Humans of Breakthrough

We're back with Season 2 of the Humans of Breakthrough podcast, and we're kicking things off with a powerful conversation.In this episode, Sobanan and Pratik sit down with former Breakthrough cohort member Alfie Erfan, whose story is one of grit, growth, and transformation. From facing childhood trauma and homelessness to living in Egypt, Alfie shares the highs and lows of his journey, and how a mindset shift, community, and a passion for AI helped him rewrite his path.Today, Alfie is thriving in the tech industry, and his story is a reminder that no matter where you start, you can build a future you're proud of.👉 If you're someone who's ever felt stuck, overlooked, or unsure about what’s next, this one’s for you.—🔗 Explore Breakthrough’s free courses: [https://wearebreakthrough.co.uk/online-courses/]📲 Follow us on TikTok & Instagram for more real stories @wearebreakthroughse🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, purpose & the future of work#BreakthroughPodcast #AIJourney #FromStruggleToSuccess #HumansOfBreakthrough #GrowthMindset #TechCareers

In this episode of Humans of Breakthrough, we sit down with Ria Kalsi, the inspiring CEO and founder of Matriarch—an organisation dedicated to providing a life education beyond traditional schooling. From tackling identity and grief to fostering inclusive workplaces, Ria shares her personal journey, the emotional moments behind Matriarch’s mission, and why the world needs to talk about life’s toughest topics.🌍 Find Ria & Matriarch Online:🔗 Website: mtrrch.com🔗 LinkedIn (Ria Kalsi): https://www.linkedin.com/in/ria-kalsi/🔗 Matriarch LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/mtrrch🔗 Instagram: @mtrrch🚀 Follow Breakthrough:🔗 Website: https://wearebreakthrough.co.uk/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breakthrough-social-enterprise/🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearebreakthroughuk/

🛑 Stop. Think. Buy?In this thought-provoking episode of Humans of Breakthrough, we dive into responsible consumption and the impact of impulse buying, fast fashion, and the culture of overconsumption. 🌍✨Our CEO Sobanan Narenthiran and Creative Lead Darja Gerova unpack the psychology of shopping, the environmental cost of mass production, and how small, conscious choices can make a big difference. From fast fashion to ethical alternatives, we explore how AI, innovation, and circular economies are shaping the future of consumption.🛒💭 Are we buying happiness, or just filling a void?📩 Join the conversation in the comments! What’s an impulse buy you regret—or a purchase that truly added value to your life?🔗 Want to learn more? Follow Breakthrough!👉 Website👉 Instagram👉 LinkedIn📢 Join the AI for Good Skills Coalition Online Courses!Breakthrough is proud to be part of a movement that harnesses AI for sustainability, ethical business, and social impact. Want to be part of the change? Check out our work here and here🔔 Subscribe for more insightful discussions on ethical business, AI, and sustainability!#SustainableLiving #ResponsibleConsumption #FastFashion #Breakthrough #AIforGood

In this episode of Humans of Breakthrough, we dive into Breakthrough’s exciting new partnership with the AI Skills Coalition, the launch of our online self-paced courses, and how AI and digital education are shaping the future of learning, work, and human connection. Join us as we explore the power of AI for good, ethical decision-making, and the democratisation of knowledge to create a better world for all.💡 Explore our online courses: wearebreakthrough.co.uk/online-courses🌍 Learn more about the AI Skills Coalition & AI for Good: aiforgood.itu.int

