Kategori: Personal development

Articles about personal development.

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From Fast Fashion to Conscious Living – A Conversation with Pia Paulsen aka Pia Fab

In this episode of The Talk – by Mentorguru, we meet a woman who hasn’t just designed clothes — she’s redesigned her entire life. Pia Paulsen, also known as Pia Fab, has transitioned from being a successful force in the commercial fashion industry to a trailblazer for sustainability, awareness, and radical personal responsibility.

This isn’t just a story about a career shift — it’s a powerful testimony to what happens when you dare to listen to your inner voice, take full ownership of your life, and carve out your own path.

A Creator With a Conscience

Pia studied at the French fashion school Esmod and launched her own studio — POLYESTER — before she had any real experience in the industry. As she puts it: “What could possibly go wrong?” The answer: everything. But that was also the start of a crucial journey.

Eventually, she found herself in the fast fashion machine, where the pace and pressure to produce stood in stark contrast to her values. One thing especially gnawed at her: copying others’ creative work, and the widespread greenwashing she saw in the industry. As her awareness grew, so did her need to break free.

Jumping Off the Hamster Wheel

Pia had climbed to the top as Head of Design, but meaning was missing. She jumped — without a backup plan.

After a period of deep reflection, further studies in sustainability, and hands-on work in textile sorting with Fretex, she found herself returning to a place where she could truly make a difference: the classroom.

Teacher and Mentor – On the Other Side of the Desk

Today, Pia teaches at Esmod — the very school where her journey began. She mentors final-year students, helping them not only with design skills, but also to find their voice, their inner drive, their creative soul.

“It’s not about shouting the loudest or being the weirdest. It’s about finding your own engine — when you do, you always know the answers, and you’ll always be able to shift gears when things get tough.”

She also teaches sustainability — not as a trend, but as a baseline for the future of fashion.

Confashion – Fashion With Purpose

Pia hasn’t stopped creating. She recently launched Confashion.no — a curated marketplace for Norwegian designers working with redesign and sustainable fashion. The goal? To make conscious fashion both visible and profitable.

“It’s not enough to have a great product without great distribution. Confashion is the missing link.”

She challenges an industry that produces over 100 billion garments annually — enough to give every person on Earth 12 new items a year.

“We could clothe the entire global population for the next 50 years without producing a single new item — if we just took better care of what we already have.”

Taking 100% Responsibility – and Borrowing Belief When You Need It

One of the most powerful moments in the conversation is about ownership — the honest, raw kind of ownership we all need to take.

“I am my only problem — and I am also the only solution.”

When you take radical responsibility, you stop blaming your boss, your upbringing, or society. You start building. But Pia is also honest about what that process feels like — and how important support is along the way.

“I’ve had coaches and mentors who gave me brutally honest feedback. And sometimes, when I didn’t believe in myself, I borrowed their belief in me. That’s one of the greatest gifts a mentor can offer.”

A truth that hits deep for anyone working in growth, coaching or education.

So How Do You Actually Take Back Control?

We asked Pia what advice she’d give to someone feeling stuck:

“Follow the joy. That’s where your direction is.”

She speaks about slowing down to reconnect with yourself, using journaling and meditation as tools to hear your inner guidance. Then? Set a goal. A big one. One you don’t know how to reach — yet. Because just starting the journey will get you moving again.

Pia’s Top Three Steps to Reclaim Your Life:

  1. Slow down. You can’t feel anything if you’re always rushing.
  2. Turn inward. The answer isn’t out there — it’s within you.
  3. Set a joyful, daring goal. Even if it feels impossible, start walking.

The Bottom Line – Be You, Not Perfect

If Pia could tell her younger self one thing?

“You don’t have to be perfect. Be Pia — that’s interesting and unique. Authenticity is the most attractive and meaningful thing there is!”

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Personal vs. Professional Growth: Do You Have to Choose?

Finding the perfect balance between personal and professional growth is a topic that everyone seems to be obsessed with. The internet is full of advice on how to achieve «work-life balance» like it’s some magical formula that, once discovered, will solve all your problems.

