The Bold Lounge: Recent Episodes
Leigh Burgess
Everyone has a bold story, and every story is important. This podcast presents bold stories that will inspire and enable you to free your own boldness. There is a continuum of boldness where each of these stories belongs. From true vulnerability and service to making the tough choices and taking the big leap, each episode will feature an extraordinary journey of hope and perseverance. So tune in and take your seat at The Bold Lounge, the place where bold stories are freed.
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About This Episode
What does it mean to be bold with your career and your money? Marcia Dawood, early-stage investor, venture capital partner at Mind Shift Capital, and member of the SEC’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, shares lessons from her own career and breaks down angel investing in practical terms. Tune in to hear why more women investors matter, how beliefs about money can shape financial decisions, and simple ways to become more informed and engaged with how your money is invested and spent.
About Marcia Dawood
Marcia Dawood is the author of two award winning books, Unapologetic Wealth and Do Good While Doing Well. She is also a TEDx speaker, Podcast host, and an early-stage investor who serves as the chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee. She is a venture partner with Mindshift Capital and the chair emeritus of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), a global professional society for angel investors. She is an associate producer on the award-winning documentary Show Her the Money.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @MarciaDawood
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About This Episode
In this episode, leadership strategist and bestselling author Dan Pontefract explores why age may be the most overlooked diversity dimension in the workplace. Drawing from his new book, The Future of Work is Grey, Dan challenges the outdated belief that talent has an expiration date and shares what organizations lose when they fail to value multigenerational wisdom, trust, purpose, and evolving career paths. Together, Leigh and Dan discuss the difference between stated values and lived values, the leadership choices that shape psychological safety, the impact of AI on entry-level work, and how leaders can build stronger teams across generations using Dan’s “rivers, rocks, and rubies” framework.
About Dan Pontefract
Dan Pontefract is a renowned leadership strategist, award-winning author of six books, and keynote speaker with three decades of experience helping organizations and leaders improve overall performance. He has presented at four TED events and earned multiple industry awards, including Thinkers50 Radar, HR Weekly’s 100 Most Influential People in HR, PeopleHum’s Top 200 Thought Leaders to Follow, and Inc. Magazine’s Top 100 Leadership Speakers. Dan’s best-selling books include his latest bestseller, The Future of Work Is Grey, Work-Life Bloom—the 2024 Thinkers50 Best New Management Book and the Gold Medal Winner of the Axiom Business Book Awards, as well as the award-winning Lead. Care. Win. He also writes for Forbes and Harvard Business Review.
Additional Resources
Website: danpontefract.com
New Book: thefutureofworkisgrey.com
LinkedIn: @DanPontefract
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About This Episode
In this episode, Heather Powers, keynote speaker, executive coach, and author of The Power Lane, talks about what it means to bet on yourself while carrying the very real responsibilities of work, family, caregiving, and life. Heather shares her journey from corporate leadership to building a mission focused on keeping working mothers in the workforce, along with practical insights on caregiver support, manager training, return-to-office policies, retention, and why presence should never be confused with performance.
About Heather Powers
Heather Powers is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and author on a mission to keep working mothers in the workforce and in the driver's seat. As founder of The Power Lane and creator of The Workplace Village™ Framework, she works with moms and the leaders who need them to build workplaces where caregivers survive and drive results.
Heather brings 30+ years of management consulting experience, including executive roles at KPMG and Booz Allen, to a problem most organizations are getting wrong: working mothers aren't leaving the workforce, they're leaving your workplace. Her book, The Power Lane: Why Keeping Moms in the Workforce REVS the Economy, makes the business case for why that matters and what to do about it. She is based in Washington, DC, and is a working mother of two teenagers.
Additional Resources
Website: heatherlanepowers.com
LinkedIn: @HeatherPowers
Heather’s Free Village Building Guide for Moms: heatherlanepowers.com/freebie
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About This Episode
In this episode, Kerry Connor, a nationally recognized leader in voluntary benefits, partnerships, and human-centered employee experience, shares openly about joy, truth, and the quiet promises we make to ourselves. Kerry discusses the personal and professional turning points that led her to create The JoyCatchers, why seeking approval can quietly drain your joy, and how the boldest leadership often begins with choosing to show up uncensored, kind, and fully yourself. This conversation explores growth, connection, boundaries, and the small daily choices that help us protect our joy and lead with more humanity.
About Kerry Connor
Kerry Connor is a nationally recognized leader in voluntary benefits, partnerships, and human-centered employee experience. She has built an award-winning career in benefits, sold her consulting firm to Tompkins Bank, and now leads national sales at Wagmo. As founder of The JoyCatchers, Kerry creates live and virtual experiences that help organizations make care more visible, meaningful, and human.
Additional Resources
Website: thejoycatchers.com
LinkedIn: @KerryConnor
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About This Episode
A million-dollar prize may grab attention, but Scott Erdmann’s bigger vision is building a global home for competition barbecue. In this episode, Scott shares how he went from sports and entertainment partnerships to founding the Barbecue World Cup and Expo, why the BBQ market is bigger than most people realize, and what it takes to build something bold when there is no blueprint. We talk fundraising, partnerships, pitmaster storytelling, judging, community, and how newcomers can find their way into the world of competitive barbecue.
About Scott Erdmann
Scott Erdmann is a sports and entertainment partnership strategist turned founder, building BBQ World Cup & Expo, an ambitious global platform designed to modernize and elevate the world of barbecue through competition, media, and community. Known for turning big ideas into real-world revenue and experiences, Scott focuses on building ecosystems that create long-term ownership, not just one-off events. He’s passionate about leadership, innovation, and creating momentum by betting on the unconventional and then executing like it’s already inevitable.
Additional Resources
Website: bbqunited.com
Instagram: @bbqworldcup / @scotterdmann
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About This Episode
Eric Ries, creator of the Lean Startup method and author of Incorruptible explores what bold leadership looks like when certainty is impossible, pressure is high, and telling the truth may come at a cost. We talk about learning velocity, the danger of vanity metrics, why governance shapes destiny, and how organizations can build systems rooted in integrity, creativity, and human flourishing. Tune in to hear Eric’s take on principled decision-making, smarter innovation, and what it takes to build institutions people can trust.
About Eric Ries
Over the last two decades, Eric Ries’s ideas about continuous innovation, long-term thinking, governance, and market reform have reshaped company building and management practices. He is the creator of the Lean Startup method, and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Lean Startup; The Leader’s Guide; and The Startup Way. As a founder, he has put his own ideas into practice with The Long-Term Stock Exchange (LTSE); Answer.AI, an AI R&D lab; the Lean Startup Co, which teaches and supports the implementation of Lean Startup; Virgil, a legal services startup; and IMVU, where the ideas that became the Lean Startup method were forged. On his podcast, The Eric Ries Show, he talks to guests including world-class technologists, thought leaders, and executives working to build profitable companies for the long-term benefit of society. Eric has served as an entrepreneur-in-residence at Harvard Business School and IDEO. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three children.
Additional Resources
Website: incorruptible.co
LinkedIn: @EricRies
Instagram: @ericriesactual
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About This Episode
In this episode, global leadership strategist and author Caroline Stokes talks about what it takes to lead through AI acceleration, climate risk, and constant societal change. We explore psychological safety, neuroplasticity, AI experimentation, and why resistance is so costly for leaders and organizations. Caroline challenges outdated leadership models and offers a practical, future-focused view of how leaders can build strategic agility, listen more deeply, adapt faster, and create operating models where mission leads before hierarchy. Tune in for a bold conversation about what it really takes to lead, adapt, and stay human in a world that keeps changing.
About Caroline Stokes
Caroline Stokes is a global leadership strategist, founder and author of AfterShock to 2030: A CEO’s Guide to Reinvention in the Age of AI, Climate, and Societal Collapse, a radical roadmap for leaders navigating our disruptive new reality. She is a member of the Thinkers50 Radar Class of 2026, and was shortlisted for the Thinkers50 Leadership Award in 2025. A Sony alum who contributed to the launch of PlayStation, and a PCC-level, EQ 2.0–certified coach, Caroline has evolved from executive headhunter to one of the few global authorities on psychological and strategic leadership reinvention.
