What if “solving problems” is keeping us stuck?

Akhtar Badshah challenges how we lead in the age of AI—and invites us to shift from growth to purpose, from efficiency to effectiveness, and from chasing happiness to choosing contentment. A powerful call to show up for life—for the collective good.

In this powerful Season 11 episode, I’m joined (for the third time) by Akhtar Badshah—former Head of Microsoft Global Philanthropies and author of Purpose Mindset and Living with Purpose.

Together, we explore a bold reframing of leadership in the age of AI—not just how we work, but how we choose, how we relate, and what kind of future we’re unconsciously building.

Akhtar challenges our default obsession with "solving problems"—a Western lens that often overlooks what already works. Instead, he introduces Appreciative Inquiry, a transformative approach to leadership that begins with strength, life, and possibility.

We dive into the evolution from a Growth Mindset to a Purpose Mindset—a shift from you and your work to you, your work, and your community. This trinity doesn’t just ask “Can I grow?” but “What does my growth do to the world?”

🔍 In this conversation, we unpack:

• Why purpose isn’t your job—it’s how you show up for life
• Appreciative Inquiry in action: Discover → Dream → Design → Deliver
• Fixed mindset vs growth mindset vs purpose mindset
• Why AI drives efficiency, but humans must drive effectiveness
• The hidden cost of convenience: Are we outsourcing our thinking?
• Moving from extraction to contribution—especially for companies
• A weekly ritual to reconnect with your strengths
• Why we need contentment more than happiness—and how to find it
• Akhtar’s simplest but most profound invitation: “Show up for life.”

If AI is leaving you feeling uncertain, replaceable, or disconnected—this episode is your anchor. Your value isn’t in how fast you work. It’s in how deeply you lead.

🎧 Listen now—and then ask yourself:
What gives you life, and how can you bring more of that to others?

AI is advancing quickly — but many leaders are still framing it as an automation story: faster tasks, cheaper output, fewer people.

Sangeet Paul Choudary argues that this misses the real shift.

In this episode 127 of Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life, Francine Beleyi speaks with Sangeet — leading thinker on platforms, ecosystems, and the future of value creation, and author of Reshuffle —Who Wins when AI Restacks the Knowledge Economy to unpack a deeper reframe:

AI will reshape the world because we will restructure economic activity around it.
The winners won’t be those who automate the most. They’ll be those who understand which assumptions are collapsing — and adapt their “game” accordingly.

We explore:

• Why disruption is often about coordination, not automation
• What the shipping container teaches us about AI’s second-order effects
• How Shein rewired fashion by breaking the assumptions of trend prediction and manufacturing cycles
• Why the pace of AI change feels more like a shock than previous waves of automation
• The difference between working above the algorithm and below the algorithm
• Why agency beats reassurance — and why reskilling without foresight becomes a trap
• How education must shift from testing to learning
• Why purpose depends on the real stakeholder and incentives, not PowerPoint statements
• Why ambition (not competition) may be the most human strategy in the AI age

This isn’t an episode about tools. It’s about identity, agency, and what it takes to stay meaningful as the rules of work are rewritten.

Show notes: www.francinebeleyi.com/podcast   

#AI #Purpose #BusinessModels #FutureofWork

AI is advancing rapidly — but our thinking about its impact on humanity is lagging behind.

In this episode of Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life, Francine Beleyi welcomes back Jazz Rasool, Industry 5.0 strategist and advisor on human–machine collaboration, to explore a critical distinction shaping the future of leadership, work, and ethics:

Human-centred AI is not enough. We need humanity-centred AI.

Jazz explains why centring AI on “humans” can still legitimise harm, misalignment, and loss of responsibility — and why a humanity-centred approach protects conscience, compassion, dignity, and meaning.

Together, they examine what must never be automated, how organisations confuse optimisation with flourishing, and what it truly means to stay on purpose in the AI age.

In this episode, we explore:

• The hidden risk behind human-centred AI
• Why humanity — not efficiency — must guide AI design
• What leadership cannot outsource
• How AI can support human flourishing rather than erode it

A thoughtful conversation for leaders, professionals, and change-makers navigating work, purpose, and responsibility in the age of AI.

AI is changing how work, leadership and value are defined — and many capable people feel unsettled, not because they lack skills, but because they no longer know where they fit.
This podcast explores purpose, leadership and human relevance in the AI age.

Season 11 of Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life is for leaders, professionals, and change-makers navigating identity, relevance, and responsibility as artificial intelligence reshapes the world of work.

