Roots to Routes with Anand Dattani

|E30| Anand talks: My Spiritual Journey (on First Serve with Sina Haghighat)

We discuss: How I first came into contact with spiritually inclined youth. Where did the idea to use my summer holidays to stay in an ashram in India and serve with the monks come from? The feeling of coming back to the UK and navigating a spiritual existence and working in a Banking. Dealing with my own ego of thinking that finding spirituality has made me 'better' than others. What key lessons I learnt from my first trip to India, and learning to apply spiritual principles to your pursuits and goals without feeling you have to give up those dreams. Is spirituality for everyone? Meditating in India and implementing mantra meditation in my daily routine. The importance of my morning routine . The history and bigger vision of The Journey Onwards Podcast - the interactive, immersive family tree so that our ancestors stories can live on through audio podcasts and other multimedia. What does it mean to me to live a fulfilled life. Growing up with Jay Shetty and the influence he had on my spiritual journey. Deal with stress and using spirituality for stress management. Find me on IG! instagram.com/anandsworld Find Sina on IG: More of First Serve Podcast: instagram.com/firstservepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

|E29| Bolu talks: Staying Humble & True To My Mission To Inspire Change Through Music

About the Guest. Music is Boluwatife (Bolu) Adefemi's passion. The singer-songwriter finds inspiration in everything around her and being a young Black woman, she has created a song for Black Lives Matter, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Her latest single 'Just Breathe' will be out in Summer 2021. Bolu Adefemi is a 14 year old Canadian singer songwriter of Zimbabwean and Nigerian origin who emerged as an important new artist in the summer of 2020 with her internationally acclaimed song, “Make It Right,” a powerful call to action about social injustices. Just weeks after first performing the song publicly, she began performing it nationwide. She was honored with the Universal Women’s Network Award and is the 2020 Youth Excellence Ambassador, the 2020 Zimbabwe Young Achievers Award recipient, as well as being Theidealme Humanitarian Award nominee. Recently featured in The Hollywood Times, Bolu is also using her platform to better local communities in other ways, too (which include working with Pickering City on a pilot project fighting racism and a virtual performance for Feed The Need Durham).Bolu is already a world changer - this hugely impactful young woman continues to use her voice, determination and many talents to make a positive difference in the world. Other accolades: Performing at the Toronto Caribbean Festival, The Network of Nigerians in Canada, OFFA International Women's Day Film Festival. Asked to perform for the Canadian online launch party of the release of a new book meant to inspire children to activism written by the cousin of Rosa Parks, Angela Sadler-Williamson. Within weeks of writing Make It Right, she was featured in : CityTV, CP24 News, AM960, 680 News, Clarington This Week, Orono Times, Durham.com, The RoundTable Talk show in Long Beach, California, and Ticker TV in Australia In this episode, we discuss: The key values she has learnt from her parents and home environment Struggling to relate to people her age, and finding connection with people older who share a a similar vision Dealing with overwhelming publicity and how she stays grounded and humble while becoming more well known and receiving more media attention Has Justin Bieber really reformed and cleaned up his act, or is it a publicity stunt? Meeting her mentor, Roxanne, for the first time. How to find the right mentor and understanding the purpose of a mentor in music and life in general. The role and significance of meeting Angela Sadler-Williamson - the cousin of Rosa Parks Visiting Africa, and appreciating the risks and sacrifices made by our parents' generation that has allowed us the chance to explore our passions and desire to solve world issues The importance of no matter how far you go, to always remember where you came from The importance of teaching and raising awareness around mental health in school Becoming the Opening Act for Canada Day 2021 (taking place on July 1st!) Connect with Bolu: on Instagram: www.instagram.com/bolusings1onYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYDvJAeMO_o1Y5kV4PtYq0Q Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

|E28| Sadi talks: Navigating Racial Biases & Adapting To New Cultures To Live My Best Life

