The Mindset Exchange

20: From Expert to Explorer: Leading with Human Curiosity in AI

AI is moving fast - faster than most humans are wired to adapt to. In this episode, podcast host Katherine Ashmore is joined by Nikki Barua, serial entrepreneur and transformation expert, to explore what this moment in AI is really asking of leaders and entrepreneurs. Rather than focusing on tools or tactics, this conversation goes beneath the surface - into identity, confidence, and how human value is evolving as technology accelerates. Nikki shares why the real shift isn’t technological, but personal: moving from being the expert to becoming the explorer. Together, Katherine and Nikki unpack how curiosity, judgment, and self-trust are becoming essential leadership capabilities in an AI-driven world. This episode is for anyone navigating change, feeling the quiet uncertainty that comes with it, and wanting to lead (and live) with greater clarity and confidence. * Why AI adoption is happening faster than humans naturally adapt * The identity shift from expert to explorer * How confidence is moving from what you know to how you learn * Why curiosity is becoming a leadership skill, not a personality trait * The human capabilities that compound with AI rather than compete with it * What it really means to collaborate with AI while staying firmly human Nikki Barua is a serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and globally recognised expert on transformation. She is the CEO & Co-Founder of FlipWork, the human + agentic system for workforce reinvention. For over 25 years, Nikki has helped global organisations reinvent their culture, capabilities, and competitive edge - grounded in the belief that people, not just technology, shape the future of work. Her work spans strategy, digital transformation, and organisational change, and her story of reinvention has been featured in CNBC, Bloomberg, Fortune, and Forbes. * Follow Nikki Barua on LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkibarua/ [ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkibarua/] * Learn more about Nikki’s work at FlipWork ⁠https://www.flipwork.ai/⁠ [ https://www.flipwork.ai/]or at her website https://www.nikkibarua.com/ [https://www.nikkibarua.com/] To connect with Katherine * Follow Katherine on LinkedIn ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-ashmore/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-ashmore⁠⁠⁠/] * Learn more about Katherine and her work ⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ [⁠⁠⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com] * Find out what programmes or events Katherine is currently running ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com/my-links⁠⁠ [⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http⁠s://www.katherineashmore.com/my-links⁠⁠⁠] If you enjoy this episode, consider sharing it with someone navigating their own leadership or identity shift and subscribe to The Mindset Exchange Podcast so you don’t miss out on the next conversation. Disclaimer ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com/katherine-ashmore-disclaimer/⁠⁠⁠ [⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com/katherine-ashmore-disclaimer/⁠⁠⁠] Produced and created by Katherine Ashmore. Recorded remotely. © Katherine Ashmore 2026. All rights reserved. #Leadership #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #Mindset #HumanCenteredAI #TheMindsetExchangePodcast

19: Direct Doesn’t Mean Aggressive for High Performers - It’s a Form of Respect

In this episode of The Mindset Exchange, podcast host and life coach Katherine Ashmore talks with life coach Michael Serwa about directness, performance, and what supports growth - especially at higher levels. Michael and Katherine talk about what “direct” really means when you’re coaching high performers and why it isn’t about aggression or ego, but clarity. In their experience, that clarity is a form of respect. They explore why people who appear to have everything together can still experience self-doubt, the difference between amateurs and pros when things don’t feel easy, and why money doesn’t automatically create a 10/10 life. They also talk about what high achievers often overlook until it starts costing them - health, relationships, and enjoyment - and why performance without attention to these areas rarely holds up long-term. Later in the conversation, they discuss AI coaching. Michael and Katherine see it similarly: useful in certain contexts, but no substitute for real human challenge, judgment, and connection; especially for people who want more than surface-level growth. This is an honest, grounded conversation for leaders and entrepreneurs who already are performing well, and care about how they think, decide, and respond - not just how things look from the outside. Find out more about Michael and his work: ⁠https://www.michaelserwa.com [⁠https://www.michaelserwa.com] To connect with Katherine:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-ashmore/⁠⁠⁠ [⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-ashmore⁠⁠⁠]⁠⁠⁠ [⁠⁠⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com] https://www.katherineashmore.com [⁠⁠⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com] ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠email: contact@katherineashmore.com [⁠⁠⁠contact@katherineashmore.com⁠⁠⁠] ⁠⁠⁠ [⁠⁠⁠contact@katherineashmore.com⁠⁠⁠]⁠⁠⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com/my-links⁠⁠ [⁠⁠⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com/my-links⁠⁠] 👉 Subscribe to The Mindset Exchange so you don’t miss future conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators redefining success.⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/themindsetexchange⁠⁠⁠ [⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/themindsetexchange⁠⁠⁠] Disclaimer ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com/katherine-ashmore-disclaimer/⁠⁠⁠ [⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com/katherine-ashmore-disclaimer/⁠⁠⁠] Produced and created by Katherine Ashmore. Recorded remotely. © Katherine Ashmore 2026. All rights reserved. #TheMindsetExchange #HighPerformance #LeadershipMindset #DirectCommunication #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneurs #Coaching

