Authentic Pathways with Karin Holley

Karin Holley Coaching

Karin Holley has conversations with inspiring leaders and professionals who tell their stories of leading a life true to oneself and the lessons learned along the way. This is a podcast for leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs who - are on a path to fulfilment and authenticity - value personal and professional growth, leading with love and kindness, making a difference, and connecting with others. To connect with Karin email: coaching@karinholley.com website: https://karinholley.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-holley/ Instagram: https://www.instagr

  1. FEB 20

    Authentic Pathways S1E13 - Michelle Thomas - The Pursuit of Joy

    In this episode of the Authentic Pathways Podcast, host Karin interviews Michelle Thomas, an energy coach who helps professionals align their energy, clear internal blocks, and reconnect with purpose. Michelle shares that she has perceived energy since childhood and explains how a near-death experience about 20 years ago clarified her path to help others reconnect with their intrinsic joy. The conversation explores how societal conditioning and personal stories can obscure people’s “original self,” and how thoughts, words, emotions, and the body are all expressions of energy and frequency. She describes practices for protecting one’s energy from unkindness, choosing thoughts, using body signals of expansion vs. contraction to make decisions, and approaching self-discovery with gentleness rather than judgment. 00:00 Welcome to Authentic Pathways + Meet Energy Coach Michelle Thomas01:53 Michelle’s Early Sensitivity: Seeing & Feeling Energy From Childhood04:14 Did We ‘Lose’ Our Energy? How Conditioning Covers the True Self10:26 Everything Is Frequency: Thoughts, Words, Emotions & the Body’s Energy Field15:26 Near-Death (Near-Living) Experience: Remembering the Soul & Why We’re Here20:41 Finding Passion in a Busy Life: Heart Expansion vs. the Daily ‘Slog’21:52 Reframing Challenges as Chosen Growth: The ‘Holiday of Life’ Analogy26:52 Staying Joyful in a Fearful World: Focus, Kindness, and Collective Change28:11 Seeing the Same Essence in Everyone (Love as the Recalibration)29:06 Dealing with Unkind People: Compassion, Boundaries & Owning Your Energy31:14 Your Thoughts Aren’t “Real”: Feelings Drive the System32:00 Expansion vs. Contraction: Using the Body as Your Inner Compass34:00 Short-Term “Joy” vs. True Nourishment (Netflix, Wine & Awareness)35:04 Gentleness on the Path: Learning Through Mistakes on Divine Timing39:07 Q&A: Use Your Body to Shift Your State (Posture, Smiling, Priming)42:01 Train Your Attention: Choosing Beauty & What You Want to Grow44:41 Farhana’s Question: Soul Perspective, Replacing Thoughts & Changing Habits50:39 Final Wrap: Stop Chasing Enlightenment—You Came Here to Be HumanDon't forget to subscribe to this channel!Visit my website for more information: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karinholley.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a call with me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://partners.simply.coach/karin-holleyContact: ⁠coaching@karinholley.com⁠Connect with Karin:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-holley/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠

    54 min
  2. 2025-12-22

    Authentic Pathways S1 E12 - Jaime Koppel - The Power of Service Leadership

    The Power of Service Leadership with Jaime Koppel | Authentic Pathways PodcastIn this episode of the Authentic Pathways podcast, host Karin Holley interviews Jaime Koppel, a seasoned strategist and advocate with decades of experience in education equity, justice, and community-led change. The conversation delves into Jaime's extensive work in resourcing grassroots organizers, her role in transforming public education, and her leadership philosophy inspired by Ella Baker's servant leadership. Jaime shares insights on the impactful NGO BECA, which she founded to expand bilingual education in Honduras, and discusses the broader implications of community-driven development and mutual aid. The dialogue further explores the balance between service leadership and personal well-being, emphasizing the power of collectivism and deep community connections in fostering sustainable change.00:00 Welcome to Authentic Pathways00:24 Introducing Jaime Koppel02:04 Understanding Servant Leadership02:25 Ella Baker's Influence09:06 Founding BECA11:56 Challenges and Lessons in Honduras23:37 Mutual Aid and Community Support33:30 Balancing Service and Self-Care41:30 Values and Fulfillment44:15 Closing ThoughtsDon't forget to subscribe to this channel! Visit my website for more information: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karinholley.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book a free coaching call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karin-holley.temboni.com/⁠⁠ Contact: ⁠coaching@karinholley.com⁠ Connect with Karin: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-holley/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠

