BE Yourself

Serhii

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SELF-IMPROVEMENT

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.

6 DAYS AGO

He Invested in 7 Unicorns. Now He Tells Founders "Don't Take the Money" | Cornelius Schmal

In this fascinating episode of Be Yourself Podcast I am joined by Cornelius Schmal, a veteran of the early "cowboy" days at Uber who successfully invested in 7 unicorns. We dive deep into his high-stakes journey of managing the Uber expansion across Africa and the intense market wars against Yandex in russia. Cornelius reveals the raw truth behind the glamour of venture capital, explaining why raising millions is often the quickest way to ruin your business and your mental health. We discuss why bootstrapping is the ultimate "sanity" for modern founders and how to shift your focus to net profit to build a sustainable legacy. Whether you are looking for startup scaling secrets or trying to avoid burnout, this conversation is a masterclass in staying true to yourself while building a billion-dollar trajectory. Don't take the money until you watch this! Subscribe if you enjoyed this episode! 0:00 - Intro 01:44 - How the Journey Started 03:14 - The Onset of the Career 05:04 - New Job at Uber 08:00 - Uber's Early Days Stories 10:21 - Expansion into South Africa 11:26 - Fighting with Yandex in russia and Ukraine 15:51 - Why Maps and Email Matter So Much 17:18 - First Investment Capital 19:06 - How to Spot the Next Unicorn 22:38 - Slowing Down after Burnout 25:01 - Scaling-Focused Coaching 29:47 - Startups North Star Metrics 32:42 - Net Profit is Sanity 34:00 - Why Bootstrapping is Better than Fundraising 35:41 - Being Someone Else 39:44 - Reinventing Ourselves Cornelius Resources ~ LinkedIn: ttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cornelius-peter-schmahl Company: https://scalingbrilliance.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/cornelius4life/ -- -- -- 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

42 min
29 MAR

Dubai Lawyer: How to Build a Thriving Business Amid Uncertainty

On this episode of Be Yourself Podcast, I sit down with Ahmed Elnaggar - President of Emirates Legal Network and host of The Jurist Podcast - and we went from global conflict… to identity… to the uncomfortable truth about what it really takes to build a name for yourself amid uncertainty. We talk about: – What business actually feels like in Dubai right now – The real reason Dubai became a global business magnet – How Ahmed built his career from doubt, not confidence – The “giver mentality” most people fake but don’t practice – Why storytelling beats self-promotion every time – What personal branding actually means (beyond buzzwords) – How to build relationships that outlast transactions At one point, Ahmed shares the worst career advice he ever got. Most people would spiral but Ahmed rebuilt himself instead 0:00 - On This Episode 1:30 - Dubai Business in the Shadow of Conflict 4:31 - Pressure Among Partners and Clients 6:36 - The Strength of Collective Spirit 9:13 - What Makes Dubai a Business Hub 12:17 - Ahmed’s Path in Dubai 15:56 - How Helping Builds Business 19:56 - The Givers’ Mentality in Business 23:28 - Writing the Book on Brand and Identity 25:48 - Ahmed’s Guide to Legal Success 29:35 - Generosity as a Business Strategy 31:54 - Why Network-First Businesses Work 36:53 - How Personal Values Shape Business 39:38 - Lessons from Early Career Shocks 46:23 - Life, Work, and Constraints in Ukraine Ahmed's Resources ~ Emirates Legal Network: https://www.emirateslegalnetwork.com/ Elnaggar & Partners: https://elnaggarlegal.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aelnaggar/ The Jurist Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Jurist - - - 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

52 min
24 MAR

How to Succeed in Podcasting - SalesPop Podcast Case | John Golden

In this episode of Be Yourself Podcast, I sit down with John Golden from the SalesPop Podcast to break down the truth about podcasting, personal branding, and why most creators quit too early. 0:00 - On This Episode 0:38 - SalesPop Podcast: What You Gain 3:45 - When the Podcast Started Working 7:47 - The Compound Effect in Podcasting 10:48 - The Real Job of a Podcast Host 13:01 - Podcasting Without Filters 15:58 - Accidental Book or Strategic Move 19:16 - Connections That Made It Happen 21:07 - Your Blog Is Your Book 22:25 - Sergey's Philosophical Question John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngolden/ If you're interested in cooperation of any kind, feel free to drop a line: serhiy@beverlyen.com My Video Production & YouTube Agency: https://beverlyen.com/production

