The Ginni Show

In this episode of The Ginni Show, I talk with designer Rasheeda Gray about her personal journey to finding a career with purpose. Today, she’s going strong as the Founder and Lead Designer of Gray Space Interiors. But, it took her 25 years to realize that this was what she wanted to spend the rest of her life doing. Today, you’ll hear what took her so long to figure it out. She shares her ultra-relatable desire to please others before taking a chance on her own dreams, and what it feels like to carry that responsibility on your shoulders. She also talks about the importance of exposure to the arts for young people, and how a single assignment when she was in the fourth grade helped her recognize her need for creativity. She’s also got some advice to share about overcoming fear for other creatives who are looking to break out and try something on their own. What You Will Learn:Understanding the duality of a bonafide Gemini (2:14)The chance encounter that connected her to her eventual career path (4:48)How she’s paying it forward to young people of color (7:56)When her creative past caught up with her future career (11:18)Why she waited 25 years to follow her purpose (12:25)Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs (19:16)Resources from this episode:The Personality of a Gemini, Explained | AllureNot Your Parents’ Career—Or Is It? Parents Exert Significant Influence On Kids’ Career Choices | ForbesConnect with Rasheeda Gray:Gray Space InteriorsLet’s connect:Instagram: @theginnishowTwitter: @theginnishowFacebook: @theginnishowLinkedIn: Ginni SaraswatiWebsite: ginnimedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's guest is Interior Designer Rasheeda Gray. I first met Rasheeda over a year ago when I interviewed her for a project with Architectural Digest. Something about her “always on” business persona stuck with me. It’s clear that her work is very much a part of who she is. So, wasting no time, I started by asking her what she thought about the concept of professional and personal duality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So often, we long for an escape. We find ourselves in a place that we always aspired to be, yet, we feel as if something is missing. If we are lucky, we may find ourselves in a different location and be overwhelmed by a realization or inspiration that might lead to a fundamental change in our mindset or our lives. But regardless of where you go to search for the solution, you will always find it in one location - within yourself. We just need to believe in our capabilities, reflect on our past achievements, take action, and hope that we will have the perfect cheerleaders to support us along our journey. On this episode of The Ginni Show, I speak with Karen Gamba, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of ExV Agency. She’s a philanthropist, traveler, Sci-fi fanatic, and overall girl power guru. Karen is an eternal ex-pat and travel fanatic, and she is here to share some of the life-changing awakenings she experienced in different locations around the globe.  What You Will Learn:The experience that changed Karen’s life trajectory (02:23)Karen’s first step she took to act on her realization. (08:17)The power of looking inward to move forward. (10:38)How failures and rejection are just course corrections to help us get back on track. (13:02)How Karen’s mother reminded her to be grateful for everything that makes this life so beautiful. (17:30)If you sign up to do something, go all the way. You never know how close you are to the next breakthrough. (21:08) Connect with Karen: Website: exv-agency.comLinkedIn: Karen GambaLet's connect:Instagram: @theginnishowTwitter: @theginnishowFacebook: @theginnishowLinkedIn: Ginni SaraswatiWebsite: ginnimedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Legal Professional and CMO turned Badass Entrepreneur, Karen Gamba takes us on an adventure of how she left her corporate job in law after a life changing experience in Iceland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adversity comes in many shapes and sizes. It’s something we all experience and deal with differently. Some face it head-on, others do so more tentatively. Whatever it is, and however you handle it, there’s always a lesson in the things we go through. Sometimes the lesson is easy to understand and other times it takes some serious soul searching. But once we figure it out, it makes everything we went through worth it.Alex Molden, former NFL player turned leadership and personal development coach, processes adversity by finding an advantage. He believes that our life experiences teach us how to be resilient and grow as individuals. On this episode of the Ginni Show, Alex shares some of the adversity he experienced as a young football player and how he leveraged it to learn about himself and ultimately become a better person. Listen in as he breaks down what it means to be intentional, know your character, and be cognizant of your environment.      