    46 min
  3. 2025-12-04

    Authentic Pathways S1 Ep11 - Debra Lane - Values-driven Leadership and Learning

    Authentic Leadership: Aligning Your Life and Values with Dr. Deborah LaneIn this episode of the Authentic Pathways podcast, host Karin Holley interviews Dr. Debra Lane, an experienced educator and administrator. They discuss the importance of aligning one's values with their professional and personal life to prevent burnout and foster authentic leadership. Dr. Lane shares her core values of appreciating beauty, ethics, and humility and how they shape her approach to leadership and advocacy. The conversation extends to the challenges and rewards of working internationally, the significance of being present, and the role of curiosity and listening in effective leadership. Dr. Lane also talks about her journey as an advocate for women and children, how past experiences have shaped her mission, and the ongoing need to champion underrepresented voices. This insightful discussion sheds light on living authentically and the power of values-driven leadership.00:00 Welcome to Authentic Pathways00:52 Introducing Dr. Deborah Lane02:30 Core Values and Their Impact04:35 The Ethics of AI and Humility in Leadership12:14 Challenges and Rewards of Leading in Vietnam24:27 Personal Growth and Physical Wellbeing31:22 Advocacy and Overcoming Trauma42:45 Aligning Life with Values46:41 Closing RemarksDon't forget to subscribe to this channel!Visit my website for more information: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karinholley.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a free coaching call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karin-holley.temboni.com/⁠⁠Contact: ⁠coaching@karinholley.com⁠Connect with Karin:⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-holley/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karinholleycoaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Karinholleycoaching

    47 min
  4. 2025-11-06

    Authentic Pathways S1 E10 - Ashwin Didwania - Manage Your Energy Not Your Time

    In this episode of the Authentic Pathways interview series, host Karin Holley, a certified leadership and mindset coach, speaks with Ashwin Didwania, a business owner, logistics professional, and published author. They discuss Ashwin's journey from the hustle culture in the logistics industry to embracing a balanced, serene lifestyle through energy management, meditation, and spirituality. Ashwin shares insights on managing a successful international transportation business, the importance of mental and physical well-being, and how meditation and spirituality can help maintain calmness and composure. The conversation also delves into societal perceptions of meditation and how it can enhance decision-making and personal growth.00:00 Introduction to Authentic Pathways 01:00 Meet Ashwin Didwania 03:45 Ashwin's Career in Logistics 07:30 Transition from Hustling to Providing Value 12:15 Importance of Energy Management 15:00 Meditation and Yoga 20:30 Ashwin's Personal Transformation 24:00 Cultural Perceptions of Meditation 28:45 Spirituality in Business 32:50 Starting a Meditation Practice 34:52 The Journey to Authenticity 36:10 The Role of Consistency and Honor in Meditation 40:05 Choosing the Best Time to Meditate 43:00 Course Recommendations for Beginners 47:45 Final Thoughts and GratitudeDon't forget to subscribe to this channel! Visit my website for more information: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karinholley.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book a free coaching call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karin-holley.temboni.com/ ⁠⁠Contact: ⁠coaching@karinholley.com⁠