Additional Resources
Website: theforward.co
LinkedIn: @CarolineStokes
Instagram: @OCarolineStokes
Facebook: @TheForwardCo
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About This Episode
In this episode, Leigh sits down with New York Times bestselling author and behavioral researcher Tom Rath to rethink purpose in a more grounded, actionable way. Tom explores why purpose is not one perfect calling or one perfect job, but a daily practice shaped by energy, alignment, contribution, and the small choices we make in the next 24 hours. Tom shares how his research, introversion, and experience living with a rare hereditary cancer condition have shaped his urgency, focus, and understanding of what it means to live boldly. This conversation offers a practical reset for anyone feeling misaligned, distracted, burned out, or ready to move from consuming to creating with greater intention.
About Tom Rath
Tom Rath is a #1 New York Times bestselling author whose books include How Full Is Your Bucket?, StrengthsFinder 2.0, Eat Move Sleep, and Life’s Great Question. His work, which blends behavioral research with practical insight, has influenced how organizations and individuals think about performance, wellbeing, and purpose. Tom lives with a rare terminal illness and has written extensively about work, health, and contribution with unusual clarity and urgency.
Additional Resources
Website: tomrath.org
Instagram: @tomrath_author
LinkedIn: @TomRath
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About This Episode
Executive advisor, coach, and C-suite leader Amy Clark explores the hidden instincts that shape leadership under pressure and often limit growth, culture, and impact. Drawing from Amy’s work on unseen leadership, she unpacks how the need for certainty, control, expertise, and perfection can quietly drive decisions, especially in high-stakes environments. The conversation also dives into culture, decision-making, growth, and Amy’s CARE model: curiosity, adaptability, resilience, and empathy, offering leaders a practical way to lead with greater awareness, humanity, and boldness. Tune in for a thoughtful and practical conversation that will help you lead with more awareness, courage, and impact.
About Amy Clark
Amy J. Clark is an executive advisor, coach, and C-Suite executive who has spent more than two decades guiding senior executives and organizations through complex change. Amy helps leaders interrupt the instincts and patterns that limit their impact and activate the strategic capacity to lead inside uncertainty.
As the author of the best-selling book Growth Point and co-author of Talent Impact, Amy’s work has influenced leaders across Fortune 500 companies, mission-driven organizations, and emerging enterprises. Today, she partners with executives and teams to redefine relevance, build credibility that lasts, and develop leaders for the business they are becoming, not the one they have been. Amy resides in Middletown, Delaware with her husband, Ken, alongside their forever puppy golden retriever, Max.
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LinkedIn: @AmyClark
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About This Episode
As the founder of a virtual paralegal consultancy, Ashley Cheung shares her personal and professional journey as an entrepreneur and how that has shaped her bold approach to life and leadership. In this conversation, we explore her three-part definition of bold, the mindset shifts that helped her build a specialized business, and the inner work required to trust yourself, navigate uncertainty, and lead with greater purpose. Ashley also shares how creativity, illustrated storytelling, and everyday courage can help us grow in business and in life.
About Ashley Cheung
Ashley Cheung is the founder of a virtual paralegal consultancy whose journey from hard-working Asian American immigrant to entrepreneur has shaped a powerful second chapter rooted in purpose, creativity, and impact. In the past five years, she has expanded her work as an author, speaker, mentor, and advocate for others, with a passion for empowering the next generation of leaders to pursue their dreams. Inspired by travel, collaboration, and the opportunity to support women and young creatives, she is committed to building a future where talent thrives and possibility expands.
Additional Resources
Website: ashley-cheung.com
Instagram: @ashley.cheung.16
LinkedIn: @AshleyCheung
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About This Episode
In this episode, Jasmine Moseley Beal, an award-winning global learning and talent development leader and CEO of Virtue Key Consulting Group, talks about bold leadership in the real world: career pivots, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and building a career that aligns with your values. We also dive into talent strategy, leadership development, performance management, and the role of AI in HR, including governance, privacy, and using automation to free people for higher-value work. Tune in for practical insights, honest conversation, and the bold encouragement you may need to take your next step forward.
About Jasmine Moseley Beal
Jasmine Moseley Beal is an award-winning Global Learning & Talent Development leader and the Founder, President & CEO of Virtue Key Consulting Group, a boutique consultancy helping mid-size to large companies move from chaos into clarity through transformational efforts in performance management, talent management, and leadership development. With 15 years of experience building and scaling talent, performance, and leadership strategies across five continents, Jasmine is known for translating complex people challenges into practical, business-driving solutions.
Her expertise spans leadership development, performance transformation, talent strategy, organizational culture, and the future of work making her a sought-after voice for covering workplace trends, employee experience, inclusive leadership, and how organizations can unlock human potential at scale. Based in Richmond, VA and operating globally, Jasmine brings a rare blend of corporate rigor and entrepreneurial insight to every conversation. Her perspective is shaped by real-world transformation experience, a passion for developing leaders who drive impact, and a commitment to equipping organizations for the future.
Additional Resources:
LinkedIn: @JasmineMBeal @VirtueKeyConsultingGroup
Instagram: @jasmoseley @TheVirtueKey
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About This Episode
In this episode, we unpack how private foundations shape giving, influence public priorities, and often operate with limited accountability despite major tax advantages. Joined by foundation CEO and the author of Control: Why Big Giving Falls Short, Glen Galaich explores the 5% payout rule, donor control, “fake rules” in philanthropy, and why so much charitable wealth can sit invested during times of crisis. He also discusses what stronger community engagement and more effective, accountable giving could look like, and how anyone can start by learning more and asking questions. Tune in to better understand how philanthropy really works, challenge common assumptions, and rethink what giving should really mean.
About Glen Galaich
Glen Galaich is the CEO of the Stupski Foundation where he oversees large-scale philanthropic investments. He holds a Ph.D. in political science and brings more than 25 years of experience working with major donors, policymakers, corporate leaders, and global philanthropic networks. Previously, he served as CEO of Forward Global, leading a landmark international merger, helped launch the Global Philanthropy Forum, and held national fundraising roles at Human Rights Watch. He is also the host of the podcast Break Fake Rules and the author of the newsletter Who Gives?! and the book, CONTROL: Why Big Giving Falls Short.
Additional Resources
Website: stupski.org
LinkedIn: @GlenGalaich
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About This Episode
In this honest and thought-provoking episode, Tom Hardin, known publicly as Tipper X, opens up about the choices, pressures, and personal struggles that led to his role in Wall Street’s biggest insider trading scandal. He shares how ambition, insecurity, and the quiet rationalizations that happen in high-pressure environments can slowly pull someone off course. Tom also reflects on the consequences that followed, from working with the FBI in their investigation to facing the impact on his family and reputation, and what it took to rebuild his life through truth, accountability, and service. This conversation offers powerful insight into ethics, leadership, culture, and the kind of boldness it takes to choose integrity when it matters most.
About Tom Hardin
Tom Hardin is a former hedge fund analyst who became one of the FBI’s most significant insider-trading cooperators during the government’s sweeping investigation into Wall Street corruption. Known publicly as “Tipper X,” he wore a wire for the FBI and helped expose widespread misconduct in the hedge fund industry. He is the author of "Wired on Wall Street," a firsthand account of ambition, ethical erosion, and the hidden pressures of the corporate world.
Additional Resources
Website: tipperx.com
Instagram: @iamtipperx_
LinkedIn: @TomHardin
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Content Warning: description of panic attack
About This Episode
In this powerful conversation, award-winning social entrepreneur and women’s leadership expert Fiona Macaulay reframes failure as strategic data, not personal defeat. From leading a global network of 25,000 purpose-driven leaders to serving as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Georgetown University, Fiona shares practical tools to tame perfectionism, navigate the messy middle, and turn setbacks into momentum. We explore her five failure types, the neuroscience behind small steps and confidence rebuilding, and her 3G Framework (Ground, Gather, Go) to help leaders re-enter the arena with clarity and courage. Whether you are recalibrating, recovering, or simply ready for more, this episode will help you move forward with intention, strategy, and true boldness.
About Fiona Macaulay
Fiona M. Macaulay is an award-winning social entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and author who helps Fortune 500 and social impact leaders transform failure into competitive advantage through resilience and strategic risk-taking.
A women's leadership expert, she is founder and CEO of the Women for Impactful Leadership Development Network (WILD), connecting 25,000 leaders across 100 countries, and serves as Professor and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business.