Born in France to Algerian parents, Sadi recalls his childhood memory of moving from a neighbourhood filled with immigrant families and children of immigrants, to one where he was part of 'one of the only non-white families around'. Sadi talks very openly about the racial propaganda facing France today, and we explore how this has tied into the recent history of North African migrants very openly and publicly racially discriminated by the media and public health journals, and the impact this is still having on how Africans (and many black people in general) are treated by the French. In this episode, we also explore Sadi's experience of moving to Japan, where he was once again quite an 'outsider' to a lot of the people around him, and just how he dealt with it.In this episode we discuss:Growing up in a very ethnically diverse neighbourhood before moving to a middle class 'white-dominated' suburbRacial propaganda in France and how it ties with the history of African migrants into FranceDifferences between African immigrants vs. Asian immigrantsWitnessing the more open and divert racism against black Africans in Francethe worrying number of younger generation voting for the outwardly racist national frontComparing systemic racism in France compared to the US and UKIntegrating into Japan and the working culture of TokyoRecalling Fuji Rock festivalTo discuss anything from the episode, or to be a guest on the show, you can reach me via the website podcast.thejourneyonwards.com or on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

|E27| Shavika talks: How I Became My Authentic Self & a Rebel (With A Cause)

Shavika shares how it was to be not American enough for the Americans, but not Indian enough for the Indians either. Coming from a family of strong-willed women who went against the 'norms' of expectation of women in their society, Shavika talks about how this helped her towards her own realisations and underlying passion for coaching. In this episode, we discuss The collective Asian Indian culture vs. the individualistic culture of America Embracing the open mindedness of American culture How do we make the traditional workplace less soul crushing? Do we need to be authentic in the work place? Is it inauthentic to have different personas for your social, professional and family circles? How the story of her grandmother and mother contributed to her own passion for coaching What is the Saturn return and how may it have played a role in both our lives Why third culture kids don’t get the chance to dream What values do you think will be common among the successful enterprises of the future, Key Quotes As a child i really struggled with this concept of school, work marriage, all of these things Companies traditionally do not want you to be you, they just want you to execute In our generation as millennials, we are trying to break that down i just found it so exhausting to constantly manage and have a new face for every single person that i talked to Introspection is key - and the way we learn about ourselves is through other people Get in touch with Shavika on Instagram @shavika_rhea Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

|E26| Sina talks: Reaching My Potential & Serving Myself To Better Serve Others

As an UK-born Iranian, Sina speaks about what it was like to grow up as a third culture kid who was influenced both by the British culture around him, and the Iranian culture instilled by his parents. In this episode, Sina speaks very openly about finding it difficult to find where he truly fitted in, and even spent some time schooling in Iran, which was a particular challenge. Since then, Sina made a good life for himself but still very much felt alone and unsure of what his purpose was; until some pivotal moments and key people led him on his transformational journey and towards the goal he has found for himself. In this episode, we discuss: My family journey from Iran to the UK Role of the Iranian revolution in the late 70's What would have happened if the Persians conquered the Greeks and why Persian history is largely ignored in schools Why Sina started selling phones in high school Why Sina felt hisparents weren't driven or ambitious & never managed to reach their potential Dealing with loneliness when working and living in Norway The role of Kirk Miller and Jay Shetty in his transformational journey What was the inspiration behind the podcast and the name 'First Serve' What is Creator vs. survival mode About the Guest Sina Haghighat is a Podcaster, Leader and Coach who empowers Next-Gen Leaders to unlock their full potential through CLARITY and UNITY. Connect with him at sinahaghighat.com to learn more about his journey, coaching and The First Serve Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

|E25| *Environment Day Special* Learning To Connect Better With People, Nature & The World We Live In

A storyteller, Climate Reality Leader, school speaker on climate change and animal rights, as well as recipient of Al Gore's training program on climate change communication: Vivina Vincent. In this episode, we discuss schooling and city life in India, learning to build strong friendships while living in various countries, where she discovered her passion for improving the environment, and how she is educating others today to do the same. A WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY SPECIAL (which takes place Saturday June 5th, 2021) Vivina Vincent is a Climate Reality Leader from The Climate Reality Project. She has given talks in schools and libraries on Climate Change for children. She has also given talks to the general public at various events. She has undertaken and participated in community activities in India, Singapore, and London on the environment and climate change. She is also a school speaker for Animal Aid and Water Aid. In this episode, we discuss: How growing up in a city leads to a disconnect with nature; How schooling was in India; The importance of community in order to bring significant positive change; Learning how to build strong relations when living a transient life; Undertaking the climate change training project given by Al Gore; Setting up ClimateEd to educate school children on climate change and reducing carbon footprint; How to live a minimalist life; Which country governments can take inspiration from because of what they are doing for sustainability and the environment; and Why the current methods of reducing crime are not working, as well as what could be a more effective way of reducing criminal behaviour. Honourable mentions were made to: Centre of Alternative technology: https://cat.org.uk Population Matters https://populationmatters.org/ If you resonated with the guest, find out more: https://www.ecofully.co.uk/pages/about-us https://www.instagram.com/ClimateEdUK/ Read her blog: https://iseenature.wordpress.com/ _____________________________ Join the Third Culture tribe at: http://podcast.thejourneyonwards.com/tribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

