In this episode , Kirti sits down with Benedicte for a fresh, honest conversation about women in leadership, lateral thinking, and the real meaning of confidence at work.

Together, they unpack what it’s like to step out of your “comfort thinking,” tackle imposter syndrome (and whether it ever really goes away), and why unconventional perspectives—especially from fields like philology and linguistics—are powerful assets in today’s AI-driven world.

They get real about the challenges women face in multicultural boardrooms, whether true “sisterhood” exists between women at the top, and how language—yes, philology, not just linguistics—shapes the way we lead and connect. They talk about critical thinking, feedback that actually makes a difference, and how our strengths can sometimes turn into stumbling blocks if we aren’t self-aware.

If you’re curious about leadership, cultural context, unfiltered career stories, and communication that cuts through the noise, this conversation is for you. Expect practical reflections (not just advice), stories you won’t hear anywhere else, and a gentle nudge to trust your unconventional strengths.

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About Benedicte

From Philosophy to Technology.

Benedicte is an accomplished executive with over 25 years’ experience in marketing, strategy, and business development, specialising in B2B business transformation and international growth. Her diverse sector expertise spans ICT, IoT automation, transport, logistics, and energy transition, with leadership roles at Vontier (a Danaher spin-off), Honeywell, BT Group, and Dun & Bradstreet.

Fluent in English, French, Dutch, Italian, and with basic knowledge of German, Spanish, and Arabic, she brings a multicultural perspective to assignments and have worked across Europe, Middle East and Africa, India and Asia-Pacific.

She is known for her ability to navigate ambiguity and her customer centric obsession to problem resolution.

Major achievements include driving $500M in new market opportunities through strategic account planning, boosting order growth across key markets in Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and repositioning brands into higher-margin segments.

Benedicte holds a master degree in philology, an MBA, an MIT/Sloan certificate in AI and Robotics, and is a Certified Advisory Board Chair.

Based in Dubai since 2008, she is also committed to mentoring, university lecturing, and promoting women in tech leadership. Outside work, she enjoys cycling, contemporary art, and family adventures in the desert.

I noticed Martha Stewart (in her masterclass.com class) avoids the word “change.” She likes “evolve” instead, and I get it. Change feels loaded, as if we’re always measuring ourselves against someone else’s standards. Evolving, though, lets you claim your own process and pace. That’s what I’m exploring here, and why it matters—especially at times when everyone’s chasing resolutions. I talk about taking inventory, pausing, and deciding what matters, rather than forcing transformation. If you’re sick of pressure, this story might help you rethink what growth feels like.

Would you like to practical approach on how to think.talk.thrive in 2026. Consider joining our Whatsapp channel: https://link.kirtana168.com/podcast

hat do you really want to leave your child?

Nick shares how his journey from Pakistan to Dubai, and now Canada, reshaped his definition of security for his daughter, from financial stability to self-belief and equal opportunity.

We explored themes of identity, parental influence, and the challenges of belonging as an immigrant. You’ll hear real stories about raising empowered girls, redefining family “success,” and why recognizing our shared hopes can help us “drop the noise” of difference.

• [00:00:48] Why Security Meant Money—And What Changed

• [00:02:23] The Gift of Belief: How to Raise a Child to Know Their Power

• [00:06:08] What If Things Don’t Go as Planned? Navigating Struggle

• [00:10:54] Art, Talent, and Choosing a Different Path

• [00:14:06] Moving from Dubai: Why Opportunity and “Home” Matter

• [00:19:15] Rights, Equality, and Why Canada Was the Answer

• [00:25:12] Passports, Bias, and The Power of Belonging

• [00:33:01] The Noise We Need to Drop—Seeing Our Shared Humanity

• [00:39:41] Are Gen Z Lazy or Just Rewriting the Script?

• [00:44:24] Security for the Next Generation: What Really Matters

Ready to rethink what security means? Listen in for practical insights, honest stories, and fresh ideas on building a legacy that outlasts money.

Want to share your story? Drop your thoughts in the comments or reply, your voice matters!

Think. Talk. Thrive. in modern times.

Why connection matters now more than ever.

After receiving a surprise nomination for Podcast of the Year, I dive deep into the journey behind the mic from wrestling with criticism and self-doubt to celebrating the small moments of impact. The real message?

Numbers aren’t everything; touching just one life can make years of effort worthwhile.

if you’ve ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or like your voice doesn’t matter, this episode is for you. It’s a warm, powerful invitation to focus less on the “hustle,” and more on building relationships that last—by listening with true intent.