18: The Pressure to Look Good: Entrepreneurship, Food and Control

In this episode, podcast host Katherine Ashmore is joined by Marcelle Rose, BANT registered nutritionist and eating specialist, for an honest conversation about the pressure many leaders and entrepreneurs carry - particularly around food, body image, and control. As visibility increases and more people become the personal brand of their business, that pressure can quietly spill into eating habits in ways that aren’t always obvious. They explore how traits that drive success, such as perfectionism, discipline, and all-or-nothing thinking can work against us when it comes to food, and why quick fixes don’t build lasting confidence. This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation about mindset, habits, and finding steadier ways to support yourself under pressure. In this episode, they cover: * The pressure to look good in entrepreneurship and leadership * How perfectionism and control show up around food * Why stress often leaks into eating habits * All-or-nothing thinking and its impact on confidence * The rise of weight-loss medications and what they don’t address * Why body image rarely improves just because weight changes * The value of small, sustainable shifts over quick fixes Note: If disordered eating is something you’re navigating right now, this may be an episode to come back to when it feels right. Find out more about Marcelle and her work: https://marcellerosenutrition.co.uk/ [https://marcellerosenutrition.co.uk/] The Binge Freedom Method™ https://marcellerosenutrition.co.uk/BFM [https://marcellerosenutrition.co.uk/BFM] If you’d like support around mindset, focus, and confidence, or want to learn more about her programmes, you can find ways to connect with Katherine Ashmore, Self Leadership Coach and Speaker, below. 🔗 Connect with Katherine:⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-ashmore] linkedin.com/in/katherine-ashmore⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-ashmore] ⁠⁠katherineashmore.com ⁠⁠ [http://www.katherineashmore.com/] ⁠⁠contact@katherineashmore.com⁠⁠ [contact@katherineashmore.com] ⁠⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com/my-links⁠ [https://www.katherineashmore.com/my-links] 👉 Subscribe to The Mindset Exchange so you don’t miss future conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators redefining success. ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/themindsetexchange⁠⁠ [⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/themindsetexchange⁠⁠] Disclaimer ⁠⁠⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com/katherine-ashmore-disclaimer/⁠⁠ [⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com/katherine-ashmore-disclaimer/⁠⁠⁠] Produced and created by Katherine Ashmore. Recorded remotely. © Katherine Ashmore 2026. All rights reserved. #TheMindsetExchange #HighPerformance #LeadershipMindset #Control #Food #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneurs #Coaching

17: Discovering You're Neurodiverse Later On In Life - What Next?

