SkillCast by LOSD

London Organisation of Skills Development (LOSD)

Skillcast is a podcast by the London Organisation of Skills Development (LOSD), hosted by Nurbanu. In this series, Nurbanu delves into the stories behind skills shared by expert guests.

  1. 3 hr ago

    Does Sustainable Construction Really Cost More? | Greg Fuller | LOSD Podcast | S7

    In this episode of SkillCast by LOSD, Nurbanu Somani speaks with Greg Fuller, a Dubai-based consultant specialising in construction, cost management, project management and sustainability.Greg challenges the belief that green construction must be expensive. He explains how smarter design, better management and changes to everyday processes can reduce environmental impact without requiring major investment.Drawing on his experience with solar-passive homes, Greg discusses buildings that require little or no conventional heating and cooling. He also examines misleading green credentials, carbon credits, lifecycle costs and the importance of helping clients understand both the environmental and commercial benefits of change.The conversation then turns to Dubai’s sustainability ambitions, social sustainability and the role people play in protecting the environment.Greg also shares his other great passion: ballroom dancing. Having performed during the Sydney Olympics and taught dance aboard cruise ships, he explains how dancing taught him confidence, focus and freedom from other people’s judgement.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to SkillCast Season 700:48 Introducing Greg Fuller01:01 Construction and green consulting01:18 Dancing and sustainability01:35 Growing up around nature01:53 Studying sustainable design02:16 Creating solar-passive homes02:28 Sustainable design versus building rules02:39 Buildings without conventional heating or cooling02:50 The struggle to promote green construction03:00 Superficial sustainability credentials03:35 Immediate cost versus future value03:41 Starting his own consultancy03:44 Does sustainability have to cost more?03:52 The first steps towards sustainability03:59 Why education comes first04:16 Explaining the “why” and “how”04:46 Action versus corporate lip service05:12 Sustainability through management05:33 Saving time and reducing emissions06:05 Measuring carbon savings06:14 Moving beyond carbon credits06:48 Is Dubai a concrete jungle?07:21 The UAE beyond the skyscrapers07:55 Innovation in Dubai08:35 Dubai’s sustainability ambitions09:07 Turning targets into action09:31 Sustainable steel production10:24 People versus the planet10:33 People are part of the environment10:46 Social sustainability10:50 Buildings, productivity and wellbeing11:40 Greg’s dancing career11:54 Teaching on cruise ships12:12 Performing at the Sydney Olympics12:56 Why Greg challenges conventional thinking13:01 Are 99 people always right?13:56 What dancing taught him14:08 Ignoring other people’s judgement14:45 Confidence and personal presence15:07 Why children need the arts15:44 Improving focus through dance16:37 Encouraging individual expression17:14 Connecting with Greg17:46 Sustainable workplaces18:15 Does quality have to cost more?18:22 Researching sustainability costs18:39 Lifecycle value19:16 Building-integrated solar power19:37 Solar-generating materials20:02 From small steps to major change20:15 Closing reflectionsFor enquires email: admin@losd.co.uk

  2. 7 hr ago

    Why do we sometimes over-explain, when a simple answer would be enough? | Cassidy A Chapman | Podcast LOSD | S7