Through deep conversations and reflective solo episodes, we explore:

• Purpose-driven leadership in the AI age
• Human relevance and agency
• Identity, power, and long-term impact
• What it now means to live and lead on purpose

Each episode includes a Purpose Sprint — a short, practical reflection to help you think clearly and act with intention.

This podcast isn’t about mastering AI. It’s about staying human — and on purpose.

The shownotes and free Ikigai test are at www.francinebeleyi.com/podcast

In this final episode of Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life Season 10, I’m wrapping up the season by reflecting on the inspiring conversations with trailblazing leaders.

In Season 10, themed Leaders on a Mission, I brought to light the powerful stories of individuals who are redefining success and making tangible, positive impacts on the world.

From providing life-changing employment opportunities to ensuring accessible legal support for underrepresented founders, this season was full of lessons on purposeful leadership and social innovation.

Listen to Episode 124 of Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life to hear some of the most transformative conversations and discover the inspiration that Season 10 brought.

More info about the podcast 
• Website: https://www.francinebeleyi.com/podcast/ 
• Watch on Youtube https://bit.ly/3LKwUT1 

Connect with Francine Beleyi, the host
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francinebeleyi/ 
• Website: https://www.francinebeleyi.com/ 

Related resources
🎁Free download: The Ultimate Guide to Building Trust, Profit & Making an Impact https://nucleusofchange.com/buildingtrust/

#MeaningfulWork #LeadersOnAMission #MWMLSeason10 #Entrepreneurship #Empowerment #Storytelling #Leadership #PurposeDriven

You may have heard the buzz about fractional CMO, fractional COO, fractional CEO lately, but what exactly does it mean—and why is everyone talking about it?

Imagine being able to control your work hours, choose your clients, and do more of what you love without being tied to a full-time executive role.

Fractional leadership is that game-changing opportunity, and in this episode 123 of Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life, and the final of Season 10, I sit down with Karina Mikhli, a leader in this Fractional space, to share her journey and expertise.

Four years ago, Karina couldn’t have imagined the impact she would create in the world of fractional leadership.

Her journey has led her to an unexpected but powerful reality. Karina had already built an impressive career in publishing and operations but found herself drawn to something different—something more flexible and aligned with her passion for optimising businesses.

She discovered fractional leadership, a role that allowed her to help companies scale without being confined to a traditional executive job.

But she didn’t stop there.

Karina saw a need for a supportive network for fractional leaders, and so she founded @Fractionals United, now a vibrant community of nearly 11,000 members!

Like many entrepreneurs, Karina faced challenges—navigating self-doubt, building a community from scratch, and balancing work with her creative outlets.

This conversation will inspire anyone who’s considering the leap into fractional leadership or looking for ways to make a meaningful impact in their career.

🔊 Ready to dive into the future of work and learn how Karina’s mission is reshaping leadership?

Listen to Episode 123 of Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life to hear more about Karina’s journey from being born in Ukraine, transitioning from a high school teacher to becoming a fractional COO.

More info about the podcast 
• Website: https://www.francinebeleyi.com/podcast/ 
• Watch on Youtube https://bit.ly/3LKwUT1 

Connect with Francine Beleyi, the host
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francinebeleyi/ 
• Website: https://www.francinebeleyi.com/ 

Connect with Karina Mikhli, the guest
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinamikhli/

• Website: https://www.karinamikhli.com/ | https://www.fractionalsunited.com/

 Related resources
🎁Free download: The Ultimate Guide to Building Trust, Profit & Making an Impact https://nucleusofchange.com/buildingtrust/

She made a powerful discovery that would change her life!

Ghita Zniber, venture capitalist and co-founder of Kalys Ventures realised that her true passion wasn't leading her own entrepreneurial journey but supporting others in theirs.

In this insightful episode 122 of Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life, Ghita shares her journey from a diverse educational background to becoming a key player in the African startup ecosystem.

She delves into her mission to support entrepreneurs, particularly in Africa, and the personal values that guide her in both life and work. 

Tune in to this episode to learn more about Ghita’s unique path to becoming a key player in the African startup ecosystem, how she’s helping startups to create meaningful impact and her advice for entrepreneurs to successfully pitch their businesses to investors.

More info about the podcast 
• Website: https://www.francinebeleyi.com/podcast/ 
• Watch on Youtube https://bit.ly/3LKwUT1 

Connect with Francine Beleyi, the host
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francinebeleyi/ 
• Website: https://www.francinebeleyi.com/ 

 Connect with Ghita Zniber, the guest
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghita-zniber-351a5290/

• Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kalys-ventures/

 Related resources
🎁Free download: The Ultimate Guide to Building Trust, Profit & Making an Impact https://nucleusofchange.com/buildingtrust/

#AfricanStartups #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #femalefounders

She took a bold leap when she realised: “If on paper everything is right and I’m still unhappy, something’s wrong.”