24 min
23 MAR

This Is How Luxury Resorts Actually Make Money | Silvia Collepardi

In this episode of The Be Yourself Podcast, we talk with Silvia Collepardi, a hospitality expert working with luxury resorts across Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bali, Mauritius, and Seychelles. She shares how the hospitality industry really works - from hotel marketing and travel marketing to building strong commercial strategies that attract the right luxury clients. Silvia also breaks down her SUITE framework and explains how top resorts position themselves in a competitive global market. We also dive into her journey into entrepreneurship, lessons in personal branding, and real career advice for growing in business, tourism, and travel business. Plus, insights on women leadership, sales, and building long-term success. 0:00 - On This Episode 1:29 - Silvia's Elevator Pitch 3:17 - Inside Global Hotel Struggles 5:17 - Hotel Strategy from Day One 7:40 - SUITE in Action: Real Client Story 11:08 - What Truly Makes a Hotel Luxury? 17:10 - 20 Years as a Global Connector 21:50 - Languages in Global Work 23:19 - Balancing Introversion and People Energy 24:32 - Founder Brand & Lessons 29:04 - How Long in Business? 29:58 - Advice for Women in Business 36:17 - Final Message Silvia's Resources ~ Website: https://silviacollepardi.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviacollepardi/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/silvia_collepardi/ If you'd like to invite me to host an event, give a public speech, or are interested in an interview, 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 Podcast and Shorts Production: https://beverlyen.com/production

38 min
18 MAR

How a Hobby Project Landed Netflix | Chris Ellinas

In this Be Yourself Podcast episode, Chris Ellinas shares his journey as a designer, freelancer, and creative who landed Netflix through a passion-driven project 🚀 From uploading a Marvel-inspired concept on Behance to building a global creative career, Chris proves that authenticity and experimentation open unexpected doors. We explore how discipline shaped his path—from running a marathon he hated to mastering design skills—and why challenge is essential for growth. Chris also breaks down the mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur and how creatives can turn hobbies into real businesses. If you’re a creative searching for direction, this episode delivers honest insight, motivation, and a reminder to build a life that’s truly yours 🌍 0:00 - Intro 01:40 - Mixed Cultural Background 03:41 - Getting a Job with Netflix 08:08 - A Motive to Go into Entrepreneurship 14:56 - Lessons Learned from Netflix 17:11 - How to Work for Chris 19:21 - Physical Transformation 22:25 - The Benefits of Running and Endurance Sports 26:30 - Redefined Meaning of Success 30:30 - Chris's Podcast Chris's Resources ~ Behandce: https://www.behance.net/chrisellinas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisEllinas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisellinas IG: https://www.instagram.com/chrisellinas X: https://x.com/chrisellinas_ Note from the Host ~ If you'd like to invite me to host an event, give a public speech, or are interested in an interview, 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 Podcast, Shorts Production and YouTube Management: https://beverlyen.com/production

