If you long for deep, joyful connection in new places or just want permission to bring your whole self to every friendship and opportunity, this episode is for you.In this soul-nourishing episode, I sit down with my vibrant friend Alice Tenjiwe Kabwe to unpack our unlikely friendship, sparked at a Nonviolent Communication retreat in Nairobi. From braids and belly laughs to creating space for vulnerability, we dive into the magic that happens when you lead with curiosity, courage, and authentic self-awareness, anywhere in the world! Together, we explore how to embrace your superpowers, stop overgiving, and choose connection with intention.Watch This If:Are seeking to build authentic connections (even in unfamiliar places)Want to harness your “helper” or “systems-thinker” superpowers without feeling drainedAre navigating the multicultural, immigrant, or third-culture experienceCrave more joy, playfulness, and lightness in your relationshipsNeed a permission slip to own your worth, celebrate your gifts, and set mindful boundaries Episode Highlights (with Timestamps):00:00 Welcome & My First Impressions of Alice 02:33 A Friendship Sparked by Sisterhood (and Locs!) 07:31 Finding Lightness & Joy—Even When Conversations Get Deep 15:54 Cultural Translation: How Alice Opened My World in Kenya 17:53 Why We’re Compelled to Help—and How to Choose Wisely 26:37 Childhood Roots & Middle Child “Superpowers” 31:44 Turning Your Service Into a Choice (Not a Compulsion) 39:41 Letting Go of Needing Validation 48:57 Building Community With Intention as an Expat & Professional 54:56 Making Room for What You Want—And Actually Receiving It 59:44 Parenting, Possibility & Watching Others Grow 1:05:03 Trusting Your Path, Letting Go of Pressure 1:11:59 Recap, Gratefulness, and Lasting ConnectionWhat You’ll Learn:How to spot (and sustain) relationships that spark joy, growth, and belongingA fresh approach to using your “helping” gifts intentionally, rather than compulsivelyWays to honor your story—cultural, professional, and familial—when building your circles of influenceSimple practices to become more self-aware and tuned into your own needsWhy reframing your “superpower” is the key to thriving—and not burning out—in service to othersContact Information: Guest: Alice KabweInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicekabwe/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicetenjiwekabwe/ Host: Valerie HopeWebsite: https://www.valeriehope.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHopeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoyProduction Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing. #CircleOfHopePodcast #MeaningfulConnections #FriendshipAcrossCultures #ServiceLeadership #PersonalGrowth #CulturalAmbassador

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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