
Mindset Transformation: Karim Rushdy on Overcoming Adversity and Embracing a Beginner's Mindset | Episode 21
Explicit content warning
12/17/24 • 82 min
On today’s episode, we have the pleasure of exploring resilience and mindfulness with our special guest, Karim Rushdy. Our conversation centres around his inspiring journey of transformation through challenges, including years of chronic back pain and a significant financial loss. We talk about the profound impact of cultivating a beginner’s mindset, re-framing life’s obstacles and achieving excellence through the practice of mindfulness has had on his life.
Karim is a mindfulness teacher, facilitator, and strategy advisor with extensive experience in Asia and the UK. After leaving university in England, he studied Mandarin in Shanghai and joined a restaurant start-up, which grew significantly before succumbing to the impacts of COVID-19 - a humbling lesson in resilience. He later earned an MBA from a leading Chinese business school and became Managing Director at a pan-Asian think tank, overseeing projects on business, policy and sustainability whilst leading leadership programs across 15 countries.
In 2013, meditation helped Karim overcome his chronic back pain, inspiring a shift in his perspective. Now, he teaches mindfulness to elite athletes, corporate leaders, and teams with Mindful Peak Performance (MPP), and serves as a Trustee at Breathworks, a mindfulness charity focused on managing pain and illness.
Karim’s insights on harmonising personal and professional growth, emphasising gratitude, service and authentic connections as cornerstones of a fulfilling life are powerful lessons. Tune in to uncover how mindfulness and a growth mindset can empower you to turn adversity into opportunities for growth and success.
In this episode:
00:15:48 - 'No Mud, No Lotus' & ‘The Beginner's Mindset’ – theories behind the Buddhist metaphors, linking personal growth to overcoming adversities, and the significance of maintaining a beginner's mindset for continued success.
00:27:33 - Coaching & the growth mindset - the benefits of working with coaches to access growth zones and how mindfulness contributes to personal development and 'getting out of your own way.'
00:39:05 - Overcoming back pain - Karim recounts his struggle with debilitating back pain and depression, leading to a transformative journey involving mindfulness and meditation practices.
00:53:21 - The Four Buckets approach - Karim's framework for a balanced life.
01:09:42 - Resilience, financial loss & reflective gratitude - emphasising the role of gratitude and mindfulness in maintaining resilience and a positive outlook despite significant setbacks.
Connect with Karim here:
www.mindfulpeakperformance.com
Please like, subscribe or follow, so you're notified of any new episodes coming up, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/
On today’s episode, we have the pleasure of exploring resilience and mindfulness with our special guest, Karim Rushdy. Our conversation centres around his inspiring journey of transformation through challenges, including years of chronic back pain and a significant financial loss. We talk about the profound impact of cultivating a beginner’s mindset, re-framing life’s obstacles and achieving excellence through the practice of mindfulness has had on his life.
Karim is a mindfulness teacher, facilitator, and strategy advisor with extensive experience in Asia and the UK. After leaving university in England, he studied Mandarin in Shanghai and joined a restaurant start-up, which grew significantly before succumbing to the impacts of COVID-19 - a humbling lesson in resilience. He later earned an MBA from a leading Chinese business school and became Managing Director at a pan-Asian think tank, overseeing projects on business, policy and sustainability whilst leading leadership programs across 15 countries.
In 2013, meditation helped Karim overcome his chronic back pain, inspiring a shift in his perspective. Now, he teaches mindfulness to elite athletes, corporate leaders, and teams with Mindful Peak Performance (MPP), and serves as a Trustee at Breathworks, a mindfulness charity focused on managing pain and illness.
Karim’s insights on harmonising personal and professional growth, emphasising gratitude, service and authentic connections as cornerstones of a fulfilling life are powerful lessons. Tune in to uncover how mindfulness and a growth mindset can empower you to turn adversity into opportunities for growth and success.
In this episode:
00:15:48 - 'No Mud, No Lotus' & ‘The Beginner's Mindset’ – theories behind the Buddhist metaphors, linking personal growth to overcoming adversities, and the significance of maintaining a beginner's mindset for continued success.
00:27:33 - Coaching & the growth mindset - the benefits of working with coaches to access growth zones and how mindfulness contributes to personal development and 'getting out of your own way.'
00:39:05 - Overcoming back pain - Karim recounts his struggle with debilitating back pain and depression, leading to a transformative journey involving mindfulness and meditation practices.
00:53:21 - The Four Buckets approach - Karim's framework for a balanced life.
01:09:42 - Resilience, financial loss & reflective gratitude - emphasising the role of gratitude and mindfulness in maintaining resilience and a positive outlook despite significant setbacks.
