The tsunami didn’t just flood our home. It wiped away every excuse I had left.

December 26, 2004.

I was in bed. My wife was yelling, “Run!”

The ocean had already crossed the shore.

By the time I stood up, the water was inside the house—rushing toward us.

I couldn’t swim. I had drowned once before.

And now, I was trying to escape with my two-year-old son on my shoulder.

That day, the Indian Ocean tsunami took nearly 300,000 lives.

It spared mine—but took something else:

My illusions about safety, status, and time.

In this first solo episode, I share:

• What that day stripped away from my identity

• Why I finally left an 18-year career on Wall Street

• Three questions I want you to ask yourself today—before life forces your hand

This isn’t motivation. It’s clarity.

And if you’ve been circling a decision, it might meet you where you are.

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📌 Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

01:00 – December 26, 2004: The tsunami hits

04:40 – What survival taught me about illusion

07:20 – Leaving Morgan Stanley

10:10 – What “being stuck” really means

12:00 – 3 questions that changed my life

14:30 – Closing thoughts & what’s next

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📌 Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe for weekly insights on conscious leadership, purposeful work, and personal transformation.

💡 **Let’s connect:**

- Website: https://rajupanjwani.com/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajupanjwani/

- Podcast: https://boldconsciousconnections.captivate.fm/listen

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Join us on this bold journey to elevate your work and life!

My Guest: Yugen (Omer Korat) — AI Expert, Stanford PhD, Cognitive Scientist

Episode Summary:

In this eye-opening episode, Raju Panjwani sits down with Yugen -- an AI expert, product designer, and entrepreneur — to explore the intersection of AI, consciousness, and human evolution. From Stanford research labs to Tel Aviv startups, Yugen’s journey dives deep into why our inner awareness and external technological progress are more connected than we think.

Yugen shares why consciousness isn’t magical, how AI changes our daily existence, and why education needs a revolutionary shift if humanity is to thrive alongside technology.

Key Takeaways:

Self without Self:

Yugen explains how his identity reflects the Japanese concept of “Yugen” — profound awareness beyond words.

AI as Extension of Mind:

How AI now acts as a secondary channel for human thought and productivity.

Jobs of the Future:

Coding, content creation, and customer support are evolving; new AI-driven roles are emerging.

Education Reimagined:

Why teaching reasoning and self-reflection — not rote learning — is crucial for the next generation.

Inner Awareness vs. Productivity:

How understanding “nothingness” paradoxically fuels meaningful action.

Evolutionary Complexity:

Why building stable, scalable complexity (in thought and society) is our next quantum leap.

Scientific Thinking for Emotions:

Applying the scientific method not just to tech — but to our own emotional lives.

Notable Quotes:

🎤 We are a symphony of waves dancing between nothings.

🎤 AI hasn’t made me lonelier. It has evolved me.

🎤 The scientific method must be applied not just to technology, but to our own emotions and beliefs.

🎤 Evolutionary complexity, not human-centric morality, should guide our next leap.

🕒 Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome & Introduction

01:00 - Who is Yugen?

04:00 - Consciousness as a global phenomenon

06:00 - The Future of AI: Code, Images, and Business Automation

10:00 - How AI changed Yugen’s daily life

14:00 - Meaning in a Post-AI World

18:00 - Resistance to AI Adoption in Business

22:00 - Consciousness, Inner Awareness, and Bold Action

30:00 - Rethinking Education and Expanding Human Potential

38:00 - Rapid Fire: Desert vs Ocean, Lab vs Meditation

43:00 - Reflections: Meaning, Paradoxes, and the Future.

How to reach Yugen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yugen-omer-korat/

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If you enjoyed this chat, please Download this episode, and SUBSCRIBE to this Show, so you do not miss any new conversations with my amazing guests!

If you want to support the show, go to https://boldconsciousconnections.captivate.fm/support and you can either become a member, or leave a one off donation!

If you have a burning desire to be an entrepreneur, and you feel like you are at the end of your corporate career, reach out for a quick chat with me at:

https://calendly.com/rhp1955/discovery-call-with-raju-panjwani

What happens when life brings everything you've built to a full stop? Surabhi Shenoy is a two-time founder who built and sold a multi-million-dollar business. But none of that prepared her for the sudden, tragic loss of her husband—who was also her business partner.

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Surabhi shares how grief shattered the version of success she once chased—and led her to a more conscious, intentional way of living, leading, and building. She reveals how she rebuilt her identity twice: first after losing her husband, and again after selling her business.

From being an introverted engineer to managing two successful companies simultaneously, Surabhi's journey showcases the power of presence, vulnerability, and intentional systems. Now, through her Founders Freedom Blueprint Course, she helps other entrepreneurs escape operational traps and create businesses that serve their freedom rather than consuming it.

