The 20-Year-Old Leader's Hard Truth: "Shut Up! I Belong Here"

How to Fight Climate Apathy: Why the Ocean is Our Greatest Engine for Change

ARE WE DROWNING IN CLIMATE DOOM? In this episode of the Young Leaders Nexus Podcast, we’re diving deep into why ocean literacy is our most powerful tool for solving the climate crisis. We explore the transition from corporate marketing to environmental activism, focusing on how to empower the next generation of ocean guardians. We tackle the biggest threat to our planet - apathy - and discuss how youth-led innovation in the blue economy is creating tangible solutions. From the critical role of sharks as keystone species to the urgent moratorium on deep-sea mining, this conversation reframes environmentalism as a fight for humanity’s survival. Learn how to reclaim your consumer power, ditch the "infinite resource" myth, and move from feeling paralysed to taking meaningful action. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a concerned citizen, it’s time to wake up and understand the systems that sustain life on Earth. ABOUT ZAKIA RASHID Zakia Rashid is a "heart-led" educator and the founder of Mother Ocean Blue, an agency dedicated to bridging the gap between scientific data and public awareness. A former award-winning corporate designer and marketing expert, Zakia reached a professional turning point underwater. After witnessing the rapid decline of coral reefs firsthand as a scuba diver, she realized the planet needed her communication skills more than the marketing world did. Today, Zakia focuses on arming the next generation with ocean literacy, breaking down complex planetary systems into "bite-sized" actionable knowledge. Through her Ocean Academy [https://motheroceanblue.com/ocean-academy/], she mentors teenagers to become "Ocean Guardians," teaching them that the ocean isn't just a vast blue expanse, but the very engine that sustains human life. Zakia’s mission is to replace climate apathy with the "untainted creativity" of young leaders, proving that no change is too small to create a ripple effect. Connect with Zakia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zakia-rashid/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zakia-rashid/] Follow Mother Ocean Blue on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/motheroceanblue [https://www.linkedin.com/company/motheroceanblue] Click here to visit www.MotherOceanBlue.com [https://motheroceanblue.com/about/] ABOUT YOUNG LEADERS NEXUS The Young Leaders Nexus (YLN) is a movement dedicated to raising Titans through real, hands-on experiences. YLN is hosted by Inaaya Habib, a dentistry student at King’s College London, who brings curiosity, energy, and a fresh perspective to every conversation. YLN connects ambitious 18–24 year olds with entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers, offering the guidance, tools, and community needed to thrive in a fast-changing world. Through bold conversations, mentoring, and training, YLN equips future leaders to build confidence, resilience, and the courage to shape tomorrow. Follow Young Leaders Nexus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/young-leaders-nexus [https://www.linkedin.com/company/young-leaders-nexus] #OceanLiteracy #MarineConservation #ClimateEducation #YouthEmpowerment #EnvironmentalApathy #blueeconomy #deepseamining The Young Leaders Nexus Podcast empowers 18–24-year-olds to uncover hidden talents, build confidence, and step into leadership. Through real stories and practical insights, we help you create opportunities, grow your network, and lead with purpose. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Paycheque vs. Purpose: How to Pivot Your Career to Save the Planet

ARE YOU TIRED OF FEELING LIKE YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN A GOOD SALARY AND A JOB THAT ACTUALLY MATTERS? In this episode of the Young Leaders Nexus, host Inaaya Habib sits down with Alex Dewhirst, a video designer who spent over a decade in the corporate world before realising he was tired of just "making rich people richer". Alex shares how he transformed his agency, Film Division, into a powerhouse for sustainability and social change without starting his career from scratch. WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN If you’re between 18 and 24, you’re entering a world where "business as usual" is changing. Alex explains why every job will eventually be a green job and how you can use the skills you already have—whether in tech, art, or comms—to fight the climate crisis and support charities. This isn't just about "following your passion"; it's about a strategic pivot to a career that is both viable and valuable. ABOUT ALEX DEWHIRST Co-Owner & Video Designer, Film Division Alex Dewhirst is a seasoned video designer and the co-owner of Film Division, a production agency dedicated to driving social and environmental change. With over two decades of experience in the media industry—ranging from his early days in film school to running a successful commercial agency—Alex eventually reached a turning point where he realised that "making rich people richer" wasn't enough. Driven by a desire to align his professional skills with his personal values, Alex successfully pivoted Film Division to specialise in sustainability and social impact. Today, he helps charities and purpose-driven organisations, such as the Samaritans, use the power of storytelling to solve real-world problems. A firm believer that "every job will eventually be a green job," Alex is a vocal advocate for the next generation of leaders, encouraging them to find the "why" behind their work and prove that you never have to choose between a paycheck and a purpose. Learn more about Film Division: https://filmdivision.video [https://filmdivision.video] Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexdewhirst/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexdewhirst/] ABOUT YOUNG LEADERS NEXUS The Young Leaders Nexus (YLN) is a movement dedicated to raising Titans through real, hands-on experiences. YLN is hosted by Inaaya Habib, a dentistry student at King’s College London, who brings curiosity, energy, and a fresh perspective to every conversation. YLN connects ambitious 18–24 year olds with entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers, offering the guidance, tools, and community needed to thrive in a fast-changing world. Through bold conversations, mentoring, and training, YLN equips future leaders to build confidence, resilience, and the courage to shape tomorrow. #GreenJobs #CareerPivot #YoungLeaders #PurposeOverPaycheck #SocialImpactMedia The Young Leaders Nexus Podcast empowers 18–24-year-olds to uncover hidden talents, build confidence, and step into leadership. Through real stories and practical insights, we help you create opportunities, grow your network, and lead with purpose. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Set Massive Goals, Not Realistic Ones | Secrets of Top Achievers