|E24| Kojo Agyei talks (pt.2): Overcoming Unexpected Setbacks & Staying Motivated On My Big Goal

In part 2, we explore: How consistency and relatability are just as important (if not more) than talent in having a significant impact The importance of having a coach in all aspects of life and levels of expertise How important it is to understand the difference between a mentor and a coach Two radical and unexpected life events that led to selling a production company that was generating £1mn in annual turnover Moving back to Scotland to protect her mother How to deal with difficulties and setbacks out of your control How to reset your life and come to terms with unexpected and unfavourable events ____________________________________ Kojo Agyei is a renowned lifestyle and wellbeing coach who has worked with Beyoncé, David Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, Emma Bunton, Tony and Cherie Blair and coached for adidas, Nike and Lululemon, plus Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion Football Clubs. In 2004 he was chosen to be the face of the BBC’s ground breaking Athens’ Olympic Legends campaign and they cast Kojo alongside Louie Spence as a celebrity fitness trainer on the hugely successful teen TV show Bump and Grind.In 2004 Kojo set up his own production company under the Beyond brand which was nominated for ‘Sports Event of the Year’. When he closed the company to move to Scotland in 2011 it was turning over £1 million a year. But why did it close? Listen to Kojo's fascinating story, where some pivotal moments completely shifted the trajectory of his life, and it wasn't smooth sailing by any means.Get in touch with Kojo on Instagram @kojoopuniagyei Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

|E23| Kojo Agyei talks (pt.1): Overcoming Unexpected Setbacks & Staying Motivated On My Big Goal

Kojo Agyei talks very frankly about growing up as the only non-white kid in his area, being stared at for looking different to everyone else, and how this fuelled his drive to give everyone 'a real reason to stare at him' by becoming the best athlete, choreographer and trainer that he could. Being driven by the goal to become the Steve Jobs of the fitness and wellbeing space, Kojo reveals how key events in his life that didn't go the way he wanted, ultimately brought him to his current mission. In part 1, Kojo speaks of growing up as the only coloured person in a white-dominated area, and tells a great story of how it was to attend his first Ghanaian party with his dad's side of the family. We also cover:- how being looked at for being different to the other kids acted as a fuel of motivation for him to, as he describes it, give them a real reason to want to stare at him.- the importance of role models in his upbringing- the immense competition in the performance and modelling industry- meeting his idol, Mohammed Ali ____________________________________ "My mother and my grandma brought me up. My mum was born in Rio de Janeiro, and at the age of 6 my mother moved to the Black Isle in the Highlands with her brother, mother and Father Hector Macdonald, who was a Highlander through and through and won the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in the 1st World War." Kojo Agyei is a renowned lifestyle and wellbeing coach who has worked with Beyoncé, David Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, Emma Bunton, Tony and Cherie Blair and coached for adidas, Nike and Lululemon, plus Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion Football Clubs. In 2004 he was chosen to be the face of the BBC’s ground breaking Athens’ Olympic Legends campaign and they cast Kojo alongside Louie Spence as a celebrity fitness trainer on the hugely successful teen TV show Bump and Grind. In 2004 Kojo set up his own production company under the Beyond brand which was nominated for ‘Sports Event of the Year’. When he closed the company to move to Scotland in 2011 it was turning over £1 million a year. But why did it close? Listen to Kojo's fascinating story, where some pivotal moments completely shifted the trajectory of his life, and it wasn't smooth sailing by any means. Get in touch with Kojo on Instagram @kojoopuniagyei Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.