00:00 – Why Connection Matters More Than Ever
00:33 – From Curacao to Podcast of the Year: An Unexpected Nomination
01:59 – Overcoming Criticism and Finding Your Voice
05:52 – Moving Between Cultures: UK Loneliness & Dubai’s Surprise
08:05 – Building Trust vs. Transactional Networking
09:41 – Remembering People by Story, Not Title
10:17 – Why Real Listening Transforms Relationships

All rights reserved. This audio, video, voice, name, face, likeness, and all derivative content such as thumbnails, clips, or AI-generated assets are the protected intellectual property of the host and guest. No AI training, scraping, commercial use, or replication is permitted without written consent from both parties.

Ever felt that choosing yourself would make you selfish? What if self-belief was actually your ticket to helping others thrive too? This week guest Dominic Sauls shares how his journey through a difficult childhood, growing up at the end of apartheid in South Africa, and facing family divisions taught him a simple but powerful lesson, self-belief isn’t just about you - it’s the foundation for everything you want to contribute.

** this episode was recorded in a lively bustling cafe in London and there is noise in the background

Ready for more? Visit kirtana168.com to discover free resources, communication strategies, and community stories. Leave your thoughts below—what’s YOUR biggest self-belief challenge right now?

Feeling drained from always putting others first?

In this episode, I open up about overcoming burnout, revealing why connecting with your true intentions matters more than constant productivity.

And I also share: How can re-framing “burnout” as a conversation, rather than a private struggle can shift family or team dynamics.

"The consistency is in the quality, not the quantity."

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00:00 – Why Caregivers Burn Out First
01:29 – Breaking Routines and Guilt About Consistency
03:01 – When Passion Fades: My Personal Burnout Story
05:07 – Tools That Actually Helped Me Recover
06:39 – Compassion Fatigue and Caregiver Isolation
09:11 – Pressure, Shame, and Emotional Energy Drains
11:17 – Why Sharing Stories Brings Genuine Relief
13:13 – Redefining Success and Stepping Off the Hamster Wheel
14:33 – The Power of Authentic Recognition and Community

All rights reserved. This audio, video, voice, name, face, likeness, and all derivative content—such as thumbnails, clips, or AI-generated assets—are the protected intellectual property of the host and guest. No AI training, scraping, commercial use, or replication is permitted without written consent from both parties.

Sarita’s story doesn’t start with a lightning bolt of inspiration. It starts with pain, frustration, and honestly, confusion. Instead of burying those feelings or following the crowd (“follow your passion!”), she paused, listened to her experience, and asked: What do I need? What could help others like me? From that inner check-in, she created a product that’s now helped thousands.

Innovator and Entrepreneur with expertise in launching a medical product in Germany. Proven ability to patent a product and market it to the target audience. Experience with pitching on the German version of the show „Shark Tank“ and succesfully getting an investment.

https://www.instagram.com/gobunion_official/

All rights reserved. This audio, video, voice, name, face, likeness, and all derivative content—such as thumbnails, clips, or AI-generated assets—are the protected intellectual property of the host and guest. No AI training, scraping, commercial use, or replication is permitted without written consent from both parties.

Ever get caught in a conversation about race or culture that feels heavy or uncomfortable? In this episode, Kirti sits down with Sarita to dig into how staying curious, listening deeply, and protecting your energy can help you handle tricky talks about identity, belonging and bias. Whether you’re navigating mixed heritage or challenging assumptions, Sarita shares her practical ways to stay calm and grounded when things get tense.

Listen in for real advice and stories to help you speak up with courage and grace.

About Sarita:

Innovator and Entrepreneur with expertise in launching a medical product in Germany. Proven ability to patent a product and market it to the target audience. Experience with pitching on the German version of the show „Shark Tank“ and successfully getting an investment.

https://www.instagram.com/gobunion_official/

00:00 – Why “Where Are You From?” Isn’t a Simple Answer
01:44 – Shaping Worldviews With Mixed Heritage
04:15 – The Pull and Pressure of Traditional Expectations
07:04 – Navigating Race and Mixed Identity Abroad
09:05 – Handling Exclusion and Belonging in Diverse Spaces
13:03 – Choosing Values and Code-Switching Across Cultures
16:33 – Overcoming Stereotypes and Speaking Up

All rights reserved. This audio, video, voice, name, face, likeness, and all derivative content—such as thumbnails, clips, or AI-generated assets—are the protected intellectual property of the host and guest. No AI training, scraping, commercial use, or replication is permitted without written consent from both parties.