🎤 Grief reshapes you. It forces a reckoning with everything that no longer fits—especially the identity wrapped around achievement.

🎤 Delegation is emotional. Letting go of control isn't about task management—it's about surrendering who you think you have to be.

🎤 You can't outsource your energy. True freedom begins when you reclaim your time, your nervous system, and your presence.

🎤 Letting go isn't giving up: It's a conscious choice to create space for what matters most.

🎤 Success ≠ alignment. Scaling fast doesn't mean you're scaling the right thing.

🎤 Stillness is strategic. Creating space—mentally and emotionally—is what allows clarity and vision to return.

🎤 "I would term myself as somebody who's present. Present to life, present to opportunity, present to performance."

🎤 "Everything today that you see is a rebuilding exercise, still work in progress."

🎤 "I've been journaling every day since 2012 for last 12+ years. It's like a time capsule."

🎤 "The advice of letting go doesn't really work. I have to know it will be done."

🎤 "If it isn't fun, I'm not doing it - that was my tagline and I stand by that."

Surabhi Shenoy is a serial entrepreneur who built and sold a fitness business and a technology company serving India's top private sector banks. After navigating the sudden loss of her husband in 2017, she continued to lead her company before ultimately deciding to exit. Now, she coaches founders and CEOs through her course, Founders Freedom Blueprint, helping them scale their businesses while reclaiming their time and freedom.

🌐 Surabhi's website: https://surabhishenoy.com/

🎓 Founder's Freedom Blueprint: https://learn.surabhishenoy.com/Course

✅ Founders navigating growth, burnout, scale or even grief!

✅ Leaders looking to redefine how they show up

✅ Entrepreneurs stuck in the day-to-day grind

✅ Conscious professionals seeking clarity and next steps

✅ Coaches, creators & CEOs building businesses that align with life

++++++++++++++++

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If you enjoyed this chat, please Download this episode, and SUBSCRIBE to this Show, so you do not miss any new conversations with my amazing guests!

If you want to support the show, go to https://boldconsciousconnections.captivate.fm/support and you can either become a member, or leave a one off donation!

If you have a burning desire to be an...

What does it take to build a business -- in this case an investment bank -- from nothing?

Peter Formanek shares his remarkable journey from corporate CFO to founding Young America Capital. In this candid conversation, he reveals the uphill battle to establish credibility, the personal health transformations that fueled his success, and why he continues to chase deals after 300+ transactions. Discover how Peter built an investment bank focused on the deals nobody else wants, and the surprising lessons he's learned along the way.

Key Highlights:

• The pivotal career moment that pushed Peter to take an entrepreneurial leap
• His strategy for building credibility in a reputation-driven industry
• The surprising impact of swimming and sobriety on his professional performance
• Why he focuses on raising capital for early-stage companies when others won't
• His advice for finding "self-actualization" beyond financial success
• Why he believes accounting knowledge separates real investment bankers from pretenders

Notable Quotes:

• "I love the chase. I love trying to recruit a new client, helping to position the client to be successful. And I find that exhilarating."
• "Money doesn't come when you expect it to come. It's the byproduct of hard work most of the time, or luck, or both."
• You have to remain humble because if you think you're the greatest thing, that is not going to resonate well with people.
• "Layering in the proper amount of support at the appropriate times is really crucial to building a house of bricks, not a house of straw."
• "When you're working really hard and you don't focus on your mental and physical wellbeing, you can suffer."
• "Fifty years from now, we're not all going to be eating cows and chickens and pigs. We're going to be eating synthetically engineered food products."

**************************************************

If you enjoyed this chat, please Download this episode, and SUBSCRIBE to this Show, so you do not miss any new conversations with my amazing guests!

If you want to support the show, go to https://boldconsciousconnections.captivate.fm/support and you can either become a member, or leave a one off donation!

If you have a burning desire to be an entrepreneur, and you feel like you are at the end of your corporate career, reach out for a quick chat with me at:

https://calendly.com/rhp1955/discovery-call-with-raju-panjwani

Most people don’t realize this—there are 5 ways to get divorced. But the one most people default to? It’s often the most damaging.

In this episode, I speak with Entrepreneur Vicky Townsend, founder of Divorce Right and Bridgewell, who has spent decades transforming how families—especially first responders and professionals—navigate one of life’s most stressful transitions.

We talk about:

• Why the current divorce system is outdated and broken
• The 5 divorce options most people don’t know they have
• How trauma and stress impact first responder marriages
• What corporate leaders can do to support employees facing divorce
• How to protect your finances, mental health, and family during tough transitions

This isn’t just a conversation about divorce—it’s a roadmap for how to approach it with clarity, strength, and support.

👉 Learn more about Vicky's work:

Vicky Townsend on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickytownsend/

First Responder Family Support Resources: https://linktr.ee/vickytownsend

🎧 Like what you hear? Follow the podcast and share it with someone who needs it.

