Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life Podcast

Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life Podcast

Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life explores how purpose, leadership, and humanity must evolve alongside rapid technological change. Through deep conversations with thinkers, leaders, and change-makers, the podcast offers clear insights and practical reflections to help you work, lead, and thrive — without losing the human heartbeat. Hosted by Francine Beleyi, founder of nucleus of change.

Episodes

January 19, 2026 50 mins

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 an...

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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 Econo...

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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 ...

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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 reshap...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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 be...

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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 Afric...

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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 transfor...

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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.

He...

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In this episode 117 of “Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life,” we explore the incredible journey of Matt Parfitt, Founder and CEO of Grace Enterprises.

Matt shares his transition from primary school teacher to social entrepreneur, detailing how his faith-driven mission has led to the creation of several successful social enterprises.

These businesses provide meaningful employment to individuals facing significant barriers, such as home...

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When people think of virtual assistants, they rarely think of African talent

In this episode 116 of Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life, we sit down with Erefa Coker, the founder of IMÒ Interns, a groundbreaking platform that connects businesses worldwide with skilled, remote interns from Africa.

With a background in HR and a passion for creating economic opportunities, Erefa shares her journey, the challenges she’s faced, and her mis...

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In this episode 115 of “Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life,” we kick off our season 10 “Leaders on a Mission” series with Christopher Marquis, Sinyi Professor at the University of Cambridge Judge School of Business and author of the book “The Profiteers: How Business Privatises Profits and Socialises Costs.”

Chris exposes the strategies companies use to shift environmental and societal costs while maximising profits for shareholders....

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I’m excited to have you join me for Season 10 of the Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life podcast! "Leaders on a Mission"

We’ll be delving into the personal journeys, impactful work, and visionary leadership of extraordinary individuals who are making a real difference in the world.

Throughout this season, you’ll hear from leaders who are driving social change, empowering underserved communities, and challenging the way we think about ...

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When considering employee advocacy or brand ambassador programs, organisations often assume:

⛔ It’s just employees sharing marketing on social media 

⛔ It’s not relevant for managers and executives  

⛔ It’s about continuously praising the company

⛔Tightly controlling the messaging of employee advocates is the key to success.

⛔ It’s only for sales and marketing staff 

However, my guests in season 9 of my podcast Meaningful Work, Mea...

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Before closing out season 9 of Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life podcast, I revisit a key question I love asking my guests: If I gave you 1 billion pounds today, what would you do?

I ask this because it reveals our true motivations.

How often do we ask ourselves what we'd really want if money were no object?

 

This is how my guests this season answered. Their responses may surprise and motivate you!

Let’s Tune in

More info about the...

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As AI takes over more repetitive tasks, what unique human abilities remain irreplaceable at work?

In this episode, #111 of Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life podcast, we explore how leaders can nurture human skills, creativity, and meaning in an increasingly tech-driven workplace.

My guest, Fatima Roumate, is a professor at the University Mohammed V in Morocco. Her research focuses on the international relations and legal implication...

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“When people thrive, the organisation thrive.”

In this episode #110, I’m joined by Antonia Bartels, director at Randstad RiseSmart. With a focus on coaching and career transition, Antonia advocates for creating a work environment where employees not only excel but feel at home. She believes that this leads to greater talent mobility, innovation, and retention within organisations.

Antonia brings her expertise in career navigation a...

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Have you ever felt stuck during a performance review, wondering how to react to something you disagree with?

The work landscape has significantly shifted from the days when we had little say in how our performance was assessed.

In today's world, employees are actively participating in the performance management process. They're no longer merely recipients of feedback but are shaping their own evaluations.

 

In episode #109 of the *...

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