Life by Intention with Sylvana Rochet

Sylvana Rochet

Do you feel like you're building a life, but not a legacy? When we don't live life with intention, we create a life by default. One that looks good on the outside, but has you feeling uninspired. Whether you're a two-time CEO wondering what's next in life, or a new founder looking to lead from your values, you're in the right place. Sylvana Rochet, founder of Elan Vital Coaching, is here to equip you with the tools to become crystal clear on purpose and priorities, and practices to make it all a reality. As an executive coach with two decades of experience working internationally, and supporting over 200 clients, Sylvana helps people live and lead with clarity, courage and joy. On the Life by Intention Podcast, Sylvana is bringing personal stories and engaging guests who are playing the game in a new way to help YOU tap into your vision, dreams, goals, and next steps. She'll be covering topics like: - Making bold changes when something isn't serving us anymore - Staying crystal clear and focused on what you TRULY want - How to take no sh*t from anyone - Dancing with impostor syndrome when you KNOW you're in the right place - Living a courageous life, a life that is true to you Tune in every other Tuesday to learn how to tangibly apply new mindsets to create a legacy worth living for while embracing life's vital momentum. Ready to live every season, day, and moment with intention? This is the Life by Intention podcast. https://www.elanvital.co/

  1. 07/02/2025

    21. From Austria to Morocco: How Martina Thurnher Rewrote Her Life for Purpose and Freedom

    What does it take to walk away from a life that looks perfect on paper… to build one that feels truly aligned? In this episode, Sylvana is joined by Martina Thurnher: a purpose-driven entrepreneur who left behind a stable career, a marriage, and a beautiful garden apartment in Austria to start over in Morocco. Guided by a deep sense of inner knowing (and a surprising love for surfing), Martina shares the real story behind her radical life shift, and how it led her to create a life rooted in intention, community, and impact. Together, we explore: ✨ How to trust your gut when it's telling you to leap—even if it doesn't make logical sense 🌊 The unexpected role surfing played in revealing Martina's desired life 🌍 What it's like to build a values-led business in a new cultural landscape 🌱 The unlearning required when bringing sustainability and systems thinking to a VERY different local context 💛 The beauty of cross-cultural community, and how "flipping thoughts" has become her superpower Martina now lives and works in coastal Morocco, where she helps small and mid-sized businesses grow sustainably, hosts the Impact Lab podcast, and leads grassroots initiatives like composting circles and beach cleanups. This conversation is for anyone who's felt the quiet nudge to change direction—and is ready to finally listen.   How to connect with Martina: Website: https://martinathurnher.com/ Impact Lab podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-impact-lab/id1765866442 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-thurnher/

    47 min
  2. 04/29/2025

    19. From Tick-Box to Heartbeat: Natalie Alberta Dusey's Blueprint for Businesses Where Everyone Belongs

    What if inclusion wasn't a corporate program or a half-hearted policy​—but the beating heart of every decision you make? In this intimate and candid conversation, leadership coach Sylvana Rochet sits down with Natalie Alberta Dusey, co-founder and Global Chief of Staff at the independent agency collective Meet the People. Natalie traces the single off-site invitation that propelled her from a safe, established role into co-founding a fast-growing, people-first holding company that now spans a dozen agencies across North America and Europe. This conversation explores why most organizations unintentionally sabotage their diversity efforts, how to keep hope alive during today's DEI backlash, and why empathy-driven rituals (whether a dawn walk or a candid team survey) can transform both business results and everyday life. If you're tired of "performative inclusion" and ready for practical, soul-level change, this episode is your permission slip to stop ticking boxes and start building space that was never meant to be exclusive at all. Tune in for the following: The Power of One "YES." Natalie's story shows how a single courageous decision can launch an entire movement—and why risk often looks smaller in the rear-view mirror. DEI Dies in Silos. When diversity work gets dumped on HR or an isolated task force, it turns into paperwork. Embed inclusion into every role, from interns to the boardroom, or watch momentum evaporate. Talk—Especially When It's Uncomfortable. Silence fuels the backlash. Honest, cross-level dialogue is the most underrated tool for turning resistance into renewed purpose. Resources & Links Meet the People – https://meet-the-people.com/ Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/nataliealbertadusey Follow @duseynatalie on Instagram Books mentioned The Person You Mean to Be — Dolly Chugh The Courage to Be Disliked — Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga The Power of Intention — Dr. Wayne Dyer

