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Changemaker Interviews

Ujwal Arkalgud Knows the Rules—Even the Invisible Ones

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Ujwal Arkalgud Knows the Rules—Even the Invisible Ones

When you read Ujwal Arkalgud’s story, one thing becomes clear: he’s not here to play by the rules. He’s here to reveal the ones nobody talks about. Ujwal, a cultural anthropologist turned entrepreneur, built and sold his tech company, MotivBase, without outside funding. No VC money. No elite network. Just a breakthrough idea, grit, and a deep understanding of people.

His journey didn’t just defy the odds—it brought them into focus.

From Frustration to Breakthrough

Ujwal’s pivot from founder to advisor started with a feeling many entrepreneurs know well: frustration. On paper, his company was doing everything right—solid product, happy clients, growing revenue. But the startup world kept sending the same message: “You’re not fundable. You’re not scalable. You’re not a real business.”

It wasn’t about performance. It was about perception.

“I kept running into invisible barriers,” he says. “It was like there were rules to the game that no one had written down, but everyone else seemed to know.”

That experience didn’t just shape him. It lit a fire. After selling MotivBase on his own terms, Ujwal began meeting other founders who were facing the same silent walls. That’s when his mission shifted. He set out to help others see the unspoken norms and hidden expectations that control who gets taken seriously and who doesn’t.

Turning Anthropology into Action

Ujwal’s background in anthropology gave him a unique edge. He didn’t just build tech—he built it around what people value and believe, not just what they say or click. But early on, that approach met resistance.

“The industry wasn’t ready,” he explains. “It wanted pie charts, not anthropology.” His tech was innovative, but buyers didn’t know how to trust it.

So he studied what the market did trust—familiar visuals, language, and formats. Then he adapted. “We packaged our insights in ways that felt instantly usable,” Ujwal shares. It worked. And that’s exactly the kind of tactical strategy he now helps other founders build—without sacrificing what makes their ideas unique.

The Invisible Rulebook

Today, Ujwal invests in and coaches growth-stage founders who are tired of being overlooked. He helps them shift from playing defense to playing smart. His focus? The “invisible rules” that shape credibility in any industry:

  • What kind of language earns trust?
  • What do buyers expect to see before they say yes?
  • Who gets taken seriously—and why?

These hidden dynamics are the foundation of his upcoming book, Mastering the Invisible Rulebook, which aims to change how founders think about success.

Because success, as Ujwal puts it, isn’t just about the exit.

Defining Success on Your Terms

“Success, to me, is about building something real—something that solves meaningful problems and creates opportunities for others,” he says.

He’s had a big exit. But what stuck with him more were the in-between moments: earning client trust, proving skeptics wrong, building a team around a different vision.

Now, success also means helping others redefine what it means to “make it.” Not every business needs to chase hypergrowth or play the VC game. And not every founder needs to fit the mold.

“There’s more than one path,” Ujwal says. “Sustainable, profitable businesses are often more powerful than the ones that make headlines.”

The Human Side of Growth

One of the biggest lessons Ujwal teaches is that growth is about more than product-market fit—it’s about understanding the human element behind every decision.

“Most people focus on the logical stuff,” he explains. “But buyers are human. They respond to trust signals, not just features.”

He works closely with founders to uncover those hidden levers—misaligned messaging, misunderstood buyer behavior, and subtle credibility gaps. The result? Clearer paths to traction, without wasting time chasing what doesn’t move the needle.

A Hard-Earned Perspective

Not everything went smoothly. Ujwal still remembers when a $25M acquisition deal fell apart after months of negotiations.

“It felt like our one shot,” he admits. “When it disappeared, so did our momentum.”

That moment taught him a hard truth: tying your identity to one outcome can break you. Instead, he learned to focus on the process—how he navigated setbacks, how he led, how he kept showing up.

“That shift changed how I lead, how I invest, and how I help founders today,” he says. “Because the people who thrive are the ones who learn how to keep steering through the fog.”

What It All Comes Down To

Ujwal Arkalgud isn’t trying to game the system. He’s teaching founders how to see it clearly, challenge it with intention, and build meaningful success on their own terms. His work is a reminder that success isn’t always about changing your product. More often, it’s about understanding the invisible rules that surround it.

Because once you see those rules, you can stop playing small and start building smarter.