She has advised JP Morgan, McKinsey, and Microsoft. Recognized among the top 1 percent of U.S. women entrepreneurs, her work has been featured in The New York Times and O, The Oprah Magazine. Fiona lives in Washington, DC, with her husband and daughters.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @FionaMacaulay
X: @F_Macaulay
Instagram: @wildinnovators
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About This Episode
In this episode, we sit down with Jane Zimmer, founder of Z’Est, to explore how bold, intentional living transforms ordinary moments into meaningful rituals. Blending leadership, creativity, art, gathering, wellness, and everyday beauty, Jane shares a practical system for clarity, connection, and joy. From go-to hosting tips to the power of handwritten notes to deepen relationships, the message is clear: start small and notice the beauty already around you. Tune in to hear how these intentional acts can help you create lasting beauty and a life you truly want to live.
About Jane Zimmer
Jane Zimmer is the founder of Z’Est, a lifestyle brand and philosophy centered on intentional living. Grounded in four pillars: art, gathering, health and wellness, and finding a little beauty in every day, Jane invites people to pause, notice what is already around them, and transform ordinary moments into meaningful rituals. Drawing on her extensive senior-level experience in business, operations, and client strategy, she blends creativity with leadership to help others cultivate clarity, balance, and purpose. Through her artwork, cards, bespoke gifting, and gathering expertise, Jane brings Z’Est to life as a creative brand that curates experiences like the Z’Est Brushstrokes Workshop, connections through her Gathering Table Membership, limited edition watercolor card collections, commissioned one of kind watercolor art and bespoke gifting experiences that are designed to honor the art of daily living.
Additional Resources
Website: zesthere.com
Instagram: @zest.here3
Pinterest: @ALittleBeautyEveryday
LinkedIn: @JaneZimmer
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About This Episode
This episode rethinks meetings from the ground up with organizational behavior expert Dr. Rebecca Hinds. Instead of accepting packed calendars as productive, the conversation reframes meetings as products that should be intentionally designed to create decisions, healthy debate, development, and real progress. Using product design principles, you’ll learn how to cut meeting overload, move status updates to async tools, and use simple structures and signals to measure whether a meeting is truly worth the time. The result is a bold new way to collaborate: fewer, shorter, sharper meetings that improve focus, decision quality, and human connection at work.
About Rebecca Hinds
Rebecca Hinds is the author of Your Best Meeting Ever. She is a leading expert on organizational behavior and the future of work. She holds a BS, MS, and PhD from Stanford University. Rebecca founded the Work Innovation Lab at Asana and the Work AI Institute at Glean, first-of-their-kind corporate think tanks dedicated to conducting cutting-edge research on the future of work.
Additional Resources
Website:rebeccahinds.com
LinkedIn: @RebeccaHinds
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About This Episode
In this episode, Jessica Weiss, positive psychology expert, speaker, and author of Happiness Works: The Science of Thriving at Work, explores why real happiness at work is not a perk but a system you can design. From her first TEDx talk to reshaping Fortune 500 cultures, Jessica shares how bold leadership is rooted in authenticity, trust, and psychological safety. We unpack the five pillars of durable happiness, challenge common myths about happiness, and offer simple, evidence-based practices you can use immediately to build energy, connection, and meaningful momentum in life and at work.
About Jessica Weiss
With a background in positive psychology and over 15 years of experience in corporate leadership, Jessica Weiss brings a unique blend of scientific research and practical business acumen to her work. She has helped Fortune 500 companies, tech startups, and everything in between to cultivate thriving workplace cultures that drive success.
Witnessing firsthand the toll of stress and burnout on both individuals and organizations, she became passionate about finding a better way to achieve success without sacrificing well-being. This led her to pursue advanced studies in positive psychology and develop her groundbreaking “Happiness, Works.” methodology. Today, Jessica is a sought-after speaker, bestselling author, and trusted advisor to leaders who understand that happy employees are the key to a flourishing business.
Additional Resources
Website: jessicaweiss.com
LinkedIn: @JessicaWeiss
Instagram: @thejessicaweiss
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About This Episode
The most powerful leadership breakthroughs often come from clarity, not new strategy. In this conversation with executive educator and author Margaret C. Andrews, we explore a grounded, human approach to leadership that begins with self-understanding and translates intention into visible, credible results. Margaret shares how pivotal feedback sparked a Harvard course and her new book, Manage Yourself to Lead Others: Why Great Leadership Begins with Self-Understanding, which reframes growth from the inside out, along with practical tools to align values, priorities, and leadership style. Through reflection, real stories, and actionable prompts, this episode offers a clear path to closing the gap between who you are and how you lead.
About Margaret Andrews
Margaret C. Andrews is a seasoned executive, academic leader, speaker, and instructor. She has created and teaches a variety of leadership courses and professional and executive programs at Harvard University and is the founder of the MYLO Center, a private leadership development firm. Her clients include Amazon, Citi, Continental, Walmart, Wayfair, and the United Nations. She lives in Brookline, Massachusetts.
Additional Resources
Website: margaretandrews.com
LinkedIn: @MargaretCAndrews
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Content Warning:mention of miscarriage, adoption journey, mention of anxiety and panic attack
About This Episode
Founder Traci Channer shares how searching for elevated tween loungewear for her daughter sparked The Decided Collection and fulfilling a lifelong dream to start her own company. She opens up about leaving the corporate world, learning the fashion industry from scratch, and the resilience shaped by entrepreneurship. Traci offers a grounded look at building a growing community early and taking action before everything feels perfect. If you are on the cusp of a change, her story is a reminder to start small, stay curious, and take the next bold step.
About Traci Channer
Traci Channer’s journey began with a dream she carried since childhood: to one day start her own company. Though she did not always know what shape that dream would take, everything changed in 2021 when she made the bold decision to leave corporate America to spend more time with her young daughter. That decision would become the spark behind The Decided Collection.
As her daughter grew, so did her sense of style—and the two found it increasingly difficult to find pajamas that felt age-appropriate for Traci and stylish enough for her daughter. Everything felt either too young or too grown-up. Traci quickly realized there was a gap in the market—and she knew she was the one to fill it.
Today, Traci is the founder of The Decided Collection, and she could not be more excited to be building her dream alongside a community of inspiring female entrepreneurs.
Additional Resources
Website: decidedco.com
Instagram: @thedecidedcollection
LinkedIn: @TraciChanner
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About This Episode
In this episode, we talk with Muriel Wilkins, CEO, C-suite advisor, executive coach, and author of Leadership Unblocked, about how unexamined beliefs can quietly limit leadership impact. Muriel shares the patterns she sees most often in senior leaders, reframes confidence as the willingness to step into uncertainty, and explains how intuition can complement data in decision-making. We also explore vulnerability as clear seeing rather than oversharing, how to lead effectively in misaligned work cultures, and a simple first step to get unblocked by examining your role in the discomfort and choosing a more intentional path forward. If you’re a curious, ambitious leader ready to scale your impact without losing yourself, tune in for helpful reframes, relatable stories, and tools you can use right away.
About Muriel Wilkins
Muriel M. Wilkins, founder and CEO of Paravis Partners, is a sought-after C-suite adviser and executive coach with a twenty-year track record of helping senior leaders take their performance to the next level. She is the author of Leadership Unblocked: Break Through the Beliefs That Limit Your Potential and coauthor of Own the Room: Discover Your Signature Voice to Master Your Leadership Presence. Muriel is the host of the Harvard Business Review podcast Coaching Real Leaders, consistently ranked as a top-ten podcast in Apple's Management category. She was recently shortlisted for the 2025 Thinkers50 Coaching and Mentoring Award.
Additional Resources
Website: murielwilkins.com
Instagram: @CoachMurielWilkins
LinkedIn: @MurielWilkins
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About This Episode
Dr. Michelle Johnston, award-winning leadership expert and author of The Seismic Shift in Leadership and The Seismic Shift in You, explores how connection, not command, drives performance. Michelle shares her journey toward authentic leadership and unpacks what real connection at work looks like: people feeling seen, heard, valued, respected, and appreciated. She outlines seven practical shifts leaders can implement now, from measuring success through relationships and protecting thinking time to reshaping one-to-ones, running meetings that create momentum, and bringing the right energy into every room. If burnout, low engagement, or turnover are on your radar, this conversation offers a clear, human-centered guide for strengthening culture while still delivering results.