But here’s the real question: Is balance really the goal? Or is it just an illusion that’s holding you back?

In this blog post, we’re going to break down:

  • Why chasing balance can be a trap
  • How to combine personal and professional growth without burning out
  • The role of holistic health in building a sustainable lifestyle
  • Practical tips for managing your time to create a more fulfilling life

The Myth of Balance – Why It Can Hold You Back

Let’s be honest: Life is not about achieving perfect balance. It’s about making constant adjustments to stay on course. Think of a tightrope walker – they’re never in perfect balance, but they keep moving forward by continuously readjusting.

🔹 According to Cal Newport, author of Deep Work, people who dive deep into focused work are far more productive and satisfied than those who try to balance everything evenly.

🔹 Research from Harvard Business Review reveals that the most satisfied individuals are not the ones with perfect balance, but those who have clear priorities and live in alignment with them.

🔹 The Flow Theory by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi shows that we’re happiest when we’re fully engaged in a meaningful task – not when we’re trying to do everything at once.

So, what’s the takeaway?

Balance might actually be stopping you from achieving real growth. Instead of constantly chasing an elusive equilibrium, it’s more productive to focus on intensity and prioritization.

How to Combine Personal and Professional Growth Without Burning Out

If balance is a myth, then what’s the alternative? The answer is strategic growth. Here are some proven strategies:

1️⃣ Growth Stacking – Maximizing Your Time

Growth Stacking is about combining different growth activities simultaneously. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing things smarter.

Examples:

  • Listening to podcasts while working out.
  • Reflecting on your goals while drinking your morning coffee.
  • Turning casual conversations into learning opportunities.

Why it works: It saves time, increases efficiency, and accelerates progress by stacking multiple areas of growth together.

2️⃣ Non-Negotiables – Set Your Boundaries

If you don’t set boundaries, you’ll end up trying to be everything to everyone. Create clear rules for when you’re “on” and when you’re “off.”

Examples:

  • No work emails after 6 PM.
  • Keeping your mornings free from social media.
  • Setting non-negotiable blocks of time for personal projects or family.

3️⃣ The Sprint Model – Intensity Over Balance

Forget about balancing everything perfectly. Instead, focus intensely for short bursts. The Sprint Model encourages you to work in 12-week cycles with clearly defined goals.

Why it works: It creates urgency, boosts productivity, and helps you avoid burnout by alternating periods of hard work with intentional rest.

Holistic Health – Building a Foundation for Growth

You can’t build a skyscraper on a shaky foundation. Holistic health isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a solid base for sustainable growth.

Key Areas to Focus On:

  1. Physical Health: Exercise, sleep, nutrition. It’s non-negotiable.
  2. Mental Health: Mindfulness, reflection, and digital detox.
  3. Social Health: Quality relationships over quantity.
  4. Emotional Health: Finding purpose and meaning in what you do.

Time Management Tips for a More Fulfilling Life

If you want to grow in multiple areas, you need to own your time. Here’s how:

  1. Conscious Time Management: Create weekly schedules that include blocks for work, rest, learning, and social activities.
  2. Invest in Yourself: Never stop learning. Personal growth fuels professional growth and vice versa.
  3. Set Clear Goals: What do you want to achieve over the next 12 weeks? Break it down and tackle it with laser focus.

Conclusion: Prioritization Over Balance

Balance is a nice idea, but it’s not what drives growth. Instead of striving for an unrealistic ideal, focus on intensity, priority, and strategic growth. When you stop trying to make everything even, you start making real progress.

So, here’s my challenge for you: What will you prioritize today? And how will you combine your personal and professional growth to get there?

Leave a comment below or share your thoughts on social media. I’d love to hear how you’re tackling this challenge!