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Bold Conscious Connections is a podcast dedicated to helping you transition from corporate leadership to conscious entrepreneurship. Hosted by Raju Panjwani, this series brings you thought-provoking conversations with bold, conscious leaders and entrepreneurs who have transformed their careers and lives and those of others.

🎙 **What You’ll Learn:**

- Insightful stories of leadership, growth, and bold decisions.

- Strategies to align your work with your purpose.

- Practical steps for navigating the transition to entrepreneurship.

🌐 Explore more at: [https://rajupanjwani.com/raju-panjwani-podcast](https://rajupanjwani.com/raju-panjwani-podcast)

👉 Learn more about The Accelerated Entrepreneur Program:

https://rajupanjwani.com/bold-conscious-leadership-coaching/

👉 Explore More with Raju:

Are you ready to align your purpose with your business? Discover how The Accelerated Entrepreneur Program can help you gain clarity, build confidence, and create a business you love:

BOOK YOUR STRATEGY CALL NOW:

https://calendly.com/rhp1955/strat

AI is not here to replace you—but someone who knows how to use it might. In this electrifying conversation, AI and automation expert Henrik de Gyor breaks down the myths, risks, and massive opportunities AI presents for professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs. The world is shifting FAST. Some will embrace AI and thrive. Others will ignore it—and risk being left behind.

Which side will you be on?

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE DIVE INTO:

👉 The biggest myth about AI adoption that's holding professionals back

👉 Why only 5% of businesses have actually adopted AI—and what that means for you

👉 The #1 blind spot that corporate leaders don't realize until it's too late

👉 How AI can eliminate 80-99% of your busy work—so what's left for humans?

👉 AI & leadership: What separates those who thrive from those who get replaced

👉 Ethics, misinformation & AI bias: Who's REALLY in control?

👉 The single biggest AI mistake professionals are making right now

👉 How to use AI productivity tools to your advantage TODAY—before your competition does

💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

🔹 AI isn't coming for your job—but someone who knows how to use it might.

🔹 AI adoption is shockingly low—most businesses are still hesitant, and that's an opportunity.

🔹 The fear of AI isn't about technology—it's about our fear of change.

🔹 AI can free up 1,200+ hours per year—but only if you know how to use it strategically.

🔹 The real danger isn't AI itself—it's people's lack of understanding of how to leverage it.

🎤 NOTABLE QUOTES:

💬 The biggest lie about AI? That everyone is using it. Reality? Only 5% of businesses have actually adopted it. (07:45)

💬 It's not AI vs. us. It's AI AND us. Those who understand that will lead. Those who don't will get left behind. (11:30)

💬 AI isn't about replacing people—it's about eliminating all the busy work we shouldn't be doing in the first place. (19:20)

⏱ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Welcome & introduction

03:15 - The biggest myth about AI adoption (and why it's so slow)

07:30 - AI & jobs: The real threat isn't what you think

12:45 - The blind spot professionals have about AI

19:10 - How AI can save 1,200+ hours a year

25:20 - AI & creativity: What's truly left for humans?

32:00 - Ethics, misinformation & control: Who's really running AI?

39:50 - The AI mistake every professional is making

45:00 - Future-proofing your career in an AI-driven world

🎯 WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR:

🚀 Executives & professionals wondering how AI will impact their industry

💡 Entrepreneurs & business leaders looking to stay ahead of disruption

⚡ High-achievers who want to master AI productivity tools to boost efficiency

📈 Anyone feeling unsure or intimidated by AI—and ready to take action

Connect with Henrik de Gyor:

https://myaifluency.com/

https://henrikdegyor.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hdegyor/

=========================================

Explore More with Raju:

Are you ready to align your purpose with your business, AI or no AI?

Discover how The Accelerated Entrepreneur Program can help you gain clarity, build confidence, and create a business you love:

BOOK YOUR STRATEGY CALL NOW:

https://calendly.com/rhp1955/strat

What drives a high-level executive to walk away from a thriving career and embrace the unknown?

Vamsi Polimetla had everything—recognition, security, and a path to the top. But deep down, he knew he was meant for something more. In this powerful conversation, Vamsi shares the pivotal moments that led him to leave corporate life and build a coaching business that transforms high achievers into conscious leaders.

🚀 In this episode, we discuss:

✅ The moment of truth that made Vamsi leave his high-paying job

✅ Golden handcuffs—why corporate leaders struggle to break free

✅ The biggest blind spot successful professionals face

✅ How to accelerate 10 years of growth into 1 year

✅ Why 90% commitment equals zero—and how to go all-in

✅ The Eastern philosophy that helps leaders find clarity and fulfillment

✅ Vamsi’s daily mindset practices that fuel success

✅ His journey from India to Singapore to the U.S. and lessons along the way

Notable Quotes:

🎤 “If you keep one foot in comfort, you’ll never take the leap.”

