Conversation with Julia Kril

In this episode, I sit down with Sam Wilkin, co-founder and editor of The Sentinel, a Brussels online publication providing insights for Europe's rearmament.Sam and I unpack some of the most pressing security questions facing Europe today. We discuss what holds Europe back from reaching its defence spending targets and why unity on security remains so difficult. Together, we also dive into the military conflicts, from the ongoing war in Ukraine to the recent tensions in Iran, and explore how political priorities and national interests influence decisions in the US and EU. This conversation reflects on modern warfare, the rise of drones and whether Europe can achieve a truly united defence posture.Subscribe to my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@juliakril ✔️ Julia Kril on Instagram 📸: https://www.instagram.com/julia_kril/ ✔️ Julia Kril on TikTok 🎥 : https://www.tiktok.com/@julia_kril ✔️ Julia Kril on Linkedin 💼 : https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-kril-115761123/ The Sentinel: https://www.the-sentinel.media/📲 Follow The Sentinel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesentineleu/ 📲 Follow Sam Wilkin on X: https://x.com/MrSamWilkin 📲 Follow Sam Wilkin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-wilkin-68b4782a/

Today, I sit down with Duygu Dagdemir, gemologist and founder of VONA, to talk all things diamonds and jewellery.In this episode, Duygu shares how she entered the industry, from discovering lab-grown diamonds to deciding to build a business around them. She touches upon the differences between lab-grown and mined stones, why naturality remains a controversial topic, how diamonds are created, and how long it takes to produce a piece of fine jewellery.We discuss engagement rings and how much they "should" cost, the meaning people attach to the size and quality, and how traditions and marketing around jewellery are evolving. The conversation also moves into how the industry is changing globally, from prices to shifting demand.Subscribe to my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@juliakril ✔️ Julia Kril on Instagram 📸: https://www.instagram.com/julia_kril/ ✔️ Julia Kril on TikTok 🎥 : https://www.tiktok.com/@julia_kril ✔️ Julia Kril on Linkedin 💼 : https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-kril-115761123/ VONA Fine Jewelry: https://vonaofficial.com/ 📲 Follow Duygu Dagdemir on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duygudagdemir 📲 Follow Duygu Dagdemir on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@duygudagdemir 📲 Follow Duygu Dagdemir on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duygudagdemir

In this episode, Julia talks with Jorge Jraissati, President at Economic Inclusion Group, a non-profit organisation advising policymakers and businesses on economic and financial policy. Together, they discuss how Jorge was growing up in Venezuela as the country's economic and political situation deteriorated year after year. Jorge recalls a childhood shaped by everyday instability and injustice, where national collapse was not an abstract concept, but something lived by friends, families and entire communities. He explains how these experiences pushed him to question how economic and political systems work, and why change felt not only possible, but necessary. Jorge talks about how he started advocating for a free and democratic Venezuela after moving to the United States to study. There, he graduated in economics and business, later completing a master’s degree in finance. He now runs an organisation that advises policymakers and business leaders on complex economic and financial issues, including de-banking — a regulatory issue affecting access to financial services in the US and Europe. The conversation touches on politics, activism, and the long road toward rebuilding Venezuela, with an honest acknowledgment that restoring democracy takes time, persistence and a collective responsibility. 🧡Subscribe to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@onhumanjourney On Human Journey Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/onhumanjourney/ On Human Journey TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onhumanjourney Julia Kril's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_kril/ Julia Kril's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@julia_kril Julia Kril's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-kril/ Follow Jorge Jraissati on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jraissatijorge/ Follow Jorge Jraissati on X: https://x.com/JraissatiJorge/ Follow Jorge Jraissati on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgejraissati/ Economic Inclusion Group: https://econinclusion.com/

In this episode, Julia talks with Olga Shykalo, Ukrainian entrepreneur, founder of Rayana, a brand of bed linen, and Chief Marketing Officer of Duotet, providing accounting and legal services, which she founded seven years ago.Together, they discuss Olga's journey to Poland at the age of 16 without knowledge of Polish language, her early career, and the reasons why she decided to build her business in Ukraine, mentor Ukrainian entrepreneurs, and pay tax in Ukraine.They touch on the social norms deeply ingrained in the Ukrainian culture, where women have been told to be moderate in their expressions of themselves and never stand out. Olga and Julia challenge this norm. Olga believes that brave always have happiness, you need to be brave enough to pursue your dreams and it will always pay off.Olga also shares the lessons she learn from your experience in business, where she believes that you always need to have a plan but be ready for unpredictable, adapt, and keep trying. 🧡Subscribe to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@onhumanjourneyOn Human Journey Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/onhumanjourney/On Human Journey TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onhumanjourney Julia Kril's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_kril/ Julia Kril's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@julia_kril Julia Kril's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-kril/ Follow Olga Shykalo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olgashykalo Follow Olga Shykalo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-shykalo/