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A Conversation with Jennybeth Ekeland: Navigating the Landscape of Mentoring

Jennybeth Ekeland

In this episode of our podcast, we are delighted to have a conversation with Jennybeth Ekeland, an expert with over 25 years in the field of mentoring. Jennybeth shares the wealth of her knowledge and experience, providing insights into how effective mentoring works both theoretically and practically.

We delve into what a «learning alliance» is and why it is the cornerstone of a successful mentoring relationship. Jennybeth walks us through examples from her own experiences, including the biggest challenges she has faced and how she has overcome them.

Throughout our conversation, listeners will gain insights into how to measure the success of a mentoring program and what elements are critical for its success. Jennybeth also shares her vision for the future of mentoring, particularly in relation to technological advances and digitalization.

This episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in personal and professional development through mentoring, offering valuable advice and insights that can be implemented in both personal careers and within organizational frameworks.

Disse postene og bloggposten er designet for å maksimere engasjementet på sosiale medier og drive trafikk til din podkast, samtidig som de gir verdifull innsikt i mentoringens kraft og potensial.

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The Art of Change – Small Steps, Big Results

Change is everywhere. It’s inevitable in both work and life. But why do we resist something that is so natural? Our brain loves comfort – it’s an expert at exaggerating threats and convincing us to stay put. But what if we could learn to embrace change?

Why Do We Resist Change?
It’s not because we’re lazy. It’s because of uncertainty. Our reptilian brain is hardwired to keep us safe, not happy. Change feels like a threat, even when it’s an opportunity to grow.

How to Approach Change with Curiosity:

  1. Small Steps Lead to Big Results:
    Start by switching one habit – your toothpaste, your route to work, or say «yes» to something you’d normally say «no» to. Small choices can lead to significant transformations over time.
  2. Make Your Brain Less Dramatic:
    When your brain screams «CHAOS!» – breathe. Ask yourself: What’s the worst that can happen? Write down one thing you can learn from the situation.
  3. Remember the Butterfly Effect:
    Even the smallest actions can have massive consequences. Maybe it’s time to test a tiny change and see how it ripples through the rest of your life.

Conclusion:
Change doesn’t have to be scary. It can be innovative, inspiring, and even fun. Take a small step outside your comfort zone today – you never know what might happen!

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Success in Online Coaching

 In today’s digital age, the field of coaching has transcended traditional boundaries, moving from face-to-face interactions to dynamic online environments. At Nomad Coaching, we’ve embraced this shift, and in our latest podcast episode titled «Success in Online Coaching,» we explore the ins and outs of making this transition not just workable, but successful. This blog post delves deeper into the themes discussed in the episode, offering insights and practical advice for aspiring and established online coaches alike.

1. Embracing Technology: The first step to successful online coaching is embracing the technology that makes it possible. From selecting the right platforms for video calls to utilizing tools for scheduling and client management, technology is the backbone of digital coaching. However, it’s not just about using these tools, but mastering them to enhance interaction and ensure a seamless coaching experience.

2. Clear Communication: Effective communication is critical, especially when physical cues are absent. Online coaches need to hone their verbal and written communication skills to ensure clarity and understanding. Setting clear expectations and regular check-ins can help maintain open lines of communication and keep both coach and client aligned with the goals.

3. Building Trust Online: Perhaps the biggest challenge in online coaching is building and maintaining trust without face-to-face interactions. Successful online coaches are adept at creating a sense of presence and reliability that reassures clients. This involves being consistent, punctual, and responsive, and providing a secure and confidential environment for clients to share openly.

4. Customizing Coaching Methods: Online coaching should not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Tailoring your coaching methods to fit the individual needs of each client is essential. This might mean adjusting your techniques based on the client’s personality, preferences, and the specific obstacles they face in their personal or professional lives.

As we navigate the complexities of online coaching, the opportunity to reach a global audience and make a significant impact in their lives grows. By mastering technology, enhancing communication skills, building trust, and customizing our approach, we can achieve great success in this new coaching frontier.