    35 min
  3. 04/01/2025

    18. When the Music Changed, So Did He: A Journey Back to the Self Through Sound, with Jazzman Extraordinaire Yacine Boularès

    French-Tunisian saxophonist, composer and curator Yacine Boularès on how jazz, ancestry, and curiosity led him to his true voice—and a festival that's redefining Arabic music. What happens when a jazz musician sets out to rediscover his roots—and ends up founding a groundbreaking music festival in New York City? In this soulful conversation, I sit down with French-Tunisian saxophonist, composer, and cultural connector Yacine Boularès. From his unexpected entry into music to creating the first U.S. festival dedicated to contemporary Arabic sounds, Yacine's story is one of following intuitive breadcrumbs—and letting your identity unfold through art. We talk about how music became a way for Yacine to reconnect with his North African heritage, how the Habibi Festival was born from a simple mind map and a moment of artistic courage, and why he's leaning into beginner's mind by learning new instruments and drawing—yes, drawing!—to deepen his decades-long craft. Whether you're a musician, a cultural shapeshifter, or someone yearning to live more creatively and intentionally, this episode is a balm and an inspiration. (And, side note: prepare to get an education in world music with Yacine here too!). 🎵 In this episode, we explore: The winding path from philosophy student to full-time touring musician, including being featured on Placido Domingo's Encanto Del Mar as a soloist and arranger Why creating the Habibi Festival filled a cultural void—and how it's evolving How embracing new artistic practices can reignite mastery How one's identity (self and other-perceived) can shift and evolve depending on where we are in the world What it means to raise a child with music—not as pressure, but as presence 🌍 Mentioned in the episode: Habibi Festival Joe's Pub Working Group Abu Sadiya (trio exploring Tunisian Stambeli music) Collaborations with Placido Domingo, Vincent Segal, and Tabou Combo https://www.yacineboulares.com/ ✨ Favorite quote from Yacine: "My daily practice was to be as open as possible. And I got guided into places—closer to myself, in the end." 🎷 About Yacine Boularès Yacine Boularès is a French-Tunisian saxophonist, composer, and curator whose work blends jazz with the rich musical traditions of North and West Africa. After moving to New York on a Fulbright scholarship, he toured internationally with legendary African and Caribbean artists—an experience that reignited his connection to his roots. He's the founder of AJOYO and co-creator of Abu Sadiya, a trio exploring Tunisia's sacred Stambeli music. In 2019, Yacine co-founded the Habibi Festival, the first U.S. festival dedicated to contemporary Arabic music. His latest project, OSOOL, reimagines A Night in Tunisia through a modern, soulful lens. Yacine is currently a National Arts Club Fellow and continues to shape a bold, borderless vision for music as cultural memory, resistance, and celebration.

    43 min
  4. 01/14/2025

    16. Unlocking the 96%: Dr. Sangeeta Sahi on Evolving and Healing as a Genuine Human Being

    Darling listeners, get ready for an illuminating conversation with the extraordinary Dr. Sangeeta Sahi, a post-humanist doctor and the visionary behind the Genuine Human Being Process. In this enriching episode, we explore what it truly means to evolve as a human, the profound interplay between physical healing and spiritual wholeness, and how reconnecting with nature can transform not just individuals but entire systems. Sangeeta shares her unique journey across quantum physics, Ayurveda, and regenerative systems, weaving them into a holistic framework for healing ourselves and the planet. Together, we dive into themes of cellular integration, intentional leadership, and the power of co-creation. If you've ever wondered how to align your inner and outer worlds or how to become a more present and intentional leader, this conversation will expand your perspective in ways you never imagined. ✨ Tune in for insights on: How to Unlock Wholeness – Discover the transformative essence of healing as Sangeeta explains how releasing layers like unprocessed trauma and societal conditioning reveals your genuine self at the core. The Magic of Cellular Integration – Learn how digesting experiences into wisdom at a cellular level creates harmony within and empowers you to embody your fullest potential. Leadership Lessons from Nature – Hear how embracing interconnectedness and active listening, inspired by natural systems, can guide leaders toward greater balance, effectiveness, and compassion. Special Mention: Sangeeta also invites us to join the Mothership Earth Summit, a free, global event celebrating the integration of planetary and human wellness. It's a beautiful opportunity to explore new ideas, technologies, and ancient wisdom with thought leaders from around the world. 🌍 Links & Resources: Dr. Sangeeta Sahi's website: www.genuinehumanbeing.com Unified Human Foundation: www.unifiedhuman.org Mothership Earth Summit 2024 replay: https://www.unifiedhuman.org/mothership-earth-summit-2024/ Thank you for listening! 🌟 Let's co-create a world of intentionality and wholeness together.

