What do you do when after having a successful corporate career for many decades you turn 60 and retire? You go to Africa, of course. And you start bringing other executives with you to help them to reconnect with nature and become better leaders.

Well, at least that’s what Dr. Boy Van Droffelaar did. My guest today is a former corporate executive turned wilderness and leadership guide who, at 60, began leading leadership retreats in the African wilderness. He has done it for 10 years and led his last group when he was 70. With over 2,500 participants joining his transformative journeys, Dr. Van Droffelaar shares his insights on nature’s impact, self-discovery, and the power of silence and presence. Join us as we dive into his journey from boardrooms to riverbanks and what he's learned about leadership, life, and love along the way!

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) What drives a man to reinvent himself at 60?
(03:30) Nature’s “billion-star hotel” – more than just a view
(06:30) Alone in the wilderness: a moment of pure stillness
(08:30) The “talking stick” lesson every leader needs to learn
(12:00) Walking among giants: an unforgettable lesson of respect
(16:30) Can nature reveal who we really are?
(19:30) Age is just a number when you find purpose
(23:00) Why true leadership begins with listening
(29:00) Love and care: the hidden strength in leadership
(32:00) A journey home: discovering what truly matters

Our Guest: Dr. Boy Van Droffelaar
Dr. Boy Van Droffelaar currently works at the Department of Cultural Geography, Wageningen University & Research. He does research in Quantitative Social Research and Qualitative Social Research. Their current project is 'The role of wilderness experiences in leaders' development toward authentic leadership'.

Connect him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boyvandroffelaar/

Your Host: YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Yana has been interviewing thought leaders and change makers since 2015 . You can find more of her thought-provoking interviews on YanaTV, an online talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful, influential and conscious people of Asia.

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

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Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked as a top 3 podcast in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving your full potential.

Women go through so many life changing situations - period, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, menopause….

In this episode, I sit down with Divya, a feminine wellness coach from Singapore who’s on a mission to help women find harmony with their menstrual cycles and hormonal health. She opens up about her personal journey with hormonal struggles, from teenage years to motherhood, and how it shaped her path toward wellness. Together, we dive into the importance of slowing down, reconnecting with our natural rhythms, and embracing kindness to ourselves. This conversation is packed with practical tips every woman can apply to live more balanced and joyful lives!

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) How Divya’s Journey with Hormonal Health Began
(01:30) The Surprising Solution That Worked… Until It Didn’t
(03:30) A Life-Changing Diagnosis After Years of Mystery
(05:00) Real Talk: The Pressure to “Bounce Back” Post-Pregnancy
(08:30) Does Modern Society Fail New Mothers?
(10:00) The Hidden Challenge of Postpartum Anger
(13:00) Rediscovering Purpose Through Personal Healing
(16:30) The Secret Benefits of Following Your Body’s Natural Rhythms
(23:00) How Simple Foods Can Transform Your Health
(36:30) Embracing Kindness: The Advice Every Woman Needs to Hear

Divya Malar Chandragesan
Divya Malar Chandragesan is a personal growth and wellness coach dedicated to empowering individuals to unlock their full potential. With four years in tech and startups, she founded Soulsisters Network Malaysia, a nonprofit supporting women's growth journeys through workshops, wellness events, and mentorship. Her passion for coaching was ignited through her work as a facilitator and mentor, leading her to pursue an ICF accreditation. Divya specializes in guiding motivated individuals through life's transitions, helping them find clarity and purpose as they strive to show up as their best selves.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/divya-malar-chandragesan-b9104812a/

YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Yana has been interviewing thought leaders and change makers since 2015 . You can find more of her thought-provoking interviews on YanaTV, an online talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful, influential and conscious people of Asia.

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

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Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked as a top 3 podcast in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving your full potential.

Is it possible for leaders to balance their responsibilities without burning out? In this episode, I share a personal story that taught me the importance of self-care in leadership. Yesterday, I lost my temper with one of the people in my team - not because that person did something wrong, but because I was very exhausted. This moment made me reflect on how crucial it is for leaders—whether at home or work—to manage their emotions and take care of their well-being. Join me as I explore the simple actions we can take to recharge, lead by example, and create a positive impact on those around us!

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) Why leading starts with taking care of yourself first
(01:30) The moment exhaustion took over – and what it revealed
(03:00) The hidden cost of burnout for leaders
(04:00) How your actions shape those who look up to you
(05:30) What’s your health score? A powerful self-check
(06:30) One simple action to shift your energy today
(08:00) Leading by example: How to truly inspire others
(09:00) The surprising power of proximity in shaping your life
(10:30) Are you lifting people up or dragging them down?

YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Yana has been interviewing thought leaders and change makers since 2015 . You can find more of her thought-provoking interviews on YanaTV, an online talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful, influential and conscious people of Asia.

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

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Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked as a top 3 podcast in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving your full potential.