Call to Action: Interested in learning more about how you can succeed in online coaching? Tune in to our latest podcast episode «Success in Online Coaching» for expert insights and real-life success stories. Discover how you can expand your coaching practice and reach your full potential in the digital age!

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Competition, Charisma and Master Waiter: Mathis`s journey to the Master`s title

When we think of competitions, we often imagine sports, music, or other well-known arenas. But what about the competition to be the best server? Mathias, Norway’s champion in the field of waiting and restaurant manager at Oslo Military Society, shows us that perfection and passion can be taken to a whole new level—even in the art of service.

In our latest podcast episode, we dive into what drives Mathias to compete and excel in his job. From his first nerve-wracking competitions to building an enormous following on TikTok with over 226,000 followers, he shares how he has used social media to inspire and educate. Here is a man who doesn’t just serve food but also captivates and educates his audience with humor and professionalism.

Mathias also shares his best tips for inner motivation:

  • Set small, clear goals that give you direction.
  • Embrace your mistakes—they are the stepping stones to success.
  • Find your passion and cultivate it, even if it means spilling wine now and then.

This episode is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about personal development, handling pressure, and building a professional image without losing authenticity. Tune in to discover how Mathias has managed to combine his competitive spirit with passion and humor to create a unique career.

Call to action: Listen to the podcast her…

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Mental Health at Work – Why We Need to Take This Seriously (and Why an 8-Minute Call Can Be Gold)

Welcome to today’s reality, where we run between meetings, emails, and a work culture that could make even a Duracell bunny take a break and catch its breath. October 10th marks World Mental Health Day, and this year’s focus is on mental health in the workplace. And with good reason! The working world has become a place where «balance» often feels like a theoretical state we hear about in TED Talks, not something we actually experience. So, let’s talk about what we can do—and why something as simple as calling a friend for 8 minutes might just save your day (and maybe theirs).

What Exactly Is Mental Health?

Mental health isn’t just a concept for psychology textbooks; it’s how you feel, think, and manage the daily challenges—whether they’re screaming in all caps or whispering quietly in the background. And here’s the thing: just like physical health, mental health can fluctuate day to day. Some days, you’re ready to conquer the world. Other days? It’s more like hiding under the covers and praying no one asks you anything complicated.

Mental vs. Psychological Health – Same Same, But Different?

Let’s take a minute to clear up the jargon. Mental health is about living your best day-to-day life with a healthy balance. Psychological health issues are the clinical side—when your mind says, “Houston, we have a problem.” The statistics are crystal clear: women report stress, anxiety, and depression more often than men. But hold on, says Svend Aage Madsen, an expert who points out that men aren’t handling stress any better; we just ask them the wrong questions. Spoiler alert: men struggle too, they’re just less likely to admit it.

Differences by Gender and Age

Since we’re on the topic, let’s talk about why stress looks different depending on whether you’re a 25-year-old master’s student or a 45-year-old parent with a boss complex. Young adults (think 18-29) tend to mentally collapse under the pressure of social media and “life goals” being churned out on TikTok at a pace no one can keep up with. For adults, the culprit is often the workplace’s «little contribution» to burnout. Work and personal life doing a never-ending dance where neither remembers the steps.

A Bit of Scary Statistics to Cool the Mood

• 44% of us experience loneliness to some degree. • One in five has few or no people to talk to when it really matters. • 86,000 (!) people experience serious workplace bullying every month.

When the numbers scream this loud, it’s time to listen. Ever wondered why so many people wear fake smiles during Teams meetings? This might be why.

What Can We Do? (Yes, There Is Hope!)

Okay, so we know the situation is tough. But here are a few tips that actually work, and they’re so simple you might roll your eyes:

  1. Set boundaries – Don’t be the person who says “yes” to everything just to be seen as the office hero. No one’s applauding when you’re burnt out and sulking in a corner.
  2. Create stress-relief routines – Whether it’s yoga, walks, or putting your phone on airplane mode to listen to birdsong (real or on YouTube).
  3. Seek help when you need it – There’s no shame in admitting you need to talk to someone. It’s actually pretty brave. And no, you’re not the “weird one” at work for calling a therapist.