Today, that leap has turned her vision into reality.

Aravinda Seshadri graduated from Stanford Law School and became a partner at a boutique law firm. On the surface, her career seemed perfect. But she knew something was missing.

She craved more than just success—she wanted to make a meaningful impact. Aravinda believes that legal support shouldn’t be a luxury for startups, especially those founded by underrepresented and marginalized entrepreneurs.

In episode 121 of Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life, Aravinda Seshadri, Founding Partner of Venturous Counsel, shares her inspiring journey from Stanford to creating a unique law firm dedicated to supporting diverse founders in the tech industry.

We dive deep into her passion for social justice, the importance of diversity in startups, and practical advice for navigating the legal landscape as an entrepreneur.

Tune in to get inspired by Aravinda's story!

More info about the podcast 
• Website: https://www.francinebeleyi.com/podcast/ 
• Watch on Youtube https://bit.ly/3LKwUT1 

Connect with Francine Beleyi, the host
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francinebeleyi/ 
• Website: https://www.francinebeleyi.com/ 

 Connect with Aravinda Seshadri, the guest
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aravindas/

• Website: https://www.venturouscounsel.com/

Related resources
🎁Free download: The Ultimate Guide to Building Trust, Profit & Making an Impact https://nucleusofchange.com/buildingtrust/

Keywords: Aravinda Seshadri, Venturous Counsel, underrepresented founders, legal support, diversity in tech, startup law, venture capital, networking tips, intellectual property protection, mission-driven work.

#DiverseFounders #StartupLaw #VentureCapital #LegalAdvice

This is what’s missing in how we approach solving the world’s biggest challenges: A shift from individualism to something bigger—collaboration.

In this #120 episode of "Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life," I had the honour of speaking with Karim Sy, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Jokkolabs. With roots in Mali, Lebanon, and Senegal, Karim has spent his career fostering entrepreneurship and technological innovation across Africa.

Join us as we explore Karim's fascinating journey, his mission to drive social change through open-source technology, and his vision for a collaborative future in Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

More info about the podcast 
• Website: https://www.francinebeleyi.com/podcast/ 
• Watch on Youtube https://bit.ly/3LKwUT1 

Connect with Francine Beleyi, the host
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francinebeleyi/ 
• Website: https://www.francinebeleyi.com/ 

Connect with Karim Sy, the guest

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karimsy/
• Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jokkolabs/

What if the key to overcoming your greatest challenges isn’t your circumstances, but the stories you tell yourself? 🎙️

In episode 119 of Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life, I had the incredible opportunity to speak with Dr. Constance Scharff, a global leader in mental health research and the founder of The Human Resilience Project.

We dive into her groundbreaking research on resilience within indigenous communities, the transformative power of storytelling, and the link between climate change and mental health.

Tune in to learn about the profound impact of narratives on personal growth and healing.

More info about the podcast 

• Website: https://www.francinebeleyi.com/podcast/ 
• Watch on Youtube https://bit.ly/3LKwUT1 

Connect with Francine Beleyi, the host

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francinebeleyi/ 
• Website: https://www.francinebeleyi.com/ 

 Connect with Dr. Constance Scharff, the guest

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cscharff
• Website: https://www.constancescharff.com/

 Related resources
🎁Free download: The Ultimate Guide to Building Trust, Profit & Making an Impact https://nucleusofchange.com/buildingtrust/

How do you move from building a career to embracing your life’s true calling?

In episode 118 of Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life, I have an inspiring conversation with Olatokunbo Ige, a former international human rights lawyer turned social entrepreneur.

With over four decades of global experience, Olatokunbo reveals her powerful transition from the United Nations to founding initiatives like Livingstones Ecovillage and UTRADER.

Her journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and a deep commitment to community empowerment and sustainable development.

Join us as we uncover how Olatokunbo is pioneering meaningful, lasting change across Africa and beyond.

More info about the podcast 
• Website: https://www.francinebeleyi.com/podcast/ 
• Watch on Youtube https://bit.ly/3LKwUT1 

Connect with Francine Beleyi, the host
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francinebeleyi/ 
• Website: https://www.francinebeleyi.com/ 

 Connect with Olatokunbo Ige, the guest
• LinkedIn: https://tg.linkedin.com/in/olatokunbo-ige-b476b239  

• Website: https://thelivingstonesfamily.com/ecovillage/

 Related resources
🎁Free Download: The Ultimate Guide to Building Trust, Profit & Making an Impact https://nucleusofchange.com/buildingtrust/