    Why do we sometimes over-explain ourselves when a simple answer would be enough?In this episode of SkillCast by LOSD, Nurbanu Somani speaks with Cassidy Amber Chapman, a life coach, transformational artist and speaker who has worked with clients across more than 35 countries.Cassidy explains that over-explaining can come from a desire to prove ourselves, feel seen or receive validation. When we realise that we have nothing to prove and focus instead on serving others, our communication becomes clearer and more meaningful.She also explores self-trust, self-belief and taking a leap of faith. Fear does not necessarily disappear—but trusting that you can recover after falling gives you the confidence to move forward.Cassidy discusses servant leadership, transformational artistry and creating safe, non-judgemental spaces for people to share difficult experiences. She also introduces a global song project that will unite artists to break the silence surrounding childhood abuse and empower survivors through music.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to SkillCast Season 700:48 Welcoming Cassidy back01:14 Life coaching and transformational art01:30 Is coaching oversaturated?01:39 What makes Cassidy different?02:08 Clients across more than 35 countries02:34 The importance of genuinely caring02:42 From personal development to entrepreneurship03:31 What clients gain from coaching03:41 Self-trust and self-belief03:53 Taking a leap of faith04:03 Dancing with fear04:11 Trusting yourself to recover04:33 Changing your view of failure05:05 Cassidy’s communication style05:10 Why people over-explain05:20 Trying to prove yourself05:25 Having nothing to prove05:43 Helping speakers become concise05:55 Seeking validation06:38 Cassidy’s coaching programmes06:46 Transformational artists06:51 Using art to create change07:02 Music and sound healing08:39 Servant leadership08:57 Leading beyond money and fame09:15 Creating value and purpose09:32 Co-creating transformation09:55 Leading your own life10:10 Leadership through love10:16 Learning to serve others10:35 Growing up around kindness10:59 How adversity develops empathy11:37 Living with chronic illness11:57 Coaches are human too12:35 Community and accountability12:58 Faith and service13:45 Helping people find their voice14:11 Creating a non-judgemental space14:33 Acceptance and accountability14:49 The shame people carry15:02 A global song project15:12 Breaking the silence around childhood abuse15:23 Empowering survivors through music16:05 Connecting with Cassidy16:33 Closing reflectionsThis episode contains discussion of childhood abuse. Listener discretion is advised.For Enquires Email: admin@losd.co.uk

  3. 21 hr ago

    A Single Mother’s Journey Raising a Neurodivergent Child | Agnes Lai Ying Ng | LOSD Podcast | S7

    In this episode of SkillCast by LOSD, Nurbanu Somani speaks with Agnes Lai Ying Ng, an Australia-based speaker, coach and finance professional who supports women through major life transitions. After losing her husband five years ago, Agnes had to rebuild her life as a single mother raising two children, including a neurodivergent son. Although her son received support from healthcare and therapy professionals, Agnes recognised that the mother’s emotional needs could easily be overlooked. This inspired her to establish *She Matters 2*, a community initiative for mothers caring for children with autism, ADHD, neurodivergence and other disabilities. Agnes discusses cultural stigma, the fear some families experience when disclosing a child’s additional needs and how personal experience taught her to replace judgement with compassion. She also shares three important lessons for navigating change: rediscover who you are, understand your goals and refuse to give up when another storm arrives. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to SkillCast Season 7 00:48 Introducing Agnes Lai Ying Ng 00:54 Clothing, colour and mood 01:40 How colour influences emotion 02:17 Dressing authentically 02:44 Agnes’s background 03:04 A career in finance 03:19 Losing her husband 03:29 Becoming a single mother 03:39 Raising two children through change 04:04 Supporting women facing major transitions 04:58 The first steps after life changes 05:20 Processing difficult emotions 05:27 Rediscovering your identity 05:53 Setting clear goals 06:00 What resilience really means 06:19 Avoiding comparison 06:28 Raising a neurodivergent child 06:38 Building resilience through adversity 07:07 Identity, goals and perseverance 07:21 Supporting her son 07:38 Accessing therapy in Australia 07:50 Who supports the mother? 07:58 Transitioning into secondary school 08:19 Creating “She Matters 2” 08:27 Supporting mothers and carers 08:40 Building a safe community 08:49 It is okay not to be okay 09:01 Support networks in Australia 09:21 Cultural attitudes towards additional needs 09:37 Fear surrounding disclosure 10:20 How openness creates understanding 10:29 Replacing judgement with compassion 11:03 Mothers sharing their experiences 11:52 Everyone has an unseen story 12:09 Choosing kindness 12:45 Welcoming international travellers 13:06 Coaching across generations 13:27 Cooking and community 14:05 Supporting young travellers 14:41 Forgiveness, fulfilment and finance 14:56 Financial confidence for women 15:06 Connecting with Agnes 15:13 Closing reflections For Enquires Email: admin@losd.co.uk