Bonus Points for Getting a Mentor

Think mentors are reserved for international CEOs and Oprah Winfrey? Think again! A mentor can be your secret weapon for handling work pressure, developing self-awareness, and having someone to brainstorm with who doesn’t redline everything you say.

Conclusion: Call a Friend

So, here’s my challenge to you even after World Mental Health Day: call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Give them 8 minutes of your time. Not just because it’s nice, but because it could make a difference—for both of you.

Mental health isn’t just important the 10. of October; it’s important every day. So take care of yourself, set boundaries, seek support, and for the love of all things good, remember to live a little between work sessions.

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Take Care of Your Mental Health – At Work and Beyond

Mental health is one of the most important aspects of our well-being – and this applies just as much in the workplace. Unfortunately, many people struggle in silence, and the statistics speak for themselves: a full 44% of us feel lonely to some degree, and for many, it has become a challenge to find balance between work and personal life.

So, what can we do to improve our mental health at work? Here are some practical tips:

Set Boundaries
Boundaries are key to avoiding burnout. Know what you can and cannot do, and speak up when things get overwhelming. This is not just to protect yourself but also to ensure that you deliver quality in your work. It’s okay to take breaks!

Establish Stress-Relief Routines
Managing stress isn’t just about what you do when you’re already stressed, but about what you do to prevent it. Find an activity that helps you unwind – maybe yoga, a walk, or music? Having a regular routine for decompressing, especially after a long workday, can work wonders for both your physical and mental health.

Seek Help When You Need It
There’s no shame in asking for help. If things start to get overwhelming, talk to someone. It could be a friend, a colleague, or a professional. Often, putting your feelings into words is the first step towards feeling better.

And let’s not forget – having a mentor or coach can be incredibly valuable when it comes to developing self-awareness and coping strategies for handling work pressure. They’re there to support you and provide advice, whether it’s about goal setting or emotional guidance. So don’t hesitate to seek that extra support.

On this World Mental Health Day, I encourage you to take a few moments to reflect on how you can strengthen your own mental health. And maybe, once you’ve done that, you can call an old friend and give them 8 minutes of your time. You never know what difference a conversation can make.

Listen to my podcast «The talk – by Mentorguru» – in Norwegian to learn more about mental health and tools.

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Knowledge Industry vs. Self-Education Industry: A Showdown (7 minutes of your life well spent)

First things first: let’s define the playing field.

The Knowledge Industry is the cool cousin in your professional family, dealing with sectors that produce, refine, and distribute the most powerful substance known to humankind: knowledge. We’re talking education, R&D, IT solutions that make your brain hurt just thinking about them, and those elite consultants who probably charge per second.

Then, there’s the Self-Education Industry. Imagine all the DIY enthusiasts but for learning—people pursuing knowledge outside traditional classrooms, armed with Wi-Fi and too much caffeine. This is the space of online courses, e-books, webinars, video tutorials, and apps. It’s like Hogwarts for grown-ups who want to learn accounting or advanced salsa from their couch.

The Good, the Bad, and the “Why Am I Doing This?” of Self-Education

The Pros:

  • Flexibility that fits around your chaotic life.
  • Customizable learning paths that don’t require a thousand-page syllabus.
  • Skills are as fresh as that “first day of school” outfit.

The Cons:

  • Quality control that sometimes makes you wonder if your instructor just Googled the syllabus.
  • The paradox of choice—too many courses make you click on Netflix instead.
  • Lack of hand-holding, which can be great until you’re metaphorically drowning in educational PDFs.

The Titans: Udemy and Coursera

Udemy is like the Walmart of online learning. Need to know how to code? Check. Want to learn underwater basket weaving? Double-check. With over 100,000 courses, there’s something for everyone, and most courses are priced in that sweet $25-$200 range. But watch out: anyone can teach, so sometimes it’s more “Steve from accounting shares Excel tips” than “Professor from MIT breaks down quantum physics.”

