang, multicultural executive coach, global citizen (hello, Uruguay + Taiwan roots!), and my inspiring peer from the Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute. This episode is a celebration of how two “third culture kids” find belonging, spark each other’s growth, and co-create meaning in a world that demands we code-switch every day.

Iris and I break down how building connections online (yes, on a random alumni Zoom!) leads to powerful, real-world breakthroughs. Hear her story of feeling “stuck” on her path from corporate leader to solopreneur coach…and how a single conversation unlocked a wave of clarity and action for both of us. We talk about cross-cultural identity, what belonging really means, our favorite code-switching adventures (from Moscow to Dallas!), and why finding YOUR circle isn’t just heartwarming, it’s a survival skill for the soul.

Packed with behind-the-scenes stories, actionable insights, and plenty of laughs (plus surprise Spanish!), this episode embodies the true spirit of the Circle of Influencers. Get ready to rethink how you connect, lead, and grow.

Watch This If:

· You’re experiencing or contemplating a major life transition and yearn for more hope, belonging, and purpose

· You lead (or want to lead) with emotional intelligence and authenticity and wonder what it really takes to connect deeply in a digital age

· You feel like an “in-betweener”—multicultural, multi-hyphenate, or just searching for your circle

· You’re curious about how meaningful connection sparks personal growth, creativity, and resilience—especially for women, leaders, and entrepreneurs

· You believe in the power of shared stories to transform, heal, and guide you toward purpose-driven living

Episode Highlights (with Timestamps):

00:00 — Meet Iris Huang & the story of our first connection

02:13 — Recalling how a single breakout room sparked a lasting friendship

09:00 — Progress, paralysis, & the courage to start (the domain name story!)

17:00 — Hope and resilience: becoming your own challenger and finding your parallel people

25:00 — Code-switching, belonging, and building your herd across cultures

36:00 — Powerful moments of being “seen” as a multicultural leader

47:00 — Authentic leadership and emotional intelligence in action

56:00 — What elephants and humans teach us about connection

1:00:00 — Final reflections & staying connected in a changing world

What You’ll Learn:

• How to cultivate hope and resilience in the midst of uncertainty, change, or self-doubt
• Why personal growth conversations—especially with fellow seekers and mentors—are catalysts for authentic leadership and purpose-driven living
• The key mindsets and behaviors that drive emotional intelligence and meaningful connection (in life, leadership, and entrepreneurship!)
• How to consciously create belonging and “find your herd,” whether in a new country, a new professional arena, or your own family
• The truth about code-switching, self-acceptance, and redefining identity as a strength for career and life transitions
• Actionable tips for sparking deep connections, digitally or in-personand why every “hello” could change your life

Resources Mentioned

• StrengthsFinder assessment (discover your top strengths: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths)
• Alison Armstrong’s “Understanding Men” & “Understanding Women” courses: https://www.alisonarmstrong.com/

Contact Information:

Guest: Iris Huang

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/irishuang1
• Website: [Coming soon—stay tuned!]

#CircleOfHopePodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #cross-cultural #multicultural #Connection #codeswitching

Know someone who’s nourishing their circle or needs a reminder that growth starts with connection? Rate and share this episode to invite others into our Circle of Hope.

Join us in the conversation -

In this special episode of The Circle of Hope, I’m joined by the incredible Ingrid Gavshon—accomplished documentary filmmaker, masterful coach, and a dear friend who truly embodies compassion and connection across cultures. Our conversation is a soulful exploration of how meaningful relationships are fostered, especially with those who may seem different from us on the surface. Ingrid draws from her rich experiences growing up in South Africa during apartheid, traveling the world, and sitting across from controversial figures as a filmmaker. Her insights remind us how vital it is to move past headlines and labels, and to “see people for who they are, rather than what they represent.”

Together, we talk about the power of asking real, curious questions, how to navigate cultural differences with humility, and the courage it takes to find humanity even in the most polarizing situations. We share personal stories—everything from dealing with tough conversations in family, learning to listen for what’s not being said, to transforming friction in teams and cross-cultural encounters into genuine understanding. If you’ve ever wondered how to hold space for difficult dialogue, become a better listener, or simply rekindle the joy of human connection in a divided world, this conversation is for you.

Watch This If:

• You want to learn how to connect deeply with people across cultural, political, or personal divides
• You struggle with “hot button” conversations and are looking for ways to navigate them gracefully
• You’re curious about the behind-the-scenes work of a documentary filmmaker
• You value empathy, curiosity, and courageous conversations
• You want practical tips to foster belonging and understanding at work or in your personal life

Quotes to Remember:

• “We both see people for who they are rather than for what they represent.” – Ingrid Gavshon
• “If you really know somebody else, you probably find some level of commonality… but it’s about listening for what’s not being said.” – Ingrid Gavshon
• “Our job is to get in alignment with that way of serving... There’s not one right way to do it.” – Valerie Hope
• “People aren’t their politics. They have lives… hopes and dreams and struggles.” – Ingrid Gavshon

What You’ll Learn:

• How to ask deeper questions that invite openness, not defensiveness
• The difference between seeking to understand vs. seeking to win debates
• Cross-cultural communication insights—preparation vs. organic connection
• Strategies for defusing tension and bringing humanity back to polarized topics
• The transformative power of storytelling, curiosity, and community
• How to identify your own intentions in difficult conversations
• That there are many valid ways to contribute to social change

Contact Information:

Guest: Ingrid Gavshon

• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-gavshon
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ingrid-gavshon

Host: Valerie Hope

• Website:https://www.valeriehope.com
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope
• Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy

Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.

#CircleOfHope #CourageousConversation #CuriosityConnects #GlobalCitizenship #EmpathyInAction