The Ricardo Monagas Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Michaela Novotná , founder and CEO of Moovin Space , a Czech startup connecting companies with unused office space to teams looking for flexible, ready-to-use workplaces. We explore how her background in organizational psychology led her into workplace consultancy, and how that thinking shaped Moovin Space. We talk about why the office is no longer the default plac...

In this episode, I talk with Marv Shamma , founder of Flow Elementary Schools , about building a school where kids enjoy learning and feel supported. Marv shares how becoming a father changed the way he looks at education. He explains why he started Flow Elementary and what he wanted to do differently, not by fighting the system, but by adding more care, meaning, and real life context to learning....

In this episode, I sit down with Margaux Miller, a natural connector who helps people build meaningful relationships in digital spaces. As a moderator, public speaker, and community builder, Margaux has spent years bringing people together in ways that feel effortless and genuine. Her TEDx talk, "6 ways to make better connections online", is now featured on TED.com and has reached over 350,000 vie...

Personal finance advisor Kateřina Bendová returns to explore mortgages, life insurance, and how to protect your financial future. This conversation covers the key steps to securing a mortgage, the hidden costs beyond interest rates, and why choosing the right financing matters more than just securing a low rate. Kateřina also shares how life insurance provides financial stability in case of unexpe...

Curious about life as a digital nomad? 🌍 We sit down with Lenka Kosmatová, a coach who’s passionate about self-development and personal branding. Having lived in over 70 countries, Lenka shares her journey as a digital nomad and what inspired her to help women grow both personally and professionally. We explore how to shift to an abundance mindset, the first steps to start a nomadic lifestyle, an...

Feeling drained and want to boost your life at work and home? Listen to my chat with David Papa. We talk about the types of energy that matter, where to begin for a sense of awe, what to avoid, and simple techniques you can try today. Feel free to follow David's journey on his  ⁠LinkedIn⁠ . —— If you have any feedback and suggestions for upcoming episodes or would like to suggest more guests, you...

Have you ever felt nervous about speaking in front of others? Join us for a conversation with Juraj Holub and Denisa Žideková from Speaking Heroes, who make public speaking easier for everyone. In this episode, they talk about: Overcoming fear when giving a presentation Simple tips for structuring your speech How to confidently introduce yourself at networking events The power of non-verbal commun...

Join us for a chat with Kateřina Bendová, a personal finance advisor in the Czech Republic who loves helping locals and expats simplify their finances and improve their financial well-being. In this conversation, Kateřina shares her story, her approach to personal finance, and her best tips for managing money. She talks about starting your personal finance journey, managing shared finances for cou...

Join us for a chat with Michal Vrátný , the founder of Železná Koule , a gym with a mission to help people feel better every day through practical exercises. Michal shares his story of starting Železná Koule, the importance of strength training to living longer, and how kettlebell workouts can make a big difference. He also explains the role of breathing in exercise, how his app Online Koučink wor...

Join us for a chat with David Semerad, Co-Founder and CEO of Mindzero. Mindzero aims to create quick, calming spaces to help you de-stress and refocus, even on a busy schedule. David talks about his entrepreneurial journey starting at age 17 with STRV, finding his partners, and how challenges led to the creation of Mindzero. He discusses what Mindzero offers, his vision for it, and the importance...

Join us for a conversation with Denisa Dědičová, a personal and professional development consultant. Denisa helps people become the best version of themselves, inspired by her favorite quote: "Better self, better world." In this talk, Denisa shares: Her motivation for working in this field Tips for building a happy life Details about her webinars and courses designed to help personal gro...

Join us for a chat with Sintija Meissner, the creator of mámapy.cz, an urban guide for parents in Prague. Sintija will talk about what inspired her to create mámapy.cz, her vision for the platform, and her journey in developing innovative products for startups and companies. She'll also share tips and resources for anyone looking to start their own digital product. Some of the resources she re...