About Michelle Johnston
Dr. Michelle Johnston, named a Woman of the Year, Top Ten Executive Coach, and Top 500 Business Leader, is redefining leadership through the power of connection. An award-winning leadership expert and Clifton A. Morvant Distinguished Professor of Business at Loyola University New Orleans, she blends decades of strategic communication expertise with real-world insights to help leaders thrive. Her bestselling book The Seismic Shift in Leadership illustrates how connection-driven leadership builds stronger teams and better results, and her upcoming book, The Seismic Shift in You, offers a transformative approach to leadership that starts with the most crucial element—you. Michelle extends this work through her global executive coaching, keynote speaking, and her Top 10% podcast, The Seismic Shift, where she engages thought leaders and executives committed to creating cultures of authentic connection.
Additional Resources
Website: michellekjohnston.com
Instagram: @michellekjohnston
LinkedIn: @MichelleJohnston
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Content Warning: description of stroke and recovery
About This Episode
At 28, Bessie Sturgis’s life took an unexpected turn when she suddenly found herself navigating a stroke diagnosis. In this episode, she shares the micro steps that carried her forward like getting up, writing things down, taking five-minute resets, breathing through the hard moments, and how faith reframed her purpose. We talk about caring for two young children while healing, setting bold boundaries, protecting her energy, and reclaiming her voice, including earning a commercial driver’s license after being told she could not. If you need a reset, this story reminds you that small, consistent actions can change everything.
About Bessie Sturgis
Bessie Sturgis’s journey is defined by faith, perseverance, and purpose. After a life-threatening health crisis when her youngest son was eight months old, she fought her way back through rehabilitation, medication, and prayer, vowing never to let fear or doubt hold her back. Since then, she has embraced life boldly: returning to school for engineering, raising her sons with resilience, and giving back to her community. She is living proof that grace restores, healing is possible, and even after the hardest seasons, you can rise, rebuild, and thrive.
Additional Resources
Instagram: @Blessed_is_bess
LinkedIn: @BessieSturgis
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Content Warning:mention of childhood abuse, divorce
About This Episode
Steph Wagner, National Director of Women in Wealth at Northern Trust and author of Fly!: A Woman's Guide to Financial Freedom and Building a Life You Love, shares how telling the truth about your money story can become the first step toward confidence and financial freedom. She opens up about rebuilding her life after a blindsiding divorce and offers practical tools women can use right now, from identifying your money personality to using her 45-20-35 framework to align spending with your values. We explore how to turn fear into growth, build transparency with partners, and create simple systems that support long-term wealth. If you are ready to rewrite your money story with honesty, clarity, and agency, this episode offers the mindset and next steps to begin.
About Steph Wagner
Steph Wagner is a nationally recognized thought leader in women’s wealth and financial empowerment. Her passion for this work is deeply personal. Her own journey—from private equity executive to stay-at-home mom, to single mother facing financial uncertainty, to successful businesswoman—fuels her mission to help women take control of their wealth and build lives they love. Today, she serves as National Director of Women & Wealth at Northern Trust, where she leads the firm’s advisory practice for women and its Elevating Women platform—a national program focused on building financial confidence and helping women use their wealth to create meaningful impact in their families, businesses, and communities.
Prior to joining Northern Trust, Steph spent years advising high-net-worth women navigating major life transitions such as divorce and widowhood. She also built a national consulting practice for wealth management firms seeking to better serve female clients and founded WomenWealthyWise, a platform dedicated to advancing financial literacy and empowerment for women. Earlier in her career, she was Vice President at Gemini Investors, a Boston-based private equity firm. A frequent media contributor, Steph’s insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Entrepreneur, Barron’s, Bloomberg, MarketWatch, Kiplinger, Yahoo Finance, and more. Steph lives just outside of Austin, Texas, and is the proud mom of three grown sons. When she’s not working or writing, you’ll likely find her cycling, hiking, on her yoga mat, or chasing after her beloved dogs.
Additional Resources
Instagram: @steph_l_wagner
LinkedIn: @StephLWagner
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Content Warning: brain tumor, brain surgery
About This Episode
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Andreea Vanacker, an entrepreneur, international speaker, and multi-time author, shares a science-backed path to cultivating steady joy, even in high-pressure seasons. Through her Trilogy of Joy framework built on love, confidence, and gratitude, Andreea offers three simple dials you can turn when you feel anxious, low, or stuck. She opens up about her own life-changing diagnosis, the purpose that followed, and what her global research across 48 countries reveals about fulfillment and resilience. With practical tools for protecting your energy, caring for your mind and body, and connecting your strengths to meaningful purpose, this conversation offers a clear, encouraging map for transforming small daily choices into powerful life change.
About Andreea Vanacker
Dr. Andreea Vanacker is an entrepreneur, international speaker, and 4x author. She is a resilient visionary who turned a life-altering nine-hour brain surgery into a global movement for joy. Her TEDx talk introduced the world to her groundbreaking Trilogy of Joy model. As an accomplished global speaker with business experience in over 50 countries, Andreea intertwines her powerful personal narrative with over a decade of research in neuroscience and positive psychology. Andreea has a Ph.D. in Economics, and her insights have been featured in various publications from Forbes, Fast Company to Business Insider. She is the founder and CEO of One Million Years Of Joy, a media company that comprises a podcast, a global study on joy, an annual Leadership Luminary award and a future documentary of joy.
Additional Resources
Website: andreeavanacker.com
LinkedIn: @AndreeaVanacker
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About This Episode
When archaeologist-turned-CEO Sarah Goffman stepped into leadership, she led by treating her company like a culture, studying norms, listening deeply, and aligning people and technology to identity. She shares the simple systems that can help turn overwhelm into progress, such as whiteboard priorities, a 1%-better mantra, and journaling outside when clarity slips. We also dive into how real culture is built in everyday conversations, how customer listening fuels her company’s 40-year success, and the leadership toolbox Sarah relies on: clear goals, written values, mentors, and a trusted circle. If you’re stepping into something new, this conversation will help you define where you are, where you’re going, and the habits to get you there.
About Sarah Goffman
Sarah Goffman is the CEO of TCE Company, a telecom and IT firm she boldly took the reins of seven years ago following the passing of her father. She has since led the company into its 40th year in business, honoring its legacy while driving innovation and growth. Sarah holds degrees in anthropology with a focus on archaeology from the University of Delaware and the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, a foundation that shaped her global perspective and analytical mindset. She's a proud member of InfraGard, a volunteer partnership with the FBI focused on critical infrastructure protection, and the Bold Leaders Collective, a network of visionary leaders, and a member of the GTIA Trustmark Working Group. Her journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and leading with purpose in high-stakes industries.
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LinkedIn: @SarahGoffman
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Content Warning: cancer treatment and journey
About This Episode
Boldness doesn't have to be big and loud. It can also look like choosing to keep showing up, even when life feels uncertain. In this episode, keynote speaker and author Goldie Chan shares how she built a recognizable brand while navigating cancer treatment and creating an 800-day streak of original LinkedIn videos rooted in cadence, craft, and credibility. She unpacks her Five Cs of personal branding (Community, Confidence, Competency, Consistency, and Clarity) plus a sixth: Conversation. Through small, steady actions and intentional engagement, Goldie shows how to grow trust, energy, and visibility without burnout. You will leave with practical steps to invest just one hour a week to build your presence, connect with purpose, and remember that even 10 percent on a hard day still counts and grows into your next bold move.
About Goldie Chan
Goldie Chan is a creative, keynote speaker, author, and cancer survivor. She was named the “Oprah of LinkedIn” by Huffington Post and her creative video channel won LinkedIn Top Voice for Social Media. Goldie founded Warm Robots in 2018, an award-winning social media strategy and creative agency based in Los Angeles with global clients. Previously, she wrote an internationally recognized column for Forbes, which received nearly 10M views, and was named Journalist of the Year in 2024. Goldie writes for Archie Comics and has been featured as a fresh voice in The New York Times, CNN, Fast Company, and many other outlets. Goldie is based in sunny Los Angeles.
Additional Resources
Website: goldiechan.com
Instagram: @goldiecylon
LinkedIn: @GoldieChan
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About This Episode
Janine Moreno, CIO Advisor at Zoom, tells us all about what happens when you stop waiting for permission and start owning the room. Janine shares how stepping into visibility transformed her leadership, leading to table talks and roundtables that blend authenticity and expertise. She discusses multi-generational collaboration, leading remote teams with clarity, and overcoming perfectionism to lead without a title. This episode is a wonderful guide for anyone ready to trade hesitation for action and claim the seat they have earned.
