Moments that Inspire with Dolon Mitra

Dolon Mitra

Welcome to "Moments That Inspire", the podcast that uncovers the power moves and hard truths behind leadership today. I am your host, Dolon Mitra. Here, we explore how to build clarity of self, forge strong connections, and find the courage to create breakthroughs, all absolutely critical to being visible and valued. Through candid stories and hard-earned lessons from remarkable voices, you’ll gain insights to shape moments that define your career and help you make the power moves. So, let's embark on this transformative journey anchored in elevated competence and genuine humility

  1. 11/04/2025

    Redefining Change: From the Hallways to the Boardroom with Karunesh Prasad

    This episode rejects “change as a project” and shows how to engineer adoption—across teams, transformations, and the boardroom.   Here’s what you’ll take away: Co-Creation Beats BroadcastMove from “tell & sell” to “involve & iterate.” Bring the doers into the room early, test a small version in the open, and launch with their fingerprints on it. Credit contributors by name to make ownership visible. Boardroom Upgrade: From Doing to QuestioningBring three sharp questions, not thirty pages. Name the risks first, then let the executive team own the actions. Specify the next decision point and the proof you expect. Shift Identity: From Operator to OrchestratorBoard impact is not hands-on execution; it is shaping direction without control. Stop proving you can do; frame the issue, surface the decisive question, and set the decision gate. Finally, use AI to compress the math, not the conversations that create consent and trust. Listen in to turn motion into momentum—by design, not accident. About the Speaker: Karunesh PrasadTransition advisor, change architect, and serial entrepreneur building ecosystems for how leaders enable change—most recently through Board Match-Up and flex executive pathways.  About the Host: Dolon MitraExecutive Coach and Transition Specialist. She helps leaders navigate high-stakes transitions with purpose and presence—and hosts Moments That Inspire, where sharp strategy meets real human stories.

    42 min
  2. Branding Self and Organisations In a World Full of Echoes with Debbie Yong

    10/13/2025

    Branding Self and Organisations In a World Full of Echoes with Debbie Yong

    In today’s hyperconnected world, every scroll brings a new voice. But amid the noise, what truly makes a brand believable? In this episode of Moments That Inspire, branding strategist Debbie Yong joins Dolon Mitra to explore how leaders and organisations can rise above trends, shape authentic narratives, and build trust that lasts longer than algorithms. What they uncover: The 5Vs Framework – Where Authenticity Meets IntentionDebbie’s 5Vs — Vision, Values, Voters, Voice, and Visibility.When these five align, a brand stops performing and starts resonating.It becomes recognisable, consistent, and believable — a reflection of who leaders are.  Strategic Vulnerability – Give People a Reason to Root for YouSharing one true story of rejection, rebuilding, or redirection humanises a leader’s journey. It invites people to walk beside them. As Debbie says, “People don’t root for perfection; they root for honesty.”  Momentum that Matters – Depth Over Digital NoiseIn a world obsessed with likes, Debbie reframes success: “DMs over vanity metrics.”The real impact of a voice isn’t in public applause — it’s in the quiet conversations it sparks. That one message, one note of resonance, can lead to the most meaningful opportunities. About the Guest:Debbie Yong is a branding strategist and former journalist with over 15 years of experience helping leaders and organisations move from description to distinction and from image to influence.  About the Host:Dolon Mitra is a Transition Coach and Change Expert who helps leaders navigate reinvention with clarity, confidence, and presence.