    48 min
  5. 12/17/2024

    15. The Courage to Be: Redefining Manhood, Business Norms and Belonging, with Daniel Gomez Seidel, Founder at inplural

    What happens when a journey through personal growth, cultural dualities, and the challenges of modern masculinity leads to a bold experiment in redefining business as usual? In this episode of Life by Intention, I sit down with Daniel Gomez Seidel, a Colombian entrepreneur and founder of inplural, to discuss his transformative journey from corporate America to building a people-centered business with the audacious goal of decolonizing late-stage capitalism.   From exploring identity in Bogotá's rich musical subcultures to navigating belonging as a global nomad and immigrant, Daniel shares how his personal challenges—bullying, breaking free from unhealthy versions of masculinity, and redefining home—shaped his leadership ethos. We also explore his bold invitation to serve courageously, with the heart as the compass.   Tune in for: Daniel's insights on navigating cultural dualities to create a sense of belonging. Tools for deconstructing harmful narratives around masculinity and leading with vulnerability as the way to finding connection. How to challenge the status quo of business by prioritizing integrity, community, and intention. Why creating home starts within and extends to the values you embody in the world.   This episode is an inspiring call to action to embrace intentionality, courage, and being of service of what you stand for.   Find Daniel on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielgomezseidel/

    43 min
  6. 11/12/2024

    14. Embracing Play and Purpose: Redesigning Life Beyond Suffering with Dr. Caneel Joyce

    If you've sometimes wondered whether you have any control over how much suffering there is, or should be, in your own life, this one is for you. If you're like many of us, chances are you grew up in a context where suffering was taught to be seen as noble and necessary. And here's the thing: many people unknowingly continue to live into some version of that story, accepting unnecessary suffering as just the way it is. But what if it wasn't the way it is? Or the way it has to be? What if we could design our life to be more pleasant and playful, using design thinking principles and experimentation? This is what's explored in this episode with Dr. Caneel Joyce. Caneel is a writer, an executive coach dedicated to guiding CEOs and visionary change-makers, and host of the thought-provoking and awesome Allowed podcast. Prior to becoming a coach, she worked in startups and taught at the D-school at UC berkeley and at London school of economics and has a really unique lens of creativity and human design that she brings to everything she does. She's a mama of two and a SUPER insightful friend. Tune in to hear: How Caneel radically redesigned her life and career to prioritize her physical and mental health, so she could avoid creating unnecessary suffering in her life, and get to a place of thriving. How design thinking, creativity and experimentation are key to alleviating unnecessary suffering. The drama triangle. What is it? How is each one of us playing into it? And how can we stop being roped mindlessly into it? What Buddhist principles regarding suffering can teach us about how to alleviate it in our lives.   This episode will reveal something you have not seen before, when it comes to creating a life with more joy and playfulness, and less (much less!) unnecessary suffering.   Resources that Caneel mentioned on the show: Kristen Neff, and her work on Self-Compassion: https://self-compassion.org/ Beth Anstandig, and her leadership work on the Human Herd: https://www.thecircleupexperience.com/   Where to find Caneel online: caneel.com https://www.instagram.com/caneel.is/

    47 min
5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Do you feel like you're building a life, but not a legacy? When we don't live life with intention, we create a life by default. One that looks good on the outside, but has you feeling uninspired. Whether you're a two-time CEO wondering what's next in life, or a new founder looking to lead from your values, you're in the right place. Sylvana Rochet, founder of Elan Vital Coaching, is here to equip you with the tools to become crystal clear on purpose and priorities, and practices to make it all a reality. As an executive coach with two decades of experience working internationally, and supporting over 200 clients, Sylvana helps people live and lead with clarity, courage and joy. On the Life by Intention Podcast, Sylvana is bringing personal stories and engaging guests who are playing the game in a new way to help YOU tap into your vision, dreams, goals, and next steps. She'll be covering topics like: - Making bold changes when something isn't serving us anymore - Staying crystal clear and focused on what you TRULY want - How to take no sh*t from anyone - Dancing with impostor syndrome when you KNOW you're in the right place - Living a courageous life, a life that is true to you Tune in every other Tuesday to learn how to tangibly apply new mindsets to create a legacy worth living for while embracing life's vital momentum. Ready to live every season, day, and moment with intention? This is the Life by Intention podcast. https://www.elanvital.co/