About Janine Moreno
Janine Moreno is a CIO Advisor with Zoom Video Communications and a former Executive Director for J.P. Morgan’s Asset & Wealth Management division. She leads Zoom’s CIO, CX, and Women in Leadership Virtual Table Talks, fostering thought leadership and creating spaces for executives to share insights, collaborate, and discuss the latest technology trends, challenges, and innovative solutions. As Chairperson of Zoom’s Cross Industry, she drives initiatives to enhance customer experiences across sectors.
Previously, Janine was Head of Strategy for J.P. Morgan’s Business Technology Optimization group and led AWM’s Technology Training and Communications teams. She has also consulted with Bank of America and served as Sr. Director at Broadridge Financial Solutions, focusing on IS Governance and Compliance. With 19 years at Citigroup, Janine held roles including Head of Front Office Sales Operations & Compliance and Chief of Staff. Her career is defined by visionary leadership and a passion for innovation, shaping the future of virtual and hybrid workspaces.
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LinkedIn: @JanineMoreno
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About This Episode
In this episode, we sit down with Erin Gallagher, CEO and founder of Hype Women and author of Hype Women: Breaking Free from Mean Girls, Patriarchy, and Systems Silencing You, to explore how courage often begins quietly: choosing yourself, trusting your gut, and protecting the space you fought to create. Erin shares her journey from burnout, unpacking how to rebuild identity, reconnect with intuition, and transform anxiety into agency through presence and small, practical steps. We discuss redefining rest as a strategic resource and the power of “community by design,” where a true hype woman celebrates your wins and shows up with action. This conversation invites you to question old paths, create intentional circles, and make one small shift toward a truer, bolder life, and then share it with a friend who hypes you too.
About Erin Gallagher
Erin Gallagher is the CEO and Founder of HYPE WOMEN, an inclusive ecosystem hyping women to remember who the they are; author of Hype Women: Breaking Free from Mean Girls, Patriarchy and Systems Silencing You; host and co-producer of the Hype Women Podcast; and creator of the global Hype Women Movement and “The Fairway” - a dinner series and membership invested in networthing for women.
Additional Resources
Website: hypewomen.com
Facebook: @ErinGoGallagher
Instagram: @erin.gallag.her
LinkedIn: @ErinFGallagher
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About This Episode
In this episode, Natalie Benamou, bestselling author and HerCsuite founder, explores how she transformed a 30-year career in the trade show industry into a purpose-driven portfolio business helping executive women step into board roles, launch ventures, and rediscover their strengths. She unpacks what it takes to design a meaningful next chapter: clarifying values, asking for help, finding community, and simplifying with courage. Natalie also opens up about caregiving, burnout, and resilience, offering wisdom on how to keep choosing what matters. The episode also features her new book, The Power of What’s Next: Bold Moves by Design, a collection of inspiring stories from women who prove that possibility has no age limit. Tune in for an honest, energizing conversation about reinvention, purpose, and what it means to boldly design what’s next.
About Natalie Benamou
Natalie Benamou, MBA is a bestselling author, strategic growth connector, speaker, and Founder of HerCsuite®, the Portfolio Career Company for Executive Women. After generating over $110 million in revenue in the trade show industry, Natalie launched HerCsuite® to help women make their next bold move, whether that’s landing a board seat, launching a business, or building a purpose-driven company.
She’s passionate about empowering women to feel valued and supported as they step into new chapters. Natalie also serves as President of HER HEALTHX, a nonprofit revolutionizing the way women experience healthcare and improve their health outcomes. She is a serial podcast host and her second podcast is a top 25 podcast with over 220 interviews with amazing women leaders.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @NatalieBenamou
Follow HerCsuite on LinkedIn
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About This Episode
Michele Aikens, CEO and lead coach at ClearSight Coaching and Consulting, shares her journey through reinvention, reminding us that worth is not tied to a title. With over 30 years of experience in leadership and communication, Michele reframes fear, identity, and purpose through science-backed insight and storytelling. Together, we explore how to listen to your inner compass, how to treat reinvention like an experiment, and why your natural strengths deserve full credit. If you have ever wondered what is next for you, this conversation offers grounded guidance, new perspective, and the courage to act.
About Michele Aikens
Michele Aikens is the CEO and Lead Coach of Clear Sight Coaching & Consulting Inc., with over 30 years of experience in leadership development, communications, and team dynamics. She combines strategic vision with empathy to guide leaders through transformation, drawing from her background as a storyteller, playwright, and author of five books, including the inspiring Consider The Possibilities: Pursuing What Matters Most. With degrees in organizational leadership and religious studies, Michele brings both practical insight and purpose-driven focus to her work, helping clients find the courage and clarity to pursue what matters most.
Additional Resources
Website: clearsight-coach.com
Instagram: @ClearSightChicago
LinkedIn: @MicheleAikens
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About This Episode
Lorraine K. Lee, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and LinkedIn Top Voice, reveals how cultivating an unforgettable presence can transform a career. Through her professional experience at LinkedIn, Lorraine K. Lee discovered that advancement depends not only on hard work but on how and where you are seen. Drawing from her book Unforgettable Presence, she shares the EPIC framework (Experiences, Personality, Identity, Community) to help professionals authentically showcase their strengths, plus strategies for virtual visibility through her “TEA METHOD” for video presence. Lorraine K. Lee reframes LinkedIn as a vital virtual office where first impressions are made, and encourages starting small and staying consistent to build influence that feels genuine and sustainable.
About Lorraine K. Lee
Lorraine K. Lee is a keynote speaker and the best-selling author of Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career. She also teaches popular courses at Stanford Continuing Studies and LinkedIn Learning. She is passionate about empowering leaders to elevate their presence, influence, and impact. Her frameworks have been adopted by globally recognized organizations like Zoom, Amazon, Cisco, and McKinsey & Company. Lorraine is recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice with hundreds of thousands of followers, and previously spent over a decade as a founding editor at companies including LinkedIn and Prezi. Her insights are featured in top media outlets including CNBC, Bloomberg, and Fast Company.
Additional Resources
Website: lorraineklee.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lorraineklee
Learn more about her book: unforgettablepresencebook.com
Get bite-sized career tips: lorraineklee.com/subscribe
Lorraine’s LinkedIn Learning: lorraineklee.com/linkedinlearning
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About This Episode
Former CIA officer turned award-winning entrepreneur Rupal Patel redefines boldness as “being who you are, no matter the context.” In this episode, she shares lessons from intelligence work and executive leadership on embracing uncertainty and leading with identity. Drawing from her book From CIA to CEO, Rupal explains how to start small, avoid perfectionism, and live an “absolute life” guided by personal values instead of comparison. Tune in to learn how integrity and incremental action can become your boldest strategy.
About Rupal Patel
Rupal Patel’s dynamic career has spanned CIA operations and global business leadership. As a decorated CIA officer, she advised Four-Star Generals and supported the U.S. President. After earning her MBA, she built an award-winning business and became a sought-after speaker, executive advisor, and consultant for Fortune 500 firms. Named “One of the Most Influential Women of the Year” and a SUCCESS Magazine Changemaker, her work has been featured in major media outlets and taught in elite MBA programs. She also serves in pro bono leadership roles, authored the best-selling book From CIA to CEO, and her TED talk explores the power of “owning your weird” to unleash personal excellence.
Additional Resources
Website: rupalypatel.com
Instagram: @rupalypatel
LinkedIn: @RupalPatel
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Content Warning: mention of substance use
About This Episode
In this episode, former chef turned performance strategist Dave Gieselman shares how he broke free from cycles of chronic stress and discovered the power of flow state. Drawing on lessons from SEAL teams, extreme athletes, and his own shift to breathwork and nervous system mastery, Dave reveals why most professionals rarely reach peak performance and how to change that. He offers simple, science-based practices to quiet the inner critic, overcome resistance, and unlock focused, high-level performance in work and life.