In this episode, you will learn:About Alex’s life-changing experience at a bowl game at just 19 years old (2:25)What it felt like for Alex to score a touchdown at the time (4:55)Why Alex came back a better athlete after his adversity (7:08)How Alex trained when physically unable to be on the football field (9:14)How Alex practices being the person he wants to be (11:40)About Alex’s transformational moment after he retired from the NFL (15:47)Alex’s take on the Will Smith and Chris Rock Oscars ‘incident’ (18:12)What an incident with his abusive step-dad showed Alex about his character (19:54)What Alex believes to be the most powerful and unstable influencer (21:31)Some questions I ask:How did you manage to change your perception of seeing this low point in your life as an opportunity? (6:58)What was that like, the transitioning from one city to another? (12:47)As an influencer, with many people looking up to you, would you say that there are certain things that other people value that you don't? (22:18)Connect with Alex Molden:Website: alexmoldenspeaks.com/Twitter: @alexmoldenInstagram: @alexmoldenLet’s connect:Instagram: @theginnishowTwitter: @theginnishowFacebook: @theginnishowLinkedIn: Ginni SaraswatiWebsite: ginnimedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ex NFL Footballer Alex Molden discusses playing professional football, showing up with intention and the transformational journey post-football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Ginni Show, I speak with Mitra Manesh, a gifted thought-leader, storyteller, and Mindfulness Educator. She’s a teacher, coach, trainer, podcast host, and consultant who helps people approach living and working from a place of mindfulness.Mitra’s life is a story about resilience and finding beauty in chaos. She was a young adult in her home country of Iran when, in 1980, she was forced to flee when the government collapsed. Her nature proved itself at that moment as she carried her weary feet through trauma and into an uncertain future. No matter the circumstances, she learned to face the unexpected with courage and find ways to embrace whatever life presented. You’ll hear her heartfelt memories of Iran and the two most impactful travel experiences that have shaped her warm and mindful attitude about life.  What You Will Learn:The experience that shaped Mitra’s resilience (1:50)A beautiful memory of a mysterious encounter she had in Iran (5:21)How to pivot when the places we love change (8:59)A lesson in inclusion and the importance of lunch breaks (12:54)Looking at cities a little differently to forge connection (15:47)Connect with Mitra Manesh:Website: https://www.mitramanesh.com/Let’s connect:Instagram: @theginnishowTwitter: @theginnishowFacebook: @theginnishowLinkedIn: Ginni SaraswatiWebsite: ginnimedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mindfulness teacher and Founder of Inner Map, Mitra Manesh takes us on a deep inward journey. From literally walking out of Iran on foot, to cleverly giving personas to cities around the world, the exploration is rich and endless. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think about your late teens and early twenties. What did your life look like? Well, this episode’s guest, Anna Ratala, was interning in Brussels and then running for elected office in her hometown. Anna knew from a young age that she had been born with an entrepreneurial spirit. She also knew, having grown up in small-town Finland, that she wanted to experience a world outside, and completely different to, what she’d always known. It’s these two things that brought Anna around the world - first to Brussels, then Singapore, and finally to her current hometown, New York City. In this episode, she talks to me about her earliest travel experience, her first venture into the entrepreneur world, and why she’s never looked back. Join us as we discuss cool bosses, election slogans, New York City rats, and so much more!In this episode, you will learn:About Anna’s childhood growing up in Finland (0:37)How Anna ended up in Brussels at such a young age (11:16)About Anna’s experience running for elected office in her hometown (13:00)What brought Anna to South East Asia and how she ended up making it her home for eight years (17:14)How Anna “started-up” in the start-up world (19:02)What Anna thinks the key to being a successful entrepreneur is (23:51)About Anna’s first experience of NYC and why she said it felt like home (24:47)Connect with Anna Ratala:LinkedIn: Anna RatalaTwitter: @AnnaRatalaInstagram: @AnnaRatalaLet’s connect:Instagram: @theginnishowTwitter: @theginnishowFacebook: @theginnishowLinkedIn: Ginni SaraswatiWebsite: ginnimedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Falling in love with New York City is a tale of love that has been experienced by many. For Anna Ratala, being in the city inspires her entrepreneurial spirit, inner extrovert and fuels her for her day to day challenges and rollercoaster rides as a CEO of a Startup. Tune into her episode this Monday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you picture when you think of Iceland? A vast white tundra, whitened by snow and ice? Perpetual cold and darkness? I mean, the name ICE-land insinuates as much, right? Wrong! What would you say if I told you it’s a place that turns the color gray into a beautiful shade? Or somewhere that’s as close to being on another planet as you can get? Seems more enticing now, huh? Well, this is how Adam Posner, founder of NHP Talent Group, host of the popular podcast, ThePOZcast, and expert