36 min
15 MAR

25-Year CIA Officer Explains How Foreign Spies Are Recruited | James Lawler

CIA Officer James Lawler spent 25 years in the CIA recruiting foreign spies. In this episode of the Be Yourself Podcast, he explains how spy recruitment really works and what motivates someone to betray their country. James explores the psychology of espionage, the art of building human intelligence, and the real-world tactics behind covert intelligence and clandestine operations. Jim shares gripping CIA stories from his career — from spotting vulnerabilities in potential assets to understanding the real spy motivations that push people toward treason. We discuss: 🕵️ How the CIA recruits spies 🧠 The psychology behind espionage ⚠️ Why people betray their country 📖 Real CIA stories from the field 🎯 Leadership lessons from intelligence work If you're curious about CIA secrets, spy psychology, and the hidden world of intelligence, this episode offers a rare inside look from someone who lived it. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on the Be Yourself Podcast. 0:00 - Intro 01:14 - What'd Jim Do for the CIA 04:42 - What Made Jim so Good? 05:40 - Qualities of Top Intelligence Officers 06:51 - 10 Years to Recruit a Source 11:30 - How CIA Selects Potential Spies 13:02 - Reruiting Someone with Moral Objection 21:00 - More Top Intellegence Officer Qualities 22:40 - Confirming/Debunking CIA Myths 26:16 - "Sleepers" 28:45 - Direct Danger to Jim's Life 30:42 - Human Motivation to Betray their Country 33:53 - Moral Purity and Integrity 36:08 - Jim's Thoughs on Jefffey Epstein 37:53 - How to Create Better Leaders 40:40 - Follow Jim James Resources ~ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-lawler-3bb7347 Books and Media Apprarences: https://www.theguildlibrary.com Note from the Host ~ If you'd like to invite me to host an event, give a public speech, or are interested in an interview, 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 Podcast and Shorts Production: https://beverlyen.com/production

42 min
11 MAR

Stop Making These LinkedIn Mistakes as a Founder | Roman Pikalenko

🚀 All the key decision-makers are on LinkedIn! Whether you’re fundraising, hiring top talent, or finding B2B/B2C customers, LinkedIn is one of the most powerful platforms for growth. In this episode of Be Yourself Podcast, Sergey talks with Roman Pikalenko, one of Europe’s leading climate tech ghost writers. Roman helps founders and executives attract capital and talent through LinkedIn strategies. We cover: 🌱 How climate tech founders can master LinkedIn ⚠️ Common LinkedIn mistakes and growth tips 🔄 Building and pivoting audiences for new markets 🎯 Ideal customer profiling (ICP) for better connections 📰🎙️ Using newsletters and podcasts to engage your community Whether you’re a founder, executive, or marketer, this episode is full of actionable tips on LinkedIn growth, audience building, and scaling in climate tech. 🔔 Subscribe to Be Yourself Podcast for more insights from top founders and thought leaders! 0:00 - On This Episode 0:42 - Who's Roman 1:08 - The Climate Founder LinkedIn Gap 2:56 - How Big Is the Climate Tech Market? 5:41 - Founder Personal Branding Mistakes 11:14 - Growing a 27K LinkedIn Audience 17:32 - Does the Wrong Audience Still Help? 21:23 - Know Your Customer or Fail 25:45 - Climate Startups vs Big Polluters 27:53 - Why Newsletters Still Matter 32:19 - The Newsletter Playbook for Founders 35:34 - Ghostwriting for Beginners Roman's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roman-pikalenko/ If you'd like to invite me to host an event, give a public speech, or are interested in an interview, 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 Podcast and Shorts Production: https://beverlyen.com/production

38 min
8 MAR

The Brutal Truth About Aging Out of the Corporate World | Maureen Wiley Clough

Why does it get late early? In this episode of Be Yourself Podcast Maureen Wiley Clough, host of It Gets Late Early, spills the story behind her podcast, the crazy career hurdles she noticed, and why so few people talk about “aging out” of the corporate world. We dive into taking big leaps, going all-in on your side hustle, and why half-measures just don’t cut it. She gets real about leadership, honesty, life values, and navigating major life and career twists - especially for women figuring things out in their 30s and 40s. Plus, Maureen shares what keeps her going, how she builds her personal brand, and a few hard-won truths about chasing your own path. Inspiring, real, and full of takeaways you’ll actually use. 0:00 - In This Episode 0:48 - Why It Gets Late Early 3:16 - The Problem Behind the Podcast 6:50 - Side Gig vs Full Commitment 9:20 - Visibility and Its Consequences 13:04 - Can Employees Be Friends? 14:05 - Values in Life and Work 22:34 - International Men's Day 24:15 - Career Advice for Women in Their 30s 29:24 - Your Circle During Transformation 30:42 - Building a Distinct Personal Brand 34:32 - Mo's Message to the World Maureen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/ Maureen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maureenwclough/ If you'd like to invite me to host an event, give a public speech, or are interested in an interview, 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 Podcast and Shorts Production: https://beverlyen.com/production

36 min

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.

Creator

Serhii
Years Active

2k
Episodes

38
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 Serhii
Show Website

BE Yourself