  4. 22 hr ago

    Should You Trust ChatGPT With Your Health? A Doctor Explains | LOSD Podcast | S7

    In this episode of SkillCast by LOSD, host Nurbanu Somani speaks with Dr Amish Purohit, a physician, healthcare executive, entrepreneur and Harvard alumnus whose career spans clinical medicine, health-system leadership, artificial intelligence and integrative care. Dr Purohit explains that general AI tools such as ChatGPT can help people explore basic health information, but they do not necessarily have access to an individual’s full medical history, medications, allergies or previous conditions. This can result in generic, unsuitable or incorrect recommendations. His advice is clear: AI may help someone prepare questions or understand general possibilities, but treatment decisions require properly validated information and qualified clinical judgement. Dr Purohit also shares his unconventional professional journey—from healthcare administration and active service in the US Air Force to medical school, family medicine, executive leadership and entrepreneurship. He discusses growing a healthcare organisation from approximately 7,000 to 600,000 patients across eight US states, generating $1.8 billion in revenue, before moving into AI-enabled care and integrative medicine. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to SkillCast Season 700:34 Introducing Dr Amish Purohit00:54 Returning to Boston as a Harvard alumnus01:04 Studying Clinical Service Operations at Harvard01:20 Dr Purohit’s unconventional career journey01:34 Beginning in healthcare administration01:41 Serving in the US Air Force01:51 Why colleagues encouraged him to study medicine02:07 Medical school, family medicine and clinical training02:28 Moving into healthcare management02:38 From medical director to CEO02:53 Leading a tribal healthcare organisation03:19 Entering managed care and health insurance03:47 Becoming responsible for an entire state operation04:03 Founding a healthcare company04:31 Growing from 7,000 to 600,000 patients04:44 Reaching $1.8 billion in revenue04:52 Moving into integrative primary care05:07 Developing AI for clinical decision support05:31 The challenge of 15-minute appointments05:45 Medical records containing up to 1,000 pages05:57 How AI could support healthcare professionals06:23 Helping clinicians manage complex patients06:41 Four new healthcare projects06:52 Developing a stem-cell clinic07:08 How is clinical AI different from ChatGPT?07:38 Dr Purohit’s view of general AI tools07:55 Understanding large language models08:12 How AI can provide incorrect information08:23 Why clinical knowledge remains essential08:42 The problem with missing patient information08:52 Generic answers and AI hallucinations09:00 The risk of following AI-generated treatment advice09:15 How patients can use AI more safely09:29 Why general AI tools are not clinically validated09:37 Evidence-based AI resources for clinicians10:30 Life outside healthcare10:55 Football as a form of meditation12:11 Why traditional meditation does not work for him12:27 Exploring regenerative medicine12:52 Stem cells, exosomes and peptides13:12 Are rising healthcare costs improving long-term health?13:22 Weight-loss medication and wider health considerations13:48 Nutrition and supplementation14:46 Chronic conditions and inflammation15:45 Food, lifestyle and patient education16:19 Why diet and exercise are only part of the picture16:33 The relationship between the gut and brain16:51 Stress and inflammation17:27 Why sleep matters17:41 Exercise, nutrition and reducing stress18:08 Preventing chronic health conditions18:27 Dr Purohit’s 12-hour eating window18:38 The timing of protein and carbohydrates19:05 Educating healthcare professionals19:29 Closing reflections This conversation is for general educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. #HealthcareAI #ChatGPT #MedicalAdvice #DigitalHealth #SkillCast