About Dave Gieselman
Dave Gieselman is a former chef who now works as a performance strategist, helping high achievers who are stretched thin and ready to build more capacity. With over 20 years of experience in leadership and personal development, he draws on breathwork, neuroscience, and flow principles to help people regulate their nervous systems and escape the cycle of chronic stress. His approach is shaped by real experience in high-pressure environments and focuses on practical tools. People work with him when they’re ready for clear, grounded, lasting change. This is applied physiology for individuals who want to feel better and lead more effectively.
Additional Resources
Website: ConnectToFlow.com
LinkedIn: @DaveGieselman
Instagram: @daveg_limitless
Register for a FREE Limitless Flow Breathwork Session (Promo Code: BOLD1): ConnectToFlow.com/breathwork
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Content Warning: cancer diagnosis
About This Episode
What happens when faith becomes your lifeline through life’s greatest challenges? Seventeen years after surviving breast cancer, Kelley Tyan transformed her journey into a catalyst for bold living. In this conversation, she shares how choosing faith over fear anchors her life and work as a transformational coach, bestselling author, and speaker. We explore her three-pillar approach of faith, fuel, and fitness, her SIMPLIFY framework for living with purpose and avoiding burnout, and her newest venture, a podcast with her daughter that turns vulnerability into healing. Whether you are facing health struggles, career obstacles, or seeking greater alignment, Kelley’s story offers both inspiration and practical tools for your own climb.
About Kelley Tyan
Kelley Tyan is a powerhouse speaker, bestselling author, and transformational coach dedicated to helping high-achieving women overcome obstacles, build resilience, and lead with confidence. With a background in business, fitness, and personal development, she empowers women to unlock their full potential in life, leadership, and wellness. As a keynote speaker and mentor, Kelley teaches women how to navigate challenges with strength, develop a winning mindset, and take bold action toward their goals. She is the bestselling author of Addicted to the Climb and The ONE Prayer, and the co-host of the inspiring, faith based podcast, Chosen by Jesus which she created with her daughter.
Kelley’s own journey—from battling breast cancer to becoming a 4X National Bikini Champion—has shaped her mission to help others rise above adversity and create lasting transformation. She has been featured on ABC, iHeart Media, Cornerstone TV Network, Life Today with James Robison, Atlanta Live, and in publications such as Link2Us, Aspiring Magazine, and Thrive Today. Through her mentorship programs, speaking engagements, and leadership coaching, Kelley provides practical strategies for personal growth, mindset shifts, and achieving success in business, faith, and life. Her message is simple: Resilience is built through action, confidence is developed through challenge, and true success comes from leading yourself first.
Additional Resources
Website: kelleytyan.com
Free Download: A Guide for Living Courageously: kelleytyan.com/start-here
Instagram: @kelleytyan
YouTube: @ChosenByJesus-CBJ
Linkedin: @KelleyTyan
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Content Warning: Pedestrian accident/vehicle collision, severe injury recovery
About This Episode
What happens when you stop muting yourself? Rachel Druckenmiller went from a shy, guarded kid to an award-winning keynote speaker, leadership trainer, and recording artist by daring to show up and let herself be seen. From a bold choir audition in college to leaving her corporate job, and discovering her gift for songwriting, Rachel’s journey shows the power of saying yes to life’s invitations. In this episode, she shares how her VOICE methodology helps others break free from self-silencing patterns, why unmuting ourselves is a gift to the world, and how living with fewer regrets can open the door to purpose, joy, and true expression.
About Rachel Druckenmiller
Rachel Druckenmiller is a keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, and leadership trainer on a mission to help organizations, associations, leaders and teams unmute themselves and amplify purpose, strengths, and impact. With nearly 20 years of experience, she has been recognized by Smart Meetings as a Best of the Stage Speaker, Forbes as a Next1000 honoree, and Workforce Magazine as a 40 Under 40 Game Changer, Rachel is a change agent whose refreshing perspective has helped her stand out as a leader in her field. Rachel is also a singer-songwriter whose music you can listen to on all music streaming platforms. Her first book will be released in the fall of 2026.
Additional Resources
Website: racheldruckenmiller.com
Instagram: @unmutedlife
LinkedIn: @RachelDruckenmiller
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Content Warning: loss of parent, grief, mention of loss of child/sibling
About This Episode
Dr. Denise Brown shares how choosing herself shaped her journey to physician and CEO, beginning with a bold residency transfer and losing her mother at 25. She challenges the myth of “linear womanhood,” opens up about leaving a toxic job, and redefines success around courage, authenticity, and prioritization. Drawing on her book The Fairy God Doctor’s Guide to a Good Life, Denise offers wisdom on letting go of balance, enforcing what matters most, and making bold choices that align with your deepest values, reminding us that “bold is choosing you.”
About Denise Brown
With over three decades of experience in healthcare as a physician, CEO and Chief Strategy Officer, Denise S. Brown, MD is a transformative leader who helps women in business learn how to prioritize and avoid maternal overwhelm. A thought leader in self-care activities for women, she brings her expertise to books for successful women. A graduate of The University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine, with training at Stanford and Vanderbilt, she lives with Alex, her childhood sweetheart of 28 years, and their sons Will and Hank.
Additional Resources
Instagram: @thefairygoddoctor
LinkedIn: @DeniseSBrownMD
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About This Episode
In this episode, leadership transformation architect and Velvet Suite founder Melissa Dawn Simkins reveals the powerful link between an athletic mindset (discipline, resilience, and teamwork) and leadership excellence, noting that 96% of women executives were former athletes. Melissa discusses her “NOW moment” philosophy, the belief-building power of taking bold action, and the importance of clarity and consistency in personal branding. Her compelling story offers inspiration and guidance for leaders ready to embrace purpose-driven performance and step into their next level with confidence.
About Melissa Dawn Simkins
Melissa Dawn Simkins is a leadership transformation architect who blends the discipline of elite athletes with executive influence to unlock purpose-driven, sustainable performance. As founder of Velvet Suite, an Inc. 5000 ed-tech company, she partners with C-suite leaders and high-performing teams to redefine success from the inside out. A pioneer in positioning personal brand as the currency of leadership, her influence spans Fortune 500 boardrooms, elite athletic circles, and global forums, building character, resilience, and capacity in the face of change. Creator of the M.V.P. Accelerator, the Beyond the C-Suite newsletter, and the upcoming C-Suite Confidential podcast, she offers bold insights for executives navigating transition, burnout, and growth, helping leaders win from within.
Additional Resources
Website: melissadawnsimkins.com
Instagram: @melissadawnsimkins
Facebook: @MelissaDawnSimkins
LinkedIn: @MelissaDawnSimkins
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About This Episode
What happens when an organization’s culture is disconnected from their business strategy? Dr. Laura Hamill, an organizational psychologist and author of The Power of Culture, shares how culture, when treated as an HR task rather than a strategic driver, loses its power to impact performance. Drawing from her personal story and leadership experience, she explains how leaders shape culture through everyday actions, not just values statements. Laura urges companies to move beyond surface-level perks and instead embed human-centric values into systems and behaviors. She offers practical strategies for aligning culture with business goals and making a compelling case for cultural transformation as a critical driver of success.
About Laura Hamill
Dr. Laura Hamill is an organizational psychologist and business leader, focusing on the intersection of science and HR. Laura is an expert on creating great places to work and is the owner of Paris Phoenix Group, a consulting firm specializing in forming and transforming culture. Previously, Laura worked at Microsoft and was a co-founder of Limeade. Laura is a podcast host at The Happy at Work podcast and has also written a book on organizational culture called The Power of Culture with The Economist. She lives in Woodinville, Washington, with her husband, two children, and golden retriever.
Additional Resources
Web: parisphoenixgroup.com
LinkedIn: @LauraHamill
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About This Episode
Joanne Tombrakos, a Marketing & Business Strategist, Assistant Professor at NYU, and author of Crafting Your Pitch, shares how genuine storytelling and everyday boldness have shaped her career. From her own experience in media sales and marketing, Joanne reveals that true boldness often lies in following your intuition, even when the path is unclear. She emphasizes the power of listening as the foundation of compelling storytelling and highlights why embracing imperfection is more important than ever in an AI-driven world. Tune in for a masterclass in using bold storytelling to connect, communicate, and inspire action.