AI is coming for your creativity... or is it? 🤖🎨In this episode of Humans of Breakthrough, we explore AI’s impact on art, fashion, and film with Darja Gerova, Creative Lead at Breakthrough Social Enterprise, and Amira Al-Shabazz, a Master's Graduate in AI & Sustainable Development.💡 Can AI make you a better artist?💡 How do creatives stay original in an AI-driven world?💡 Will AI steal your job—or make you unstoppable?💡 What’s more dangerous—AI or human nature?🎓 FREE AI COURSES → Enroll now: https://wearebreakthrough.co.uk/online-courses/🔗 Connect with us:Darja: linkedin.com/in/darja-gerovaAmira: linkedin.com/in/amira-al-shabazz🎧 Follow & Subscribe:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2V9kVw7fwAKPK8yofDUrGyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearebreakthroughuk/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/wearebreakthrough.bsky.socialLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/breakthrough-social-enterpriseLike, share & tune in! 🚀

Episode Description (Shortened):Do we truly see ourselves as we are? 🤔 In this episode of Humans Are Breakthrough, Sobanan and Pratik explore identity, self-compassion, and society’s influence on self-perception. Inspired by the Dalai Lama’s teachings, they share personal reflections on career, mistakes, and growth -challenging you to rethink who you are beyond labels. 🌍✨🔹 Why do we seek external validation?🔹 Can self-awareness lead to freedom?🔹 How do mindfulness & meditation shift perspective?Listen now for a thought-provoking conversation on breaking free from illusion. 🎙️Follow us on all social media platforms → https://linktr.ee/wearebreakthroughuk

In this episode of Humans of Breakthrough, Pratik Doshi down with CEO Sobanan Narenthiran to dive deep into open-source technology, its parallels with blockchain, and its impact on AI and education. They explore whether open-source models like DeepSeek are the future, the balance between free speech and accountability, and how education can be truly democratised. This episode is for the curious minds ready to embrace a new way of learning and thinking.

In this episode of Humans of Breakthrough, we dive into the big question—will humanity even survive the next 100 years? Sobanan and Daria explore everything from AI threats, climate change, and war to the unexpected happiness of Sri Lanka and Finland. They discuss radical empathy, the power of individuals to shape history, and whether we can hit the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The episode leaves us with one question: Are we in control of our own future, or are we sleepwalking into disaster? Follow Breakthrough on All Social Media Accounts : https://linktr.ee/wearebreakthroughuk

In this episode of Humans of Breakthrough, we sit down with Jaskiran Mangat, a passionate financial well-being speaker and founder of Finance Therapy. Join us as Jaskiran shares her inspiring journey from financial risk management to helping people navigate the powerful intersection of money and mental health. Together, we delve into the trauma of money, cultural influences on financial beliefs, practical tips to improve financial habits, and building a healthier relationship with money in 2025. Whether you're looking to set financial goals, break bad money habits, or simply understand how finances impact your mental health, this episode is packed with wisdom, actionable insights, and motivation to make meaningful change. Follow Jaskiran and Finance Therapy on : https://financetherapy.substack.com/ https://www.instagram.com/moneywithjas/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaskiranmangat/ Follow Breakthrough on all of the social media platforms. Breakthrough Social Enterprise links and communities.

What does it mean to be a "Jack of all trades, master of self"? In this inspiring episode of Humans of Breakthrough, we sit down with David Daodu, one of our incredible associates from the SB3 cohort. David reflects on his journey from biochemistry to entrepreneurship, the experiences that brought him to Breakthrough, and the invaluable lessons he’s gained along the way. Hear how mindfulness, resilience, and the power of community have shaped his path—and what he would say to anyone considering joining our transformative program. Follow Breakthrough on all of the social media platforms : ⁠Breakthrough Social Enterprise links and communities.

Episode Description: Happy New Year! 🎉 In the first Humans of Breakthrough episode of 2025, join Pratik Doshi, Sobanan Narenthiran, and Darja Gerova as they reflect on past milestones and share their bold vision for the year ahead. From reimagining education to empowering communities through technology, they discuss turning fear into hope and shaping a brighter, more inclusive future. Plus, stick around for FAQs about Breakthrough’s programs—perfect for anyone considering joining or partnering with us. Whether you're curious about innovation or ready to be inspired, this episode sets the tone for an exciting 2025. 🚀

Join Daria and Hayley Dawson, founder of "Let's Talk Human Skills," as they dive into the world of human connection, emotional intelligence, and navigating a tech-driven society. Discover how fostering curiosity and self-awareness can transform personal and professional lives, and learn practical strategies for cultivating essential human skills in a disconnected world.