  5. 23 hr ago

    Does Your Environment Determine Your Level of Success? | Somya Gupta

    At 23, Somya Gupta moved from India to New York to study Computer Science at NYU. Three years later, he had founded an AI education company, organised more than 100 startup events and entered venture capital. In this episode of SkillCast by LOSD, Nurbanu Somani speaks with Somya about how changing his environment and surrounding himself with ambitious founders transformed what he believed he could accomplish. Somya discusses building a more connected startup ecosystem in New York, scouting investments for a European fund and helping founders secure $500,000. He also challenges the myth of the “self-made” entrepreneur, explaining why success always depends on communities, relationships and people willing to help one another. The conversation explores Generation Z, technology, friendship, health, fundraising and Somya’s ambitious plan to establish a hacker house for founders in New York City. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to SkillCast Season 700:48 Introducing Somya Gupta00:59 Moving from India to New York01:14 Studying Computer Science at NYU01:24 Founding an AI education company01:42 Building a startup community01:48 Organising over 100 events02:04 Entering venture capital02:16 Helping founders raise $500,00002:39 The motivation to start young02:54 Why your environment matters03:10 How New York changed Somya’s life03:18 Surrounding yourself with ambitious people03:30 Reaching your maximum potential03:44 Building in an increasingly digital world04:16 Choosing the right people04:41 Understanding Generation Z04:56 Growing up alongside technology05:48 Bridging different generations06:07 Modern tools and first-principles thinking06:41 Balancing work and life06:58 Putting people first07:11 Rejecting the “lone wolf” mentality07:30 Friendship and community07:56 Staying grounded amid ambition09:11 Life outside work09:56 Salsa, pickleball and sport10:58 Mentoring other founders11:14 Why nobody is truly self-made11:38 How other people shape our success12:21 Building a pay-it-forward culture12:32 Improving New York’s startup ecosystem13:15 Goals for the next six months13:50 Health and fitness14:07 Somya’s health transformation14:19 Helping 10 founders raise money14:38 Creating a New York hacker house15:03 Making an audacious idea happen15:27 Supporting early-stage founders16:08 Growing organically on LinkedIn16:21 Human connection in the age of AI16:50 Closing reflections For enquires email: admin@losd.co.uk

  6. 1 day ago

    You Don’t Need to Leave Everything to Find Yourself | Laura M Pichardo | LOSD Podcast | S7

    In this episode of SkillCast by LOSD, Nurbanu Somani speaks with Laura, a certified transformational life coach, about the journey that changed her understanding of success and fulfilment.Laura planned to spend a year travelling the world to discover what she truly wanted. When COVID cancelled those plans, she realised that she did not need to leave everything behind to find herself. She needed to create enough internal space to hear the answers already within her.Laura shares practical ways to reconnect with intuition, including mindfulness, conscious breathing, journalling, quiet walking, voice notes and simply allowing the mind to wander without constant stimulation.The conversation also examines difficult but important questions about personal transformation: What happens when a partner resists your growth? Can a friendship belong to an earlier chapter? How can you put yourself first without abandoning the people you love?TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to SkillCast Season 700:48 Introducing Laura M Pichardo00:55 Transformational coaching and AI01:11 Laura’s journey into coaching01:52 Experiencing a difficult period02:20 What makes transformational coaching different?03:03 Is the visible problem the real problem?03:28 Laura’s personal transformation03:50 Externally successful but internally unfulfilled04:02 Following society’s checklist04:27 Feeling trapped and depressed04:40 Planning to travel the world05:00 When COVID changed everything05:22 “I never had to leave”05:34 Leaving the corporate world05:48 Discovering life coaching06:35 Finding the answers within06:54 Reconnecting with intuition07:33 Mindfulness, breathing and journalling08:52 Why breathing comes first09:28 Explaining intuition to Generation Z10:17 Why spacing out can be valuable10:51 Creating space in your mind11:20 Recognising instinctive thoughts12:07 The five-second intuition exercise12:24 Becoming an unexpected entrepreneur12:46 Stopping the fight against the right path13:05 Alternatives to journalling13:54 When loved ones resist your transformation14:40 Removing what no longer serves you15:07 Relationships that belong to an earlier chapter15:28 Communicating change to your partner16:24 Other people’s opinions and advice16:43 Taking care of yourself first17:43 Remembering that this is your life18:07 Are they saving you or drowning with you?18:23 Becoming comfortable with saying no19:00 Closing reflectionsFor enquires email: admin@losd.co.uk

  7. 1 day ago

    Stage Fright Made Her Quit Music—Now She’s Rising Again | Chianne | LOSD Podcast |

