BE Yourself

Serhii

On BE Yourself Podcast, I talk to people who do not shy away from expressing their true selves. Whether talking to business folks, artists, experts or influencers, I admire people's desire to stand out and beat the odds by playing to their natural strengths while, at the same time, not trying to win it all.

  1. 1d ago

    How to Command Aircraft Carriers with Rear Admiral Chris "Chowdah" Hill

    Rear Admiral Chris "Chowdah" Hill has commanded nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and in this episode he breaks down what it actually takes to lead people who may not see their families for nine months at a time. We talk about morale as something different from happiness: the internal component that keeps people moving through the hardest times. Chris explains why loving and valuing your people is only half the job — the other half is giving them a mission and purpose worth believing in. He shares the story of taking over the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and declaring, every single day, that the vision was to be "the best damn ship in the Navy" — until his sailors started saying it themselves. And he explains why he fears the leader who knows it all. You'll also hear why he rewarded a loyal, consistent performer over a higher-output one, how an art class became a de-stressing lifeline on deployment, why complimenting people's accomplishments makes them trust you back, and how he uses social media to keep sailors' families connected to the ship. If you lead a team, run a business, or you're working on becoming a better version of yourself — this one is for you. New episodes of BE Yourself Pod every 2 weeks. Subscribe so you don't miss the next conversation. 0:00 - Intro 02:12 - How Chris got into the Navy 03:53 - The Purpose of an Aircraft Carrier 05:55 - Internal Climate on the Ship 07:43 - Chris's Leadership Style 14:00 - The Reasons to Give Your Best 17:08 - Importance of Staying Positive 19:15 - The Role of Vulnerability 20:47 - Innovation Vs. Adaptation 24:55 - A Career in the Navy 28:08 - Top Habits for Young People If you're interested in cooperation of any kind, feel free to drop a line: serhiy@beverlyen.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly My Video Production & YouTube Agency: https://beverlyen.com/production

    How to Command Aircraft Carriers with Rear Admiral Chris "Chowdah" Hill
  2. Oct 20

    Саша Варениця: про досвід співпраці з франшизою Mixmag, музичне промо та нове медіа Melted Vox

    Сьогодні у мене в гостях Олександр Варениця — PR-менеджер, медіаменеджер та експерт української музичної індустрії. У цьому випуску ми відверто поговорили про те, як насправді влаштований музичний бізнес. Саша розповів, як британське видання Mixmag з'явилося в нашій країні під час повномасштабної війни, чому воно зрештою пішло з України та як вони провели ребрендинг у Melted Vox. Ми обговорили, як працює просування артистів у сучасних умовах, що робити українським діджеям та музикантам, щоб пробитися на міжнародну арену, та чому створення контенту стало ключовою частиною успіху. Також торкнулися теми організації масштабних івентів, благодійності, роботи з локальними брендами та майбутнього електронної сцені в Україні. Чому сайт Mixmag виявився «валізою без ручки», як влаштована франшиза The Lab і яка додаткова цінність потрібна сучасному артисту — дивіться у відео! Підписуйтесь на канал, ставте вподобайки та залишайте свої думки в коментарях! 0:00 - Інтро 02:00 - Запуск MixMag Ukraine 08:54 - Бюрократичність MixMag 16:24 - Перезапуск в Melted Vox 20:35 - Пріоритети на сьогодні 23:41 - Melted Vox Services 27:48 - Очікування Артистів 32:24 - Пастка Вірусної Популярності 39:58 - Мистецтво чи Ремесло? 44:15 - Додаткова Цінність Артиста 50:48 - Плани Медіа 52:33 - Побажання Глядачам Контакти Олександра ~ IG: https://www.instagram.com/sasha_varenytsia/ IG Melted Vox: https://www.instagram.com/melted_vox/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MeltedVox --- --- --- If you're interested in cooperation of any kind, feel free to drop a line: serhiy@beverlyen.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly My Video Production & YouTube Agency: https://beverlyen.com/production

    Саша Варениця: про досвід співпраці з франшизою Mixmag, музичне промо та нове медіа Melted Vox
  3. Oct 5

