Vidya By Pia & Bart

We reflect on how gratitude shifts energy—both individually and collectively—and how it can be a powerful tool for leadership. When we enter a challenging space, like a tense team meeting, and lead with genuine appreciation instead of pressure, we witness a tangible shift. Shoulders relax, attention sharpens, and solutions begin to emerge. Gratitude doesn’t erase the problem; it transforms the emotional environment in which the problem exists. We discuss the idea of being “above the line”—a state of openness, creativity, and high emotional frequency—as opposed to being “below the line,” where stress and fear dominate. Through practices like gratitude journaling, we train ourselves to raise our frequency, not only over time but also in the moment. We share our personal experiences with gratitude as a daily discipline—writing not just from the head, but from the heart. By feeling gratitude fully, we activate emotional coherence, measurable in heart rate variability, and supported by tools like those from the He

We explore vulnerability through personal experiences, beginning with the quote “Dance like no one is watching…” and how acts like dancing or singing often stir discomfort and self-consciousness. For many of us, these expressions bring up old memories of shame or judgment, often rooted in childhood. Exposing our inner selves feels risky, as if we might be rejected or ridiculed. We share stories—freezing during a speech, dancing sober for the first time in years—that reveal how vulnerability surfaces when we step outside our comfort zones. These moments remind us that shame lingers because, biologically, we associate exclusion with danger. Yet when we allow ourselves to show up authentically despite the fear, we connect more deeply—with ourselves and others. In professional settings, we see that vulnerability isn’t about oversharing or emotional display—it’s about building authentic human connection. When we as leaders admit we don’t know, own our mistakes, or simply let down our guard, we foster trust and psy

In this episode, we explore the complexity and fluidity of identity, beginning with a playful challenge: how would we describe ourselves in the time it takes to ride an elevator? We unpack how our self-descriptions shift depending on context—age of the listener, setting, or even language. We share our discomfort with reducing identity to a concise pitch, noting how what we say tends to be externally focused (job, nationality, hobbies) rather than delving into personal values or deeper characteristics. We discuss how identity is often a story we tell ourselves and others, influenced by language, culture, and experience. The idea that different languages unlock different aspects of our identity was especially thought-provoking, revealing how language shapes not just communication but self-perception. We then move into how material elements—like clothing or gadgets—signal aspects of identity, both to ourselves and to others. Examples like yoga attire, running shoes, or the Oura ring illustrate how external symb

In this episode, we confront one of life’s most profound and universal truths: death. Despite its inevitability, death remains a taboo topic in many cultures, often shrouded in fear and avoidance. We explore the concept of a “good death” versus a “bad death,” discussing how saying goodbye, letting go, and even planning one’s end can create a more peaceful passing for both the dying and their loved ones. From personal anecdotes about witnessing death to cultural perspectives like Hindu cremation ceremonies in Varanasi, we examine how exposure to and understanding of death impacts our relationship with life. We also delve into practical preparations for death, from creating a will and organizing personal affairs to embracing the “Say It Now” philosophy—expressing gratitude and love to others while they’re still here. Inspired by books like Die with Zero and The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, we reflect on the importance of living fully and intentionally. Whether it’s experiencing life’s milestones at the right

In this episode, we dive into planning versus spontaneity, using the lens of personality types, particularly the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). We explore the dynamic between “judging” (J) and “perceiving” (P) traits, examining how these preferences play out in our daily lives, relationships, and work. We reflect on the benefits and challenges of structured planning, like creating routines and long-term strategies, versus the freedom and creativity of staying open to possibilities. Along the way, we share how these tendencies shape our decision-making, resource management, and overall quality of life. Through personal stories and insights, we discuss the importance of self-awareness in balancing these approaches. Whether it’s planning for major life goals, fostering personal growth, or leaving room for spontaneity, we explore how to make our time and energy align with what truly matters. We invite you to join us in reflecting on your own relationship with planning, discovering how to find a rhythm that

We often believe in the myth that relaxation must be earned—that we can only truly rest after being productive. However, we recognise that this belief, while deeply ingrained, is not necessarily helpful. Relaxation should not be conditional, yet many of us struggle to truly unwind. The conversation explores different perspectives on what relaxation means, distinguishing it from simply sleeping or taking a break. We reflect on how modern distractions, like social media, create the illusion of relaxation while actually adding to our stress. True relaxation, we realise, is about restoring our physical, mental, and emotional states—allowing us to reset and be more present in our daily lives. To truly relax, we find that engaging in structured activity before stillness can be a powerful method—whether through intense exercise, breathwork, or even laughter. Practices like yoga, running, or time spent in nature prepare us for a deeper state of relaxation, fostering resilience and creativity. We also acknowledge that