🎤 “Your mind is a supercomputer—feed it the right input.”

🎤 “90% commitment is the same as 0%—you either go all in or not at all.”

🎤 “You don’t need a bigger paycheck, you need a bigger vision.”

Resources & References:

📌 Connect with Vamsi Polimetla – https://www.linkedin.com/in/vamsipolimetla/

📌 More about Make More Leaders – https://make-more-leaders.teachable.com/

📌 Related episode: https://youtu.be/tly-rWbhFSY

Timestamps:

⏳ 00:00 – Introduction

⏳ 03:15 – Vamsi’s journey: From humble beginnings to corporate leadership

⏳ 08:42 – The turning point: Leaving corporate to start coaching

⏳ 15:20 – The “golden handcuffs” trap & why high achievers stay stuck

⏳ 21:45 – The 90% commitment = 0% results principle

⏳ 27:30 – The biggest blind spot successful professionals struggle with

⏳ 34:12 – How to achieve 10 years of progress in 1 year

⏳ 41:05 – Eastern philosophy and leadership: Slowing down to speed up

⏳ 48:30 – Vamsi’s morning routine & daily mindset shifts

⏳ 54:10 – Rapid Fire Questions!

Explore More with Raju:

Are you ready to align your purpose with your business?

Discover how The Accelerated Entrepreneur Program can help you gain clarity, build confidence, and create a business you love:

BOOK YOUR STRATEGY CALL NOW:

https://calendly.com/rhp1955/strat

📩 Join my private email list for exclusive content:

https://raju-panjwani.kit.com/privateemail

🎯 {{If you’re ready to take the next step toward building a purpose-driven business, check out my upcoming The Accelerated Entrepreneur Program details below}}

In this episode of Bold Conscious Connections, Yael Tamar, CEO and Co-Founder of DIBS Capital, reveals how she’s revolutionizing the secondary market for private equity shares through blockchain innovation. Yael’s journey—from her roots in Ukraine to life in NYC and Israel—highlights the boldness required to embrace uncertainty, lead with trust, and find purpose in the chaos.

Yael dives into how DIBS Capital is democratizing access to private equity, creating liquidity in an opaque market, and using blockchain technology to bring transparency to finance. She also shares personal insights on balancing leadership with spirituality, the power of trust in decision-making, and why fun is essential for thriving in high-pressure environments.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The future of private equity: How DIBS Capital is transforming the secondary market with blockchain.

✅ Blockchain in finance: Why transparency and efficiency are essential for reshaping private equity markets.

✅ Leadership across cultures: Lessons from leading in dynamic ecosystems like Tel Aviv and NYC.

✅ Trust and spirituality: How mindfulness and certainty fuel bold decisions and resilience.

✅ Finding balance: The importance of fun and joy in navigating the chaos of leadership.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and Introduction

03:15 - Yael’s Global Journey: From Ukraine to NYC and Israel

08:30 - DIBS Capital and Redefining Private Equity

14:45 - Blockchain’s Role in Transparency and Liquidity

20:20 - Leadership Lessons from Tel Aviv and NYC

27:10 - Spiritual Practices in Leadership and Life

32:45 - The Role of Trust in Bold Decision-Making

38:15 - Finding Fun Amidst Chaos

Key Highlights:

✅ Blockchain for Private Equity:

Yael explains how DIBS Capital uses blockchain technology to create liquidity and accessibility in secondary markets, reshaping private equity for the future.

✅ Global Leadership Perspective:

Drawing from her experiences in Ukraine, NYC, and Israel, Yael shares the lessons that shaped her unique leadership style.

✅ Embracing Uncertainty:

Yael talks about the power of trust—in yourself, others, and the unknown—in navigating complex markets and life.

✅ Spiritual Growth:

Discover how mindfulness, meditation, and fun help Yael stay grounded and lead with purpose, even in chaos.

Notable Quotes:

🎤 "Blockchain isn’t just technology—it’s the foundation for transparency and trust in private equity."

🎤 "Leadership isn’t about knowing the answers—it’s about trusting the unknown and taking bold action."

🎤 "Liquidity isn’t just about finance—it’s about giving people access to opportunity."

🎤 "Amidst chaos, fun and joy are your greatest tools for resilience."

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🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more bold conversations!

Learn more about The Accelerated Entrepreneur Program starting January 2025 at

https://rajupanjwani.com/bold-conscious-leadership-coaching/

Explore More with Raju:

Are you ready to align your purpose with your business? Discover how The Accelerated Entrepreneur Program can help you gain clarity, build confidence, and create a business you love:

BOOK YOUR STRATEGY CALL NOW:

https://calendly.com/rhp1955/strat