Sprezzatura

Surround Yourself with Greatness: Rethinking Learning with Elena Zangeeva (Sprezzatura S1:E6)

podcast@sprezzatura.media (Radin Rahimzadeh, Ziad Matar, Elena Zangeeva) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:30:00 +0000

Elena Zangeeva’s journey bridges the worlds of people, technology, and learning. Having built and led high-performing teams across Europe, she developed a deep understanding of how individuals grow, collaborate, and unlock their potential within organizations. Over time, she began to see that traditional training methods often struggled to keep pace with the speed of modern work, inspiring her to explore how technology could transform the way knowledge is shared and retained.

This vision led her to create Kvistly, an interactive training platform that uses AI-powered quizzes to make learning more engaging, dynamic, and effective. For Elena, innovation is not just about adopting new tools, but about designing experiences that make learning feel natural, motivating, and meaningful. By combining artificial intelligence with human insight, Kvistly transforms passive training into an active process where curiosity and participation drive real understanding.

Throughout the conversation, Elena reflects on the role of technology in shaping the future of education and professional development. She speaks about the balance between automation and human judgment, emphasizing that while AI can enhance learning experiences, it is the human perspective that gives them purpose and relevance. Her approach is rooted in the belief that the best technologies amplify human potential rather than replace it.

This episode explores Elena’s perspective on innovation, leadership, and the future of learning. It offers a thoughtful look at how emerging technologies can elevate the way people develop skills, exchange knowledge, and grow together in a rapidly evolving world.

Elena Zangeeva is the founder and CEO of Kvistly (https://kvistly.com), you can connect with her on https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenazangeeva/

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Art, Community, and Connection: Majka Tkáčiková Speaks (Sprezzatura S1:E5)

podcast@sprezzatura.media (Radin Rahimzadeh, Ziad Matar, Majka Tkáčiková) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:30:00 +0000

Majka Tkáčiková reflects on the experiences and environments that have shaped her artistic practice. Growing up in the Slovak countryside, surrounded by nature, she developed an early sensitivity to her surroundings and a reflective mindset. Her approach to art emphasizes authenticity: she creates for herself first, translating inner feelings and thoughts into visual forms that communicate who she is. For example, she explores ways to describe color to someone who is colorblind, considering temperature and emotion rather than just hue.

Majka works best in spaces filled with natural light, whether in silence, with music, or alongside other artists whose presence inspires her. Her creations are not only personal expressions but invitations for others to connect with her inner world, fostering reflection on identity, belonging, and community. She believes that human connection is essential, and that the idea of complete independence is an illusion that isolates people from one another.

Her work carries the dual influence of her roots in Slovakia, with its melancholic, introspective qualities—and her life in Barcelona, which brings vibrancy, light, and openness. Majka’s art engages with themes of utopia, dystopia, and the role of technology, prompting viewers to consider how society and creativity intersect. Through her work, she advocates for empathy, collaboration, and the recognition of our shared humanity, merging personal introspection with broader cultural dialogue.

Majka Tkáčiková is an artist, exhibition designer, curator and go-to creative director connecting visual art, exhibition design and strong spatial experience, you can connect with her on Instagram @maju_maj and on LinkedIn

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🎙️ Sprezzatura is produced by The Amazingfull Circus check out their work on www.theamazingfull.com and reach out to them at all.ears@theamazingfull.com

Living Curiosity: Lessons from Cristina Salvador (Sprezzatura S1:E4)

podcast@sprezzatura.media (Radin Rahimzadeh, Ziad Matar, Cristina Salvador) — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 08:30:00 +0000

Cristina Salvador reflects on the experiences that have shaped her life and career. Growing up in Barcelona, a cosmopolitan city by the sea and close to nature, she was raised in a family that nurtured curiosity, a love for books, and an international perspective. Her parents encouraged her to explore, experiment, and take risks, instilling the courage to try new things and the resilience to learn from both successes and failures.

She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with people who challenge your ideas, broaden your thinking, and support your growth. Cristina thrives in environments where curiosity prevails over fear, where individuals constantly push boundaries, and where diversity of thought sparks innovation. Mentorship is a key value for her, and she finds inspiration in Gen Z, admiring their unique approach to commitment, creativity, and problem-solving.

Outside of work, Cristina prioritizes meaningful relationships, hobbies, and quality time with friends and family, integrating balance and joy into her life. She sees Barcelona not merely as a city but as a mindset—a philosophy of openness, curiosity, and optimism that shapes how she interacts with others and leads her teams. This mindset guides her vision for the workforce of the future: a world where people remain curious, resilient, and ready to embrace change, combining personal growth with professional achievement.