On this episode of the Young Leaders Nexus Podcast, David Hyner challenges the conventional wisdom of setting "realistic" goals, revealing why it can set us up for mediocrity. He explains the pivotal shift from setting small, achievable targets (like in the SMART acronym) to embracing massive goals and planning realistic steps toward them. If the fear of failure is holding you back, David has a simple but profound technique: Go on an adventure! He shares personal stories, from being a young, lazy chef to trekking across Peru, illustrating how embracing new experiences builds the confidence and certainty needed to tackle any challenge. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why you must set a big goal, not a realistic goal, and the danger of aiming for mediocrity. * The difference between the questions asked by young students and chief executives. * The single most effective mental trick top achievers use to stay relentless: having a Reason Why that is bigger than any excuse or fear. * Three actionable steps students can take this week to fundamentally change their lives, including shifting from seeking approval to earning trust and respect. ABOUT DAVID HYNER David Hyner is a high-impact motivational speaker, author, and researcher known for his expertise in MASSIVE Goals, memory skills, and purpose. He has dedicated over 25 years to researching how top achievers think and behave, conducting over 250 in-depth interviews with successful men and women from virtually every walk of life. A recognized expert in raising attainment, resilience, and confidence, David is an Amazon No. 1 author and former BBC radio host. He has presented his engaging, research-based message to over 1.2 million people globally, providing students, business teams, and executives with the skills and certainty to achieve their biggest aspirations. https://www.stretchdevelopment.com [https://www.stretchdevelopment.com] https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhyner [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhyner] https://www.youtube.com/davidhyner [https://www.youtube.com/davidhyner] https://www.instagram.com/davidhyner [https://www.instagram.com/davidhyner] ABOUT YOUNG LEADERS NEXUS The Young Leaders Nexus (YLN) is a movement dedicated to raising Titans through real, hands-on experiences. YLN is hosted by Inaaya Habib, a dentistry student at King’s College London, who brings curiosity, energy, and a fresh perspective to every conversation. YLN connects ambitious 18–24 year olds with entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers, offering the guidance, tools, and community needed to thrive in a fast-changing world. Through bold conversations, mentoring, and training, YLN equips future leaders to build confidence, resilience, and the courage to shape tomorrow. Keywords: #DavidHyner #GoalSetting #MassiveGoals #TopAchievers #Motivation #Confidence #Purpose #YoungLeadersNexus The Young Leaders Nexus Podcast empowers 18–24-year-olds to uncover hidden talents, build confidence, and step into leadership. Through real stories and practical insights, we help you create opportunities, grow your network, and lead with purpose. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The 20-Year-Old Leader's Hard Truth: "Shut Up! I Belong Here"