    He Spent 22 Years at Disney to Teach Companies This

    What can 22 years inside the world’s most iconic entertainment empire teach you about business? In this episode, former Disney leader Ezequiel Abramzon reveals how he spent 22 years at Disney—from hand-drawing classic characters and launching the first Spanish digital platforms to driving regional expansion—and now teaches companies to build a singular brand. Ezequiel shares fascinating history, including how Walt Disney transformed a failed business trip into the creation of Mickey Mouse, proving how adversity sparks true creative innovation. He explains how Disney’s legendary storytelling and cultural adaptations translate into building unforgettable brands that avoid becoming generic commodities. Now guiding post-seed tech startups and founders, Ezequiel applies his 5-step framework—Aware, Focused, Positioned, Distinctive, and Consistent—to help companies stand out in crowded markets. In this video, you’ll learn: - Lessons from Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse, and 80+ years of character magic - How Ezequiel spent 22 years at Disney scaling digital and physical experiences - The 5 steps to creating a singular brand that commands authority - How startups can apply Disney-level brand strategy to win 0:00 - Intro 01:15 - Winding Up at Disney 06:03 - Disney Origin Story 08:05 - Connection with Creativity 04:40 - Proudest Moments with Disney 13:08 - Depicting Stories in a Corporation 15:19 - Reinventions and Culture 18:53 - Lessons from Disney in a New Business 21:09 - Why Companies Can't Stand Out 27:33 - Startup World VS. Corporate 30:11 - Do Startup Owners Lack Experience? 33:05 - Work with Ezequiel 35:11 - Favorite Quote If you're interested in cooperation of any kind, feel free to drop a line: serhiy@beverlyen.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly My Video Production & YouTube Agency: https://beverlyen.com/production

    He Spent 22 Years at Disney to Teach Companies This
  4. Sep 27

    How an Introvert with ADHD Achieved Media Success

    Struggling with task initiation is not about laziness; it is a biological reality for many living with ADHD. In this conversation, I sit down with a mental health advocate Kyrus Keenan Westcott to break down the unseen side of neurodivergence. We move past the myths to discuss how ADHD symptoms actually manifest in daily life, moving away from the common misconception that being unable to start a task is a personal failure. We also look at the reality of executive dysfunction and how shifting your perspective can change how you manage your own brain. This episode is about understanding that your struggles have a root cause, and learning to work with your mind instead of fighting against it. If you are an introvert, someone with ADHD, or looking to achieve success in a media world, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more honest conversations on authenticity, mental health and personal growth. 00:00 - Intro 01:08 - Wearing a Mask to Fit In 02:33 - ADHD & Depression Diagnosis 04:20 - Unseen Symptoms 06:13 - Treating The Disorder 08:26 - Do Strengths & Weaknesses Exist? 10:50 - A Pivot of Perspective in Ky's Life 15:04 - About Vibe with Ky Podcast 18:43 - Introvert in a Media World 22:04 - Being Your Real Self 26:32 - ADHD: Myths and Realities 32:29 - Ky's Brand Monetization 36:03 - Final Message from Ky Ky's Resources ~ Website: https://thevibewithky.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVibeWithKy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thevibewithky Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevibewithky/ Keynote Speech: https://www.neurodiversion.org/speakers/kyrus-keenan-westcott --- --- --- If you're interested in cooperation of any kind, feel free to drop a line: serhiy@beverlyen.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly My Video Production & YouTube Agency: https://beverlyen.com/production

    How an Introvert with ADHD Achieved Media Success
  5. Sep 7

    How to Raise Your Prices & Stay Authentic | Matt Essam

    Struggling with raising prices? Learn how to overcome the fear of rejection and finally charge what your work is worth. 🎯 Many of us know the logical value of our services, but actually raising prices can feel impossible. In this conversation, business coach Matt Essam looks at why that gap exists and how to move past the internal conflict that holds so many of us back. We explore the intersection of imposter syndrome and pricing, looking at why fear of judgment often stops us from growing our creative business. By shifting our perspective, we can start to see our work more clearly and build a sustainable path forward. 🎙 Subscribe for more honest conversations about the reality of our industry. 0:00 - Intro 02:17 - Why Matt Does What He Does 07:09 - Talented People Lack Confidence 10:25 - Matt's Coaching Sergey 22:25 - The Power of Vulnerability 24:46 - Matt's New Business Chapter 30:41 - The Work That Brings Most Fun 33:07 - Matt's Prices 37:42 - B2B vs B2C 40:03 - Matt's Book for Creative Founders Matt's Resources ~ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattessam/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Essam IG: https://www.instagram.com/matt_essam/?hl=en -- -- -- If you're interested in cooperation of any kind, feel free to drop a line: serhiy@beverlyen.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly Host's Video Production & YouTube Agency: https://beverlyen.com/production #authenticity #creatives #beyourselfpodcast

    How to Raise Your Prices & Stay Authentic | Matt Essam
  6. Jun 8

    26-Year Counterintelligence Veteran: How to Prevent Corporate Espionage | Ryan Rambo