In this episode of Humans of Breakthrough, Daria and Sobanan explore how to manage distractions, redefine intelligence, and embrace discomfort for growth. Discover practical tips for reducing noise, building emotional intelligence, and turning challenges into resilience and purpose. A thought-provoking guide to thriving in the present while creating a meaningful future.

Curious about crypto but don’t know where to start? Join Darja as she dives headfirst into upskilling in blockchain and cryptocurrency with guidance from Sobanan. This unique episode is a recorded coaching session where Darja asks all the “beginner questions” you’ve been too shy to ask. From Bitcoin’s origin story to creative ways to explore blockchain, Sobanan shares game-changing insights that make this complex world accessible and exciting. Whether you’re looking for fresh ways to get involved or want to learn how blockchain empowers communities, this conversation is full of inspiration, laughs, and actionable takeaways. Get ready to level up your understanding and join the crypto revolution!

In this candid and transformative episode, we dive into the personal and professional journey with our COO Pratik Doshi navigating imposter syndrome, embracing self-love, and breaking barriers in social enterprise. Discover how empathy, self-awareness, and a commitment to serving underserved communities redefine what it means to lead with impact. Tune in for raw stories, practical wisdom, and a fresh perspective on growth and resilience.

"The education system should teach us how to treat humans, not just how to solve equations." In this episode of Humans of Breakthrough, we sit down with Kim Rihal—a multiple award-winning social entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in education and local government—to explore how education can move beyond academics to nurture empathy, confidence, and emotional growth in children. As the co-founder of Light Education Training, Kim has been instrumental in delivering award-winning programs since 2014, focusing on mental health and well-being by integrating basic neuroscience into learning. Discover her groundbreaking work in transforming education, bridging gaps in mental health support, and creating a system that truly empowers young minds for the future.

In this episode, we dive into the age-old question: what does it really mean to be successful? Is success defined by wealth, fame, or achievements? Or is it about happiness, fulfillment, and personal growth? Join us as we explore the diverse perspectives on success, from societal expectations to individual values. Featuring thought-provoking insights, expert opinions, and real-life stories, this episode challenges you to rethink the traditional narrative and discover your own definition of a "successful" life. Whether you're chasing a dream or questioning what you've achieved so far, this debate will inspire new ways to measure what truly matters.

What does it mean to transition from the Anthropocene to the Silicocene? In this episode, we delve into the seismic shift from a world shaped by industrial carbon to one sculpted by silicon and algorithms. Join us as we explore the opportunities and challenges of this new era, from AI-driven innovation to the ethical dilemmas of technology governance. We'll discuss how communities can reclaim agency over tech development, imagine a sustainable and equitable future, and reimagine the role of humanity in a digitised world. Tune in to learn how we can co-create a Silicocene that works for everyone.

Join us as we interview our CEO Sobanan Narenthiran and his journey to his Breakthrough moments, the vision behind our mission, and the inspiration that fuels us. In this episode we'll dive into how we strive to create a space for growth, resilience, and mindful transformation for our students, stakeholders and team members. We will dive into history of our organisation as well as talk about what we imagine Breakthrough will look like in 5 or even 10 years from now.

Step into a raw conversation with Breakthrough Social Enterprise’s CEO, Sobanan Narenthiran, and Creative Lead, Darja Gerova, as they unpack the highs and lows of being human. From navigating a world that objectifies us to wrestling with social media’s impact on mental health, they share raw stories from childhood and beyond. Together, they shatter the illusion of 'chasing happiness,' revealing the real magic of gratitude and finding joy within. This episode is a bold, heartfelt look at living authentically in today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven society.