The link between media, psychology and personal development may not be immediately obvious but Michal Bardavid saw it and has used that knowledge to improve the lives of others.
What’s your story?
I have built a career working across cultures — today as a journalist for an international Chinese television network, a dance/movement therapist and an author. Early interviews I gave about dance therapy unexpectedly opened the door to television, where storytelling became central to my work. For 15 years I’ve also taught at Boğaziçi University, exploring human connection through movement and psychology. Over time I realized all my paths shared one theme: understanding people. That journey ultimately led me to write “Becoming A Peacock”, a book about self-worth shaped by real-life experience.
What excites you most about your industry?
I work at the intersection of media, psychology and personal development — fields that are increasingly converging. What excites me most is how storytelling is shifting from delivering information to creating connection and emotional understanding. People outside the industry often don’t realize how much audiences now value authenticity over authority. Whether in journalism, leadership or personal branding, human insight has become as important as technical expertise. I believe the future is human-centered communication, where emotional intelligence and self-awareness are no longer “soft skills” but essential professional tools.
What drives you in your career to push beyond what other people consider normal?
Curiosity about people has always pushed me beyond traditional career boundaries. I’ve never been motivated by titles as much as by understanding human experience — whether reporting from different cultures, teaching movement therapy, or writing about self-worth. Many paths that looked unrelated to others felt connected to me because they all explored communication and connection. I’m driven by the belief that meaningful work often lives outside conventional categories, and that real growth happens when you allow curiosity — not expectations — to guide your decisions.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
The most valuable skill I’ve learned is deep listening — understanding what people say and what they don’t. Journalism taught me to ask meaningful questions, while dance/movement therapy trained me to read non-verbal communication and emotional nuance. I applied both when creating the #IamChild project after reporting near the Syrian border, developing movement-based workshops for Syrian refugee children and launching an online solidarity movement rooted in empathy and shared human experience. That experience reinforced another key skill: translating complex emotions into stories and experiences others can understand.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best advice I received was that you don’t need to prove your worth before showing up fully as yourself. Early in my career, like many people, I believed confidence came after achievement. Over time — through journalism, teaching and therapeutic work — I saw the opposite: people do their best work when they feel secure enough to be authentic first. That shift changed how I approached opportunities, relationships and creativity, allowing me to take risks without waiting for external validation.
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by people who bridge intellect and humanity. Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability reshaped how leadership and courage are understood, showing that emotional honesty is a strength rather than a weakness. In my own field, dance/movement therapy pioneer Marian Chace inspires me deeply — she demonstrated how genuine attunement and presence can create connection beyond words. Their work reinforced my belief that whether in media, education or personal development, meaningful impact begins when people feel seen and understood.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
A study that recently stayed with me is the “Dartmouth Scar Experiment” by psychologist Robert Kleck. Participants believed they had a visible facial scar during social interactions, even though it had been secretly removed — yet many reported feeling judged and treated differently. It revealed how strongly self-perception shapes communication. In my field, this is powerful because people often respond not to reality but to the stories they carry about themselves. I believe the future of media and personal development lies in helping people recognize these internal narratives, as self-awareness increasingly shapes leadership, storytelling and connection.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
If I could start again, I would trust my instincts and recognize my value earlier. Earlier in my career, I often waited for external validation instead of defining my contribution confidently myself. I remember being invited to lead a workshop and hesitating to set my own terms, only to later realize the hesitation came from outdated self-doubt rather than reality. That experience became a turning point. I learned that others often take their cues from how we value ourselves, and clarity about our worth is essential for both personal and professional growth.
How do you unwind?
I unwind through movement, good company and simple rituals. Dancing has always been my way of resetting — it helps me reconnect with myself after intense work or travel. I also love slowing down with a glass of wine, a good movie and popcorn, especially after busy reporting periods. For me, unwinding is less about switching off completely and more about returning to presence and enjoying small moments that bring balance.
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your career?
A defining mindset shift came while reporting near Kobane, when I saw a Syrian man standing on a hill helplessly watching his hometown being bombed across the border. In that instant, ambition and daily pressures felt insignificant, and I realized how easily we postpone happiness while chasing future goals. It reshaped how I view career and success — not as a destination we endure the journey for, but as a path meant to be lived with awareness and gratitude. Since then, I’ve approached work not only with ambition, but with a deeper appreciation for the present.
Everyone in business should read this book:
I often recommend The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg because it explains how small, often unconscious patterns shape our decisions and outcomes far more than motivation alone. The book shows that lasting change comes from understanding behavior rather than relying on willpower. In both business and personal growth, success is rarely about one big decision but about the habits we build daily. It’s a powerful reminder that meaningful transformation begins with awareness of the routines that quietly guide our lives.
Shameless plug for your business or career:
My work focuses on helping people and organizations communicate with greater authenticity and human connection. Drawing from journalism, psychology and movement-based practice, I create stories, workshops and content that translate complex human experiences into meaningful communication. Whether through reporting, speaking engagements or my book Becoming a Peacock, my goal is to help audiences better understand themselves and others. If you’re interested in storytelling that connects, leadership rooted in emotional intelligence, or projects that bring human insight into media and education, I’d love to collaborate.
How can people connect with you?
I’m always open to meaningful collaborations — the easiest way to reach me is by email at michal.bardavid@gmail.com and I also engage regularly through my social platforms where I share my work and projects.
Social Media Links?
https://michalbardavid.com/
https://www.instagram.com/michalbardavid
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michal-bardavid-a29b123/
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.