Baskets Of Knowledge

What if the life you’re living… isn’t actually yours?In Episode 198 of Baskets of Knowledge, we sit down with Adrian Silvester, rugby coach, global traveller, and mentor, to explore identity, mental health, leadership, and the power of perspective.From coaching in Brazil’s favelas to working with young athletes across cultures, Adrian shares real stories about:The reality of mental health in high-performance environmentsWhy leadership is about people, not resultsHow perspective shifts when you step outside your worldThis conversation goes beyond sport. It’s about life, growth, and understanding yourself in a world that’s constantly shaping you.If you’re interested in mindset, personal development, leadership, or mental health, this episode is for you.Listen now and discover what you might be missing.#BasketsOfKnowledge #Mindset #MentalHealth #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #Identity

In a world obsessed with data, automation, and artificial intelligence, one truth still stands:People don’t act on data.They act on stories.In Episode 196 of the Baskets of Knowledge podcast, we sit down with Sumali Wickramarachchi, a human-centered data storyteller who shares a deeply personal journey, from a shy child who struggled to belong, to a confident voice helping organisations make better decisions in the age of AI.This conversation is not just about technology.It’s about identity.Belonging.Confidence.And the courage to invest in yourself.You’ll hear real stories about:Feeling like you don’t belongNavigating life as an immigrantOvercoming self-doubt and limiting beliefsThe future of AI and human skillsWhy storytelling is the most underrated leadership skillHow investing in yourself changes everythingThis episode is for leaders, professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating change in a fast-moving world.Because the future doesn’t belong to the smartest people.It belongs to the most human ones.What You'll LearnWhy storytelling is more powerful than dataHow to stay relevant in the age of AIThe importance of belonging and communityWhy execution builds confidenceHow investing in yourself transforms your lifeThe mindset shift that changed everything🎧 Listen now on SpotifyBaskets of Knowledge – Episode 196

What happens when a young person loses their identity, and one adult steps in and changes their future?In Episode 194 of the Baskets of Knowledge podcast, we sit down with Wee-Yeong Eyou, a passionate mentor, father, and advocate for young people, to explore the power of mentorship, purpose, and intergenerational leadership.At just 15 years old, Wee-Yeong moved countries, lost his sense of belonging, and struggled to find his place.But a few caring adults, teachers, coaches, mentors, changed the trajectory of his life.Today, he has dedicated his life to helping young people succeed.This conversation dives deep into:The importance of mentors in shaping young livesWhy young people need guidance, not controlHow insecurities can become strengthsThe power of purpose and identityWhat intergenerational leadership really meansHow adults and young people can work together to build the futureIf you are:A parentA leaderA coachA teacherA mentorOr someone who wants to make a differenceThis episode is for you.Because sometimes, one conversation can change a life.

What happens when values move from something you're taught… to something you actually live?In Episode 192 of Baskets of Knowledge, we sit down with Ari Taylor, a young leader whose experiences in service, global communities, and youth leadership have shaped a powerful perspective on identity, focus, and human connection.This conversation explores how real-world experiences transform values into lived beliefs, how perspective changes when you step outside your environment, and why the ability to focus deeply may become one of the most important skills in the future.Through stories, reflections, and honest insight, Ari shares what it means to grow through discomfort, embrace opportunity before you feel ready, and understand people beyond surface differences.This episode explores:• How identity is shaped through experience• Why service changes perspective• The psychology of fear and growth• The importance of focus in a distracted world• Youth leadership and the future of impactIf you're interested in mindset, leadership, personal development, human behaviour, and youth leadership, this conversation will give you ideas that stay with you long after the episode ends.🎧 Follow the podcast for weekly conversations exploring mindset, learning, leadership and human potential.

What happens when you’ve lived a life that looks right on paper… but feels misaligned in your body?In this powerful episode of Baskets of Knowledge, Dr Manmeet Rattu (Dr Mini) shares her journey from growing up in a deeply loving cultural family, entering an arranged marriage, and navigating its breakdown, to rediscovering herself through strength training, a bikini bodybuilding competition, and ultimately the science of yoga.This conversation explores:• Identity and cultural expectations• Listening to your body vs overriding your intuition• Trauma, survival mode, and nervous system dysregulation• The psychology of self-honouring• The neuroscience and science-backed benefits of yoga• How strength training and embodiment rebuild self-trustDr Mini bridges lived experience with evidence-based insight, explaining how yoga is not just a practice, but a science of nervous system regulation, trauma healing, and emotional resilience.If you’re interested in mindset transformation, identity work, personal growth, trauma recovery, or the science of yoga, this episode will stay with you.🎙️ Listen now on Spotify.🔔 Follow Baskets of Knowledge for more conversations on mindset, identity, and human transformation.

What happens when doing “everything right” still doesn’t feel right?In this episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we sit down with Ritu Saxena, founder of Project UpgradeHer, to explore what confidence really looks like when it’s built, not inherited.Born and raised in Mumbai, Ritu became a Chartered Accountant and moved to New Zealand to experiment with independence and live on her own terms. On paper, she was successful. Internally, she struggled with imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and feeling invisible in environments she was fully qualified to be in.Moving countries didn’t fix that, it amplified it.Ritu shares the loneliness of starting over, the cultural shock of navigating systems that reward confidence but never teach it, and the breaking point that forced her to confront a hard truth: effort alone isn’t enough if you don’t advocate for yourself.That moment led her into therapy, coaching, and deep inner work, transforming not just her career, but her relationship with herself. Today, she’s recognised as one of the Top 20 Chartered Accountants and empowers women of colour to build clarity, confidence, and income through Project UpgradeHer.This is a powerful conversation about identity, belonging, courage, and what happens when you finally choose yourself.🎧 Listen now and add this conversation to your basket of knowledge.