traveler, describes his recent venture to the country.On this episode of the Ginni Show, I speak with Adam about what made Iceland so special to him as well as some of his other most memorable travel experiences. Join us as we discuss blue lagoons, James Bond-esque tour guides, Napoli pizza, Global DJs, and so much more!In this episode, you will learn:About Adam’s James-Bond-meets-Bear-Grylls Icelandic tour guide (8:03)One of the things Adam makes a point of doing every time he travels (8:57)What makes Iceland different from other trips Adam’s taken (14:25)How Adam balances his work life and his travels (15:53)About Adam’s first-ever travel experience (27:56)Adam’s special tip for traveling with your significant other (31:51)Adam’s mantra around managing time effectively (32:37)Connect with Adam Posner:Website: nhptalentgroup.com Twitter: @AdamJPosner LinkedIn: Adam PosnerLet’s connect:Instagram: @theginnishowTwitter: @theginnishowFacebook: @theginnishowLinkedIn: Ginni SaraswatiWebsite: ginnimedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Ginni Show, I speak with Canadian World Cup alpine skier Erin Mielzynski. Erin first began competing internationally in 2009 and, since then, has competed in three winter Olympics (including the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics) and five world championships. In 2012, Erin won her first World Cup race in Slalom in Germany, making her the first Canadian woman in 41 years to achieve such a feat. Between her athletic endeavors and personal adventures, Erin has been all over the world, making her a seasoned traveler. I speak with Erin about her most recent travel adventure, a mindfulness retreat in Indonesia, the close connection she made along the way, and what she gained from her experience. We also discuss Erin’s career as a world-class athlete and the important lessons she’s learned along the way. In this episode, you will learn:How mindfulness is important to professional athletes (2:01)What inspired Erin’s journey into mindfulness(3:11)Erin’s thoughts on traveling alone (4:30)About Erin’s experience at a mindfulness retreat (4:42)What lessons Erin learned during her mindfulness retreat  (6:33)What it was like for Erin traveling alone for the first time (9:59)What mindfulness means to Erin (10:39)What it’s like for Erin to compete against, and simultaneously support, her teammates (19:06)How Erin views her immediate community and why they are so important to her (20:31)Erin’s experience backcountry skiing in France (22:51)How Erin defines bravery (29:29)What Erin’s foray into podcasting has been like (31:42)Some questions I ask:Do you think that disconnect from a larger group helped your experience [traveling alone]? (9:55)What was it like connecting with someone so deeply in a nonverbal way? [11:29]How is it different being in a foreign space when you have your support system with you versus when you’re alone? (15:03)How does [teammates] showing up for one another play a part in such a highly competitive world? (18:41)Would you say that trust is a core value for you? (25:23)You mentioned that scary situations have brought you closer to the people in your life quickly out of necessity. Do you use that awareness in your everyday relationships? (27:20)Has there ever been a moment with the podcast where you felt like throwing in the towel? (32:02)Connect with Erin Mielzynski:Website: erinmielzynski.comTwitter: @erinmielzynskiInstagram: @erinmielzynskiLet’s connect:Instagram: @theginnishowTwitter: @theginnishowFacebook: @theginnishowLinkedIn: Ginni SaraswatiWebsite: ginnimedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's not every day you're able to sit down with a World-Class Athlete and 4 x Olympian and hear about her travel adventures. From her tales of traveling solo to connecting with a new friend purely through silence and body language, Erin's experiences abroad reinforce the bravery she embodies every single day. Catch the full episode this Monday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Ginni Show, I speak with Cynthia Rowley, award-winning fashion designer and travel aficionado. Cynthia grew up in a small town in midwest Illinois before packing up her sewing machines and moving to New York City, where she eventually realized her dream of becoming a fashion designer. With theatrics including Elvis impersonators and (literally) lighting runways on fire, Cynthia’s fashion shows are famously known for their dramatics. Cynthia employs the same mindsight to designing clothes as she does to traveling: be fearless. From camping in the Himalayas to surfing with sharks in Byron Bay, she maintains that some of the most memorable travel experiences are born from living on the edge. Throughout this episode, we discuss Cynthia’s journey to success as a fashion designer as well as some of her most memorable travel experiences.Join me and Cynthia to learn more about her amazing adventures.In this episode, you will learn:Cynthia’s experience of moving from a small town to New York City to pursue her dreams (2:23)How the age-old adage of “fake it till you make it” has worked for Cynthia(6:59)How nothing comes easy and we have to work for the things that we want (7:48)What made Cynthia’s fashion shows so memorable  (8:41)How Cynthia vacationed