    33 min
  3. 06/17/2025

    Beyond Org Charts: Decoding the Shadow Organization with Uma Thana Balasingham

    Power isn’t always where it is labelled.Sometimes it’s in a cc line, A glance across the table, Or a quiet “I’ll check with them” after the meeting ends. This episode isn’t about corporate clichés. It’s about pulling back the curtain on how influence actually moves—and how women can claim their place without permission Here’s what we unpack:  The uncomfortable truth about politics, If you think you’re above it, you’re probably outside it. Because politics isn’t about playing games. It is about understanding who moves what, when, and why you weren’t told.  Sponsorship isn’t generosity—it’s a strategic bet.You earn it by making your sponsor look smart, not just kind. That means showing up prepared, delivering at high stakes, and making your ambition crystal clear. You don’t get invited into the shadow organization. You earn your way in.Not with titles.  But with quiet consistency—by doing exactly what you said you would, and showing your value before anyone asks for it.    This episode is a masterclass in navigating unspoken power with clarity, courage, and strategy. Real leadership doesn’t play loud; it plays smart.  About the Speaker: Uma Thana Balasingam Founder of The ELEVATE Group and creator of Lean In Singapore, Uma is a former VP who led a billion-dollar tech business across APJ. Today, she builds platforms and tools that help underrepresented leaders own their voice, presence, and power on their terms. Information to understand Uma's impact better - From Outsider to Insider: Master Workplace Politics - First Moves Edition.  https://bit.ly/wpl2025  Uma's Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@RAWwithUMA  About the Host: Dolon MitraExecutive Coach, Transition Specialist, and HR Leader with extensive facilitation and coaching experience. At Change Et Al, she helps leaders navigate transitions with purpose and presence—and anchors Moments That Inspire, where sharp strategy meets real human stories.

    47 min
  4. 06/02/2025

    Marketing Yourself and Your Team for Impact with Kasper Sierslev

    You don’t need more content. You need a hook to be remembered.  Marketing Yourself and Your Team for Impact,with Kasper Sierslev (Chief Commercial & Creative Officer at ZITE) In this no-fluff episode of Moments That Inspire, Kasper unpacks what it really takes to break through noise, build brand authority, and stay consistent—whether you're a Fortune 500 or flying solo. Here’s what we explore:  Real-World Impact > Digital NoiseA car flipped upside down in the middle of Sydney.A billboard with a working beer tap.These aren’t stunts—they’re strategy.When everyone’s online, the offline becomes unforgettable.  AI Won’t Replace Creativity—But It Will Force It to EvolveAI gives you 50 ideas in 5 minutes.But only human instinct can spot the one worth building on.Great creative today is about discernment. Pillars Before PlatformsWant to be consistent, clear, and credible?Don’t start with a post—start with your pillars.Define 2–3 themes that everything you create ties back to. If you can’t name your anchor message, neither can your audience.    About the Speaker: Kasper SierslevKasper is an award-winning marketeer who’s built powerhouse in-house creative agencies across brands like Apple, LEGO, George Jensen, and Maersk. As Chief Creative & Commercial Officer at ZITE, he helps brands craft stories that cut through—and build systems that scale creativity without chaos.   About the Host: Dolon MitraExecutive Coach, Transition Specialist, and HR Leader with extensive facilitation and coaching experience. At Change Et Al, she helps leaders navigate transitions with purpose and presence—and anchors Moments That Inspire, where sharp strategy meets real human stories.

    37 min
  5. 05/19/2025

    Demystifying Inclusion for the Contemporary World with Eric Way

    Not the DEI playbooks. Not the slide decks. But in hiring decisions, everyday conversations, and unconscious habits that quietly shape who gets heard and who does not.    Demystifying Inclusion for the Contemporary World with Eric Way, Global DEI Leader, in conversation with Dolon Mitra   In this deeply grounded episode, Eric peels back the layers of what it really takes to lead inclusively in today’s global, cross-cultural workplaces.   Inclusion Is a Leadership Skill, Not a Buzzword Inclusion isn’t a training—it’s how leaders show up. It lives in the everyday: who gets mentored, who’s interrupted, who’s given space to speak. It’s not what’s on the agenda. It’s how the agenda is run. The Power of Letting Leaders Experiment Mindset doesn’t shift through mandates—it changes through experience. Giving leaders room to test small acts of inclusion—like mentoring a colleague from a completely different background outside their function, or having an honest conversation about diversity with someone several levels down—builds real insight and accountability. Inclusion Thrives With Boundaries Free speech doesn’t mean free rein. Inclusion grows in spaces where candor meets respect and disagreement does not cost dignity. It’s not about policing opinion. It’s about holding the space with care.  If you’ve ever wondered how to move DEI from concept to culture—this episode is your playbook-in-disguise:    About the Speaker: Eric Way From mechanical engineering to global DEI leadership, Eric brings decades of frontline insight into building truly inclusive systems. His work spans Volvo, Schindler, and coaching leaders to lead across culture, identity, and complexity—with empathy and rigor.  About the Host: Dolon Mitra Executive Coach, Transition Specialist, and HR Leader with 700+ hours of coaching and facilitation experience. At Change Et Al, she helps leaders navigate transitions with purpose and presence—and anchors Moments That Inspire, where leadership gets real.