What does it mean to belong, to a place, a people, and yourself?In this episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we speak with Rinad Tamimi, a Palestinian woman who grew up in Al-Khalil (Hebron) and moved to New Zealand at 13. Rinad shares her lived experience of migration, identity, racism, motherhood, and returning home after nine years away.This is a conversation about Palestine beyond the headlines, about gratitude and grief existing side by side, and about the responsibility of using your voice when you can. Rinad also reflects on her podcast The Watermelon Report and why storytelling is a form of service.A deeply human conversation that invites reflection, empathy, and perspective.

What happens when the life you worked so hard for… no longer feels like your life?In this powerful episode, we sit down with Mina Amso, founder of Notes from the Executive, to explore identity, reinvention, cultural expectations, courage, and the moment you finally choose alignment over approval.We dive into:• Career pivots & following your purpose• Breaking away from family expectations• How to find your voice and use it with impact• Why values are the most important part of your story• How to build a life that feels true, not safeIf you’re feeling misaligned, stuck, or ready for a new chapter, this conversation will speak directly to you.

In this powerful episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we sit down with Malaysian mountaineer and environmental educator Saravanan Sinniah, a man whose life changed the moment he fulfilled his childhood dream of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro… and discovered the heartbreaking reality of climate change with his own eyes.From witnessing melting glaciers to leading young people through forests and ecosystems across Southeast Asia, Saravanan shares raw stories about purpose, leadership, awareness, and the importance of travelling the world, or at least your own backyard, to expand who you are.We explore:• The shrinking snowcaps of Kilimanjaro• The shocking changes at Everest Base Camp• What climate change really looks like on the ground• Life-threatening moments in the wild (including tigers)• How to lead by walking beside people, not in front• Why young people might be the key to saving our future• Awareness vs willingness, and why both matter• The life lessons nature teaches us when we pay attentionIf you’re craving perspective, purpose, or a deeper connection to the world around you, this conversation will stay with you long after you listen.Listen now and put something powerful into your Basket of Knowledge.

In this powerful episode of Baskets of Knowledge, Margot Korhonen, a Community Coach and Creative, shares how one simple question, “What if everything did work out?”, changed the course of her life.From being a single mum dreaming of small comforts to becoming a homeowner, artist, and author of Creating Connected Communities, Margot’s journey is a masterclass in courage, self-leadership, and love.She opens up about carrying the BRCA1 gene, overcoming chronic fatigue, and learning to lead with compassion instead of perfection.You’ll learn how to:Dream bigger than fearProtect your peace through healthy boundariesListen when your body whispers before it screamsTransform pain into purposeIf you’ve ever felt stuck, tired, or unsure of what’s next, this conversation will remind you that you’re stronger, wiser, and more capable than you think.Tune in to Baskets of Knowledge on Spotify a podcast about transformation, mindset, and the power of human stories.

What happens when being "one credit short" becomes the catalyst for an extraordinary journey?Join us for an emotional and inspiring conversation with Liahna Smith, a 23-year-old wahine toa from Taranaki who's redefining what career success looks like. Currently working with Pūhoro STEM Academy (on secondment from Why Ora), Liahna shares her raw and real journey from feeling "not ready" to becoming a voice for Māori rangatahi across five secondary schools.In this episode, we explore:Navigating rejection and turning setbacks into opportunitiesThe power of saying YES to uncomfortable opportunitiesWorking in kaupapa Māori organizations and connecting with cultural identityMental health, grief, and finding purpose after lossThe reality of non-linear career pathwaysWhy being uncomfortable is where growth happensTransitioning from national-level athlete to youth mentor and coachBuilding confidence and finding your voice in professional spacesTopics covered: Career development, Māori education, STEM pathways, mental health awareness, grief and loss, sports psychology, youth mentorship, cultural identity, professional growth, asking for help, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, finding purposePerfect for: Young professionals, educators, career changers, parents, coaches, anyone navigating uncertainty, Māori and Indigenous professionals, STEM advocates, youth workersRecorded during Mental Health Awareness Week, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and the courage to take opportunities even when you don't feel "ready."Baskets of Knowledge brings you real conversations with real people doing extraordinary mahi in Aotearoa New Zealand.🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 💬 Share with someone who needs to hear this ⭐ Leave us a review- it helps others find these important conversations#Podcast #CareerAdvice #NewZealand #MāoriCulture #STEMeducation #MentalHealth #PersonalDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #Taranaki #Leadership

This week on Baskets of Knowledge, we sit down with Kiyara Glasgow, a 19-year-old student whose journey will shift how you see homelessness forever.From sleeping in cars and park benches at 13, to earning a scholarship and studying at AUT, Kiyara’s story is a powerful reminder that our circumstances don’t define uz our choices do.She opens up about:Life as a homeless teenager in AotearoaHow education became her lifelineThe power of mentorship and human kindnessWhy we all need to start asking, “Are you okay?”A conversation that will stay with you long after you’ve listened.Tune in now on Spotify or YouTube — and don’t forget to follow Baskets of Knowledge for more stories that move, challenge, and inspire.