Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo

In this the third of a three part interview, Elena Zafirova and Francesco discuss the future of NxtGen education and the importance of creating a uniquely tailored learning experience to each individual. Francesco also reminded us of the three pillars of "preparedness" and Elena shared her views that the future of NextGen education will be human-centered, meaning being built for NxtGen by NxtGen. Elena role models by being the example of what preparedness is by sharing her individual journey, which lead to starting DIONZ, a NextGen members community offering unique learning experiences.This was due to lack of finding what she needed in the current system.  Advice for senior generations: invite the NxtGen from an early age to the dialogue and take them seriously. Today, they may offer a more relevant view as the world is moving fast and they are current and conscious.  Advice for NxtGen: don't allow yourself to get locked into a rigid way of thinking and therefore being, build a practice and an ecosystem around you that serve you to prosper. 

In this episode, Jake Chagoury and Francesco tackle the UNDISCUSSED issue of: Where do I fit in, if at all in the family business? All too often the next generation feels the pressure and the burden to be involved in the family business, even if they don't have an interest or passion for it. They don't want to disappoint the previous generation and feel guilty for what they feel. This often leads to resentment towards the business and themselves. Jake talks about the COURAGE to understand oneself and follow one's own path. 

In part two of three, Elena and Francesco discuss what is currently working in the education system and what is lacking to better equip and prepare the NxtGen for their future. What are the three pillars of preparedness and why do they matter to ensure an individual is properly equipped for their future? Elena's shares her own lessons learned from the journey of building DIONZ and the importance of letting go of control. Francesco discussed the transition of evolving from being a gladiator to a samurai and the choice of allowing things, situations to unfold with grace. In the third part of the interview, Elena and Francesco will talk about the future of Nxtgen education and why individual experience learning is the key

Elena Zafirova, a nxtgen herself, shares her journey from graduating from a top boarding school to becoming a UK & US qualified lawyer advising her friends’ parents on wealth management and tax matters, to joining the leadership team of a tech unicorn, to becoming the founder and CEO of DIONZ, a nxtgen education start-up.  Elena and Francesco discuss the lessons and opportunities that lie in having “dark days” and the importance of building a strong value-aligned “personal advisory board” to remind us of who we truly are and what our purpose is. In Elena’s case, it is co-creating a world where we all support each other to learn how to prosper and bring prosperity to others.  Elena's advice to senior generation family members: have meaningful conversations with your nxtgen family members as early as possible about all that is important including, but not limited to family values, governance, and wealth. For nxtgens, Elena advises creating a “personal advisory board” of value-aligned humans to stand by you on your journey to realising your uniqueness. In the second part of this episode, Francesco and Elena take a deep dive into exactly what Preparedness is, how to achieve it, and maintain it.

John Kluge and Francesco dive into the topic of generosity. Why? Because, too many of us are stingy and operate with a scarcity mentality.   John shares his views, and the science behind operating with a spirit of generosity. The power of inclusion on profitability and positive impact on business.    The theme of this show is about making the conscious decision to be generous with your family, your resources, and with yourself and how it may impact your life.    Learn the benefits of being generous and the payback one gets from this mindset and way of being.

In this episode of Safe Space, Jonathan Hung talks about the importance of developing and finding one's brand as the NxtGen of a successful manufacturing family business.     "Knowing what you stand for'' is key to one's success, shared Jonathan. It is important to find one's identity and be passionate in what you do.    Many NxtGen feel lost and are without their own identity within the overarching family business and at times in the shadows of larger than life founders.     Jonathan shares his journey from starting in the family business to now running the investments for the family and others.

In this 3rd part of the interview with Alexander Souri, founder of Relief Riders International, Francesco and Alexander discuss the importance and value of having a clear purpose.    The "Why" matters much more and is more important than How or What. Alexander shares stories of his many rides and the impact such had on himself and those he served.   The message for NxtGen is to be clear on what your purpose is in your life, everything else will take care of itself.

Alexander Souri, founder of Relief Riders International shares what inspired him to create this magical life transforming experience. Francesco and Alexander discuss how one's trauma/wound births one's purpose and one's purpose heals the trauma. The circle of healing. A deeply vulnerable and spiritual conversation with an inspiring humanitarian. Alexander shares stories of bringing sight back to those who had poor vision, assisting with healing a young baby that has stayed with him for over 5 years. "I hope I meet the girl that was once a baby wrapped in an oily greasy blanket on one of the rides when we go back to India" Alexander shared his hope. Stay tuned for part three of this interview where Alexander will share more heartwarming stories of his Relief Riders International efforts. 

Alexander Souri, founder of Relief Riders International and Francesco discuss the power of facing and dealing with one's emotional trauma.   In this part one of two episodes Alexander shares the trauma of being a young boy in Afghanistan during the Russian invasion and later how the death of his father, and close friend, molded him to create Relief Riders International.     Alexander advice for Founders and NxtGen, "Do the emotional work to unshackle your conditioning, for only then can you be free to have the impact you were born to have."    Part two of the episode will focus on what relief Riders International is and the massive impact it is having in global rural communities. 

Adria Dunn shares her story of hope which has culminated in her first book The Vine    On this episode Francesco and Adria discuss what is possible when one stops believing they are not good enough, or doesn't have the right connections, or make it all about themselves. And what can be done to overcome this.   Adria is a living example of leading with giving.    We talked about the importance of creating cultural diplomacy as individuals, as leaders, and as countries.          Adria's advice: Stop listening to your "not good enough" voice inside your head.