What makes a life successful?

Is it the promotion, the postcode, the likes that light up your phone? That’s the story we’ve been sold, isn’t it?

Kemi Nekvapil is successful—but not in the way you might think. Yes, she’s one of Australia’s leading executive coaches and the author of the powerful book Grounded Success. But to Kemi—who was homeless at 13 and who now lives on a daffodil farm in regional Victoria—success is something deeper. Her success is that she’s built a life rich in purpose and peace.

In this conversation, she shares how to recognise a “full-body yes”—those moments when your entire being says this is right—and why keeping death close can actually lead to a more vibrant, meaningful life.

You can find Kemi's book Grounded Successhere. 

THE END BITS: 

Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw! 

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au 

Follow us on Instagram @MidbyMamamia or sign up to the MID newsletter, dropping weekly here. 

CREDITS:

Guest: Kemi Nekvapil

Host: Holly Wainwright

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Tina Matolov

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

What makes a life successful?
Is it the promotion, the postcode, the likes that light up your phone? That&rsquo;s the story we&rsquo;ve been sold, isn&rsquo;t it?
Kemi Nekvapil is successful&mdash;but not in the way you might think. Yes, she&rsquo;s one of Australia&rsquo;s leading executive coaches and the author of the powerful book Grounded Success. But to Kemi&mdash;who was homeless at 13 and who now lives on a daffodil farm in regional Victoria&mdash;success is something deeper. Her success is that she&rsquo;s built a life rich in purpose and peace.
In this conversation, she shares how to recognise a &ldquo;full-body yes&rdquo;&mdash;those moments when your entire being says this is right&mdash;and why keeping death close can actually lead to a more vibrant, meaningful life.
You can find Kemi's book Grounded Success <a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/grounded-success-9781761345944">here</a>.&nbsp;
THE END BITS:&nbsp;
Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our <a href="https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8396145/NEW-Mamamia-Financial-Wellbeing-Study-2025">short survey here</a> for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!&nbsp;
Share your feedback!&nbsp;<a href="https://help.mamamia.com.au/en-US/send-a-podcast-voice-note-467960" data-stringify-link="https://help.mamamia.com.au/en-US/send-a-podcast-voice-note-467960" data-sk="tooltip_parent">Send us a voice message </a>or email us at <a href="mailto:podcast@mamamia.com.au">podcast@mamamia.com.au</a>&nbsp;
Follow us on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/midbymamamia/?hl=en">@MidbyMamamia</a> or sign up to the MID newsletter, dropping weekly <a href="https://midbymamamia.substack.com/">here</a>.&nbsp;
CREDITS:
Guest: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/keminekvapil/?hl=en">Kemi Nekvapil</a>
Host:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/wainwrightholly/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;amp;ig_mid=74644078-8F28-485C-9065-97B07E9DEE99">Holly Wainwright</a>
Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman
Executive Producer: Naima Brown
Audio Producer: Tina Matolov
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Welcome to MID - the grown-up conversations women deserve.

Ever wondered what to do when your ducks don't all fit neatly into the row they're supposed to?

Each episode we bring you handpicked compelling stories discussing relationships and wellness.

Fun, frank wisdom from an impressive line up of well loved names, in the second act of life who share it all.

MID goes deep on self-care with zero shame and rich experiences you can cherry-pick for wisdom to share, changes to make and attitude we can borrow.

In MID... we're anything but.

Welcome to MID - the grown-up conversations women deserve.
Ever wondered what to do when your ducks don't all fit neatly into the row they're supposed to?
Each episode we bring you handpicked compelling stories discussing relationships and wellness.
Fun, frank wisdom from an impressive line up of well loved names, in the second act of life who share it all.
MID goes deep on self-care with zero shame and rich experiences you can cherry-pick for wisdom to share, changes to make and attitude we can borrow.
In MID... we're anything but.

The Question You Need To Answer To Find 'Real' Success

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/3ea926be-9be7-482a-8ac3-a44f016e43d1/clips/9dd4612b-4d26-42a2-b74e-b3860052c32c/transcript

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