In this episode, we dive into the reflective process of personal growth and intention-setting as the year draws to a close. We explore how stillness, the balance of being versus doing, and self-leadership have been prominent themes in our lives throughout 2024. We emphasise cultivating personal growth through tools like journaling, meditation, and deliberate reflection on our life journeys. As we discuss, memories evolve over time, and journaling provides a unique way to connect with our past selves, enriching our reflections and guiding our future. For us, setting intentions isn’t about rigid goal-setting but rather a flexible framework that helps align our aspirations with the more prominent themes of our lives. We also reflect on how stepping outside our comfort zones can spark profound growth. We emphasise the value of community and shared experiences in fostering growth, drawing on the connection and support of like-minded individuals. We discuss examples of transformative retreats and the importance of

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of breathwork with Tim van der Vliet (Bart’s brother), a global breathwork coach and creator of the TT5 technique. Tim shares his journey from high-stress stock trading to finding balance and purpose through breathwork, eventually becoming one of the world’s leading breathwork specialists. With his signature blend of science and simplicity, Tim explains how deliberate breathwork can reduce stress, improve focus, boost athletic performance, and even decrease inflammation. He emphasises the accessibility of breathwork, highlighting how just five minutes a day can create profound mental and physical well-being shifts. We also explore the science behind breathwork, discussing its effects on the autonomic nervous system, cardiovascular health, and cellular energy production. Tim demonstrates his TT5 technique—a quick and powerful practice that blends intentional breathing with moments of stillness. Whether you’re seeking calm before a big meeting or looking t

In this episode, we explore the emotional responses that arise from common, everyday triggers, focusing on how we become aware of and manage them. The conversation starts with a look at the stress of queuing at airport gates, where many of us experience heightened anxiety over small things, like whether there will be space for our luggage. Even when we know the anxiety is irrational, it persists. This leads us to reflect on how being conscious of these reactions allows us to manage them better over time, even if they remain part of our lives. We touch on various examples, from stress at the airport to dealing with unknown callers and the immediate negative reactions they evoke. We delve deeper into the concept of triggers—both positive and negative—and how they influence our energy and interactions with the world around us. For example, the feeling of anger after hitting our head or the satisfaction of seeing a free taxi can have immediate emotional impacts. These triggers shape our behaviour and, by extensio

In this podcast episode, we delve into the concept of mentorship, tracing its historical roots back to figures like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle and exploring its evolution into the modern corporate and personal development contexts. We discuss the distinctions and overlaps between mentorship and coaching, pondering how each plays a role in personal and professional growth. The conversation reflects on how mentorship has been a fundamental part of human development, facilitating the transfer of wisdom across generations. We consider the nature of mentorship as a relationship where more experienced individuals share their knowledge. This is similar to and different from coaching, which is often more structured and may not require the coach to have direct experience in the same fields as their clients. Further, we explore our personal experiences with mentorship, both as mentors and mentees. We discuss how the mentorship dynamics can vary, emphasising that while mentors typically offer guidance drawn from the

In this podcast episode, we come back to one of our favourite topics: Learning. We discuss the importance of understanding and leveraging personal strengths in professional and personal development. By recounting our experiences from the past when learning wasn't a consciously integrated part of our lives to now, where it forms a crucial aspect of our daily activities, we emphasise the transformative power of learning. This reflection leads us to consider the various ways learning has shaped our careers, hobbies, and self-awareness, highlighting the shift from passive to active and intentional learning. We discuss how learning is intertwined with our values and how it manifests in different aspects of our lives, such as professional development, personal interests like drawing and cooking, and even understanding complex concepts through formal education or self-driven inquiry. The conversation brings to light the notion that learning can be a highly motivating factor, enhancing mastery and personal growth. W

In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of the "corporate athlete," comparing the performance and preparation strategies of professional athletes to those of corporate professionals. The discussion begins with reflections on the Olympic Games, noting how athletes meticulously prepare for major events, emphasizing the importance of recovery, rest, and focus. We highlight the concept of categorizing tasks into A, B, and C "races," with A races being the most critical events requiring peak performance, while B and C races serve as preparation or less critical tasks. The conversation underscores the importance of planning, sustainability, and focus in corporate life, drawing parallels with how athletes manage their careers over the long term. We discuss the necessity of distinguishing between critical and less critical tasks, advocating for rest before major "races" and embracing a mindset that prioritizes recovery and resilience. The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to identify their "A races"

In this podcast episode, we delve into the profound influence that the people closest to us have on our personal growth and development. We explore the idea that "you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with," reflecting on how our relationships shape who we are. We discuss the dynamic nature of these relationships, noting that as the people around us change, so do we. This conversation is intertwined with personal anecdotes about family and the deliberate efforts to maintain strong sibling connections through annual trips and activities, emphasising the importance of intentional time spent together despite life’s inevitable changes. Furthermore, we touch on reconnecting with old friends and the surprising depth and renewal these rekindled relationships can bring. This discussion branches into the strategies for maintaining these relationships, such as setting expectations and recognising the different roles various friends play in our lives. We highlight how these relationships mirror