For a deeper dive into this mindset, Ujwal created a free guide that expands on these ideas:

The Invisible Playbook: 5 Hidden Rules for Startup Growth No One Tells You

Connect with Ujwal Arkalgud

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Changemaker Interviews

Created for More: The Journey of Dr. Esther Graham

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Created for More: The Journey of Dr. Esther Graham

Dr. Esther Graham’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. From navigating corporate leadership to founding multiple businesses, her life’s work has been about empowering others—especially women—to step into their calling and create lives of fulfillment and success. But like many who pursue greatness, she battled self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the fear of failure.

The Path to Transformation

Despite her success as a CEO, consultant, educator, speaker, and coach, Dr. Esther struggled with the question that lingers in so many minds: Do I have what it takes? She wondered if she truly belonged in the entrepreneurial space and if she was capable of building a multi-million-dollar company.

But instead of letting fear dictate her future, she did what every strong leader does—she sought guidance. Through prayer, mentorship, and a supportive community, she leaned into her fears, set practical goals, and took the necessary steps to grow.

She didn’t just build businesses—she built herself.

A Personal Journey Back to Herself

Several years ago, Dr. Esther embarked on a deeply personal journey she called “The Journey Back to Me.” Though she had already achieved success, she knew she was capable of more. She had three businesses at the time (now she has four), but something was holding her back.

That’s when she discovered the power of personal development. She attended a transformational retreat, and during that experience, she began to unpack past traumas that had been silently limiting her growth—not just in business, but in every aspect of life.

Self-awareness became her superpower. She realized that healing wasn’t a one-time event but a continuous process. By leaning into her past, she created a future filled with purpose and clarity. This shift didn’t just change her—it revolutionized her business model and the way she helped others.

Empowering Others to Step into Their Calling

Dr. Esther’s mission is to help people—especially women—embrace their power, heal from their past, and build businesses and lives that align with their purpose. Through her company, Festa Della Donna, she offers transformational retreats, leadership training, and executive coaching for individuals, businesses, and organizations.

As a Certified Neuro Transformational Coach and Lisa Nichols Certified Trainer, she provides high-impact coaching that helps leaders break through mental barriers and unlock their full potential. Her programs, like Rising to Your Destiny and Dare to Live Fully, inspire people to step out of fear and into possibility.

She’s not just talking the talk—she’s walking it.

Giving Back and Building a Legacy

Beyond coaching and entrepreneurship, Dr. Esther is deeply committed to her community. She believes in creating opportunities for others, especially those who might not have the resources to access personal development.

Her impact includes:

  • Hosting pro bono coaching sessions and retreats.
  • Organizing an annual free baby shower for families in need.
  • Leading parent personal development training to support family growth.
  • Running a nonprofit teen program called Designed Naturally Amazing.
  • Hosting community health fairs, laundry takeovers, and philanthropy projects.

Her dedication to service isn’t just a part of her business—it’s a part of who she is.

A Vision for the Future

Dr. Esther isn’t slowing down. Her vision includes franchising her schools and expanding Festa Della Donna to reach more people through transformational retreats and programs. She wants to help humanity go farther, dream bigger, and realize their power to create the life they want.

Her message is simple but profound: We are created for more.

Connect with Dr. Esther Graham

Dr. Esther Graham’s story is proof that transformation is possible—for anyone. If you’re ready to step into your purpose, elevate your mindset, and create a life you love, her work offers the tools and support to make it happen.

Follow her journey, attend a retreat, or dive into one of her powerful coaching programs. Because the life you want? It’s waiting for you to claim it.

Website: https://www.fddwomen.com/home
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU2Ig4iTOjXTvgsvJeKenvA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/festadelladonna_esthergraham/

Your transformation starts now.

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Changemaker Interviews

Breaking Free from People-Pleasing: Nadja Hagen’s Journey to Self-Love Coaching

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Breaking Free from People-Pleasing: Nadja Hagen’s Journey to Self-Love Coaching

For years, Nadja Hagen thrived in the high-pressure world of corporate leadership. She was a high achiever, always reliable, always willing to go the extra mile. But beneath the surface, she was exhausted. She struggled to set boundaries, overextended herself, and felt trapped in a cycle of people-pleasing.

“I saw so many successful women around me going through the same thing,” Nadja shares. “On the outside, they had it all together, but inside, they were drained from constantly putting others first.”

Her own journey of breaking free from people-pleasing led her to become a Self Love Coach. Today, Nadja helps high-achieving women set healthy boundaries, prioritize their needs, and create fulfilling lives aligned with their core values.

