Make it Happen by Being You with Ali Meehan

Hosted by Ali Meehan

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Jun 2026

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Make it Happen with Ali Meehan are snapshots of inspiration and stories from Business leaders on various topics to help you make it happen in business and life. Make it Happen with Ali Meehan offers you small but mighty, rich, intense moments of inspiration.

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June 3, 2026Episode 5531 min

Your Brilliance Is Not the Problem: Kezia Luckett on Neuropositivity Profiling, Neurodivergence, and Finally Feeling Seen

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Make It Happen by Being You Podcast, I'm joined by Kezia Luckett, positive psychologist, founder of the Insytte Institute, and creator of the Neuropositivity Profiler. Kezia and I have known each other for years across different businesses, different lives and different locations, and this conversation is one I've genuinely been looking forward to sharing.Kezia built her work around a simple but radical idea: that the traditional model for understanding the human brain is built on deficit. On proving what's wrong with you. On demonstrating how broken you are before you get any help. Her response to that was to build something completely different: a framework rooted in strengths, brilliance, and what is right with people.The Neuropositivity Profiler came directly from her daughter's ADHD assessment process, and the moment the assessment centre told her it depended on "how bad she is." As a positive psychologist, that phrase was the catalyst for everything that followed.We talk about the five neurosignatures (Neurospark, NeuroDrive, Neurocraft, Neuroflow, and Neurosense), what happens in the gap between insight and identity.We explore why roadblocks are a sign you're growing, as well as the role of AI in human-centred business.At the time of recording, Kezia is offering a free five-day Neuro Business Reset course she's created for female entrepreneurs. There is also a free full Neuropositivity Profiler report available exclusively for Make It Happen listeners until slots expire. Details are in the show notes below.The NeuroBusiness Reset on 15th June 2026 at 1pm UK time for the whole week. You can register by heading to www.neurobusinessreset.comTo get your free extended NeuroPositivity Profiler report go to www.neuropositivityprofiler.com using NPP-COSTA-26 into the organisation code when you register to be upgraded to the full report for free, whilst slots last. Website: https://insytte.com/Connect with Kezia on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kezialuckett/Book: Humankind by Rutger BregmanSupport the showThanks for listening to the show! If you are a Woman in Spain, or a Woman thinking about moving to Spain join https://costawomen.com - its free to join

May 18, 202624 min

AI Without the Fear: Susanne Drews on Using Artificial Intelligence Wisely, Ethically, with Confidence

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Make It Happen by Being You Podcast, I'm joined by Susanne Drews, AI educator, sociologist, app founder, based on the Costa del Sol. Susanne has spent 20 years living in Spain and has built her business around something that a lot of us find either fascinating or terrifying (sometimes both at the same time) - artificial intelligence.What makes Susanne different is that she doesn't just talk about what AI can do. She teaches people how to use it ethically, critically, confidently; starting with the basics and building from there. She is particularly passionate about helping women overcome the confidence barrier that stops so many of them from engaging with AI tools at all.In this conversation we get into how AI actually works, why it's not so different from the human brain, how Spain is outranking most of Europe in AI adoption, and how Susanne used Google NotebookLM to help her 12-year-old daughter stop drowning in school revision. We also talk about her new app for empathetic leadership (yes, it is nearly ready!), her vision of speaking on a TED stage, and the book that changed her relationship with money.This episode is practical, grounding, and genuinely useful for anyone who is curious about AI but not quite sure where to start.About Susanne DrewsSusanne Drews is an AI educator and sociologist who has been based on the Costa del Sol for 20 years. She teaches individuals and businesses how to use artificial intelligence practically, ethically, and with confidence, starting with the fundamentals and building up to more advanced applications. She is currently building an app for empathetic leadership that uses AI to support middle managers, including a wellbeing tracker for sleep, nutrition and energy. Susanne speaks regularly at events across the Costa del Sol and is passionate about bringing AI education to wider audiences.Connect with Susanne:Instagram: @susanne.iaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-drews/Support the showThanks for listening to the show! If you are a Woman in Spain, or a Woman thinking about moving to Spain join https://costawomen.com - its free to join