In this podcast episode, we explore the profound concept of rhythm in life as a more dynamic and integrated approach compared to the traditional notion of work-life balance. We recount a journey to Santiago de Compostela, where the experience of walking the pilgrimage illuminated thoughts about personal and environmental rhythms. We discuss how different rhythms, such as daily cycles and life stages, influence our actions and well-being. The conversation extends to how understanding these rhythms can lead to better integration of work and life, suggesting that life is not about balancing static elements but rather flowing with the natural rhythms that govern our existence. Delving deeper, we reflect on how aligning with these natural rhythms—like those of sleep and wakefulness influenced by natural light—can enhance our health and productivity. The idea is extended metaphorically to organisations, comparing the life stages of a company to seasons, which highlights the importance of adapting to each phase for

In this episode, we discuss the common misconceptions about healthy eating, emphasising that what is considered healthy can vary greatly among individuals. Our conversation highlights that ultra-processed foods like vegan burgers and certain breakfast cereals are often mistakenly perceived as healthy. We also touch on the importance of understanding what constitutes ultra-processed foods and their potential health implications. We further discuss the significance of whole foods, using examples like eggs and yoghurt, and the evolving perceptions of their health benefits over time. Then, we delve into broader aspects of nutrition, including the importance of timing of food intake, calorie intake, and diet variety. We advocate for a balanced approach to eating, suggesting an 80/20 rule where 80% of the diet consists of healthy, whole foods, and 20% allows for flexibility. We emphasise the importance of gut health, recommending a diet rich in fibre (prebiotics) and fermented foods (probiotics). The conversation a

In this podcast episode, we delve into the concept and importance of stillness in achieving clarity, productivity, and overall well-being. We share our personal experiences and the challenges of slowing down in a fast-paced world, highlighting that the discomfort felt during slower moments can actually lead to greater productivity and insight. Our discussion draws on insights from Ryan Holiday's book "Stillness is the Key," emphasising stillness as a universally recognised virtue across various philosophies and religions. We explore different methods to achieve stillness, such as meditation, yoga, and reducing distractions, and underscore their significance for mental and physical health. Additionally, we discuss practical applications and benefits of stillness, including enhanced creativity, more profound gratitude, and improved personal connections. We share anecdotes and strategies for integrating stillness into daily life, such as engaging in slow activities, practising mindfulness, and setting intention

On our business development trip to Spain, we find ourselves going for a run in the morning and realise we have quite different approaches to running. One of us is more structured, more planned, and measures and analyses a lot more data. The other just runs. You guess which is which! During our conversation, we delve into the reasons behind our fitness routines. We exercise for various reasons: the feeling of well-being, the joy of physical movement, the impact on our health, and the mental benefits like clarity and problem-solving. We also value the social connections, mental well-being, and personal growth that come with exercise. We emphasise the importance of incorporating various forms of exercise, including strength and resistance training, flexibility work, stability training and different intensities of cardio training, to maintain a balanced and holistic approach to our well-being. We also stress the importance of a varied exercise routine on our health and longevity, maximising the chances of stay

In this conversation, we delve deeper into the fascinating realm of emotions and, in particular, negative emotions and how we can effectively deal with them. We reflect on our experiences with these emotions and explore the concept of Stoicism, an ancient philosophy that offers valuable insights into managing and minimising the impact of negativity in our lives. Moreover, we stress the significance of using negative emotions as sources of insight, leveraging them to enhance emotional intelligence and make informed decisions in our pursuit of personal growth and well-being. Our discussion highlights practical Stoic tools for navigating everyday challenges, emphasising the importance of understanding and addressing negative emotions. By reframing situations and embracing a Stoic perspective, we aim to limit the influence of these emotions and foster a more tranquil and virtuous life. In essence, this conversation revolves around the powerful techniques and philosophies that enable us to gain mastery over our e

In this conversation, we explore the significance of questions and their diverse applications in various roles and settings. Questions serve as connectors, bridging emotions, thoughts, and being. They create space for exploration, authenticity, and deeper understanding. The intention behind a question is crucial, and a curious, positive vibe enhances its impact. Being present in a dialogue is essential for conveying the true purpose behind a question. Concise, well-articulated questions often carry more weight, and silence can be a powerful tool in fostering reflection and deeper conversation. We also delve into how questions can be a valuable tool in parent-child relationships, helping parents connect with teenagers and young adults who may be entering a more closed-off phase. By asking open, thought-provoking questions, parents can engage their children in meaningful conversations. Similarly, questions can be a bridge to connect with older generations, allowing us to tap into their wisdom and gain perspect

We find ourselves in a recording studio surrounded by professional sound equipment, creating an environment that truly excites at least one of us! As we sit together, one of us with an analogue notebook and the other with a laptop, we reflect on our evolving note-taking habits. While acknowledging the shift towards electronic notes, we also appreciate the enduring charm of handwritten notes. Our discussion unfolds, transitioning into exploring the multifaceted world of note-taking, encompassing journaling, gratitude writing, meeting notes, reflection notes and learning summaries. We emphasise that note-taking is more than daily reflections; it's a versatile practice with numerous applications. The conversation pivots to the compelling reasons behind note-taking, delving into its power as a memory aid, an accurate record keeper, and an invaluable tool for introspection and personal growth. We stress the significance of documenting our thoughts, emotions, learnings and meeting details, highlighting the enduri