In this episode, Julia talks with Heath Sloane, Director of Geopolitical Intelligence at B&K Agency.Originally from Australia, Heath shares how his academic and professional journey has taken him across continents, from studying in China to living and working in places like London and Israel, before eventually settling in Central Europe, in Austria. This international background has shaped his worldview and passion for geopolitics and international dynamics.Together, they discuss Israel and the wider conflict in the Middle East. Heath opens up about how his stance on the conflict has at times cost him friends. They reflect on how local conflicts can influence opinions and relationships across the globe, even for those who are not directly involved. They also touch on other international hotspots, including Ukraine, Taiwan, Sudan and beyond.The conversation also moves to how narratives, social media and censorship can shape the way the world events are perceived. They highlight why developing critical thinking is essential for navigating information, understanding the complex dynamics behind the global events, and forming informed opinions.🧡Subscribe to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@onhumanjourneyOn Human Journey Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/onhumanjourney/On Human Journey TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onhumanjourneyJulia Kril's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_kril/Julia Kril's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@julia_krilHeath Sloane's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heath_sloane/

In this episode, Julia sits down with Zhanna Galeyeva, the CEO and co-founder of Bird of Light Ukraine, a charitable organization established after the 2022 full-scale invasion that provides essential aid to communities across Ukraine.Together, they discuss Zhanna's journey from Ukraine to the US, her exploration of different fields of study in college, and her experience working in various roles before finding direction through meditation and spiritual practices. Zhanna shares how she felt a calling to return to Ukraine to reconnect with her father after years of distance — a decision that unexpectedly reshaped her life.She recalls how, when the invasion began and she reached the border with Moldova, she decided to stay in Ukraine and help people directly. Starting with fundraising for food and cooking meals for refugees, she went on to coordinate medical supplies, deliver ambulances, support orphanages, and more. Through these experiences, Bird of Light Ukraine was created and has positively impacted over 600,000 civilians.🧡Subscribe to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@onhumanjourney On Human Journey Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/onhumanjourney/ On Human Journey TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onhumanjourney Julia Kril's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_kril/ Julia Kril's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@julia_kril Bird of Light Ukraine: https://www.birdoflightukraine.org Bird of Light Ukraine's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdoflightukraine Bird of Light Ukraine's YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@birdoflightukraine

In this episode, Julia talks with Davide Russo, an entrepreneur and the founder of Horshare, a digital platform that is reinventing the world of horse racing.Davide shares how growing up in an entrepreneurial family shaped his mindset, from helping with his father’s business to learning discipline and responsibility. He also reflects on his experience of building a business from the ground up, collaborating with partners and overcoming early startup challenges.Today, as the founder of a digital platform transforming equestrian sport, Davide focuses on making the horse industry more transparent and accessible. His company connects horse owners, stables and enthusiasts, showing how technology can reinvent one of the most traditional sectors.🧡Subscribe to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@onhumanjourneyOn Human Journey Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/onhumanjourney/On Human Journey TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onhumanjourneyJulia Kril's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_kril/Julia Kril's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@julia_krilHorshare Platform: https://www.horshare.club/Horshare Platform's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horshare.clubHorshare Platform's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@horshare.club

In this episode, Julia talks to Anna Tymoshenko, the CEO of Ukrainian Students for Freedom, one of the largest student organisations in Ukraine.Anna recalls how she first joined the organisation as a student studying medicine, and how her passion for activism and liberal ideas eventually led her to take on its leadership.She shares that USF is not only about activism, but also about growth and helping young people build leadership and develop soft skills by trying out different roles, such as writing articles, organising events, running campaigns or educational projects. Anna is proud that the organisation gives members a valuable opportunity to learn directly from business leaders and experts across various fields, building connections that inspire and prepare them for the future.The conversation explores the power of youth to create change, the value of learning through failure and the importance of education in shaping future leaders.🧡Subscribe to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@onhumanjourney On Human Journey Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/onhumanjourney/ On Human Journey TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onhumanjourney Julia's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_kril/ Julia's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@julia_kril Anna's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna_timi/ Ukrainian Students for Freedom: https://studfreedom.org/