The People-Pleasing Trap

Looking back on her corporate career, Nadja recalls the intense pressure to prove herself. “Like many high-achieving women, I was praised for being hardworking, dependable, and always available,” she says. “But that came at a cost. I struggled to say no, second-guessed myself, and feared being seen as difficult.”

The cycle of overwork and self-doubt wasn’t just an internal struggle—it was a pattern she saw in women across leadership roles. “I noticed how often women took on the emotional load in teams, worked twice as hard, and still hesitated to take up space in meetings,” she explains.

Breaking free wasn’t easy. It required deep self-reflection, healing emotional wounds, and redefining success on her own terms. “I had to get clear on my core values and learn to set boundaries—whether that meant pushing back on unrealistic deadlines, negotiating my worth, or choosing work that truly aligned with me.”

This transformation not only changed Nadja’s career but shaped her mission. “I realized that success shouldn’t come at the cost of well-being. Now, I help other women create careers that don’t drain them but empower them.”

Helping Women Reclaim Their Power

Through her coaching, Nadja teaches women how to break free from burnout, self-doubt, and over-giving. “Too many women believe that saying yes to everything is the only way to get ahead,” she says. “But that path leads to frustration, exhaustion, and a career that feels like a burden rather than an achievement.”

Her work focuses on helping women:

  • Set Boundaries with Confidence – Learning to say no without guilt and protect their time and energy.
  • Own Their Worth – Releasing the need for external validation and trusting their own decisions.
  • Make Aligned Career Choices – Choosing opportunities based on their values, not fear or obligation.

“The corporate world needs more women in leadership, but that won’t happen if we’re depleted from overextending ourselves,” Nadja explains. “I want women to walk into meetings with confidence, negotiate what they deserve, and lead without sacrificing themselves.”

Expanding Her Reach

Nadja’s mission is growing, and she’s determined to reach even more women. “I’m expanding my online courses and group coaching programs so that women at any stage in their career can access the tools they need,” she shares.

She’s also speaking at corporate events and career summits to bring these conversations into workplaces. “There’s an unspoken expectation in corporate culture that success means sacrificing your well-being. I want to change that narrative,” she says.

Beyond coaching, Nadja is developing new resources, including workbooks and guided self-reflection exercises, to help women shift from overwhelmed to empowered. “My goal is to make these tools practical and accessible so that women can start making changes right away.”

Balancing Work and Self-Care

For Nadja, balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. “Early in my career, I thought success meant saying yes to everything, working late, and always being available,” she says. “But that wasn’t sustainable.”

Now, she prioritizes what truly matters by:

  • Setting Clear Boundaries – Protecting her time and energy, without guilt.
  • Scheduling Self-Care – Treating rest and personal time as non-negotiable.
  • Letting Go of Perfectionism – Choosing what’s effective over what’s ‘perfect.’

“Balance isn’t about doing it all—it’s about knowing what to let go of,” she explains. “That’s what I help women do: create success in a way that feels good, not draining.”

Redefining Success

Nadja no longer measures success by external achievements. “I used to think success meant working harder, proving myself, and meeting expectations,” she admits. “But no matter how much I achieved, I still felt disconnected from myself.”

Now, success means:

  • Trusting Her Own Voice – Making decisions based on self-trust, not fear.
  • Creating a Career on Her Terms – Choosing work that aligns with her values.
  • Helping Other Women Thrive – Watching her clients step into confidence and clarity.

“Success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what truly matters,” she says. “And that’s what I want for every woman I work with.”

The Most Rewarding Part of Her Work

Seeing women step into their power is what fuels Nadja’s passion. “So many of my clients come to me feeling drained, overwhelmed, and stuck in people-pleasing patterns,” she shares. “They’ve checked all the success boxes—great jobs, leadership roles—but inside, they’re exhausted.”

The moment a client finally sets a boundary, speaks up without hesitation, or prioritizes herself without guilt is transformational. “These aren’t just small wins. They’re life-changing shifts that allow women to build careers that feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside.”

Leading with Authenticity

Nadja defines her leadership style as empowering and values-driven. “Great leadership starts with clarity, confidence, and the ability to set healthy boundaries,” she says.

She challenges the belief that success requires self-sacrifice and helps women redefine success on their own terms. “I don’t just teach boundaries—I live them. I want women to see that protecting their time, energy, and values isn’t just possible; it’s essential.”

For Nadja, true leadership is about helping women stop proving their worth and start owning it. “When women lead from a place of self-trust, confidence, and alignment, they don’t just succeed—they redefine what leadership looks and feels like.”

