In Episode 7 of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Marlene Johler, a former investment banker who left behind a “dream career” to pursue something far more meaningful: building a sustainable future for Europe. In this deeply honest and inspiring conversation, Marlene shares her journey of letting go—of prestige, of certainty, of who she thought she was “supposed to be.” What followed was a powerful transformation toward purpose, systems change, and circular economy.

• From high finance to high impact

• From shame and doubt to self-trust and clarity

• From chasing success to redefining it

Whether you’re a student questioning your career path, an early-stage founder battling burnout, or someone searching for alignment in a chaotic world—this episode will speak to you. Because growth doesn’t always come from climbing higher. Sometimes, it comes from climbing a different ladder entirely.

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Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting systems—it’s about safeguarding our freedom, our economy, and our future. In Episode 6 of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Christian Polster, a cybersecurity leader and visionary entrepreneur. Starting as a curious 3-year-old “hacker,” Christian grew to co-found and lead Radar Cyber Security, one of Europe’s top companies in the field. For the first time, Christian shares his incredible journey, from rebooting frozen computer screens to building and selling a cybersecurity powerhouse—all while staying true to his values of purpose over profit. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast curious about the future of cybersecurity, an entrepreneur navigating the challenges of scaling a company, or someone looking for inspiration on aligning success with values, this episode has something for you.

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Networking isn’t about collecting business cards—it’s about creating authentic relationships. In Episode 5 of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Sophie Zechmeister, a leading voice in community building and personal transformation. Sophie shares her journey from a self-described ‘lone wolf’ to becoming a TEDx speaker, author, and expert in fostering meaningful connections. Learn how curiosity, vulnerability, and authenticity can transform your networking game and help you build thriving communities that truly matter. Whether you’re an introvert struggling to make connections, an entrepreneur looking to expand your network, or simply someone searching for belonging, Sophie’s insights will inspire and guide you.

• Why most people approach networking wrong

• How curiosity is the secret to building authentic relationships

• Practical tips for creating and nurturing strong communities
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In this episode of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Tamas Petrovics, former McKinsey consultant turned healthtech entrepreneur, who shares an honest and unfiltered look at his journey from university parties to building a company that’s transforming healthcare. Tamas opens up about the struggles of navigating life as a student, the challenges of the consulting world, and the moment he realized he was ready to step out on his own. Together, we dive into the pivotal decisions that took him from late-night studying (and partying) to launching a successful startup in a highly competitive industry. This episode is packed with insights for anyone questioning their path, considering a career pivot, or simply wanting to know what it takes to turn a big idea into reality. Join us as Tamas reflects on the importance of resilience, the power of having the right team, and why sometimes, it’s okay to take the road less traveled.

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In this episode of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Tamas Petrovics, former McKinsey consultant turned healthtech entrepreneur, who shares an honest and unfiltered look at his journey from university parties to building a company that’s transforming healthcare. Tamas opens up about the struggles of navigating life as a student, the challenges of the consulting world, and the moment he realized he was ready to step out on his own. Together, we dive into the pivotal decisions that took him from late-night studying (and partying) to launching a successful startup in a highly competitive industry. This episode is packed with insights for anyone questioning their path, considering a career pivot, or simply wanting to know what it takes to turn a big idea into reality. Join us as Tamas reflects on the importance of resilience, the power of having the right team, and why sometimes, it’s okay to take the road less traveled.

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Today, we're honored to host Mahdis Gharaei, a pivotal figure in promoting female entrepreneurship. As the founder of one of the most successful female-focused networks, she has significantly impacted over 20,000 women across 75 countries, empowering them through education and professional opportunities. Mahdis is also renowned for her viral TEDx talk which addresses the systemic challenges women face in the economy today. Join us as we uncover Mahdis's journey, her strategies for overcoming societal barriers, and her advice for women navigating the path to leadership and success.

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In today's conversation, I sit down with Kambis Kohansal Vajargah, the dynamic co-founder of Whatchado and a celebrated venture capitalist.

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