In this episode podcast host Katherine Ashmore, personal coach for leaders and entrepreneurs, is joined by Mike Walker, Co-Founder of StopPress, for an honest and deeply human conversation about discovering neurodiversity later on in life and what can change when things make sense. Mike shares his journey of recognition, reflecting on what life felt like before that point: masking, overwhelm, people-pleasing, and a constant sense of not quite fitting. Together, Katherine and Mike explore the lightbulb moments that follow increased self-understanding, including the mix of relief and grief that can arise. They also discuss how the traits of curiosity, sensitivity, adaptability, and a strong internal drive can become strengths in entrepreneurship, alongside the challenges many neurodiverse founders experience, such as burnout and emotional overload. Mike shares some simple, practical shifts that have helped him since, including learning to pause, trust his gut, and create environments where he can genuinely thrive. This episode is grounded in lived experience and offers a compassionate and humorous exploration of self-understanding and identity. They explore: ▪︎ Discovering neurodiversity later in life ▪︎ Masking, overwhelm, and people-pleasing ▪︎ Lightbulb moments of self-recognition ▪︎ Relief and grief that can follow new understanding ▪︎ Neurodiversity and entrepreneurship ▪︎ Burnout and emotional overload ▪︎ Learning to pause, trust your gut, and create supportive environments. Intro 0-1:41 min Episode 1:41 - 42:18 min Outro 42:18 - 42:57 min If you suspect you may be neurodivergent and wish to seek support, speaking with your GP is a good place to start. Additional resources include: ▪︎ The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity ▪︎ The National Autistic Society ▪︎ Neurodiversity Support UK ▪︎ The Counselling and Therapy Hub (The CATH) If any of the themes discussed in this episode resonated with you and you’d like coaching support, 🔗 Connect with Katherine: linkedin.com/in/katherine-ashmore⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-ashmore] ⁠katherineashmore.com ⁠ [http://www.katherineashmore.com/] ⁠contact@katherineashmore.com⁠ [contact@katherineashmore.com] ⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com/my-links [https://www.katherineashmore.com/my-links] 👉 Subscribe to The Mindset Exchange so you don’t miss future conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators redefining success. ⁠https://linktr.ee/themindsetexchange⁠ Disclaimer⁠ ⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com/katherine-ashmore-disclaimer/⁠ Produced and created by Katherine Ashmore. Recorded remotely. © Katherine Ashmore 2026. All rights reserved. #TheMindsetExchange #HighPerformance #LeadershipMindset #Neurodiversity #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneurs #Coaching

Discovering You're Neurodiverse Later In Life - What Next?

Sometimes it’s not a diagnosis that changes everything - it’s a moment of recognition. In this clip, Mike talks about never quite feeling like he fitted in, developing behaviour to adapt to blend in, and the cost that came with that. He shares the moment that changed everything: watching a TV show and realising he had never felt so seen in his entire life. Full episode releasing Monday 15 December on The Mindset Exchange. Podcast host Katherine Ashmore, personal coach for leaders and entrepreneurs, is joined by Mike Walker, Co-Founder of StopPress, for an honest, compassionate and deeply human conversation about discovering neurodiversity later in life and what can change when things finally begin to make sense. Mike reflects on what life felt like before that point: masking, overwhelm, people-pleasing, and a constant sense of not quite fitting. Together, Katherine and Mike explore the lightbulb moments that can follow increased self-understanding, including the mix of relief and grief that often comes with it. They also discuss how traits such as curiosity, sensitivity, adaptability and a strong internal drive can become strengths in entrepreneurship, alongside the challenges many neurodiverse founders experience, including burnout and emotional overload. Mike shares simple, practical shifts that have helped him since, from learning to pause and trust his gut, to creating environments where he can genuinely thrive. This episode is grounded in lived experience and offers a compassionate and lightly humorous exploration of self-understanding and identity. Full episode releasing Monday 15 December on The Mindset Exchange. 👉 You can follow or subscribe to The Mindset Exchange to hear the full episode when it’s released. ⁠ [https://linktr.ee/themindsetexchange]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/themindsetexchange/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://linktr.ee/themindsetexchange/] If you suspect you may be neurodivergent and wish to seek support, speaking with your GP is a good place to start. Additional resources include: ▪︎ The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity ▪︎ The National Autistic Society ▪︎ Neurodiversity Support UK ▪︎ The Counselling and Therapy Hub (The CATH) If any of the themes discussed in this episode resonated with you and you’d like coaching support, 🔗 Connect with Katherine: ⁠linkedin.com/in/katherine-ashmore⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-ashmore] ⁠⁠katherineashmore.com ⁠⁠ [http://www.katherineashmore.com/] ⁠⁠contact@katherineashmore.com⁠⁠ [contact@katherineashmore.com] ⁠⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com/my-links [https://www.katherineashmore.com/my-links] Disclaimer ⁠⁠⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com/katherine-ashmore-disclaimer/⁠⁠ [⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com/katherine-ashmore-disclaimer/⁠⁠⁠] Produced and created by Katherine Ashmore. Recorded remotely. © Katherine Ashmore 2025. All rights reserved.