Episode 48: Titanic Syndrome - Reinvent & Thrive in Chaos with Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva in The7hats Podcast by Yuval Selik

Reinvention as a Survival Skill

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva joins Yuval Selik to explore why reinvention is no longer a luxury—it’s a life skill. From surviving the collapse of the Soviet Union to helping global corporations thrive in chaos, Dr. Nadya shares her journey as a business owner, academic, and reinvention strategist. Together, they discuss what happens when certainty vanishes—and how to build a future by design, not default.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll learn how your relationship with change impacts every area of your life—from your business model to your sense of identity. Dr. Nadya explains how to break free from stability addiction, how to lead reinvention in your organization, and why today’s economy rewards adaptability over perfection. You’ll also hear the real story behind the creation of the Reinvention Academy and why she believes every leader needs a reinvention toolkit now more than ever.

Who This Is For

• Entrepreneurs navigating the pressure to pivot
• Business owners facing reinvention after burnout
• Coaches and consultants guiding others through change
• Corporate leaders building transformation capacity
• Anyone who feels stuck and knows they’re meant for more

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. You Don’t Have to Burn Out to Reinvent

Most people wait for a breakdown before they allow themselves to change. But reinvention works best when done from strength—not survival. Start before you’re forced to

2. Your Career Is Not a Straight Line

Dr. Nadya shares how she moved from academia to business not through planning, but through purposeful experimentation. Reinvention doesn’t follow a script—it follows a pattern of courage and curiosity.

3. Systems Reinvent Systems

Real transformation doesn’t come from a speech or a new app. It comes from embedding reinvention into your daily routines, decision-making models, and reward systems—until it becomes second nature.

Resources Mentioned

• The Chief Reinvention Officer Handbook: How to Thrive in Chaos by Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva
• Reinvention Academy
• Easy Reinvention Lab (Free Community Event)
• Research on burnout and adaptability from Gallup