About Joanne Tombrakos
Joanne Tombrakos is a longtime storyteller with a 25-year career in media sales and marketing, including roles at CBS and Time Warner Cable. Known for closing business through compelling storytelling—not selling—she now works as a Marketing and Business Strategist, Assistant Professor of Marketing at NYU, and host of the Marketing, Mindfulness and Martinis podcast. Joanne is the author of four books, including Crafting Your Pitch: A Storytelling Framework. A recognized expert in personal branding, pitch development, and social media, she believes human connection is at the heart of it all.
Additional Resources
Website: joannetombrakos.com
Instagram: @joannetombrakos
LinkedIn: @JoanneTombrakos
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About This Episode
Dr. Debra Clary shares how her bold journey reveals the transformative power of curiosity in leadership. Drawing on decades of experience at Fortune 50 companies and her own original research, she explores how a lack of curiosity, especially among leaders, undermines engagement and retention, while surprising data shows workers in their 50s and 60s often possess the highest levels of curiosity. Through her four-part curiosity assessment, Debra helps leaders measure and cultivate exploration, openness, focused engagement, and mindful awareness. With practical tools and insights, she challenges leaders to slow down, ask better questions, and connect more deeply, reminding us that curiosity is not about being fearless, but choosing to move forward even when afraid.
About Debra Clary
Dr. Debra Clary is a purpose-driven leader with a compelling message to share. Her enthusiasm lies in inspiring leaders and organizations in achieving business success through the enhancement of strategic alignment, team dynamics, and fostering a culture of curiosity. Bringing a wealth of experience from her roles in operations, strategy, marketing, and people development at prominent companies as Frito-Lay, Coca-Cola, Jack Daniel’s, and Humana, Debra brings incredible business insights. Her dedication is evident in her commitment to working with leaders who aspire to elevate their impact and contribution to their respective organizations. With a doctorate in Leader and Organizational Development, Debra continues to inspire and empower individuals and organizations on their journey to success.
Additional Resources
Web: debraclary.com
LinkedIn: @DrDebraClary
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About This Episode
Bill Burke, founder of the Optimism Institute and former Turner Broadcasting executive, shares his bold journey from high-profile media roles to purpose-driven work centered on optimism and alignment. Drawing on experiences ranging from co-authoring Ted Turner's autobiography to leading a minor league baseball team, Bill explores how true optimism is not blind positivity, but the active belief in a better future paired with a willingness to act. He outlines four pillars of optimism, action, perspective, hope, and resilience, and explains why pessimism fuels apathy while optimism drives meaningful change. Whether navigating personal transitions or global challenges, Bill’s message is clear: each of us has the power to make tomorrow better than today.
About Bill Burke
Bill Burke founded The Optimism Institute in 2022 after an extensive media and sports career as an executive, writer, and producer. Bill served as CEO of The Weather Channel Companies after several years at Time Warner/Turner Broadcasting System, where he was the founding general manager of Turner Classic Movies before going on to become president of TBS Superstation. Additionally, for fifteen years he was the co-owner and chairman of the Portland Sea Dogs, the double-A Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.
As a writer, Bill co-authored Ted Turner’s top-10 New York Times Best-Selling autobiography Call Me Ted and later co-wrote/produced/directed “Live Another Day,” an award-winning feature-length documentary on the bailout of the U.S. auto industry.
Bill is a lifelong optimist (he has to be - he’s a Detroit Lions fan) and launched The Optimism Institute with a mission to inspire people with an optimistic, hopeful vision of the world and its future.
Additional Resources
Web: theoptimisminstitute.com
Instagram: @optimisminstitute
LinkedIn: @BillBurke
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About This Episode
What if the crazy idea is actually the smartest move you could make? Andy Pearson, VP of Creative at Liquid Death, has built a career by leaning into the absurd and flipping conventional logic on its head. From selling $500 cookies to fund a trip that launched his career to redefining creative strategy at one of the fastest-growing beverage brands, Andy sees boldness as spotting opportunity where others see nonsense. In this episode, he shares how his unique approach unlocks unforgettable, viral campaigns and why the riskiest move is playing it safe. We also explore how his philosophy shows up in life beyond work, including his ultramarathon mindset and belief that success comes from taking the first step, not having it all figured out. If you're ready to rethink boldness, risk, and creativity, this is the episode for you.
About Andy Pearson
Andy Pearson is the VP of Creative at Liquid Death, one of the fastest-growing non-alc beverage brands. Liquid Death uses comedy and entertainment to make health and sustainability 50 times more fun. It takes low-calorie beverages and packages them into infinitely recyclable cans that compete with the fun marketing of unhealthy brands across energy drinks, beer, and junk food. Its product lines include mountain water, soda-flavored sparkling water, iced tea, and more. A portion of Liquid Death’s proceeds goes to nonprofits who are helping fight plastic pollution and further our #deathtoplastic sustainability mission. As part of Liquid Death's evil mission to make the world healthier and more sustainable, Andy helps oversee all creative output from the brand, from its viral video content to social content to merch to experiential events to CRM and more. Prior to his current attempt at global domination, Andy spent 12+ years as an award-winning creative at agencies like CP+B, Deutsch LA, and Humanaut.
Additional Resources
Web: ievenwrotethissickurl.com
Instagram: @ievenshotthis
LinkedIn: @AndyPearson
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About This Episode
What happens when you are the only one like you in the room? In this episode, media and communications expert Angela Chee shares how she turned that experience into her superpower and how you can too. From betting on herself despite uncertainty to landing her dream job in Los Angeles, Angela’s journey is a masterclass in bold decision-making, reframing fear, and creating your own path when others cannot see it. She dives into the five principles from her book The Power of the Only, owning your opportunity, power, voice, communication, and future, while challenging limiting labels like “imposter syndrome.” Whether you are holding back due to perfectionism or struggling with capacity, Angela’s insights offer clarity, compassion, and practical tools to help you protect your energy, own your unique voice, and boldly step into what is next.
About Angela Chee
Angela Chee is a keynote speaker, emcee, media and communication coach, podcast host, and author of The Power Of The Only—Own Your Voice, Thrive In Any Environment. She helps people Own Your Only™ and be YOU, Amplified!®—empowering them to be clear, confident, and connected on-camera and off and step into their full imagined potential. She believes being “The Only” is not a weakness; it is your greatest strength.
A former TV news anchor and reporter with more than 20 years of media experience, Angela has worked with top stations including KCBS-TV and KNBC-TV in Los Angeles, and Fox 6 and KNSD-TV in San Diego. She has hosted shows for networks such as E! Entertainment and HGTV, and helped launch Entertainment Tonight China. She was the media mentor and expert on Lifetime’s The Pop Game, and made a variety of appearances from The Today Show to the film Blades of Glory.
Her speaking career began at age 15, when she became the first Asian American woman to win the title of Miss California National Teenager. Today, Angela emcees events, delivers keynotes, and leads corporate training for companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, Intel, JPMorgan Chase, Freddie Mac, and more. Her topics include leadership, communication, women’s empowerment, diversity, and media. Through one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and online programs, she helps clients break through barriers, own their voice and power, and step into their leadership.
Additional Resources
Web: AngelaChee.com
Instagram: @AngelaCheeTV
YouTube: @AngelaCheeTV
LinkedIn: @AngelaChee
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About This Episode
Mary Mitchell, Co-CEO of Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, shares how true boldness is not always about charging ahead, but often about the courage to be still and trust your inner wisdom. Mary’s journey reflects bold decisions rooted in alignment with her values. That path brought her to the Girl Scouts, where she has spent 26 years championing girls of courage, confidence, and character by creating safe, empowering spaces where girls can explore, fail, and grow on their own terms. In this episode, Mary invites us to help build supportive communities that foster the bold leaders of tomorrow.
About Mary Mitchell
Mary Mitchell is Co-CEO of Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. She helps lead the organization's work on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice (DEIRJ) and holds expertise in community-building, engagement, collaborative practices, and team-oriented design. Mary is a 2017 Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Fellow, a Board member of International Women's Forum-AZ; a member of the AZ Community Foundation, African American Women's Giving and Empowerment Circle; a 2020 Phoenix Mercury Believe in Women Honoree; and a 2020 recipient of the YWCA Tribute to Leadership Award; a graduate of Valley Leadership, Class 26. In 2023, she was honored with a Phoenix Business Journal Outstanding Women in Business Award and the 2023 Building for the Future Specialty Award presented by Achieve. In 2024, she received the Arizona Diversity Council’s Woman of the Year award. Mary was named one of 2024’s Most Influential Women in Arizona by AZ Big Media. In January 2025, she received the Women in American History Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @MaryMitchell
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Content Warning: cancer diagnosis
About This Episode
As Deloitte’s first Chief Wellbeing Officer and founder of The Wellbeing Team, Jen Fisher shares how her journey through burnout and cancer led her to become a global leader in workplace wellbeing. Jen introduces the concept of "wellbeing intelligence" as a vital leadership skill and challenges outdated wellness efforts. She discusses the ins and outs of burnout, how it impacts our wellbeing and how to take actionable steps to prevent and recover. This conversation will inspire you to rethink not just how you work, but how wellbeing is the foundation of true bold, sustainable success.
