NEXT LEVEL HUMANITY

Nevşah Fidan Karamehmet

The Next Level Humanity podcast is an inspiring series that dives deep into personal growth and the modern human journey. Aimed at helping listeners better understand and elevate their mental, emotional, and physical potential, this show offers new perspectives and practical advice for those on a path of self-improvement. Blending insights from science, psychology, wellness, and philosophy, it serves as a guide for anyone looking to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Featuring experts, leaders, and thought-provoking guests, the podcast explores themes of success, happiness, and inner transformation. Through engaging and heartfelt conversations, listeners gain inspiration and tools to develop new skills, overcome challenges, and continuously grow. Each episode provides actionable insights for building a stronger mindset and living with deeper awareness. If you're driven to grow in every aspect of life and build a resilient mental foundation, Next Level Humanity is the perfect podcast for you. Tune in on Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music to start your journey.

  1. Next Level Humanity | Dr. Maria Blekher | Managing Overwhelm | Impact Investing Strategies | The Role of Capital in Innovation

    5D AGO

    Next Level Humanity | Dr. Maria Blekher | Managing Overwhelm | Impact Investing Strategies | The Role of Capital in Innovation

    In this episode of the Next Level Humanity podcast, the host welcomes Dr. Maria Blekher, a behavioral scientist turned venture capitalist and the founder of Serendipity VC. Dr. Blekher shares her unique journey from the world of academia to the venture capital ecosystem, discussing how she leverages her deep understanding of complex systems and human behavior to drive impact and innovation in the mental and brain health spaces. We dive deep into: Dr. Blekher's transition from an academic background in behavioral science into the high-stakes world of early-stage tech and venture capital.The vital role of capital as the ultimate enabler for innovation, and the realization that even the greatest ideas need money to survive, scale, and solve real problems.Filling the massive venture capital funding gap in the mental and brain health market, addressing vital areas ranging from autism and PTSD to Alzheimer's.How to align purpose with profit, proving that deeply improving human well-being and generating financial returns are not mutually exclusive goals.What she truly looks for in founders, emphasizing the need for mental flexibility, the resilience to navigate a startup's constant uncertainty, and the baseline importance of simply working with kind people.Redefining the concept of "power" in the venture ecosystem as a quiet, internal strength and alignment with your core thesis, rather than relying on external force or control.The historically undervalued advantage of diverse backgrounds in the investment culture, particularly the unique perspectives and successes brought by women and immigrants.Practical tools for maintaining your sanity when global challenges feel overwhelming, highlighting the profound impact of simple breathwork, fully unplugging in nature, and constantly reconnecting with your larger mission. Whether you’re a founder building in the impact space, an aspiring investor, or simply someone looking to understand the intersection of human well-being and capital, this episode offers a profound look into mindful investing and leading with purpose.

    21 min
  2. MAR 24

    Next Level Humanity | Mehvish Shaffi Ajibola | Authenticity | Identity | Overcoming the Fear of Discrimination

    In this episode of the Next Level Humanity Podcast: Masters Unplugged, Nevşah welcomes Mehvish Shaffi Ajibola, the founder of Socially Inspired. Mehvish shares her deeply personal journey from witnessing her immigrant mother's struggles in the UK workforce to spending 18 years as an HR professional, ultimately leading her to build a consultancy that champions socially conscious, human-first workplaces. We dive deep into: Mehvish’s diverse background: From studying law to becoming a senior HR leader in the NHS, and realizing how traditional, policy-heavy systems often fail and harm the people they are supposed to support.The core mission of Socially Inspired: Fostering corporate environments built on the foundational motto, "Human first, systems that serve, cultures that care."Catalysts for change: How the COVID-19 pandemic's disproportionate impact on BME healthcare workers and global events surrounding racial injustice pushed Mehvish to stop conforming and step fully into her true calling.The profound power of identity: A raw and honest look at Mehvish’s story of changing her Muslim surname out of fear after the 7/7 bombings, and the emotional, transformative moment she chose to reclaim her authentic self.A fresh perspective on human resources: Why modern HR needs to move away from cold, compliance-driven procedures and return to genuine, root-cause investigations and active listening.The realities of scaling a mission-first venture: Navigating cash flow, the challenge of finding truly aligned associates, and the continuous self-mastery required to lead an organic, purpose-driven business.Practical life advice for leaders and entrepreneurs: How reflecting on your lived experiences, trusting your intuition, and understanding that "energy goes where the energy flows" can help you uncover and step into your true purpose. Whether you are a corporate leader seeking to build a more inclusive culture, an aspiring social entrepreneur, or someone on a personal journey to embrace your authentic identity, this episode offers a profound look into the intersection of self-mastery, resilience, and meaningful impact.

