Xavier Leopold

Multi-disciplinary Artist and Author

 What does being mind-strong mean to you?

To me, being mentally strong is about acknowledging and embracing the mind’s vulnerabilities, understanding that it’s not about avoiding weakness but recognising when we’ve reached our limits.

True strength comes from accepting those moments, rebuilding from them, and turning them into resilience. It’s through this continuous cycle of growth—from challenge to acceptance to renewal—that real mental strength is built.

Never lying or never gossiping again?

That’s a tough one because neither aligns with my values, but if I had to choose, I’d lean towards never lying because truth is foundational to living a life of integrity, peace, and building meaningful relationships.

What have you discovered about yourself in the last year?

This past year has been a true journey of self-discovery. I feel as though I've finally arrived at the starting point of my purpose, with everything before now building my experience and preparing me for this moment. What I stand for, and wish to continue projecting into the world, is love and light.

One of the key things I’ve discovered about myself is that I actually enjoy exploring social spaces alone—whether it’s visiting a museum, sitting in a café, or travelling to new destinations. While I’ve always been comfortable around people (some might even call me a ‘social butterfly’), I’ve come to realise that solitude in certain settings is where I feel most alive.

If your thoughts made noises, what would they be?

Interesting question! My mind is very active, so it would sound different at different points during the day. At some points, it would sound like a lion’s roar echoing across the African savanna—powerful and commanding. At other times, it would sound like the ocean, bringing with it peace, harmony, and a sense of renewal.

This isn’t necessarily about the sound of my mind, but a song that comes to mind almost daily is Don't Look Any Further, the 1984 track by Dennis Edwards and Siedah Garrett. There's something about the beat and layers of melodies that evokes the feeling of plotting new ideas and adventures.

What change would you want the world to focus on?

I believe the world should focus on building empathy and emotional intelligence as important drivers of social change. By making love and understanding central to our political, economic, and cultural systems, we can create more inclusive and fair societies.

Love, in this context, is not just a feeling but a guiding principle for how we educate future generations, shape policies, and tackle inequality. Whether through more compassionate leadership, laws that prioritise well-being, or changes in education, embedding love into our societies can lead to lasting social change and unity.