    47 min
  5. 2025-09-17

    Authentic Pathways S1 Ep9 - Wieneke Maris - Transformation of People and Planet

    In this episode of the Authentic Pathways interview series, host Karin Holley, a certified leadership and team coach, speaks with Wieneke Maris, a geography teacher and sustainability advocate at the International School of The Hague. They discuss the importance of sustainably integrating environmental education into school curriculums and emphasize the emotional, collaborative, and community-driven approaches necessary for effective learning. Wieneke shares her inspiring journey and the various projects she has been part of, including her travels across Europe to find and implement successful sustainability practices in schools. The conversation also explores themes of emotional connection, gratitude, community action, and transforming mindsets towards the environment. 00:00 Introduction to Karin Holley and Authentic Pathways 01:07 Meet Wieneke: A Passion for Sustainability 01:56 Wieneke's Journey and Achievements 05:18 The Concept of Transformation in Education 10:01 Learning from Nature and Community 10:44 Inspiring Examples from Europe 18:01 Emotional Connection and Gratitude 23:53 Addressing the Loneliness Epidemic 25:36 Redefining Success and the Good Life 26:51 Transforming Education for Sustainability 29:15 Personal Lifestyle Changes and Sustainability 30:47 Practical Steps for Sustainable Education 33:02 Engaging Students with Empathy and Love 39:16 Resources and Support for Sustainability Education 47:18 Final Reflections and Call to Action Don't forget to subscribe to this channel! Visit my website for more information: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karinholley.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book a free coaching call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karin-holley.temboni.com/⁠⁠ Contact: ⁠coaching@karinholley.com⁠ Connect with Karin: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-holley/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠ Wieneke's resources: Sustainability Accelerator https://innovationhub.school/sustainability-accelerator-programme-2/ The Sustainability Accelerator provides a year long trajectory of training and coaching to a school team of students, teachers and other staff who would like to lift their schools sustainability efforts in a collaborative co-creation project.The Sustainability Accelerator offers an international network to learn from and inspire each other. For interested schools, please contact: wienekemaris@hotmail.com Sused.org  Our summits and programmes enable educational organisations to be true change agents of society. Through the experience of our Sustainability Education summits and programmes and our After Care Consultancy, delegates become equipped to develop and implement new strategies for incorporating Sustainability thinking into infrastructure, curriculum continuum and approaches to teaching and learning. SusEd enables schools to derive synergy between the reason why they are an education establishment and how, when and where teaching and learning happens. As a result, schools are able to articulate how their moral purpose is also their unique selling point and a means by which to measure their own success.

    49 min
  6. 2025-07-16

    Authentic Pathways S1 Ep8 - Ross Wehner - What Purpose Means for Leadership

    In this episode of the Authentic Pathways interview series, host Karin Holley, a certified leadership and mindset coach, speaks with Ross Wehner, the founder of World Leadership School and the Change Lab. They explore the importance of purpose in leadership, especially within the field of education. Ross shares his journey from journalism to educational leadership, drawing from his experiences and frameworks inspired by David Brooks' book 'Second Mountain'. The discussion delves into how leaders can balance the demands of the system with staying true to their essence, and the impact of connecting with one's purpose on resilience, well-being, and leadership effectiveness. Ross also highlights the Salmon River Program for school heads and its unique approach to leadership development. The conversation includes insights on how understanding and articulating purpose can profoundly influence both personal and professional life, ultimately fostering trust and inspiring others. 00:00 Introduction to Authentic Pathways 01:31 Meet Ross Wehner: A Journey of Purpose 03:12 The Two Mountains of Life 05:50 Ross Wehner's Transformative Year in Chile 06:57 From Journalism to Education 09:23 Empowering Students with Purpose 11:52 Balancing Systems and Personal Path 16:55 Leadership and Purpose in Schools 24:33 Discovering the Power of Purpose Statements 25:32 Amanda Gorman's Inspiring Mantra 26:52 The Role of Community in Finding Purpose 28:07 Purpose Statements in Leadership and Education 29:10 Building Trust Through Authentic Leadership 31:12 Navigating Purpose in New School Communities 33:35 Aligning Personal Purpose with School Missions 36:47 The Concept of Nested Purpose in Schools 39:42 Student Agency and the IB Diploma Program 42:49 Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Through Purpose 46:18 Coaching Students to Find Their Purpose 47:22 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Don't forget to subscribe to this channel! Visit my website for more information: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karinholley.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book a free coaching call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karin-holley.temboni.com/⁠⁠ Contact: ⁠coaching@karinholley.com⁠ Connect with Karin: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-holley/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠

    49 min
  7. 2025-06-19

    Authentic Pathways S1 Ep7 - Erica Engelen - Systems: Shaping our Destiny?