Connect with Karim here:
www.mindfulpeakperformance.com
Please like, subscribe or follow, so you're notified of any new episodes coming up, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/
Previous Episode

Triumph Over Trauma: Dave Coleman’s Journey from Marine Commando to Motivational Speaker | Episode 20
WARNING: This episode contains strong language and discussions of sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide. These discussions may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to seek help. You can reach out to the Samaritans on 116 123 or https://samaritans.org/. Please listen with care and prioritise your wellbeing.
Dave is a former Royal Marines Commando turned successful business owner, public speaker and advocate for mental health. Today we hear his remarkable story of determination to succeed in the military, overcoming his stammer and the grueling stories from the front lines.
Having joined the Marines aged only 16 and passing the Elite Commando training first time - all whilst suffering with a debilitating stammer - David knows first-hand about persistence. At 18 he was deployed to Afghanistan but sustained critical injuries from a grenade attack causing injuries to his neck, body and legs. Refusing to accept that the fight was over for him, he was re-deployed back to the front line only a month later to re-join his troop.
Having experienced so much at such a young age, David’s mental health suffered and following a suicide attempt, he was diagnosed with severe anxiety, depression and PTSD.
Dave's story is a moving masterclass in perseverance. He also shares his leap into business with Civvy 2 Commando - transforming military lessons into corporate energy. This episode is packed with moving insights on resilience, the importance of a supportive community and embracing transitions for growth – no matter what life throws at you.
In this episode:
00:00 How it all started – How David’s stammer led to childhood anxiety and an extreme fear of speaking.
15:12 Elite Commando training – David’s fast-track through the ranks and adjustment to front-line life - enduring extreme heat with limited water, rations and constant vigilance.
28:57 Surviving a near-fatal explosion and the psychological strain during rehab.
43:57 Transitioning from combat life to civvy life - aggression, medical issues, poor mental health and attempted suicide at just 19 years old.
51:15 Sharing his experience – how talking openly about his experiences is helping others, breaking down preconceived notions of mental health and life after the forces.
01:06:46 Overcoming self-doubt through hard work and bravery, both personally and professionally. How David used public speaking to control his stammer.
01:15:22 Reflecting on how enhancing support in leadership can improve resilience and performance.
Connect with Dave here:
Website: www.civvy2commando.com
Instagram: @civvy2commando
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-coleman-654a51296/
Youtube: @civvy2commando417
TikTok: @civvy2commando
Please like, subscribe or follow, so you're notified of any new episodes coming up, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/
Next Episode

Highlights of 2024 with Simon and Rusty | Episode 22
In today’s episode, Simon and Rusty take a heartfelt look back at the incredible interviews of 2024, highlighting the key takeaways, lightbulb moments, and powerful stories that moved and motivated them and the listeners. Together, they review the 10 transformative conversations that have challenged their perspectives on resilience and redefined what it means to embody bouncebackability in life’s toughest moments.
If you have a suggestion for a topic or guest for 2025, we want to hear from you! Message us via https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/ with your suggestions.
The conversations from this series:
The King of Kent Mike Haynes Discusses Broking, Coaching, and Resilience | Episode 18
The Unseen Effort: Heather Fisher on Resilience, Authenticity, and Finding Purpose | Episode 16
Inside the World of Professional Rugby: Rich Bryan on Transition and Resilience | Episode 13
In this episode
00:00 Welcome - humbling and enlightening podcast feedback
14:49 How interpersonal disconnect and identity loss impacts relationships.
19:10 Using play to enhance communication and engagement skills.
24:08 How being versatile, resilient, and adaptive is essential in life's uncertainty.
28:01 How to embrace gratitude and have perspective.
31:58 Investing wisely in enhancing team brain skills.
33:58 City jobs - detrimental to mental health?
39:50 Disconnection and identity crisis among pro gamers.
Please like, subscribe or follow, so you're notified of any new episodes coming up, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/
The Bouncebackability Podcast - Mindset Transformation: Karim Rushdy on Overcoming Adversity and Embracing a Beginner's Mindset | Episode 21
Transcript
Simon Ursell [00:00:00]:
Simon and Rusty here with the Bounce Back Ability podcast. The podcast that explores how to deal with obstacles, setbacks, and challenges.
Simon Ursell [00:00:07]:
Hope you enjoy the pod.
Simon Ursell [00:00:08]:
Looking forward to it. Listen on. Right. Hello, everybody. Welcome to the bounce back ability podcast. We've got Carrion on today. Yeah. I think you don't know him at all, Rasty, so this is quite exciting for me because I don't think you got any
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