Гостею нового епізоду On Human Journey стала Лілія Місецька - іміджмейкерка та підприємиця, яка розповість, як вона починала свій перший бізнес разом із чоловіком, а згодом знайшла справу своєї душі.Разом із Юлією вони обговорять силу кольорів у брендах та логотипах і які цінності вони передають. Також вони поговорять про образи публічних осіб, який вплив вони мають на сприйняття людей, і яка робота стоїть за створенням цих іміджів.Крім того, Лілія поділиться тим, як їй вдається підтримувати в собі ресурс займатися розвитком свого бізнесу, при цьому приділяючи час своєму відновленню.Ця розмова про сміливість йти за власними мріями, про жіночу енергію в бізнесі та про те, що твій шлях завжди у твоїх руках. Підпишись на YouTube канал: www.youtube.com/@onhumanjourney On Human Journey Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/onhumanjourney/ On Human Journey TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onhumanjourney Instagram Юлії Кріль: https://www.instagram.com/julia_kril/ TikTok Юлії Кріль: https://www.tiktok.com/@julia_kril Instagram Лілії Місецької: https://www.instagram.com/misetskayaa TikTok Лілії Місецької: https://www.tiktok.com/@misetskayaa

In this episode, Julia delves into conversation with Christian Nasulea, Executive Director of the Institute for Economic Studies – Europe (IES–Europe) and Professor of Economics at the University of Bucharest.Christian talks about his journey from discovering a passion for economics to becoming a professor of the subject. He opens up about his approach to teaching, which focuses less on numbers and maths, and more on stories, principles and philosophies that explain how economies work.He discusses how economics intersects with fields such as law, international relations, diplomacy and politics, and how they can benefit from applying economic thinking.The conversation also dives into Romania’s current political climate – from the latest election and disinformation to government spending and the budget deficit. Christian reflects on migration trends over the years and explains why he still chooses to invest and run businesses in his home country.🧡Subscribe to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@onhumanjourneyOn Human Journey Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/onhumanjourney/Julia Kril's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_kril/Christian Nasulea's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisnasulea/ Institute for Economic Studies – Europe: https://www.instagram.com/ieseurope/

In this episode, Julia sits down with Ekin Olcay to talk about all things architecture and design.Ekin is originally from Turkey, but has been living in Milan for over ten years. She is an architect currently doing her PhD at the Politecnico di Milano. Ekin shares what it's like to be a Milan resident, especially during Milan Design Week, when the whole city transforms into one big creative platform.She reflects on her childhood, growing up in a family that moved around a lot, and how that shaped her identity and sense of space. Ekin also talks about her passion for Formula 1, the team she supports, and her hope to see a race in Istanbul one day.Watch the blitz round at the end of the video for the best spots in Milan during the Design Week and more.🧡Subscribe to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@onhumanjourney On Human Journey Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/onhumanjourney/ Julia Kril's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_kril/ Ekin Olcay's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ekinolcay/

Гостею другого випуску On Human Journey (цього разу - подкаст українською!) стала Анна Рябич - підприємиця з Боярки, міста поблизу Києва. Вона поділиться, чому після закінчення найпрестижнішого університету України вона вирішила піти власним шляхом і розпочати свій бізнес.Аня розповість, що стало поштовхом до відкриття першої кав'ярні Deer і салону краси Self Beauty House, які складнощі виникали на старті, про свій стиль керівництва та чому так важливо мати чітке бачення власної справи, а не просто відкривати бізнес заради бізнесу.У розмові Аня розкаже про труднощі, з якими стикаються мешканці передмістя Києва, зізнається, чому наразі живе не у Боярці та пояснить, чому для неї важливо бути частиною покоління, яке прагне розбудовувати і покращувати рідне середовище.🧡Підпишись на канал: www.youtube.com/@onhumanjourney On Human Journey Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/onhumanjourney/ Instagram Юлії Кріль: https://www.instagram.com/julia_kril/ Instagram Анни Рябич: https://www.instagram.com/juliaprmk/ Мережа кав'ярень Deer: https://www.instagram.com/deer_coffeemore/ Салон краси Self Beauty House: https://www.instagram.com/self.beautyhouse/

Welcome to the very first episode of On Human Journey — a podcast by Julia Kril about real people, their inspiring stories, and the journeys behind their projects, businesses and creative ideas.The debut episode features Yulia Popyk, a multidisciplinary artist and Head of Brand at Petcube, whose path has taken her from politics to creative leadership. Yulia opens up about her shift from a political career to the world of creativity and entrepreneurship, and how her projects, including Kyiv Dinner Club and podcast Thoughts Out Loud, are bringing her vision to life.The conversation also explores Yulia's insights on soft power, a concept she discussed in a TEDx talk, and how it intersects with both her personal and professional life.She also talks about her life and studies in the US, the decision to leave it all behind, and move back home to Ukraine.Listen to the conversation and let us know what you think! 🧡Subscribe to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@onhumanjourney On Human Journey Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/onhumanjourney/ Julia Kril's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_kril/ Yulia Popyk's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliaprmk/ Yulia's TEDx Talk on the art of soft power: https://youtu.be/D7hH1yAmico Check out Yulia's projects: https://linktr.ee/juliaprmk