May 11, 202624 min

Parenting with Autism: Kim van Helen on Surviving, Self-Regulation, and Why Parents Need Support Too

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Make It Happen by Being You Podcast, I'm joined by Kim van Helen, holistic life coach, women's circle facilitator, and autism parent guidance coach. Kim received her son's autism diagnosis when he was five years old, and spent years in survival mode before she even realised that's what was happening. Today, she helps other parents (especially mothers) find emotional balance, develop self-awareness, and navigate the unique challenges of raising a neurodivergent child with confidence and compassion.This is a conversation that will speak directly to any parent who has been so focused on their child that they have quietly forgotten about themselves. Kim talks about what autism actually is, how it shows up differently in every person, why parents of autistic children are operating under a level of stress equivalent to a combat soldier (without the downtime), and what practical tools can help. She also shares her broader work: conscious networking events, women's circles using shadow and belief work, and her plans to bring autism awareness into English-speaking schools on the Costa del Sol.Kim shares from a place of warmth, grounding and deeply honesty.What We Cover in This EpisodeKim's three businesses: The Aligned Network Circle, Van Helen Healing and her new autism parent guidance coachingWhat autism actually is and why no two people on the spectrum are the same (including the brain scan explanation that genuinely changes how you see it)Why Kim believes she herself may be on the spectrum, and what that realisation meant for herThe two sides of parenting an autistic child: caring for your child and (often forgotten) caring for yourselfThe research showing that parents of neurodivergent children are living in a level of stress comparable to someone in active combat, without any downtimePractical techniques Kim used with her own son, including silent presence during meltdowns and visual daily schedulesThe difference between a meltdown and a tantrum (and why this matters)How Kim communicated with her son's school, including the notebook system that made a real differenceOvercoming self-doubt when building multiple businesses and why mentorship changed everythingHer women's circles, shadow work, and why she describes the things we hide from ourselves as "gold nuggets"The Netflix documentary Stutz (Jonah Hill and his therapist Dr Stutz) that deepened her understanding of her own workAbout Kim van HelenKim van Helen is a holistic life coach, women's circle facilitator, and autism parent guidance coach based on the Costa del Sol. She is the founder of Helen Healing and The Aligned Network Circle, a conscious networking community for entrepreneurs. As an autism parent guidance coach, Kim helps parents of neurodivergent children find emotional balance and practical tools to navigate their journey with more confidence and less overwhelm. She is also a co-author in development and plans to bring autism awareness workshops to English-speaking schools across the Costa del Sol in 2026.Connect with Kim:Facebook: Van Helen Healing / Parenting with Autism Self-Development CircleWebsite: vanhelenhealing.comSupport the showThanks for listening to the show! If you are a Woman in Spain, or a Woman thinking about moving to Spain join https://costawomen.com - its free to join

April 25, 202618 min

You Don't Have to Build Your Business on Stress: Krasimira Raykova on Feminine Energy, Fulfilment and Finding a New Way to Lead

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Make It Happen by Being You Podcast, I'm joined by Krasimira Raykova, a feminine energy coach and creator of the Radiant Feminine Awakening System(TM). Krasimira works with women who look successful on the outside but feel disconnected, overwhelmed and unfulfilled on the inside. Her work is about helping women reconnect with their feminine energy so they can feel alive, confident, and deeply fulfilled in both their life and their business.This is a conversation that will resonate with so many women in business. We talk about the epidemic of high-achieving women running on cortisol and pressure, why so many of us have slipped into a masculine way of operating (and what it costs us), and what it actually looks and feels like to lead differently. Krasimira is open, warm and wonderfully honest about her own journey, including the moment she realised her ego was getting in the way of everything.She's also a co-author of Changemaker, an Amazon bestseller and she's about to launch her signature programme. What We Cover in This EpisodeWhat the Radiant Feminine Awakening System is and who it's forWhy Krasimira believes there's an epidemic of successful but unfulfilled womenThe difference between masculine and feminine energy (and the balance we actually need)How modern life, family conditioning, and childhood wounds push women into overdriveKrasimira's own story of two marriages, ego, competition, and the shift that changed everythingWhy success without fulfilment doesn't feel the way we expectThe three biggest things she's discovered about building a business as a womanHer co-authored Amazon bestseller Changemaker and the book that transformed her lifeAbout Krasimira RaykovaKrasimira Raykova is a feminine energy coach based on the Costa del Sol and creator of the Radiant Feminine Awakening System, a programme designed to help high-achieving women reconnect with their feminine energy and experience deep fulfilment in their personal life and business. She is a co-author of Changemaker, an Amazon bestselling book featuring the stories of 17 people who changed the lives of others. Krasimira offers a free 20-minute consultation for women who are curious about her work.Connect with Krasimira:Instagram: @relationshipactivatorWebsite: https://relationshipactivator.com/Email: relationshipactivator@gmail.comChangemakers book A Woman's Guide to Happiness by Nataliya KobylkinaWhat is the Radiant Feminine Awakening System? The Radiant Feminine Awakening System is a unique programme created by Krasimira. It is built around six core principles and is designed to guide women through a deep internal transformation. It includes live retreat events (five days where the programme is introduced) followed by a 12-month ongoing journey of change, with mentorship to ensure the transformation takes root rather than fading back into old patterns.Support the showThanks for listening to the show! If you are a Woman in Spain, or a Woman thinking about moving to Spain join https://costawomen.com - its free to join

