Beyond the Noise

Beyond the Noise Media

Beyond the Noise is for the leaders everyone turns to, yet who rarely get space to think for themselves. Hosted by executive coaches Khurshid Zaynutdinov and Anastasija Lynch, trusted by board directors, founders, and senior leaders. Real conversations on clarity, fulfilment, and leadership that lasts. Helping you lead with energy instead of exhaustion.

  1. MAR 5

    Networking Feels Fake: Why Most Professional Networking Fails (and What Actually Works)

    Networking often feels forced, transactional, or uncomfortable. In this episode of Beyond the Noise, we speak with networking and philanthropy expert Kotryna Stankutė-Jaščemskienė about why traditional professional networking advice often fails and what actually helps people build meaningful professional relationships. Kotryna has spent years helping professionals develop authentic networking strategies that feel natural rather than performative. Through her work with international leaders, entrepreneurs, and global communities, she has seen how curiosity, generosity, and intentional follow-up create networks that truly matter. In this conversation, we explore how professionals can navigate networking events without feeling fake, why introverts may actually have an advantage in building strong relationships, and how authentic curiosity often opens more doors than self-promotion ever will. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable with traditional networking culture, this episode will change how you think about building professional relationships. • Why most networking advice feels unnatural• The biggest mistakes people make at networking events• Why introverts can be excellent networkers• The role of curiosity in building meaningful relationships• How vulnerability creates deeper professional connections• Why networking should focus on giving rather than taking• The importance of intentional follow-up• How strong networks are built over time, not in a single meeting Kotryna Stankutė-Jaščemskienė is a networking strategist and philanthropy leader focused on connecting people, ideas, and opportunities. She mentors professionals on how to build authentic networks through mentorship, corporate training, and group programmes designed to help people discover their own natural networking style. Kotryna also leads the Marius Jakulis Jason Foundation, a philanthropic initiative attracting global talent, academics, and entrepreneurs to Lithuania to share knowledge and build impact. Previously, she served as Director at Global Lithuanian Leaders, an international professional network connecting Lithuanian professionals around the world. LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kotryna-stankute/ Websitehttps://www.kotryna.network Collab Circlehttps://www.kotryna.network/en/collab-lab Podcast Hosts Anastasija Lynch Executive CoachLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anastasija-lynch-coach Khurshid Zaynutdinov Executive CoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khurshidz/ Beyond the Noise is a podcast exploring leadership, resilience, decision-making, and the human side of success through conversations with leaders, experts, and thinkers from around the world. New episodes are released biweekly. If this episode resonated with you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who might need to hear it.

    58 min
  2. FEB 5

    From Corporate to Startup: Making Decisions Without Certainty | Umid Akhmedov

    Leaders are expected to make decisions before things are clear.This episode explores what it actually takes to carry that responsibility. In this episode of Beyond the Noise, we speak with Umid Akhmedov — former Microsoft leader, board-level advisor, and founder of an AI startup fixing broken e-commerce delivery systems across Central Asia and the Caucasus. This is a grounded conversation about leadership when: information is incomplete outcomes are uncertain rejection is frequent and responsibility doesn’t pause for clarity Umid reflects on his transition from corporate leadership to startup life, what truly transfers between the two worlds, and what leaders often underestimate about emotional regulation, pressure, and decision-making without validation. Rather than leadership theory or startup hype, this episode focuses on the internal work of leadership — holding uncertainty, separating signal from emotion, building culture, and staying pragmatic when nothing is guaranteed. Topics covered: Making decisions with incomplete information Why clarity often comes after action Emotional regulation as a leadership skill Rejection, resilience, and investor pressure Growth mindset vs fixed mindset in leadership Why past success can quietly replace curiosity What leaders must carry so others can function This episode is for senior leaders, founders, and decision-makers navigating complexity without easy answers. Books & References Think Again — Adam Grant The Attributes — Rich Diviney Mindset — Carol Dweck Sense & Respond — Jeff Gothelf & Josh Seiden (Sense–Learn–Adapt loop) Trust and Inspire — Stephen M. R. Covey Energy Rising — Julia DiGangi Umid Akhmedov LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umidakhmedov/ Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-action-tezbor-zfonf/ Hosts Anastasija Lynch: www.linkedin.com/in/anastasija-lynch-coach Khurshid Zaynutdinov: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khurshidz/

    48 min

About

Beyond the Noise is for the leaders everyone turns to, yet who rarely get space to think for themselves. Hosted by executive coaches Khurshid Zaynutdinov and Anastasija Lynch, trusted by board directors, founders, and senior leaders. Real conversations on clarity, fulfilment, and leadership that lasts. Helping you lead with energy instead of exhaustion.