    Join Karin Holley, a certified leadership and mindset coach, in this episode of the Authentic Pathways interview series as she discusses the intricacies of systems thinking with Erica Engelen, an expert in organizational dynamics and team topologies valued practitioner. This conversation delves into the importance of understanding systems holistically and the challenges of working in team environments. They explore the impact of current business and educational systems on society and how we can proactively shift them for the better. With insights into relationship systems coaching and real-world examples from organizations like Blue Lagoon, this episode emphasizes creating psychologically safe environments and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to drive innovation and positive change. Tune in to spark new ideas and explore how systems thinking can shape a more adaptable and humane future. 00:00 Introduction to Authentic Pathways 00:29 Challenges in Team Dynamics 01:17 Meet Erica Engelen: Organizational Dynamics Expert 03:30 Defining Systems in Organizations and Society 06:23 Problems with Current Systems 11:13 The Importance of Interdisciplinary Learning 18:29 Encouraging Psychological Safety and Innovation 23:51 Practical Applications in Organizations 31:24 Applying Systems Thinking in Education 51:49 Final Thoughts and Future Conversations Don't forget to subscribe to this channel! Visit my website for more information: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karinholley.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book a free coaching call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karin-holley.temboni.com/ Contact: ⁠coaching@karinholley.com⁠ Connect with Karin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-holley/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/karinholleycoaching/⁠

    56 min
  8. 2025-05-26

    Authentic Pathways S1 Ep6 - Michael Neumann - Overcoming Barriers to Authenticity

    In this episode of the Authentic Pathways conversation series, leadership and mindset coach Karin Holley speaks with Michael Newmann, the DEIJ coordinator at St. George's International School in Luxembourg. They explore the concept of authenticity, the barriers faced in being one's true self, and how organizations can foster environments of inclusivity and belonging. Michael shares his personal journey, professional experiences, and actionable insights on creating safe spaces and addressing discrimination in educational settings. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:20 Defining Authenticity 02:14 Challenges of Authenticity in DEIJ Work 02:50 Personal Experiences with Authenticity 04:54 Creating Inclusive School Environments 06:42 Strategies for Promoting Authenticity 12:54 Cultural Perspectives on Authenticity 16:32 Focus Groups and Data Collection 21:03 Navigating Menopause and Authenticity 21:47 Challenges of Discussing Sensitive Topics 22:18 Importance of Role Models in Education 23:35 Creating Safe Spaces for Authenticity 24:53 Addressing Biases and Racism 26:51 Balancing Authenticity and Professionalism 27:57 Supporting Authentic Leadership 29:43 Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion 32:01 Reflections on Authenticity in Leadership 35:37 Final Thoughts and Audience Q&A Inspired by what you heard? Visit my website for more information:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://karinholley.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book a free coaching call: https://karin-holley.temboni.com/ Contact: ⁠coaching@karinholley.com⁠ Connect with Karin:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-holley/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/karinholleycoaching/⁠⁠⁠⁠

    43 min

About

Karin Holley has conversations with inspiring leaders and professionals who tell their stories of leading a life true to oneself and the lessons learned along the way. This is a podcast for leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs who - are on a path to fulfilment and authenticity - value personal and professional growth, leading with love and kindness, making a difference, and connecting with others. To connect with Karin email: coaching@karinholley.com website: https://karinholley.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-holley/ Instagram: https://www.instagr