    45 min
  3. MAR 13

    Next Level Humanity | Dogakan Toka | Personal Wellbeing | Venture Capital as Partnership | Founder Resilience

    In this episode of the Next Level Humanity Podcast, Nevşah welcomes Doğakan Toka, an early-stage investor and the founder of BridgeX VC. Doğakan shares his journey from a small Mediterranean town in Turkey to the global venture capital space, discussing his unique approach to investing that embraces uncertainty and prioritizes authentic partnerships. We dive deep into Doğakan’s diverse background—from international management consulting to leading the Berkeley Entrepreneurs Association and founding BridgeX VC.The core mission of BridgeX: Connecting leading ecosystems like UC Berkeley and Stanford, and bridging Silicon Valley with emerging markets like Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.A fresh perspective on venture capital: Why VC is ultimately a customer service industry that must fiercely serve both founders and limited partners (LPs).The "Captain, ship, and ocean" analogy for evaluating early-stage startups and building conviction when data is scarce.The foundational, unchanging traits of successful founders: persistency, consistency, determination, and resilience through failure.An honest look at the Istanbul tech ecosystem, highlighting its world-class engineering and gaming talent, while addressing the gaps in capital and regulatory ease.Redefining "real value" in venture capital to focus on long-term sustainability, community, and relationships that compound over decades.Practical life advice for founders and leaders: How returning to your "clarity of intent," protecting your mental and physical health, and loving your family keeps you grounded amidst the noise. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an early-stage investor, or someone learning to navigate uncertainty while building meaningful connections, this episode offers a masterclass in resilient leadership and long-term value creation.

    41 min
  4. MAR 6

    Next Level Humanity | Rosie Edwards | Emotional Reality of Risk | Investor Responsibility | The Inner Discipline

    In this episode of the Next Level Humanity Podcast's Masters Unplugged series, the host welcomes Rosie Edwards, a seasoned investor who has turned capital allocation into a lifelong practice. Rosie shares her insightful journey from a background in mathematics and science to navigating the complex, emotional reality of financial markets. She discusses the critical balance between quantitative data and qualitative judgment, and what it truly takes to master the inner discipline of long-term investing. We dive deep into: Rosie’s transition from relying purely on math and spreadsheets to embracing a holistic, qualitative approach to market analysis and business evaluation.The emotional reality of risk, handling periods of underperformance, and the immense responsibility of managing clients' capital.The often-overlooked duty of senior investors to mentor, train, and develop the next generation of financial talent.How the stock market acts as a mirror for human nature, swinging wildly between fear and greed, and the importance of maintaining a contrarian, disciplined mindset.Redefining patience not just as waiting, but as a series of difficult, unglamorous choices and exercising restraint against market noise.Breaking cultural stigmas around money: Why we must teach children financial literacy and shift the perception of the stock market from "gambling" to long-term wealth creation.The quiet, invisible power of maintaining the status quo and the massive impact of the investments we choose not to fund. Whether you’re an aspiring fund manager, an individual looking to build long-term financial security, or someone seeking to understand the psychological forces driving global markets, this episode offers a masterclass in discipline, resilience, and wealth creation.

    40 min
  5. Next Level Humanity | Shefqet Avdullau | Angel Investing | Mentorship, and Founder Growth

    FEB 26

    Next Level Humanity | Shefqet Avdullau | Angel Investing | Mentorship, and Founder Growth

    In this episode of Next Level Humanity podcast, the host welcomes Shefqet Avdullau, an accomplished Angel Investor, advisor, mentor, and active member of multiple Keiretsu Forum chapters globally. Shefqet shares his journey from being a software engineer and serial tech founder to dedicating his career to angel investing, discussing how he leverages his capital and expertise to help founders solve real-world problems. We dive deep into: Shefqet’s transition from building his own tech companies to empowering other founders through a stage-agnostic investment strategy that led to two successful exits in just four years.A profound perspective on money as "preserved time" and how capital acts as a tool to expand personal freedom and choices.How to balance hard data and experience with gut intuition when evaluating startup pitches and founder behavior.The defining character traits of successful founders: why humility, obsession, and treating junior staff with respect matter more than a fast "growth hacking" mindset.The philosophy of effective mentorship: why letting founders stumble is crucial to building their resilience, and how mentorship buys "speed" while capital only buys "time".The power of global investor communities like the Keiretsu Forum in breaking the solo investor's "echo chamber" and making responsible, collective decisions.Actionable advice for first-time founders on prioritizing the voice of paying customers, and for new investors on asking themselves, "Would I work for this founder?" before ever writing a check. Whether you’re an aspiring angel investor, a startup founder looking to attract smart capital, or someone looking to understand the deeper responsibility of funding the future, this episode is packed with invaluable wisdom.

    40 min
  6. Next Level Humanity | Mine Ovacik | Creativity | Feminine Intelligence | Human Centered Design

    FEB 20

    Next Level Humanity | Mine Ovacik | Creativity | Feminine Intelligence | Human Centered Design

