Beyond the Noise

Most leaders believe they’re making rational, well-thought-out decisions.In reality, many decisions are shaped by stories that were never fully questioned.In this episode of Beyond the Noise, Anastasija Lynch and Khurshid sit down with strategist and advisor Dina Vince to explore how hidden narratives influence leadership, strategy, and decision-making.They discuss why questioning is one of the most underrated leadership skills, how assumptions quietly shape outcomes, and what happens when leaders step back and challenge the story they’ve been operating from.This conversation is for leaders, founders, and professionals who want to think more clearly, make better decisions, and lead with greater awareness.What you’ll learn:Why leaders often operate from unexamined assumptionsHow stories influence decision-making and strategyThe role of questioning in clear thinkingWhy success frameworks don’t always transferHow to create space for better decisionsConnect with Dina Vince:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinavince/Website: www.dinavince.comAbout the hosts:Anastasija Lynch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasija-lynch-coach/Khurshid Zaynutdinov: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khurshidz/

At one point in this conversation, a CEO says something that sounds extreme but is probably not as uncommon as we think.That moment opens up a much bigger discussion.In this episode, we sit down with Dali Gamha (founder and CEO of Psynarios) to explore what actually drives behaviour at work and why so much development doesn’t translate into real change.We get into:why people believe they’re being rational when they’re notwhy patterns repeat, even after trainingand what sits underneath behaviour in high-pressure environmentsA grounded conversation about how people actually operate at work, beyond the surface.Connect:Dali Gamhahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dali-gamha/Psynarioshttps://psynarios.com⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/psynarios/Beyond the Noise:Anastasija Lynchhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasija-lynch-coach/Khurshid Zaynutdinovhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/khurshidz/

Why do people follow leaders… even when they don’t fully understand why?In this episode of Beyond the Noise, we’re joined by Laurence Barrett, founder of Heresy Consulting and author of Coaching the Unconscious.We explore what really drives leadership beneath the surface, beyond strategy, performance, and logic.This is a conversation about identity, meaning, and the hidden patterns shaping how we lead.Laurence BarrettLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurence-barrett/Website: https://www.heresyconsulting.com/Books:Coaching the UnconsciousA Jungian Approach to CoachingBOOKS MENTIONEDCoaching the Unconscious – Laurence BarrettA Jungian Approach to Coaching – Laurence BarrettCracking Coaching Codes – Karen FoyKaren Armstrong - A Short History of Myth ABOUT THE SHOWBeyond the Noise explores leadership, decision-making, and what really drives human behaviour, beyond surface-level advice.

On the surface, everything can look like it’s working.Career moving forward. Responsibilities handled. Life… on track.But underneath, many people are running on empty and don’t realise it until something starts to slip.In this episode, we explore why capable, driven people often neglect themselves, how that shows up over time, and what actually makes a difference when your schedule is already full.This isn’t about discipline or doing more.It’s about where that discipline is going and what it’s costing you.In this conversation:Why successful people often deprioritise themselvesThe hidden cost of always pushing throughHow self-neglect starts to impact leadership and decisionsWhy motivation isn’t reliable and what works insteadSimple, realistic ways to start shifting thingsGuestDerek O’Riordan is an educator of over 20 years and the founder of Ascend Fitness. He works with busy professionals to help them stay healthy without overhauling their lives and hosts The Healthy Movement Podcast.Connect with Derek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitness-coach-health-wellness-teacher/https://www.youtube.com/@HealthMovementPodcastConnectAnastasija Lynchhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasija-lynch-coach/⁠Khurshid Zaynutdinovhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/khurshidz/About Beyond The NoiseConversations for people who are doing well on the outside but know something needs to change on the inside.