Connect with Nadja Hagen

Want to connect with Nadja? Visit her website at www.nadjahagen.com or follow her on Instagram at @nadja_hagen.

Ready to take the first step in reclaiming your energy and confidence? Download The Overwhelm Cure for three powerful shifts to stop feeling drained and start thriving: The Overwhelm Cure.

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Changemaker Interviews

Championing Change: The Journey of Lonnie J. Foster

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Championing Change: The Journey of Lonnie J. Foster

Some people find their calling; others are born into it. For Lonnie J. Foster, the road to becoming a therapist, motivational speaker, and wellness advocate wasn’t paved with ease, but with resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in purpose.

Born in Orlando, Florida, and raised in Vero Beach, Lonnie’s early life wasn’t marked by academic success. In fact, he was labeled “uneducable” and placed with teachers who didn’t believe in him. But instead of accepting that fate, he found a community that did. With their support, he raised the bar for himself in ways no one had expected.

That drive carried him through Bethune-Cookman University, where he majored in psychology, and later Webster University, where he earned a graduate degree in counseling. Today, with over 23 years of experience in mental health, substance abuse, and family therapy, he owns a thriving wellness practice in Wesley Chapel, Florida, serving clients across multiple states, including Texas, New York, Georgia, and Massachusetts.

Lonnie J. Foster: The Calling That Became His Life’s Work

For Lonnie, therapy isn’t just a job—it’s an assignment. Helping others find direction and sustenance in their lives comes naturally to him. Those who know his work describe him as skilled and talented, but he sees it as more than that. It’s his purpose.

“I know that it is not only my calling but my assignment,” Lonnie shares. “The work I do isn’t just about counseling—it’s about transformation.”

It’s that sense of purpose that keeps him moving forward, even in the face of challenges. When asked what motivates him during difficult times, his answer is clear: “Knowing my life’s purpose, calling, and assignment motivates me to continue pushing forward and pulling through daily, even in the most difficult or challenging of times.”

The Power of Influence

Lonnie’s approach to his work has been shaped by two significant mentors. The first is Myles Munroe, a renowned Christian minister, author, and businessman whose teachings on purpose and leadership left a lasting impact. The second is Dr. Raymond Pomm, a brilliant psychiatrist who taught Lonnie to always look deeper for solutions.

Working alongside Dr. Pomm was a turning point in his career. Observing how he collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to provide the best possible care for detox patients, Lonnie learned the importance of pushing beyond the surface. “He would always ask what more we could do to help those who were struggling the most,” Lonnie recalls. That mindset—always striving for better solutions—became a core part of his practice.

The Reward of Seeing Lives Change

Few things are more fulfilling to Lonnie than seeing his clients transform before his eyes. “The most fulfilling part of my work is seeing clients come in under one condition that is deplorable and unfavorable, seeing them put in the work while they’re in treatment, and then leaving in a much-improved condition,” he says.

For him, success isn’t about accolades or financial gain—it’s about doing meaningful work that leaves no regrets. “To me, success means being able to do whatever work it is that you truly desire to do and doing it without holding any qualms or regrets.”

A Legacy of Motivation and Inspiration

Beyond his counseling practice, Lonnie is also a seasoned motivational speaker, trained by the internationally renowned Les Brown. In 2006, he founded LGF Enterprises, a platform he built from the ground up to inspire, ignite, and empower people across the world. His unique storytelling approach allows him to connect deeply with audiences, helping them see their own potential despite life’s challenges.

His ultimate vision? Expanding his wellness practice into a group practice, earning a doctorate in neuropsychological science, and dedicating the rest of his life to motivational speaking—perhaps even pastoring a church. But for now, as he puts it, “The story of my life is still being written.”

A Champion for His Son and the Future

While Lonnie has built an incredible career, his greatest role is that of a father. His five-year-old son, Lonnie Elijah Foster III, is his world. “I cherish fatherhood profoundly,” he says. “My son is the main reason beyond my motivation as to why I get up daily and perform the great work that I do in life.”

For Lonnie, every challenge he has overcome, every life he has helped, and every goal he continues to pursue is part of a greater purpose—not just for himself, but for the legacy he’s creating.

A Journey Still Unfolding

Lonnie J. Foster is more than a therapist. He’s a motivator, a fighter, and a testament to what happens when you refuse to let labels define you. His journey is proof that no matter where you start, you have the power to rewrite your story. And as he continues to inspire others, one thing is certain—he’s far from finished.

To learn more about his work or to connect, visit Rockstar Psychotherapy.

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