    In this episode of the Next Level Humanity Podcast, the host welcomes Mine Ovacık, an accomplished designer, researcher, and educator. Mine shares her profound journey from discovering industrial design as a teenager in Istanbul to pioneering inclusive, socially conscious design practices on a global scale, discussing how she blends technical mastery with deep empathy, intuition, and feminine intelligence. We dive deep into: Mine’s evolution from traditional luxury interior architecture to universal, human-centered, and participatory design.The critical shift from "egocentric" to "ecocentric" design, prioritizing the planet, sustainable materials, and all living species over the designer's ego.How utilizing coaching techniques and deep intuition transforms the designer into a catalyst for community co-creation rather than a top-down authority.Navigating male-dominated design industries, the awakening power of ecofeminism, and the importance of reclaiming feminine energy in the creative process.The fascinating contrast between male-dominated Artificial Intelligence (AI) and multi-dimensional "Feminine Intelligence," and why Organic Intelligence (OI) remains our greatest asset.The value of a "digital diet"—stepping away from social media and digital marketing to protect originality, creativity, and authentic expression.Powerful advice for the next generation of young women and creators to deeply connect with their true selves rather than just absorbing external information. Whether you’re an aspiring designer, a creative leader, or someone passionate about building a more sustainable and empathetic world, this episode offers a masterclass in purposeful creation, authentic living, and the future of human-centered design.

    31 min
  7. FEB 16

    Next Level Humanity | Ihar Mahaniok | The Outsiders to Insiders | Proactive vs Reactive Work | The Dual Necessity of Sales

    In this episode of Next Level Humanity Podcast, NevCap welcomes Ihar Mahaniok, Managing Partner at Geek Ventures and a seasoned angel investor. Ihar shares his remarkable journey from witnessing the dawn of entrepreneurship in post-Soviet Belarus to navigating the tech giant Google, and ultimately founding a VC firm dedicated to turning immigrant "outsiders" into Silicon Valley "insiders." We dive deep into: From Engineer to Investor: Ihar’s transition from a software engineer at Google to an angel investor, driven by a desire to connect the dots between code, business, and human relationships.The "Outsider" Advantage: The core thesis of Geek Ventures—identifying immigrant founders who have deep expertise and customer insight but lack the fundraising network, and helping them bridge that gap.Technical Depth Meets Sales Charisma: Why the most successful founders aren't just technical or just commercial, but possess a unique blend of architectural understanding and the ability to pitch a vision that inspires.Growth over Value: Why early-stage investing is strictly about growth potential rather than "value investing," and why low valuations are often a warning sign rather than a bargain.The Power of Community: How building a strong network of LPs and founders allows Geek Ventures to win competitive deals and support entrepreneurs in a way traditional VCs cannot.Intentionality and Balance: Strategies for avoiding the "reactive" trap in business, and the importance of truly unplugging through family time, board games, and experiences like Burning Man.The Contrarian Founder: Why the best founders swim upstream to find "lakes where nobody else is," while remaining humble enough to accept critical feedback. Whether you are an immigrant founder navigating the US market, a technical talent looking to bridge the gap to business leadership, or an investor seeking to understand the power of community-led growth, this episode offers a masterclass in leveraging "outsider" status for massive success.

    42 min
  8. Next Level Humanity | Shazia Hussain | Navigate Uncertaincy | Rebuild Inner Strength | Financial Freedom

    FEB 6

    Next Level Humanity | Shazia Hussain | Navigate Uncertaincy | Rebuild Inner Strength | Financial Freedom

    In this episode of Next Level Humanity Podcast, Nevşah Fidan Karamehmet welcomes Shazia Hussain, an entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and a powerful voice for inclusion and neurodiversity. Shazia shares her transformative journey of navigating male-dominated corporate industries as a woman of color and later discovering that her neurodivergence was not a deficit, but her greatest superpower. We dive deep into: Shazia’s experience growing up at an intersection of society and how feeling like an outsider prepared her for resilience in business.The pivotal moment of finding her "tribe" and realizing that diagnoses like ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia provide a necessary common language for connection.Navigating the corporate world: How neurodivergent talent can request simple adjustments—like noise-canceling headphones or quiet spaces—to thrive in office environments.The vital difference between IQ and EQ, and why the ability to translate complex ideas into simple language is a true mark of intelligence.Unlocking the unique strengths of the neurodivergent mind, including hyperfocus, rapid information processing, and pattern recognition often mistaken for a "sixth sense".Communication strategies for leaders: Bridging the gap between neurodivergent and neurotypical communication styles to build psychologically safe teams.Redefining financial freedom for women: Moving beyond material wealth to view money as the power of choice and independence. Whether you are a neurodivergent individual looking to harness your unique traits, a corporate leader striving to build inclusive teams, or a woman seeking to redefine success on her own terms, this episode offers a masterclass in turning perceived weaknesses into undeniable strengths.

    52 min

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About

The Next Level Humanity podcast is an inspiring series that dives deep into personal growth and the modern human journey. Aimed at helping listeners better understand and elevate their mental, emotional, and physical potential, this show offers new perspectives and practical advice for those on a path of self-improvement. Blending insights from science, psychology, wellness, and philosophy, it serves as a guide for anyone looking to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Featuring experts, leaders, and thought-provoking guests, the podcast explores themes of success, happiness, and inner transformation. Through engaging and heartfelt conversations, listeners gain inspiration and tools to develop new skills, overcome challenges, and continuously grow. Each episode provides actionable insights for building a stronger mindset and living with deeper awareness. If you're driven to grow in every aspect of life and build a resilient mental foundation, Next Level Humanity is the perfect podcast for you. Tune in on Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music to start your journey.