Networking often feels forced, transactional, or uncomfortable.In this episode of Beyond the Noise, we speak with networking and philanthropy expert Kotryna Stankutė-Jaščemskienė about why traditional professional networking advice often fails and what actually helps people build meaningful professional relationships.Kotryna has spent years helping professionals develop authentic networking strategies that feel natural rather than performative. Through her work with international leaders, entrepreneurs, and global communities, she has seen how curiosity, generosity, and intentional follow-up create networks that truly matter.In this conversation, we explore how professionals can navigate networking events without feeling fake, why introverts may actually have an advantage in building strong relationships, and how authentic curiosity often opens more doors than self-promotion ever will.If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable with traditional networking culture, this episode will change how you think about building professional relationships.• Why most networking advice feels unnatural• The biggest mistakes people make at networking events• Why introverts can be excellent networkers• The role of curiosity in building meaningful relationships• How vulnerability creates deeper professional connections• Why networking should focus on giving rather than taking• The importance of intentional follow-up• How strong networks are built over time, not in a single meetingKotryna Stankutė-Jaščemskienė is a networking strategist and philanthropy leader focused on connecting people, ideas, and opportunities.She mentors professionals on how to build authentic networks through mentorship, corporate training, and group programmes designed to help people discover their own natural networking style.Kotryna also leads the Marius Jakulis Jason Foundation, a philanthropic initiative attracting global talent, academics, and entrepreneurs to Lithuania to share knowledge and build impact.Previously, she served as Director at Global Lithuanian Leaders, an international professional network connecting Lithuanian professionals around the world.LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kotryna-stankute/Websitehttps://www.kotryna.networkCollab Circlehttps://www.kotryna.network/en/collab-labPodcast HostsAnastasija LynchExecutive CoachLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anastasija-lynch-coachKhurshid Zaynutdinov Executive CoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khurshidz/Beyond the Noise is a podcast exploring leadership, resilience, decision-making, and the human side of success through conversations with leaders, experts, and thinkers from around the world.New episodes are released biweekly.If this episode resonated with you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who might need to hear it.

What does leadership really look like inside one of the world’s most iconic brands?In this episode of Beyond the Noise, we sit down with Gulshanoy Tolipova-Gourdin, former Marketing Director at LEGO, for an honest conversation about creativity, culture, pressure, and the leadership lessons rarely discussed.We explore:✨ The reality of working inside LEGO✨ Playfulness vs performance pressure✨ Leadership, feedback & psychological safety✨ Culture shifts in fast-growing organisations✨ And the moment she said “no” to LEGOThis is not just a conversation about a dream company.It’s a conversation about being human at work.Guest:Gulshanoy Tolipova-GourdinLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gulshanoy/Hosted by:Anastasija LynchLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasija-lynch-coach/Khurshid ZaynutdinovLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khurshidz/🎙 Beyond the Noise — Conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating success without losing yourself.

Leaders are expected to make decisions before things are clear.This episode explores what it actually takes to carry that responsibility.In this episode of Beyond the Noise, we speak with Umid Akhmedov — former Microsoft leader, board-level advisor, and founder of an AI startup fixing broken e-commerce delivery systems across Central Asia and the Caucasus.This is a grounded conversation about leadership when:information is incompleteoutcomes are uncertainrejection is frequentand responsibility doesn’t pause for clarityUmid reflects on his transition from corporate leadership to startup life, what truly transfers between the two worlds, and what leaders often underestimate about emotional regulation, pressure, and decision-making without validation.Rather than leadership theory or startup hype, this episode focuses on the internal work of leadership — holding uncertainty, separating signal from emotion, building culture, and staying pragmatic when nothing is guaranteed.Topics covered:Making decisions with incomplete informationWhy clarity often comes after actionEmotional regulation as a leadership skillRejection, resilience, and investor pressureGrowth mindset vs fixed mindset in leadershipWhy past success can quietly replace curiosityWhat leaders must carry so others can functionThis episode is for senior leaders, founders, and decision-makers navigating complexity without easy answers.Books & ReferencesThink Again — Adam GrantThe Attributes — Rich DivineyMindset — Carol DweckSense & Respond — Jeff Gothelf & Josh Seiden (Sense–Learn–Adapt loop)Trust and Inspire — Stephen M. R. CoveyEnergy Rising — Julia DiGangiUmid AkhmedovLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umidakhmedov/Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-action-tezbor-zfonf/HostsAnastasija Lynch: www.linkedin.com/in/anastasija-lynch-coachKhurshid Zaynutdinov: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khurshidz/

What if burnout doesn’t arrive as a breakdown — but as adaptation?In this episode of Beyond the Noise, we sit down with Dr. Tatiana Ryklina, psychologist, academic lecturer, and executive coach, to explore what really happens before burnout — the part most leaders don’t notice.We talk about:• Burnout in leadership and high performers• Mental health at work and why it’s often invisible• How the mind tries to protect us by normalising stress• The emotional cost of always “pushing through”• Why psychological safety matters more than motivation• How leaders can prevent burnout — without needing more time, tools, or policies• Small daily habits that support long-term resilience• How to support your team without becoming their therapistThis is not a conversation about weakness.It’s about sustainable leadership, self-awareness, and mental health that starts with being human.🎧 Listen if you’re strong, capable, reliable — and quietly tired.Guest:Dr. Tatiana RyklinaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tatiana-ryklina-731a815b/Hosted by:Anastasija LynchLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasija-lynch-coach/Khurshid ZaynutdinovLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khurshidz/