with her family as a young girl (11:08)It’s not the destination, it’s the journey - what this means to Cynthia and how has she applied it to her travel experiences (11:54)Cynthia's idea of a fun family vacation. (18:01)What inspired Cynthia to travel and see the world (24:55)What Cynthia deems to be one of the most important contributing factors to flexible travel (26:58)Connect with Cynthia Rowley:Website: Cynthiarowley.comTwitter: @Cynthia_RowleyInstagram: ​​@cynthiarowleyLet’s connect:Instagram: @theginnishowTwitter: @theginnishowFacebook: @theginnishowLinkedIn: Ginni SaraswatiWebsite: ginnimedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A sneak peak into the first episode of the new season of The Ginni Show with Cynthia Rowley, award-winning fashion designer and travel aficionado. From camping in the Himalayas to surfing with sharks in Byron Bay, she maintains that some of the most memorable travel experiences are born from living on the edge. Throughout this episode, we discuss Cynthia’s journey to success as a fashion designer as well as some of her most memorable travel experiences. Needless to say, her fearlessness extends beyond the runway and world of fashion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ginni Show, hosted by Ginni Saraswati transports you all over the world with inspiring travel tales from some of the world’s most interesting movers and shakers. Each episode seeks to ignite the curious spirit through the power of story and will explore how guests’ lives were changed through travel, connection, and losing oneself at the farthest corners of the world.The multi-award nominated podcast gives you a front row seat to hear stories from movers and shakers about how their lives were changed through travel, human connection, and adventureThe show launches today, May 19th as it’s the birthday of the host’s mother. After losing her in 2021, Saraswati talks fondly of how much her mother was a big part of the first three seasons and a huge part of why she landed in podcasting. “Her stories, what she taught me, and how she raised me is in the very fabric of The Ginni Show.” Says Ginni. “Losing her was heartbreaking so being able to launch this season on her birthday helps me feel like she is a part of it.”Each episode will be releasing every Monday at 6am EST.Produced by: Ginni Media - www.ginnimedia.comAudio Producer: Ashley Tough Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you value? Now that’s a loaded question. Getting clear on what you value is something most people - unless they consciously make space to consider this - never let dictate the way they live. But the truth is, if you let life run the show, you’ll find yourself all out of balance. On this episode, I talk with Frank Clark, an awe-inspiring serial entrepreneur, recognized as one of the Top CEOs in his field. He has created and sold many multinational companies, producing hundreds of millions of dollars, working with startups and Fortune 50 companies around the globe. Throughout our conversation, Frank shares the valuable lessons he’s learned as an entrepreneur so far, including how he realized what he truly values. Even though he built and extremely successful career for himself at a young age, it came at a cost; he ultimately lost sight of what truly matters most to him, including time with his children. Frank also shares his insights on why he knew entrepreneurship was the right path for him, how he starts his days, and why it’s vital to invest in company culture. Tune in learn more about Frank’s story and how you can get your life back in alignment!Frank’s Happiness Hack:Real happiness is when you’re content; when you’re at peace. When you’re calm. Like when you’re feeling grateful, when you’re feeling love, when you’re feeling blessed, when you feel complete. When you feel really creative, you’re feeling just unstoppable. Some Questions I Ask:  - What did your family think when you became an entrepreneur at 8 years old? (0:44) - Why do you think your parents encouraged your entrepreneurial spirit? (4:20) - Do you ever question whether the entrepreneurial path is right for you? (6:08) - What do you find to be the most common mistake made by CEOs and entrepreneurs today? (20:02) - How do you start your day? (27:33) - What is your definition of happiness? (30;28)In This Episode You Will Learn:  - How Frank learned to negotiate with the Hell’s Angels at 10 years old. (0:50) - Why being bullied pushed Frank to become a CEO. (6:14) - The value of vulnerability in leadership and business. (9:13) - The moment when Frank realized he’d put his work above his family. (12:56) - Why corporate culture is vital to a company’s success. (21:03) - What Frank learns about himself when he skips his morning routine. (29:10)Connect with Frank Clark: WebsiteFacebookInstagramOrange Crushing It with Frank Clark  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where do you see magic in the world around you? It’s easy to get caught up in planning every little decision in life, looking only at the steps in front of you. But when you take time to look up and intentionally take in your environment, you start to see the magic in the world around you. On this episode, I talk with Ashley Gonor, host of the Uncover Your Magic