    What happens when the pressure to succeed causes you to fall out of love with your greatest passion? In this episode of SkillCast by LOSD, Nurbanu Somani speaks with Cihannur “Chianne” Ozgur, a singer, songwriter and recording artist whose journey has taken her through fashion, heartbreak, stage fright, burnout and healing. Chianne explains how she initially followed a conventional path before heartbreak led her back to singing. After moving to Los Angeles, she began writing and producing music—but a difficult first performance exposed severe stage fright. The pressure to prove herself and gain validation eventually disconnected her from the reason she began creating. Chianne stepped away from music and promised herself that she would only return after rediscovering her original “why”. She shares how letting go of expectations helped her reconnect with music, creativity and her inner child. The episode concludes with an exclusive live preview of her forthcoming song, Rise Again. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to SkillCast Season 700:48 Introducing Chianne Ozgur01:12 Becoming a singer and recording artist01:34 Growing up without encouragement to pursue art02:09 From international relations to fashion02:17 Heartbreak and returning to music02:32 Singing as a form of healing03:48 Moving to Los Angeles04:05 A disastrous first performance04:15 Discovering severe stage fright04:38 Healing through music04:47 Life as an independent artist05:36 The reality of following your passion06:08 Starting later in life06:30 The pressure to prove herself07:06 Burnout and disconnection07:23 Stepping away from music07:35 Falling in love with music again07:47 Success, validation and hidden pressure08:19 Letting go of everything08:30 Creating for personal healing09:08 Releasing expectations09:25 Surrender and divine timing11:20 Expectations as “the killer of peace”11:46 Postponing happiness11:56 Becoming whole within yourself12:28 Music and healing12:54 Introducing “Rise Again”13:10 Writing to her inner child13:42 Reclaiming childlike wonder14:03 Creating without external validation14:26 Fear of releasing music15:14 Judgement and burnout15:24 Making peace with fear16:04 Why she needs to create16:51 Exclusive performance of “Rise Again”18:01 Finding Chianne’s music18:19 Closing reflections For enquires email: admin@losd.co.uk

  8. 1 day ago

    From Wall Street and the US Army to $500M Real Estate Projects | Minni Chalana | LOSD Podcast | S7

    How do the confidence, resilience and integrity developed in the military translate into the world of commercial real estate?In this episode of SkillCast by LOSD, Nurbanu Somani speaks with Minni Chalana, a commercial real-estate and new-development professional based in New Jersey.Minni shares her remarkable journey from PwC and Wall Street to serving for 16 years in the US Army Reserve and working with high-net-worth clients and developers on projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars.She explains how military training gave her the mindset to succeed in traditionally male-dominated environments—and why authenticity and honesty remain central to her work.The conversation also explores Minni’s transition from survival mode to living fully, how the loss of loved ones changed her outlook, her ambition to earn a commercial pilot’s licence and the importance of family, relationships and meaningful networks. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to SkillCast Season 7 00:48 Introducing Minni Chalana 00:55 From PwC and Wall Street to real estate 01:32 Sixteen years in the US Army Reserve 01:50 Confidence in male-dominated industries 03:07 Why Minni joined the Army 04:28 Applying military skills to real estate 04:40 Working with major commercial developments 05:25 Life beyond work 05:59 Becoming an author 06:32 Pursuing a commercial pilot’s licence 06:59 “Anything I admire, I become” 07:15 Why life is too short to wait 07:38 From survival mode to living mode 08:40 How personal loss changed her outlook 09:22 Staying connected with family 11:17 Pets and personal responsibility 12:01 Dating as a confident, successful woman 13:13 Moving beyond your comfort zone 13:38 Building relationships through networking 14:02 Entering the right rooms 15:01 Finding professional collaboration 16:23 How to connect with Minni 16:54 Closing reflectionsSubscribe to SkillCast by LOSD for inspiring conversations about business, leadership, resilience, personal growth and the unexpected skills we develop through life. Guest: Minni Chalana Host: Nurbanu Somani Podcast: SkillCast by LOSDPresented by: London Organisation of Skills Development For enquires email: admin@losd.co.uk

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About

Skillcast is a podcast by the London Organisation of Skills Development (LOSD), hosted by Nurbanu. In this series, Nurbanu delves into the stories behind skills shared by expert guests.

Information

  • Creator
    London Organisation of Skills Development (LOSD)
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © London Organisation of Skills Development (LOSD)
  • Show Website
    SkillCast by LOSD