Dr Alia Bojilova: Ex-NZ SAS Psychologist on Surviving Kidnapping in Syria & Resilience Tools

Strap in for this one, because Dr. Alia Bojilova is one of the most impressive guests we’ve had on the show.

She moved to New Zealand from Bulgaria as a 17-year-old who didn’t speak a word of English but soon became the lead psychologist for the New Zealand SAS.

After leaving the military she embarked on a PhD, focusing on the concept of resilience and is now a world leader in the field, working with some of the biggest names, companies and athletes in the world.

In 2013, Alia was working as a United Nations military observer in Syria when she and two colleagues were kidnapped by rebel fighters, held at gunpoint and told they were going to be decapitated on camera.

In this chat Alia explains why she and her colleagues were held hostage, how they managed to negotiate their release using the skills she’d developed with the SAS.

Alia is also married to former guest Jamie Pennell – who you might remember from our episode last year – as the SAS solider who won NZ’s second highest military honor – the Gallantry Star.

This was such an epic chat, and Alia’s story, her insight and the way she holds herself – will blow you away.

We're also stoked to tell you about the business we've built. If you'd like to get one of our epic guests in to MC or Speak at your function or event, flick us a message by going to B2Bspeakers.co.nz.

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Enjoy!

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