Podcast. Throughout our conversation, Ashley shares with me her entrepreneurial journey so far, from buying a spa to recovering from the disasters thrown her way. She shares wisdom around finding the magic in the mundane, and what practices she uses to set up her days for success. Tune in to find the magic in your life!Some Questions I Ask:  - What was your first-ever experience of magic? (4:32) - Talk me through your experience of throwing surrender into the universe. (6:20) - Where did you learn resilience from? (12:41) - Tell me about your morning routine. (17:36) - What podcasts do you listen to while you run? (19:02) - How have you experienced death and mitigated those experiences? (20:56) - How has your gratitude practice influenced your relationships with yourself and others? (24:42)In This Episode, You Will Learn:  - How Ashley removed her blinders & elevated her life. (5:07) - How Ashley’s childhood experiences helped her discover her authentic self. (13:18) - The greatest lesson Ashley’s mom taught her. (16:16) - What practices Ashley implemented into her life to set herself up for success. (17:49) - How to practice visualization. (22:39) - What book changed Ashley’s life. (32:30)Connect with Ashley Gonor:InstagramFacebookPodcastResources: Fire & Soul PodcastLewis Howes: The School of Greatness PodcastWayne DyerThe Game of Life and How to Play it by Florence Scovel Shinn  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you see when you dream about the future? During this COVID-19 pandemic, dreaming about the future poses some unique difficulties. We’re not sure what lies ahead and how cultures around the world will change, or what exactly will stand the test of time. Today, I invite you to look even deeper into the future: what’s your vision for your 60s, 70s, 80s, and older? On this episode, I talk with Dr. Ronald Kaiser, who works as the Director of Psychology at one of the world’s leading headache centers. His other full-time job is creating innovative positive approaches to helping people of all ages maximize their potential for success and happiness. And he is 82 years old! Throughout our conversation, Ron drops wisdom about how to prepare for your elder years, and what you can expect if you take care of yourself from a young age. He also shares about the purpose and mission of Positive Psychology, how to foster a positive mindset, and how to interrupt negative thoughts as they pass through your mind. Tune in to learn how to you can start investing in more than just your 401k and set yourself up for a brighter, happier future. Dr. Ron Kaiser’s Happiness Hack: “I think happiness means satisfaction with where you are, but not total satisfaction. I think happiness means that you have something to look forward to.”Some Questions I Ask:  - What hooked you into studying Positive Psychology? (5:16) - How do you think COVID-19 quarantine affects our ability to interrupt catastrophic thoughts and transform them into positive ones? (11:14) - How do you influence your mindset every day? (16:31) - What advice do you have for 20 and 30-year-olds to prepare for the future? (25:50)In This Episode, You Will Learn:  - What is Positive Psychology? (5:20) - 3 principles that foster a positive mindset. (12:08) - How Goal Achieving Psychotherapy helps you positively prepare for the future. (28:38) - What happiness means to Dr. Ron Kaiser. (30:41)Connect with Dr. Ron Kaiser: WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitter  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever think to yourself, “I’m not enough” or “Who are you to do this”? This is impostor syndrome – and, let me tell you, it’s a tough disease to kick. My guest on this episode is no stranger to battling impostor syndrome, and she’s helped countless others free themselves from their inner critic as well. Adri Kyser is an international holistic wellness expert who has spent the last 15 years helping highly-driven people get out of their own way, utilize their unique skills, and build unstoppable confidence to succeed in life and business. Throughout our conversation, Adri vulnerably tells the story of the abuse she experienced from her aunt as a child, and how that abuse affected her life and relationships as a young adult. She shares her journey of healing, how she’s learned to start caring for herself, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.  Tune in to get the keys to long-lasting health, happiness, and long-term fulfillment! Some Questions I Ask:  - How did you transition from international law to becoming a holistic wellness expert? (5:08) - How did your childhood abuse from your aunt affect your ability to trust women? (9:18) - How do you practice self-care and what have you learned along the way? (16:02) - How do you feed your soul? (24:11) - What is your definition of happiness? (27:53)In This Episode, You Will Learn:  - How Adri learned to override her inner critic. (6:11) - The 4 key components to long-lasting health, happiness and fulfillment. (13:32) - How self-care supports the rest of your life. (16:20) - How giving and receiving love leads to experiencing happiness. (28:04)Connect with Adri: WebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebookFREE GIFT  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.