Episode 4: Reinvention, Persevering Through Obstacles, and Professional Adventures with Business Owner, Educator, Speaker & Author Specializing in Reinvention Dr Nadya Zhexembayeva in Ambitious Radio Podcast

Reinventing Ambition

In this heartfelt episode of Ambitious Radio, Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva opens up about the deeply personal journey that shaped her global message of reinvention. From surviving the collapse of the Soviet Union to building a global consulting firm helping companies like Coca-Cola and IBM, Dr. Nadya shares how chaos taught her the most powerful strategy in business: reinvention. She discusses why past success often becomes the biggest enemy of future growth, and how even the most traditional leaders can learn to transform before disruption hits. This episode is not just about theory - it's about lived experience, cultural resilience, and the tools you can use to thrive in a world of uncertainty.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll learn why the biggest threat to your business isn’t the competition outside, but the comfort within. Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva explains how attachment to what once worked can sabotage your future, and why companies must master reinvention just like brushing their teeth—routinely and without waiting for a crisis. She walks through real-world examples of businesses that turned chaos into momentum by asking one powerful question: "What are we good at, and how can we use it in a new way?" You’ll also hear how reinvention differs from innovation and why it's essential to learn how to adapt before you're forced to.

Who This Is For

• Entrepreneurs and founders navigating major transitions
• Leaders and executives facing cultural or market disruption
• Coaches, educators, and consultants seeking to build resilience strategies
• Professionals feeling stuck in outdated business models or careers
• Anyone curious about turning adversity into opportunity

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. Reinvention Is a Survival Skill

In volatile environments, those who reinvent early and often win. Reinvention isn't about throwing everything away—it's about building on your strengths with a fresh perspective.

2. The Danger of Denial

Dr. Nadya shares how post-Soviet trauma shaped her worldview and why many individuals and companies would rather collapse than face the unknown. Denial is the real killer of innovation.

3. Reinvention Is Repeatable

The same toolkit used to revive corporations can be used by individuals, nonprofits, and even governments. Reinvention is not magic—it's a process anyone can learn.

Resources Mentioned

• Overfished Ocean Strategy – by Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva
• Embedded Sustainability – by Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva
• Chief Reinvention Officer Handbook – available here
• Free Reinvention Toolkit and newsletter sign-up at chiefreinventionofficer.com