April 15, 202622 min

Mari-Liis Vaher on Marketing Strategy, Resilience, and Why No One Wins Alone

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Make It Happen by Being You Podcast, I'm joined by Mari-Liis Vaher, a marketing strategist with 20 years of experience and an entrepreneur for 15 years. At just 12 years old, Mari-Liis was diagnosed with severe scoliosis, underwent an eight-hour operation, spent six months in hospital, and was told she would never live a normal life. She went on to build a multi-million euro business, raise two children, move to Spain, write a book, and launch a global marketing community. Her story is quietly powerful.We talk about her five-step marketing framework (featured in her book The Greatest Marketer), why strategy must always come before tactics, how to work in business with your partner without it destroying your home life, and what marketing looks like now that AI has arrived.She also shares how the Costa Women network helped her find the missing piece she needed to finally finish her book after five years. Because as Mari-Liis says 'no one wins alone'.What We Cover in This EpisodeHow Mari-Liis rebuilt her life after major spinal surgery at 12 (and what she'd say to anyone who's been told what they can't do)The five-step framework inside The Greatest Marketer: Mindset, Strategy, Marketing, Communication, and LeadershipWhy marketing meetings should never start with "so, what ideas do we have today?"How she and her husband grew a marketing company to over 2 million euros in revenue, reached the edge of burnout, and made the brave decision to leave it all behind and move to SpainHow COVID gave her the space to develop the framework that now underpins her whole businessWorking with your partner: the one boundary that changed everythingHow to choose your marketing platform based on strategy, not emotionThe role of AI in modern marketing and why human connection matters more than everHer current vision for 2026: global partnership programmes connecting her marketing community with business chambers in Sweden, Spain, and New YorkKey TakeawaysStrategy is the agreement on direction. Without it, every activity runs in a different direction.Marketing meetings should start with your business goals, not your ideas.If you're running on empty, you cannot build a successful business. Mindset comes first.Your time is your most expensive resource. Choose platforms intentionally.AI is a tool, not a leader. Use it for heavy lifting so you can focus on genuine connection.The right support changes everything. You don't have to do it alone.About Mari-Liis VaherMari-Liis Vaher is a marketing strategist, entrepreneur and author of The Greatest Marketer. With 20 years in marketing and 15 years as a business owner, she is the founder of Powerful Marketers, a global community helping business owners and marketers bridge the gap between marketing activity and actual business results. She is currently building global partnership programmes across Europe and the US and is based in Spain.Connect with Mari-Liis:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vahermariliis/Book: https://thegreatestmarketer.comCommunity: https://powerful-marketers.comSupport the showThanks for listening to the show! If you are a Woman in Spain, or a Woman thinking about moving to Spain join https://costawomen.com - its free to join

April 6, 202623 min

Your Nervous System is Your Best Friend: Jagoda Szalaj on Slowing Down, Tuning In, and Healing from the Inside Out