AT JUST 20, ALIYANA RESHAMWALLA IS A HIGH-ACHIEVER BALANCING A LAW DEGREE, 3 ENTERPRISES, AND CHARITY WORK. SHE SHARES HER HARD TRUTH ON WORK ETHIC, ORGANIZATION, AND WHY MOST STUDENTS FAIL TO LAUNCH THEIR CAREERS. IF YOU WANT THE SECRET TO MANAGING IT ALL, THIS IS YOUR BLUEPRINT. LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW! Welcome to a masterclass in student success and serial entrepreneurship with Aliyana Reshamwalla, President of Young Leaders Nexus. In this interview, Aliyana opens up about her extreme productivity, how she built multiple businesses (including the South Asian Law Society and Veda Women's Club) while getting her degree, and the mindset shift that changed her life. This is a must-listen for any university student, young leader, or aspiring entrepreneur looking to eliminate burnout and maximise their productivity. In this episode, you will learn: * Why law became her path over medicine (and the 'leave this world a better place' motto). * Her single most important time management and organization hack (it’s simple, but overlooked!). * How to handle Imposter Syndrome: "Shut up, be quiet. I belong here." * Aliyana's powerful advice on setting yourself up for success for the next 50 years, not the next 5. * The crucial difference between mentorship and having the right mentor. 🔗 Connect with Aliyana & Young Leaders Nexus: * Aliyana Reshamwalla (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliyana-elizabeth-reshamwalla [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliyana-elizabeth-reshamwalla] * South Asian Law Society (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/southasianlawsociety [https://www.instagram.com/southasianlawsociety] * Veda Women's Club (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/veda_womensclub [https://www.instagram.com/veda_womensclub] YOUNG LEADERS NEXUS The Young Leaders Nexus is a community and podcast for 18–24-year-olds who want to discover their hidden talents and step into leadership. Too many students and young professionals leave school without knowing their value, without confidence to pitch themselves, or without the networks that open doors. YLN exists to change that—giving you the tools, stories, and connections to build confidence, grow your influence, and lead with impact. https://www.linkedin.com/company/young-leaders-nexus [https://www.linkedin.com/company/young-leaders-nexus/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@youngleadersnexus] https://www.youtube.com/@youngleadersnexus [https://www.youtube.com/@youngleadersnexus] WANT TO HIRE HARUN RABBANI FOR YOUR NEXT CONFERENCE, ASSEMBLY OR WORKSHOP? Contact our Speaker Agent: https://www.schoolspeakers.co.uk/speaker-listings/harun-rabbani-speaker [https://www.schoolspeakers.co.uk/speaker-listings/harun-rabbani-speaker] #StudentEntrepreneur #LawSchool #AliyanaReshamwalla #YoungLeadersNexus #ProductivityHacks #TimeManagement #UniversityTips #HighAchiever #ImposterSyndrome #WorkEthic #CareerAdvice #StudentSuccess #Motivation #LawStudent #SerialEntrepreneur #HowToSucceed #BurnoutPrevention #GoalSetting The Young Leaders Nexus Podcast empowers 18–24-year-olds to uncover hidden talents, build confidence, and step into leadership. Through real stories and practical insights, we help you create opportunities, grow your network, and lead with purpose. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

How to Network When You're Just Starting Out (Even if You're Shy)

Networking can feel intimidating—especially if you’re just starting out. Maybe you don’t know what to say, you’re shy, or you’re worried about being “too pushy.” But every day you wait, you’re missing mentors, opportunities, and collaborations that could shape your future. In this episode of the Young Leaders Nexus Podcast, networking expert Tracey Currell shares how she went from making every mistake in the book to building one of the UK’s top global networking organisations. She reveals the biggest skill every young person needs to master (hint: it’s not talking), the right way to start conversations, and how to turn introductions into long-term opportunities. Tracey also shares powerful stories - how networking took her to Necker Island with Sir Richard Branson, to Sharon Lechter in the US, and how she transformed zero results into £95k worth of business in under a year. If you’ve ever wondered how to network effectively - whether you’re shy, starting university, or entering the world of work - this episode is your playbook. ABOUT TRACEY CURRELL Tracey Currell is a serial entrepreneur and founder of Introbiz, one of the UK’s leading global networking organisations. She’s the author of Master Networking and creator of Fortune in the Follow Up. Tracey once made every networking mistake possible, but she turned it around—building real connections that took her from zero results to £95k in a year, raising £200k for charity, and even networking her way to Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island. Now, she teaches young people how to network with confidence, curiosity, and purpose. Webinar: https://my.introbiz.co.uk/networking-masterclasshttps://my.introbiz.co.uk/networking-masterclass [https://my.introbiz.co.uk/networking-masterclasshttps://my.introbiz.co.uk/networking-masterclass] Website: https://introbiz.co.uk [https://introbiz.co.uk] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceymcurrell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceymcurrell] ABOUT YOUNG LEADERS NEXUS The Young Leaders Nexus is a community and podcast for 18–24-year-olds who want to discover their hidden talents and step into leadership. Too many students and young professionals leave school without knowing their value, without confidence to pitch themselves, or without the networks that open doors. YLN exists to change that—giving you the tools, stories, and connections to build confidence, grow your influence, and lead with impact. To learn more about Young Leaders Nexus and to interact with us, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/young-leaders-nexus [https://www.linkedin.com/company/young-leaders-nexus/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@youngleadersnexus] - https://www.youtube.com/@youngleadersnexus [https://www.youtube.com/@youngleadersnexus] WANT TO HIRE HARUN RABBANI FOR YOUR NEXT CONFERENCE, ASSEMBLY OR WORKSHOP? Contact our Speaker Agent: https://www.schoolspeakers.co.uk/speaker-listings/harun-rabbani-speaker [https://www.schoolspeakers.co.uk/speaker-listings/harun-rabbani-speaker] The Young Leaders Nexus Podcast empowers 18–24-year-olds to uncover hidden talents, build confidence, and step into leadership. Through real stories and practical insights, we help you create opportunities, grow your network, and lead with purpose. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.