    In this episode of Be Yourself Podcast I am sitting down with Ryan Rambo, a 26-year army counterintelligence veteran and expert in corporate espionage. We dive deep into his transition from military service to the private sector, where he now helps organizations navigate the complex world of modern intelligence. Ryan shares gripping stories from his career, including how to identify a potential Russian spy and the psychological tactics used to manipulate targets. Our conversation explores the vital role of insider threat prevention in safeguarding a company's future. Ryan explains how building trust within a team is actually a primary defense mechanism against those looking to steal trade secrets. We also discuss practical elicitation techniques that professionals can use to uncover hidden risks before they manifest into a crisis. This episode is a masterclass for anyone interested in protective intelligence and the high-stakes reality of global security. Don’t miss these expert insights into the "cat and mouse" game of international spying. 0:00 - Episode Intro 01:42 - What is Counterintelligence? 03:20 - What is so Intoxicating about Espionage 04:30 - Counterintelligence Stories 08:59 - Building Counterintelligence Programs 11:44 - How NOT to Become a Spy 15:25 - Identifying and Exploiting Threats 19:28 - Preventing Corporate Espionage 22:03 - Counterintelligence Services 25:25 - What Makes a Great Counterintelligence Specialist 28:33 - Cybersecurity and Data Breach 31:30 - Advice to Business Owners 37:45 - How to Hire Trustworthy Employees 39:40 - Best Elicitation Method 41:43 - Contact Ryan Ryan's Resources ~ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanrambo/ Company: https://ixnsolutions.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IXNSolutions -- -- -- If you're interested in cooperation of any kind, feel free to drop a line: serhiy@beverlyen.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly My Video Production & YouTube Agency: https://beverlyen.com/production

    26-Year Counterintelligence Veteran: How to Prevent Corporate Espionage  | Ryan Rambo
  7. Jun 3

    How He Became a Navy SEAL Sniper | Shawn Farson

    In this episode of Be Yourself Podcast, we speak with Shawn Farson, a former Navy mechanic turned Navy SEAL Sniper, about his journey of joining the Navy, through service and into civilian life. He shares insights on veteran transition, military mindset, and the challenges of adjusting to life after Navy life. We discuss PTSD, veteran mental health, and the lasting effects of war, as well as lessons in resilience, trust in teams, and personal growth gained through Navy SEAL training and service in the US military. Shawn also reflects on broader issues like the Ukraine war and post-war recovery, highlighting the importance of supporting veterans worldwide. Finally, he introduces Find-a-Fit, a company helping veterans find meaningful careers by matching their skills with employers—bridging the gap in career transition. 0:00 - On This Episode 1:03 - The Start of Sean’s Military Career 4:28 - The Role of Swimming in SEAL Training 13:06 - 10 Years Into Service 16:01 - Reaching Sniper Status 21:57 - Do Veterans Struggle with PTSD? 28:24 - Ukraine’s Recovery After War 31:40 - Leadership Lessons from the Military 35:51 - Why Companies Should Hire Veterans 41:36 - Reinventing Yourself After Service Find-a-Fit: https://findafitt.com/ If you're interested in cooperation of any kind, feel free to drop a line: serhiy@beverlyen.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly My Video Production & YouTube Agency: https://beverlyen.com/production #military #navyseals #veterans

    How He Became a Navy SEAL Sniper | Shawn Farson
  8. May 24

    He Moved to LA With $300 and a Dream (Here’s What Happened) | Darin Rios

    In this episode of the Be Yourself podcast, I’m joined by Darin Rios, a high-level personal brand strategist in Los Angeles who works with A-list celebrities and entrepreneurs. Darin shares a raw and inspiring story about moving to LA at 25 with only $300, prepared to live in his car just to make his vision a reality. We go behind the scenes of the pivotal moment his career took a massive leap: landing a Coca-Cola commercial shoot with Kevin Hart. Despite showing up with "rinky-dink" equipment and battling intense imposter syndrome, his grit led to an orchestrated, serendipitous opportunity in filmmaking working with Johnny Depp. We dive deep into how the fire of adversity forges a strong character and why taking 100% responsibility is the key to an authentic life. Darin’s journey is a powerful reminder that you don't need permission to be "good enough"—you just have to show up and figure it out. 🎥✨ Enjoyed this conversation? Make sure to subscribe to the Be Yourself Podcast for more stories on expressing your true self! 🎙️🔔 0:00 - Episode Intro 01:35 - Arriving in LA 03:57 - The Gig with Kevin Hart & Coca-Cola 07:16 - Weird Dreams Fulfillment 09:48 - Working with Johnny Depp 18:59 - Why Darin Didn't Give Up 21:02 - Office Work Misery 23:08 - Survival's Brain 25:54 - Is Suffering Necessary? 31:25 - Success from Adversity 36:35 - The Walls We Create 38:05 - Luck is Earned 38:53 - Darin's Clients' Pain 43:27 - How To Lead An Authentic Life Darin's Resources ~ IG: https://www.instagram.com/darinrios/ 1-1- Waitlist: https://stan.store/darinrios Website: https://www.thereveragency.com/ -- -- -- If you're interested in cooperation of any kind, feel free to drop a line: serhiy@beverlyen.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly My Video Production & YouTube Agency: https://beverlyen.com/production

    He Moved to LA With $300 and a Dream (Here’s What Happened) | Darin Rios

About

On BE Yourself Podcast, I talk to people who do not shy away from expressing their true selves. Whether talking to business folks, artists, experts or influencers, I admire people's desire to stand out and beat the odds by playing to their natural strengths while, at the same time, not trying to win it all.