Send us Fan MailHave you ever been told by a doctor that there's nothing physically wrong with you, yet you know something is deeply off? That was exactly where today's guest, Jagoda, found herself before she discovered the world of somatic and nervous system therapy. And it changed everything.In this episode of the Make It Happen series, I sit down with Jagoda, a therapist specialising in craniosacral therapy, movement therapy (which she calls Emotion Through Motion), and coherence therapy. With 15 to 20 years of experience, Jagoda helps people reconnect their mind and body so they can truly thrive, not just cope.We talk about why so many of us are running on empty, why the world is simply too fast for our nervous systems, and how healing doesn't have to take hours a day. Even two minutes in the bathroom counts. Seriously.In this episode, we cover:What the nervous system actually needs from us (and why it prefers baby steps over big leaps)How Jagoda's own burnout and somatic struggles led her to become a therapistWhy talking to a friend who simply listens (without advice) is one of the most powerful things you can do for your nervous systemThe challenge of charging what you're worth, especially when you come from a background or culture where self-worth wasn't exactly celebratedWhy failure is not the opposite of success, it's often the path to itThe practical, no-excuses tips for nervous system regulation that you can do right now, wherever you areJagoda's two superpowers and why deep listening is one of the rarest gifts in the modern worldThe quote that stayed with me:"Follow your dreams and do it your own way, in your own pace. You have time."Who is Jagoda?Jagoda is a therapist based in Spain who works with clients internationally (online and in person). She specialises in craniosacral therapy, movement therapy, and coherence therapy, and her approach is always individual, always compassionate, and always guided by what's right for you rather than a one-size-fits-all method. You can find her at bodyandmindtherapy.pl and on Instagram and Facebook at Jagoda Therapist.Connect with Jagoda:Website: bodyandmindtherapy.plInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jagoda_therapist/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jagoda444 Support the showThanks for listening to the show! If you are a Woman in Spain, or a Woman thinking about moving to Spain join https://costawomen.com - its free to join

March 12, 2026Episode 5316 min

Why Podcasting is Your Best Business Tool with Sandra Laurie

Send us Fan MailAre you overcomplicating your content strategy? In this episode of the Make It Happen podcast, Ali is joined by podcasting "pro" Sandra Laurie, co-founder of WL Costa Properties and host of the chart-topping Costa Property Podcast.Sandra pulls back the curtain on how podcasting has revolutionised her real estate business, turning cold leads into "already converted" clients before they even hop on a discovery call. If you’ve ever felt too introverted to start, or too intimidated by the tech, this conversation is the permission slip you’ve been waiting for.In this episode, we discuss:The Power of Connection: Why podcasting is the ultimate way to share your story and build organic relationships with your network.Demystifying the Tech: Why you don't need a fancy studio to start (and why Stephen Bartlett started in a laundry room!).Overcoming the "I’m Not an Expert" Trap: How to silence the internal roadblocks and self-doubt that hold most entrepreneurs back.The Future of Marketing: Why personal branding and one-to-one connections via newsletters and podcasts are becoming more vital as AI rises.Building Community: A sneak peek into Sandra’s new "Buyer’s Circle" and how she’s creating a one-to-one experience for people relocating to Spain.Notable Quotes:"By the time they reach out for a consultation, they've already mentally made the decision that they want to work with us... they understand what we're about as people."Resources Mentioned:Connect with Sandra Laurie: WL Costa Properties InstagramListen to Sandra’s Podcast: The Costa Property PodcastBusiness Role Models: Lisa Johnson (Passive Income Queen) & Stephen Bartlett (Diary of a CEO)Recommended Listening: The Diary of a CEO with Simon Sinek (AI & Personal Connection)Upcoming Learning: Alex Hormozi’s How to Win in Business series.Join the Community:If you are a woman living in Spain or dreaming of making the move, join our thriving community at costawomen.com. It’s completely free to join!Don't forget to subscribe to the Make It Happen series on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an interview.Support the showThanks for listening to the show! If you are a Woman in Spain, or a Woman thinking about moving to Spain join https://costawomen.com - its free to join