    38 min
  6. 05/05/2025

    Power Without Permission: New Rules for Women with Jingjin Liu

    “Equality is not an intellectual discussion. It’s a critical, lived need.” It shows up in performance reviews, promotion shortlists, and who gets the benefit of the doubt. True equality isn't just about shared ambition. It’s about shared costs and consequences.  Power Without Permission: New Rules for Women  To unpack these truths, Jingjin Liu, CEO of Zazazu and Elevate, joins Dolon Mitra for a radically honest and unfiltered episode of Moments That Inspire—a bold conversation on what real power, allyship, and leadership look like for women today.  “When equality shows up as exhaustion, it’s time to reset the rules—not just play harder.”  Confidence Begins at Home “If you can’t express your needs in intimate spaces, you’ll struggle in the boardroom.” Reclaiming your voice at home isn’t just personal—it’s leadership training in disguise.  Fixing the System ≠ Fixing the Woman The problem isn’t women’s ambition—it’s the outdated rules of the game. We don’t need to teach women how to lead. We need to change how leadership is measured.  Redefining Resilience: From Hustle to Wholeness Leadership isn’t about how much women can endure. It’s about leading with emotional fluency—not endless hustle—and setting boundaries without apology. This episode doesn’t just explore the ‘what’—it comes alive through the ‘WHO.’  Tune in now and let’s change the conversation on power and possibility: [Insert Link]  About the Speaker: Jingjin Liu Founder & CEO of Zazazu and Elevate, Jingjin Liu is a bold voice challenging long-held norms around leadership, confidence, and gender dynamics. With a background spanning corporate strategy, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, she empowers women to lead on their own terms and helps organisations rethink how they enable equity and inclusion.  About the Host: Dolon Mitra Executive Coach, Change Expert, and HR Leader with 700+ hours of coaching and facilitation experience, Dolon helps leaders navigate transitions with purpose and presence. She leads Leadership Development at Change Et Al and anchors Moments That Inspire, turning leadership theory into practical impact.”

    36 min
  7. 04/21/2025

    Midlife Momentum: Leading with Purpose and Power with Aneace Haddad

    You’re not running out of time. You’re entering your prime. Midlife isn’t about mourning missed milestones—it’s about rewriting the script with clarity and courage In this episode of Moments That Inspire, Dolon Mitra connects with visionary coach and leadership expert Aneace Haddad to explore Midlife Momentum: Leading with Purpose and Power. From tech CEO to transformative coach, Aneace shares how reinvention, reflection, and relevance shaped his second act. What’s Inside:  The Winds of ChangeMidlife brings a trio of powerful shifts—physiological, neurological, and parental. The third wind—parental is particularly revealing. As children grow, our role transforms from directing to empowering. This mirrors the evolution of leadership from control to inspiration.  The Flex-Executive Mindset Traditional paths are fading. Whether you're pivoting, building a portfolio, or eyeing a board seat, the real breakthrough starts by asking: What will still excite me at 100? Then build your path around that spark and not by following someone else’s playbook.  Joyful RejuvenationResilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about moving forward with joy. Midlife gives us a chance to shed old patterns, own our wisdom, and lead with authenticity. It’s not a comeback. It’s a conscious renewal.  This conversation will move you—and help you move forward with purpose. About the Speaker: Aneace Haddad- From global tech entrepreneur to sought-after executive coach, Aneace helps C-Suite leaders embrace transformation, step into flexible roles, and lead with power, presence, and deep purpose. About the Host: Dolon Mitra- Leadership coach and transformation expert helping executives thrive through change, navigate transitions, and build a legacy in a fast-evolving world.

    37 min

About

Welcome to "Moments That Inspire", the podcast that uncovers the power moves and hard truths behind leadership today. I am your host, Dolon Mitra. Here, we explore how to build clarity of self, forge strong connections, and find the courage to create breakthroughs, all absolutely critical to being visible and valued. Through candid stories and hard-earned lessons from remarkable voices, you’ll gain insights to shape moments that define your career and help you make the power moves. So, let's embark on this transformative journey anchored in elevated competence and genuine humility