Coursera, on the other hand, is Udemy’s more academic, snooty sibling. Backed by universities and offering everything from certificates to degrees, Coursera boasts partnerships with over 100 Fortune 500 companies and 82 million students. The downside? It can lean more theoretical, so you might learn the art of persuasion but still not convince your dog to stop barking at 3 a.m.

Why Coaches and Mentors Should Care – “Ah, I see” moments for mentors and coaches

Now, why am I, a man who prefers deep conversations and caffeine to trends, waxing poetic about the Knowledge Industry? Because, my friends, this trend could be your ticket to a bigger impact (and, let’s be honest, a healthier bank account).

Three key benefits for coaches and mentors:

  1. Staying Updated: The Knowledge Industry is like a buffet for your brain. Want to learn the newest techniques in motivational interviewing? Need a brush-up on emotional intelligence? There’s a course (or ten) for that.
  2. Building Expertise: Specialization is the name of the game. Why not position yourself as “the coach who conquered executive coaching” or the mentor known for mindfulness workshops that leave participants Zen’d out?
  3. Monetizing Your Knowledge: Why not throw your hat into the self-education ring by developing your own course? Be the Udemy instructor you wish you’d had.

Mark Your Digital Territory

Let’s talk about social media, the necessary evil. If you’re not using it, you’re basically coaching in a void. Here’s how to stop lurking and start thriving:

Pro tips:

  • Know Your Audience: LinkedIn for the suit-and-tie crowd, Instagram for those who live on avocado toast.
  • Make Your Profile Pop: Ditch the selfie and bring on the pro headshots. No one trusts life advice from someone with an angle that screams, “My arm is my tripod.”
  • Engage, Engage, Engage: Social media is a two-way street. Reply to comments, share insights, and don’t be afraid to slide into relevant DMs (professionally, of course).

And don’t underestimate the power of video content—people love seeing a face behind the tips. It builds trust faster than a free coaching session.

The Final Countdown: Online Presence Matters (because who doesn’t want to be found?)

To wrap up, here’s why you need an online presence:

  • Visibility: The more you show up online, the more likely you’ll be found by someone who really, really needs your expertise.
  • Credibility: Sharing knowledge makes people trust you. Sharing success stories makes them want to trust you.
  • Scalability: With an online footprint, you can go from coaching 10 people a month to inspiring thousands with webinars, online courses, and e-books.

In conclusion, the Knowledge and Self-Education industries are like the Wild West, full of opportunities waiting for coaches and mentors who dare to explore. So saddle up, build that online profile, and start sharing your brilliance. Your future clients are just a course or social media post away from finding you.

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The Self-Education Industry: A New Era for Coaches and Mentors

Welcome to a world where self-education is more than just a trend; it’s a lifestyle and a necessity in our continuous pursuit of knowledge. With a global value of 15 billion dollars, the self-education and knowledge industries have opened up a new dimension of possibilities for both educators and learners.

In this blog and in my podcast, I will explore how we as coaches and mentors can navigate and benefit from this flourishing sector. From offering personalized courses on online platforms to tailoring learning methods to meet our clients’ needs, the opportunities are endless.

The self-education industry is built on principles of accessibility and flexibility, making learning possible for everyone, everywhere. This aligns perfectly with our goal as mentors: to facilitate personal and professional growth. By leveraging resources like online courses, webinars, and digital libraries, we can support our clients on their learning journeys and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.

I will also discuss strategies for marketing our services through social media, building an online presence, and how we can use technology to engage and inspire our audience. By sharing success stories and valuable content, we can establish ourselves as reliable guides in a world driven by knowledge and learning.

Join the journey, and let’s explore together how self-education can transform our practice and illuminate our clients’ learning journeys. Let’s take the steps together toward a more enlightened and knowledgeable future!

The podcast I am referring too is The talk – by Mentorguru which is mostly in Norwegian, but some also in English. And this particular episode I will record in English and put it out on YouTube.