Cristina Salvador is Founder of Both People & Comms (a Newlink Company), you can connect with her on Instagram @crissalvador and on LinkedIn

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🎙️ Sprezzatura is produced by The Amazingfull Circus check out their work on www.theamazingfull.com and reach out to them at all.ears@theamazingfull.com

Leading with Intuition: A Conversation with Fiona Garvey (Sprezzatura S1:E3)

podcast@sprezzatura.media (Radin Rahimzadeh, Ziad Matar, Fiona Garvey) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:19:45 +0000

Throughout the interview, Fiona Garvey shares the experiences that shaped her identity and leadership style. She speaks about her childhood in Ireland, her role as the responsible eldest sibling, and the influence of a fun yet chaotic mother. A pivotal moment came when she moved to Germany without speaking the language; guided by a book on self-empowerment, she discovered the power of building strength from within.

When discussing her role as CEO, Fiona highlights her ability to combine intuition with business execution. At Softonic, she champions a culture based on authenticity,where courage, experimentation, and the celebration of mistakes are essential. She also touches on the company’s rituals, the creative value of diverse mindsets, and the importance of stepping back to regain focus, even though balance remains a constant challenge.

Looking toward the future, Fiona imagines a company driven by people who bring genuine value, ready to embrace AI while remaining deeply human and empathetic. She calls for an evolution in education to better prepare children for tomorrow’s world and stresses the role of mentorship in supporting young professionals as they enter the workplace. Through the interview, Fiona paints a vision of leadership rooted in intuition, humanity, and continuous learning.

Fiona Garvey is the CEO of Softonic, you can connect with her on Instagram @feegarvey and on LinkedIn

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🎙️ Sprezzatura is produced by The Amazingfull Circus check out their work on www.theamazingfull.com and reach out to them at all.ears@theamazingfull.com

Designing with Humanity: Xavier Vilalta on the Architecture and Life (Sprezzatura S1:E2)

podcast@sprezzatura.media (Xavier Vilalta, Ziad Matar, Radin Rahimzadeh) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:03:35 +0000

Xavier Vilalta grew up in a small Catalan village. Growing up among apple trees and alongside his grandmother, a fashion designer, he developed an early balance that still shapes his work today. With a father in business, a mother who taught with patience, and a grandfather who often said, “stop, look, understand,” Xavier learned early that creativity and structure can work together.

These foundations followed him to Barcelona and later to Chicago, broadening his vision while keeping him rooted. For him, architecture begins with listening: understanding a place, its people, and its story before designing anything. The “why” of a project always comes before the “how.”

Curious by nature, Xavier draws inspiration from art, reading, and meaningful connections. He sees trends not as fleeting fads but as reflections of humanity’s evolution. Even when exploring emerging technologies like AI, he defends the human spark: AI can assist, but it should never replace creativity.

Music also plays a central role in his life: if architecture grounds people, music frees them. Over time, Xavier has learned to overcome perfectionism, delegate, and embrace the beauty of imperfection.

Proud to be an architect from Barcelona, he envisions cities that are more humane, walkable, and in harmony with nature. His journey reveals a creator guided by humility, curiosity, and a profound respect for the stories that places and people have to tell.

Xavier Vilalta is the Managing Director of Vilalta Studio, you can connect with him on Instagram @xaviervilalta and through his LinkedIn.

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🎙️ Sprezzatura is produced by The Amazingfull Circus check out their work on www.theamazingfull.com and reach out to them at all.ears@theamazingfull.com

Ready for the decisive moment with Idriss Al Rifai (Sprezzatura S1:E1)

podcast@sprezzatura.media (Sprezzatura Media LLC) — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:43:50 +0000

Idriss’ work is fueled by purpose: tackling unfairness, supporting SMEs, and reducing barriers to opportunity. The leadership style that Idriss follows elegantly balances responsibility and humility. From a young age, he competed at the national level across sports such as table tennis and judo, before going pro in basketball. Basketball, in particular, has shaped his mindset, where he honed his ability to balance teamwork with decisive executive action. These early lessons have seamlessly translated into his later success in the world of startups, where timing, strategy, and execution determine success.

Beyond performance, Idriss reflects on belonging. Although he has lived in cities across the globe including San Francisco, Dubai, and now Barcelona, he finds that he feels most grounded in the place he first called home in the South of France. Here, surrounded by mountains and nature, he returns to his truest self, resetting before continuing to grow his company and impact with Flow48.

This episode offers an intimate look into how both immediate execution and higher purpose intersect in Idriss’ life, from his experiences on the court, in startups, and beyond. It’s a story of leadership that doesn’t just center individual success, but brings to the surface the key elements of leadership with a deep purpose.

Idriss Al Rifai is the co-founder & CEO of Flow48 (www.flow48.com) you can connect with him on LinkedIn

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🎙️ Sprezzatura is produced by The Amazingfull Circus check out their work on www.theamazingfull.com and reach out to them at all.ears@theamazingfull.com