December 1, 2025Episode 5235 min

Don't follow the rules, follow your energy with Nicoline Huizinga

Send us Fan MailWhat if the key to building a business that finally feels right has been in your blueprint since birth? In this episode, I sit down with Human Design coach Nicoline Huizinga (whose insights have been shaking up the Costa Women Business Growth Circle this year) to explore how understanding your unique energetic wiring can transform the way you work, create, and make decisions.Nicoline breaks down what Human Design really is (and why it’s not just “woo”), how it blends ancient systems with modern science, and why it offers a level of accuracy she never found in traditional personality assessments. She shares her own journey from chasing every “proven” business blueprint to discovering she’s a Generator designed to wait and respond; a shift that changed everything.Together, they dive into:How Human Design reveals your strengths, sensitivities, and decision-making styleWhy so many entrepreneurs get stuck following strategies that don’t fit themWhat happens when you stop forcing and start respondingThe reality of roadblocks, failed launches, and the power of experimentationHow Nicoline uses AI wisely in her Human Design workHer experience of losing her Facebook account overnight—and building a business that doesn’t rely on social mediaIf you’ve ever felt like you’re “doing everything right” but not getting results, this conversation offers fresh clarity and real permission to build your business your way.Tune in and discover why your Human Design might be the missing piece you’ve been searching for.Connect with Nicoline and download your human design profile https://www.nicolinehuizinga.com/Get early access to Nicoline's latest Book - Designed for Success - https://books.nicolinehuizinga.com/designedforsuccessSupport the showThanks for listening to the show! If you are a Woman in Spain, or a Woman thinking about moving to Spain join https://costawomen.com - its free to join

November 13, 2025Episode 5124 min

Creating financial, personal and emotional wealth with Michele Collison

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the Make It Happen by Being You podcast. I’m your host, Ali Meehan, and today I’m joined by Michele Collison, co-founder of Mindshift Theory.Originally from South Africa, Michele has lived across three continents; the UK, Switzerland, the US, and now Spain, creating a life and business that reflect true freedom and intention. Together with her husband, Riccardo, she teaches women how to build wealth in every sense of the word: financially, personally and emotionally.In our conversation, Michele shares how shifting your relationship with money can open up time, choice, and calm. She talks about the journey from corporate stress in San Francisco to a life designed around freedom on the Spanish coast. Michele shares how she now helps women make money work harder for them, rather than the other way around.💡 You’ll learn:How to use your mind to create wealth and freedomWhy mindset is the biggest business block (and how to overcome it)Why you already have the answers inside you, you just need the right questionsWe dive into what money really means, how mindset shapes wealth, and why creating abundance starts from within. Michele also opens up about her own business roadblocks, her evolving definition of success, and the launch of a women’s wealth program to help others build the same sense of financial empowerment and peace she’s found.If you’ve ever felt that money holds you back or that you’re working harder than your bank balance shows, this episode will change the way you see both.Connect with Michele and find her courses here https://www.mindshifttheory.io/courses/And Michele's book recommendation for any friend who's hiding her greatness from the world, is Susana Serrano-Davey's new book "Self-confidence is Over-rated"- a perfect gift. Share this with a friend who needs to hear Michele's wisdom too and we'd love you to comment, like and subscribe to this episode.Support the showThanks for listening to the show! If you are a Woman in Spain, or a Woman thinking about moving to Spain join https://costawomen.com - its free to join

April 3, 2025Episode 4938 min

Make it Happen with Jacqui Macdonald - Seven Hidden Treasures to Unlock the Menopause

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Make It Happen series, I sit down with Jacqui, author of The Art of Being and The Magical Third, to explore how mindset, gratitude and intentional living can transform the menopause experience.Jacqui shares:- Daily rituals to boost happiness and well-being - The importance of gratitude and intentionality - Why mindset shifts are key during menopause - Her upcoming plans for menopause support circles 📖 Get Jacqui’s FREE book from her website https://themagicalthird.com Follow Jacqui on Threads: @beingJacquiSupport the showThanks for listening to the show! If you are a Woman in Spain, or a Woman thinking about moving to Spain join https://costawomen.com - its free to joinSupport the showThanks for listening to the show! If you are a Woman in Spain, or a Woman thinking about moving to Spain join https://costawomen.com - its free to join