In this episode Viktoria is joined by Anna, a biologist whose work takes her deep into forests, coastlines, and the raw beauty of the natural world. She returns to the podcast for a more personal conversation. While our last episode explored the science and wonder of working in the wild, this time we turn inward to explore identity, belonging, and transformation.

From immigrating to Canada to building a scientific career in a new country, Anna has navigated profound personal and professional transitions. Together, we explore what it means to leave one home and build another- not just geographically, but internally. We talk about belonging, adaptation, grief for past versions of ourselves, and the tension between staying true to your roots and allowing yourself to evolve. We also dive into the powerful connection between work and identity - especially in a profession that demands resilience, curiosity, and deep presence in nature.

This conversation is about the spaces in between-between countries, between careers, between who we were and who we are becoming. It’s about understanding identity not as a fixed label, but as a living ecosystem that shifts, adapts, and regenerates.

If you’ve ever questioned where you belong, who you are becoming, or how change has reshaped you — this episode is for you.

What does it truly mean to lead - not just with strategy, but with self-awareness, presence, and purpose?

In this episode Viktoria is joined by Samantha Duggal, a yoga teacher, breathwork facilitator, meditation guide, Neuro-Linguistic Programming practitioner, and Creative Movement Therapist from India, whom I first met in Vancouver few years ago.

Samantha has traveled and taught across multiple countries, bringing ancient wellness practices into some of the most unexpected spaces - including corporate boardrooms. In this conversation, we explore how she bridges the gap between ancient traditions and modern work culture, and why holistic well-being is not a luxury for professionals - but a necessity.

We talk about:
• What holistic leadership really means• How breath, movement, and mindset shape the way we lead• Bringing yoga and meditation into high-performance corporate environments• Cultural differences in how the world receives holistic practices• The power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Creative Movement Therapy• Practical tools busy professionals can implement immediately

Whether you’re listening from your office, your yoga mat, or somewhere in between, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable takeaways.

This is a conversation about integrating ancient wisdom into modern leadership — and remembering that the most powerful leaders are the ones who lead from within.

How to find Samanta :

IG: @samantaduggal

https://samantaduggal.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnA4vxEtGSHctC_n0nvtXVrJGQC2sD5HXPukbOiJfrOmsycBr69XCw2r9sE4k_aem_TAIij7pMHKXC_6tfqUBzyA

In this episode we dive into an honest and grounded conversation about modern masculinity - what it really means to be a man today, beyond roles, expectations, and stereotypes.

My guest, Tom, is a Makeup Effects Artist in the film industry, a breathwork coach, and a personal trainer. Living between creativity, discipline, physicality, and inner work, Tom brings a unique perspective on the quiet pressures men carry, the tension between expectation and authenticity, and the spaces where men feel allowed, and not allowed to be vulnerable.

We talk about emotional expression, strength and softness, masculine presence in modern dating, male friendships, and the often-discussed “taxi theory” - the idea that men commit when they feel ready, rather than when they meet the “right” person. Tom shares his personal reflections on commitment, purpose, timing, and what helps men stay grounded in a world that constantly asks them to hold it together.

This episode is an invitation to listen deeper - for men who want to feel seen, and for women who want to better understand the inner world of men. A conversation about pressure, purpose, presence, and redefining masculinity in a more conscious, human way.

Tom's IG:

@tom_sos

@tomek_masks