Fireside Chat: Navigating Uncertain Times
When life feels unpredictable, keeping our financial footing and personal peace can feel like an uphill battle. Sudden transitions—whether in our careers, the economy, or our personal lives—often bring a heavy mental load that makes everyday money decisions feel overwhelming.
This fireside chat offers a warm, grounded space to pause and explore how we can navigate these shifting seasons with greater confidence and clarity. Rather than offering rigid rules or high-pressure formulas, we will focus on practical ways to anchor ourselves, adapt our financial mindsets, and find stability when the world around us is in flux.
Come join us to hear honest perspectives on building resilience, redefining security, and supporting one another through life's transitions.
Note: This session is educational in nature and will focus on reflection, principles, and shared learning rather than personalized financial, legal, or psychological advice.
Format
We will start with an open conversation with our firestarters, and then open up the floor for a relaxed, casual dialogue with everyone in the room.
Themes we will explore
Navigating Transition: Practical ways to manage money and personal goals when the future feels up in the air.
Finding Stability: Shifting from a mindset of survival to one of intentional adaptation during chaotic seasons.
The Power of Shared Stories: How opening up about our money stories breaks the isolation of uncertain times.
Identity Beyond Circumstance: Staying anchored in your values and purpose when your external environment changes.
Firestarters
Jelena Nikolic: A PhD labor economist, professor, author, and international scholar whose current work connects economics, leadership, and human flourishing. Her academic journey has spanned Serbia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, including earning her PhD at the University of Nottingham and holding academic roles at institutions such as the University of Belgrade and Northeastern University, among others. She is a chapter author in Leadership for Flourishing, published by Oxford University Press, a former Research Fellow at the London School of Economics, and co-chair of the Love and Flourishing group within Harvard’s Human Flourishing Network. Jelena is also the founder of Applied Human Flourishing™, where she explores how human flourishing can strengthen human capability and support durable performance.
Amornthep (Sanju) Sachamuneewongse: A dedicated mental health advocate, researcher, and the founder of Sati App, based in Thailand. Sanju turned his own deeply personal battles with mental health into a mission to make sure no one ever has to feel alone. After studying the psychology and neuroscience of mental health at King's College London, he has focused his work on building accessible peer support networks and promoting the simple, powerful act of empathetic listening. From sharing his vision at the World Economic Forum in Davos to serving on global mental health advisory boards, Sanju brings an incredible amount of heart, lived experience, and gentle wisdom to the conversation.
Nita Evans: A sociologist, equity consultant, and MHC community steward who has been with us since the very beginning. As an NFL mom and the founder of her mentoring program, Kommit, Nita brings a powerful blend of professional expertise and maternal heart to her work. With a PhD in Sociology from Stony Brook University, she is a leading expert on academic and life achievement for athletes, dedicating her career to helping players and their families confidently navigate the complex worlds of sports, education, and life transitions.
Prakash Koirala: A financial inclusion policy expert, comic author, and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree who has dedicated his life to making finance easy to understand for everyone. From founding Finlit Nepal to teaching personal finance to low-income and vulnerable communities, Prakash's work has directly impacted nearly 200,000 lives. His expertise has taken him all over the world, leading him to collaborate with governments, Central Banks, and even studying as a fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School. Prakash has a unique gift for turning complex economic systems into friendly, practical tools that empower people to build better financial lives, bringing an incredible depth of global wisdom and a giant heart to the conversation.
Hosts & Moderators
Co-moderated by Krissica: A former collegiate point guard turned leadership coach, educator, and beloved MHC community steward based in Houston, Texas. Just as she used to direct the play and protect the ball on the court, Krissica now brings over a decade of expertise in athlete development and mentorship to help others clear their path forward. As the founder of Court31 and Serve.Consulting, she is a trusted guide who uses the power of storytelling to help people navigate major life transitions.
Co-moderated by Nia: A remote worker, digital business builder, and the friendly face running community operations and communication for MHC from Indonesia. True to her name, which means blessing, Nia’s passion lies in lifting others up—whether she’s guiding and mentoring people in Indonesia to unlock remote work opportunities or supporting our global community. She brings a warm, grounding presence to our space, dedicated to ensuring everyone feels welcomed and supported as they navigate life's shifting seasons.
Come listen, reflect, ask questions, and engage. No preparation required.