In this episode of Beyond the Noise, we explore neurodiversity at work and what happens when leaders mean well, but still miss something critical.Joined by Liv Blaney and Sam Pringle, we talk about neurodiversity not as a policy, label, or checkbox, but as a lived leadership reality shaped by assumptions, invisible rules, and everyday communication.Through real workplace examples, this conversation looks at:why “clear instructions” aren’t always clear to everyonehow good intentions can still lead to unintended harmthe invisible rules that quietly shape performance, trust, and careerswhat leaders often don’t notice and why that mattersThis episode isn’t about blame or perfection.It’s about seeing what’s usually unseen and leading with greater awareness because of it.Liv Blaney is a leadership coach and group coaching facilitator with a background in investment banking.Sam Pringle is a coach, coach supervisor, and former CEO with experience across pharma and the third sector.Together, Liv and Sam are co-authors of the upcoming book:Neuroinclusion: A Guide for Managers and Leaders📖 Pre-order available here:👉 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neuroinclusion-Managers-Leaders-Liv-Blaney/dp/1041074379/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0The book offers practical guidance for leaders and managers who want to build more inclusive, high-performing workplaces — grounded in real leadership practice, not theory.Connect with Liv: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liv-blaney-5667799b/Website: https://www.livcoaching.online/Connect with Sam:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sambarbourpringle/This podcast is hosted by:Anastasija Lynch — Leadership & Resilience CoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasija-lynch-coach/Khurshid Zaynutdinov — Leadership Coach & Non-Executive DirectorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khurshidz/If this conversation resonated, follow Beyond the Noise for future episodes exploring leadership, clarity, and what it really takes to lead well under pressure.

Change isn’t something leaders get through anymore — it’s something they live inside of.In this episode of Beyond the Noise, change practitioner Sergey Helmar joins us to challenge how leaders think about resistance, uncertainty, and transformation.We explore why resistance isn’t opposition, but a system response — and how leaders who learn to work with tension instead of fighting it create stronger, more resilient teams.This conversation covers:Why constant change exhausts teams and leaders alikeThe hidden cost of trying to “push through” resistanceHow reframing resistance unlocks better leadership decisionsThe inner mindset required to lead in uncertaintyA must-listen for leaders navigating complexity, transformation, and the human side of change.🎙️ “Leaders must not fight resistors.”Connect with us:Guest - Sergey Helmar Hosts Anastasija LynchKhurshid Zaynutdinov

LinkedIn has changed more in the past five years than most people realise, yet many professionals still use it like nothing has evolved.In this episode, we sit down with Anya Patapenka, a marketing strategist who has helped countless professionals grow their visibility and confidence on LinkedIn. Together, we break down what the platform actually is today: a professional ecosystem where your ideas, voice, and presence matter far more than polished perfection.We talk about:• Why LinkedIn isn’t a job board anymore• How even small accounts can reach thousands• What builds trust (and what quietly destroys it)• Why people engage more than you think• How to show your thinking without feeling “salesy”• The real reason visibility feels uncomfortable for so many leaders• Practical ways to build your personal brand through storytelling and insightIf you’ve been hesitant to post, unsure how to start, or curious why some people grow quickly on LinkedIn - this conversation will give you a clear, grounded perspective.Guest:🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anya-patapenka/🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anya_marketing_london/🔹 Email: [email protected]:Anastasija Lynch — Entrepreneur & Executive CoachKhurshid Zaynutdinov — Board Member & Executive Coach

Stepping into management often brings an unexpected challenge: the support you once relied on disappears overnight.In this episode, we sit down with Piotr Tomaszewski, Design Manager and Leadership Coach, to unpack the “support gap” new managers face, and what truly helps bridge it.Piotr shares his own experience transitioning from senior designer to manager, the moment his mentor became a peer, and why traditional leadership training often falls short.We discuss peer networks, relational skills, cultural nuances, and how new managers can measure success through connection rather than output.A grounded, honest conversation for anyone navigating their first years of leading people.Connect with Piotr:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pptomaszewski/ Website: https://ptomaszewski.com/#Leadership #NewManagers #BeyondTheNoise

In this episode, Shay Lynch joins Beyond the Noise to unpack what really happens when business growth outpaces human alignment. We talk about the hidden cost of silos, how to rebuild trust across teams, and why sustainable success starts with leadership that listens.Shay is a business strategist, consultant, and author whose upcoming book explores how to design business and life for harmony and long-term growth.Connect with Shay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaylynchbusinessarchitect/A grounded conversation on growth, fulfilment, and designing business around people, not just processesFollow Beyond the Noise for new episodes and behind-the-scenes insights:Instagram: www.instagram.com/btntalksLinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/company/beyondthenoise/#Leadership #BusinessGrowth #TeamDynamics #BeyondTheNoise