Today, I sit down with a person I've worked with for almost ten years — Luca Bertoletti, both across various organisations and as business partners at B&K Agency.

For a long time, I haven't communicated much here about the work we do at the agency. In this episode, we open up that conversation, diving deeper into the public affairs profession, explaining what it actually looks like in practice and how we work with businesses and policymakers in Brussels.

Luca developed an interest in lobbying while at school and decided it would be his profession for life. Public affairs, or lobbying, is a field often viewed from different perspectives and surrounded by misconceptions. In Italy, lobbying is not widely accepted, while it is a full-on operation across the capitals that run the Western world: Brussels, London, and, obviously, Washington D.C. In this episode, we discuss how it works day to day, from representing stakeholders to building relationships with European institutions.

Luca has lived in Brussels on and off since 2016 and has seen first-hand how this city has evolved into a centre of European decision-making. Listen to this episode to hear all about public affairs, the Brussels Bubble, and why our work is not frequently talked about, is hard to measure, yet truly represents the foundation of the democratic process.

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B&K Agency: https://bkagency.co/

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In this episode, I sit down with Sam Wilkin, co-founder and editor of The Sentinel, a Brussels online publication providing insights for Europe's rearmament.

Sam and I unpack some of the most pressing security questions facing Europe today. We discuss what holds Europe back from reaching its defence spending targets and why unity on security remains so difficult.

Together, we also dive into the military conflicts, from the ongoing war in Ukraine to the recent tensions in Iran, and explore how political priorities and national interests influence decisions in the US and EU.

This conversation reflects on modern warfare, the rise of drones and whether Europe can achieve a truly united defence posture.

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The Sentinel: https://www.the-sentinel.media/

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Today, I sit down with Duygu Dagdemir, gemologist and founder of VONA, to talk all things diamonds and jewellery.

In this episode, Duygu shares how she entered the industry, from discovering lab-grown diamonds to deciding to build a business around them. She touches upon the differences between lab-grown and mined stones, why naturality remains a controversial topic, how diamonds are created, and how long it takes to produce a piece of fine jewellery.

We discuss engagement rings and how much they "should" cost, the meaning people attach to the size and quality, and how traditions and marketing around jewellery are evolving. The conversation also moves into how the industry is changing globally, from prices to shifting demand.

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VONA Fine Jewelry: https://vonaofficial.com/

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In this episode, Julia talks with Jorge Jraissati, President at Economic Inclusion Group, a non-profit organisation advising policymakers and businesses on economic and financial policy.

Together, they discuss how Jorge was growing up in Venezuela as the country's economic and political situation deteriorated year after year. Jorge recalls a childhood shaped by everyday instability and injustice, where national collapse was not an abstract concept, but something lived by friends, families and entire communities. He explains how these experiences pushed him to question how economic and political systems work, and why change felt not only possible, but necessary.

Jorge talks about how he started advocating for a free and democratic Venezuela after moving to the United States to study. There, he graduated in economics and business, later completing a master’s degree in finance. He now runs an organisation that advises policymakers and business leaders on complex economic and financial issues, including de-banking — a regulatory issue affecting access to financial services in the US and Europe.

The conversation touches on politics, activism, and the long road toward rebuilding Venezuela, with an honest acknowledgment that restoring democracy takes time, persistence and a collective responsibility.

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Economic Inclusion Group: https://econinclusion.com/

In this episode, Julia talks with Olga Shykalo, Ukrainian entrepreneur, founder of Rayana, a brand of bed linen, and Chief Marketing Officer of Duotet, providing accounting and legal services, which she founded seven years ago.

Together, they discuss Olga's journey to Poland at the age of 16 without knowledge of Polish language, her early career, and the reasons why she decided to build her business in Ukraine, mentor Ukrainian entrepreneurs, and pay tax in Ukraine.

They touch on the social norms deeply ingrained in the Ukrainian culture, where women have been told to be moderate in their expressions of themselves and never stand out. Olga and Julia challenge this norm. Olga believes that brave always have happiness, you need to be brave enough to pursue your dreams and it will always pay off.

Olga also shares the lessons she learn from your experience in business, where she believes that you always need to have a plan but be ready for unpredictable, adapt, and keep trying.

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Follow Olga Shykalo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olgashykalo

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In this episode, Julia talks with Heath Sloane, Director of Geopolitical Intelligence at B&K Agency.

Originally from Australia, Heath shares how his academic and professional journey has taken him across continents, from studying in China to living and working in places like London and Israel, before eventually settling in Central Europe, in Austria. This international background has shaped his worldview and passion for geopolitics and international dynamics.

Together, they discuss Israel and the wider conflict in the Middle East. Heath opens up about how his stance on the conflict has at times cost him friends. They reflect on how local conflicts can influence opinions and relationships across the globe, even for those who are not directly involved. They also touch on other international hotspots, including Ukraine, Taiwan, Sudan and beyond.

The conversation also moves to how narratives, social media and censorship can shape the way the world events are perceived. They highlight why developing critical thinking is essential for navigating information, understanding the complex dynamics behind the global events, and forming informed opinions.

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Heath Sloane's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heath_sloane/

In this episode, Julia sits down with Zhanna Galeyeva, the CEO and co-founder of Bird of Light Ukraine, a charitable organization established after the 2022 full-scale invasion that provides essential aid to communities across Ukraine.

Together, they discuss Zhanna's journey from Ukraine to the US, her exploration of different fields of study in college, and her experience working in various roles before finding direction through meditation and spiritual practices. Zhanna shares how she felt a calling to return to Ukraine to reconnect with her father after years of distance — a decision that unexpectedly reshaped her life.

She recalls how, when the invasion began and she reached the border with Moldova, she decided to stay in Ukraine and help people directly. Starting with fundraising for food and cooking meals for refugees, she went on to coordinate medical supplies, deliver ambulances, support orphanages, and more. Through these experiences, Bird of Light Ukraine was created and has positively impacted over 600,000 civilians.

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Subscribe to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@onhumanjourney

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Julia Kril's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_kril/

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Bird of Light Ukraine: https://www.birdoflightukraine.org

Bird of Light Ukraine's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdoflightukraine

Bird of Light Ukraine's YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@birdoflightukraine

In this episode, Julia talks with Davide Russo, an entrepreneur and the founder of Horshare, a digital platform that is reinventing the world of horse racing.

Davide shares how growing up in an entrepreneurial family shaped his mindset, from helping with his father’s business to learning discipline and responsibility. He also reflects on his experience of building a business from the ground up, collaborating with partners and overcoming early startup challenges.

Today, as the founder of a digital platform transforming equestrian sport, Davide focuses on making the horse industry more transparent and accessible. His company connects horse owners, stables and enthusiasts, showing how technology can reinvent one of the most traditional sectors.

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Subscribe to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@onhumanjourney

On Human Journey Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/onhumanjourney/

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Julia Kril's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_kril/

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Horshare Platform: https://www.horshare.club/

Horshare Platform's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horshare.club

Horshare Platform's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@horshare.club