The Pause Project
A Conscious Disconnection to Reconnect.
Burnout isn’t solved by doing more — it’s healed by doing differently. The Pause Project creates intentional spaces for mental reset and restoration. These experiences — delivered through retreats, immersive workshops, and reflective practices — allow people to step away from the noise, reconnect with themselves, and realign with their purpose.
Whether you're an individual seeking clarity or a team needing a reset, the Pause Project is a gateway back to self-awareness and intention.
The Village Effect
Rebuilding the Human Architecture of Work and Community.
We still need a village. When people feel seen, valued, and connected, they thrive. The Village Effect helps organisations cultivate psychologically safe, inclusive, and high-empathy environments, where belonging becomes a strategic advantage.
Through a blend of storytelling, facilitation, and leadership insight, we transform workplace culture, using the Resilience by Design Program, by addressing psychosocial hazards, emotional burnout, and disconnection.
When workplaces feel like communities, people show up differently—with trust, care, and purpose.
Youth & Leadership Pathways
Designing the Next Generation of Resilient Leaders.
Through programs like CEO for a Day, The Game of Life, and community school workshops, we equip teens and young adults with the tools to lead with confidence, emotional intelligence, and purpose.
These experiences blend coaching, real-world exposure, and mindset development to create lasting personal impact.
We don't just inspire the next generation—we activate them.
Programs Include:
The Game of Life - for Parents
The Game of Life - for Parents
The Game of Life - for Parents
Parenting is the first leadership lab — and building a strong foundation at home is crucial for every teenager’s success. In The Game of Life, we guide parents through an inner renovation journey so they can lead from within. By modelling self-awareness, resilience, and empathy, parents become the village pillars that support their children’s growth. This program equips families with tools to communicate purposefully, handle challenges together, and co-create a home culture where teens feel seen, heard, and empowered to thrive.
CEO for a Day
The Game of Life - for Parents
The Game of Life - for Parents
Teenagers learn early that vision and mindset drive leadership. CEO for a Day immerses students in a simulated leadership role, teaching them how to think strategically, collaborate, and problem-solve. But real transformation happens when parents and mentors reinforce these lessons at home. When parents have completed The Game of Life, they understand how to encourage their teen’s newfound confidence, completing the village circle that turns aspiration into sustainable growth.
School partnerships, career coaching, and motivational talks
School partnerships, career coaching, and motivational talks
School partnerships, career coaching, and motivational talks
A student’s village extends beyond home — it includes teachers, counsellors, and the entire school community. Through tailored school partnerships, we train educators and parents on the power of presence, consistency, and encouragement. Our career coaching workshops help teens map their passions to real-world goals, while motivational talks spark curiosity and purpose. By aligning parents, teachers, and community leaders with the same village-effect principles used in our corporate programs, we create a cohesive support network where every student can flourish.
Holiday Activities in collaboration with Mind & Move
School partnerships, career coaching, and motivational talks
School partnerships, career coaching, and motivational talks
Children under 12 need playful spaces to explore leadership and resilience. In partnership with Mind & Move, our Holiday Activities use games, movement, and creative challenges to cultivate confidence, problem-solving, and teamwork. These sessions don’t just entertain —they plant the seeds of empathy, communication, and courage in young hearts. When families, schools, and community partners all invest in these playful experiences, we reinforce the village that raises our future leaders — one joyful, connected child at a time.
Speaking & Facilitation
Igniting Change Through Conversation and Connection.
Dima Istambouli is not just a speaker—she’s a storyteller, space-holder, and catalyst for transformation. Whether addressing global stages or intimate community circles, Dima weaves psychology, lived experience, and cultural insight to spark meaningful dialogue and lasting impact.
With a grounded, heart-centred style, her facilitation fosters psychological safety, self-reflection, and courageous conversations—especially in spaces that need healing, alignment, or vision.
Whether you need an energising keynote, a grounded facilitator for tough conversations, or someone to hold a powerful pause, Dima brings presence, purpose, and depth to every stage she steps onto.
Popular Topics
Redesigning Resilience in an Overwhelming World
Redesigning Resilience in an Overwhelming World
Redesigning Resilience in an Overwhelming World
The Power of Belonging at Work
Redesigning Resilience in an Overwhelming World
Redesigning Resilience in an Overwhelming World
Resetting Your Mindset to Rise Again
Redesigning Resilience in an Overwhelming World
Resetting Your Mindset to Rise Again
The S.M.I.L.E Method
As a leader in Business, the S.M.I.L.E. Method equips you with practical tools to thrive in any challenge. This transformative approach empowers you to build resilience, foster meaningful connections, and lead purposefully.
Start your journey to resilience and leadership excellence today.
Partnerships & Collaborations
Local Events
- CEO for a Day Event in collaboration with CBCC and private schools – 2024
- Winning the Game of Life: 4-week program for Bayside Council Libraries – 2024
- R U OK? Day Webinar – Montessori Academy & Montessori Care – 2024
- Conversations on the Go: Women’s community events, Sydney – 2023 - 2024
- SBS Arabic: Good Morning, Australia Appearances – 2022-2024
- Ahlulbeit Radio: Parenting episodes – 2022-2024
- High School Resilience Program for Disruptive Students – Kogarah, 2023
- Weekly Resilience Talks for Year 9-12 students – Kogarah, 2023
- Celebrating Diversity: Keynote speech for parents on Harmony Day – Kogarah – 2023
- Acceptance and Respect: Keynote speech for Year 10 students – Kogarah – 2023
- Introduction to Resilience: 1-hour workshop for Rockdale Library team – 2023
- GG Emotional Regulation Webinar for Business Owners – 2022
- Sharing More Than the Sheets Podcast – 2022
- Children's Summit (Online, Australia) – 2019
- SBS Podcast Appearances – 2023
- If I Only Knew Podcast – 2018
International Events
- Stess Management & Burnout Talk Online for MIRC Consulting, Dubai – 2025
- Careers and Emotional Intelligence Talk Online for School of Architecture students USEK – 2024
- Resilience weekly episodes – OTV station in person and online – 2020 - 2024
- Emotional Intelligence Talk in person – Business school Students USEK University – 2022
- Resilience by Design – Espoza Group 4 weeks program – 2021
- Empowerment Motivational Speech – Red Cross – 2020
- Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace – Archinet International Conference – 2020
- Resilience in Sports Webinar for Caches and Players – NSA Basketball Academy – 2020
- Teenagers Empowerment Webinar – Teenflakes – 2020
- Resilience at Work Workshop – Triangle Mena – 2020
- CHC (Corporate Health Check) 3 months program - MZ Architect – 2019
- Internship program in collaboration with MZ Architects and the University of Abu Dhabi – 2019
- Mental Health Workshop– Booking.com – 2018
- Resilience in Parenting Talk - Women Community in Dubai – 2018
- Noursat TV Episode – 2018
- Guided meditation by the Beach Event - Women Community in Dubai – 2017