Come listen to Šimon Michalčík, who leads Plant-for-the-planet in the Czech Republic. They are teaching kids how to help our environment by restoring ecosystems. They have also helped with tree-planting projects in parts of Ghana. He’ll be sharing his journey with Plant-for-the-planet, explaining what ecosystem restoration is, and why it matters so much. He'll talk about his TEDx talk, "T...

Join us for a conversation with Hana Kučerová, the leader of OPERO, a vibrant business hub in the heart of Prague. Hana will talk about how she unexpectedly came to lead OPERO and what the space offers to local entrepreneurs. She’ll share inspiring stories from those who work there, details on upcoming events and programs, and the core values that guide her leadership. Hana will also discuss how s...

Join us for a talk with David Papa, who helps leaders get better at understanding their feelings to make better choices. In this chat, David tells us how he became a coach and what The Change Tribe does. He explains why knowing your emotions is key for anyone leading a team, how to avoid making fear-based decisions, simple ways to help yourself grow, how to plan your goals starting from the end, a...

Come meet Veronika Marešová, a warm-hearted style coach and the author behind "Dress for Success." She's all about helping folks embrace their unique style, personal brand, and mindset. In our chat, Veronika shares simple tips to enhance your image and boost self-confidence. Discover how she embarked on this journey over a decade ago and learn about her down-to-earth coaching approac...

Meet Tereza Janíková Gondková, the co-founder of Ollies, a place where pastries bring smiles to parties and work events. With her brother by her side, they’ve grown Ollies from a family project into a chain of 6 must-visit spots in the Czech Republic, and they’re just getting started! In this episode, Tereza shares the story of how her parents sparked the Ollies' adventure, what it’s like creating...

Meet Amit Grinvald, an organizer at TEDx UNYP, and an expert in personal finance and communication coaching. If you're looking to set financial goals and improve your communication skills, Amit can help you both in your personal and professional life. In our conversation, Amit talks about his work in finance, communication, and with TEDx UNYP. He shares advice on how to achieve financial goals...

Meet Andrea Tkačuková, the Co-Founder & CEO of  Foreigners Group . She's your go-to person for making the Czech Republic feel like home if you're an expat. In our conversation, Andrea talks about how she got started, the services Foreigners Group provides, popular jobs for expats in the Czech Republic, tips for running a successful business, balancing work and motherhood, and the folks who ins...

Mathias Durand is a public speaking coach and the Head of Curation at the TEDxUNYP. His mission? To make sure that individuals and companies take their communication and soft skills to the next level. In this episode, Mathias opens up about his journey as a personal development and public speaking coach. He shares tips for becoming a good communicator, both on the TED stage and in your day-to-day...

José Luis Cordeiro is a futurist and author of the book  The Death of Death  who is passionate about helping people live longer, healthier lives. In this episode, he shares his journey from engineering to longevity, the motivations behind his book, his daily health routine, his favorite longevity companies to watch, and his favorite resources for learning about the future, exponential technologies...

Petra Čuřínová is the Founder & CEO of GIVILI, a company that produce premium organic home textiles with the greater good in mind. In this episode, Petra talks about how she started her company from scratch, her routines for staying motivated and healthy, her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who are building direct-to-consumer products, and the resources she follows to learn new things. Feel...

Šárka Pelikánová is the CEO of Connect Economic Group (CEG), a company that helps other companies with their accounting and tax needs. CEG is based in Prague, Czech Republic. In this episode of the podcast, Šárka shares her story of starting the business with her mother. She also talks about the key elements to consider in business accounting, her advice on business networking, and how she keeps g...

Blake Wittman is the European Business Director of GoodCall. They bring a refreshing way of doing talent recruitment. During this episode, Blake shares his story of moving to the Czech Republic, starting his career in talent recruitment, and what makes GoodCall innovative. He also talks about his approach to cold calling and networking, his advice on balancing work and personal life, and how his l...

Amanda Mataija is the CEO & Founder of Prague Integration. They offer mental health services, programs and events that support the community of expats living in Prague. During this episode, Amanda shares her story and motivation behind Prague Integration, how she has funded her company, what are her recommendations to start a business, what is mental health for her & how to improve it and,...