About Jen Fisher
Jen Fisher is the Founder and CEO of The Wellbeing Team and a globally recognized authority on workplace wellbeing and human sustainability. Once wearing busyness as a badge of honor, Jen experienced burnout—a turning point that inspired her to redefine what success and thriving look like at work. As Deloitte US’s first Chief Wellbeing Officer, she developed a groundbreaking, holistic wellbeing strategy that earned national recognition and reimagined workplace culture. Her personal experience with cancer further deepened her commitment to advancing health and wellbeing as essential elements of organizational success.
Today, Jen is a sought-after advisor to C-suite leaders and a trailblazer of the Wellbeing Intelligence movement. Through her work with WellQ360, she introduces innovative frameworks that align culture, leadership, and team dynamics to drive sustainable value and human-centered growth. She challenges organizations to dismantle systemic barriers and build environments where people naturally thrive. Outside of her work, Jen lives her message—prioritizing health, self-care, and growth—while enjoying life in Miami with her husband, Albert, and their dog, Fiona.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @JenFisher
Instagram: @jenfish23
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About This Episode
Tia Graham, bestselling author of Be a Happy Leader and founder of Arrive at Happy, shares how happiness isn’t a byproduct of success, but a catalyst for it. Drawing from her own personal journey and extensive research, she explores the science behind why happier people perform better, the power of the SPIRE model for wellbeing, and how leaders can create ripple effects far beyond the workplace. With insights on bold leadership, emotional wellbeing, and practical strategies for building a thriving culture, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking greater impact and genuine happiness.
About Tia Graham
Tia Graham is a best-selling author, keynote and TED speaker, and Founder of The Calm Working Moms Collective and Arrive At Happy. She has certifications in applied neuroscience, positive psychology, coaching, and is a Certified Chief Happiness Officer. She led sales teams for 14-years in luxury hotels in the US and Europe. Her best-selling book, Be a Happy Leader, teaches her 8-step methodology to drive business results and create a happy, high-performing team. Her research and experience prove that it is possible to overcome the challenges of balancing your career and parenting, and find a path to inner peace and happiness.
Additional Resources
Web: arriveathappy.com
Watch Tia’s TED Talk: youtube.com/watch?v=gYeHV_nA36c
Instagram: @ArriveAtHappy
YouTube: @TiaGraham
LinkedIn: @TiaGraham
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Content Warning: Suicide ideation; mention of alcoholism, abuse, depression
About This Episode
Nina Eiland shares her extraordinary journey from questioning her worth to discovering a bold new path rooted in self-compassion and purpose. Starting over within the trucking industry, Nina's grit and determination caught the attention of mentors who helped her rise through the ranks. Choosing to redefine leadership on her own terms, she has leaned into being true to herself and sharing her story of perseverance. Now the author of Grace in Leadership: A Nobody’s Guide to Inspired Leadership, Nina reminds us that true leadership begins within, and that embracing our perfectly imperfect selves can unlock a future brighter than we imagined. Tune in for a story of resilience, reinvention, and the power of believing in your own worth.
About Nina Eiland
Nina Eiland currently resides in Dothan, Alabama, with her husband, John, and their three beautiful children Brandyn, Celia and Charlotte. Professionally, Nina brings over a decade of leadership experience in human resources and people operations across both public and private sector organizations. She is a certified HR Consultant and Professional Life Coach, holding credentials including PHR, SHRM-CP, and certifications in Lean Six Sigma and People Analytics. Her debut non-fiction book, Grace and Leadership: A Nobody’s Guide to Inspired Leadership, focuses on servant leadership, shaped by her journey of self-acceptance and the importance of showing grace to herself and others.
Additional Resources
Web: graceandleadership.com
LinkedIn: @NinaEiland
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About This Episode
What happens when we reimagine healthcare through the lens of data? Dr. Julie Schulz, physician executive and VP of Product at Avalon Healthcare Solutions, shares how analytics are being used to guide smarter testing, improve outcomes, and reduce inefficiencies. With up to 70% of medical decisions driven by lab results that are often trapped in silos, she explains how unlocking this data is key to better care. We also explore cardiometabolic disease, treatment gaps, and why obesity is a medical condition. Julie offers practical advice for patients to advocate for themselves and bridge communication gaps in a strained system. Tune in to hear how data, when paired with compassion, can lead to real change.
About Julie Schulz
Dr. Julie Schulz is a physician executive and Vice President of Product of Avalon Healthcare Solutions with experience building and leading healthcare decision support, analytics, and B2C products. Specifically, she focuses on value-based care, women's health, medical device & pharma, and patient & physician engagement.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @JulieSchulz
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About This Episode
In this powerful episode, holistic business and career coach and author Amina AlTai joins us to unpack and redefine ambition. Drawing from her own experiences and her new book, The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living, Amina explores the difference between painful ambition rooted in core wounds and purposeful ambition aligned with wellbeing and contribution. We dive into the nuanced ways identity and societal pressures shape ambition, especially for women and marginalized leaders, and introduce tools and ideologies like the resentment line. If you're feeling burned out, questioning your path, or craving a more sustainable version of success, this conversation will help you redefine achievement on your own terms without losing yourself in the process.
About Amina AlTai
Amina AITai (pronounced AH-MIN-UH) is a holistic business and career coach, proud immigrant and chronic illness advocate. A leading coach to notable leaders, executives and founders—Amina's mastery is in connecting us to our brilliance and teaching us to live and lead from it each day. She is the author of the forthcoming book, The Ambition Trap, with Penguin/The Open Field. Amina has partnered with progressive companies such as Google, Roku, Deloitte, Snap, Outdoor Voices, NYU and HUGE. She's an Entrepreneur Magazine expert-in-residence, a Forbes contributor, and was named one of Success Magazine’s Women of Influence. Additionally, she's been featured in goop, Well+Good, The New York Times, Yahoo, NBC, and more.
Additional Resources
Web: aminaaltai.com
Instagram: @aminaaltai
LinkedIn: @AminaAlTai
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Content Warning: Brief mention of sibling death, pet death, depression, anxiety, child abandonment
About This Episode
In this inspiring episode, Wendy Valentine, professional life coach and podcast host of the top-ranked Midlife Makeover Show, explores what it really means to be bold. Wendy shares her remarkable transformation from heartbreak and hardship to healing and freedom that ultimately led to her traveling across the country in an RV named Felicia. With deep honesty, she introduces her FREEDOM method and the powerful message behind her upcoming book Women Waking Up, reminding us that midlife isn't a crisis; it's an awakening and an invitation to come home to yourself. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to trade fear for freedom and take the bold steps they’ve been avoiding.
About Wendy Valentine
Wendy Valentine is a speaker, certified professional life coach, and author of Women Waking Up—a midlife rebel with a mission to help women reignite their spark and embrace the magic of midlife. As the host of The Midlife Makeover Show podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally and #1 in midlife on iTunes and Spotify, Wendy inspires her listeners to embrace the magic of midlife and live with passion and purpose. Through her transformative group coaching program, FREEDOM at Midlife, and her in-person retreats, Wendy helps women kick fear to the curb, reclaim their joy, and live life on their terms. Whether she’s soaking up the beauty of Madeira, Portugal, or cruising across the USA in her trusty motorhome, Felicia, Wendy lives for adventure and believes that life only gets better with age.
Additional Resources
Website: wendyvalentine.com
Learn More About Her New Book: womenwakingup.com
Instagram: @wendy_valentine_
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About This Episode
In this episode, Dr. Gail Burgos, CEO of PayTech Women, reframes boldness as a mindset, one grounded in intentional choices, self-awareness, and the courage to lead with vulnerability. She shares her insights on the power of community and the importance of women supporting one another, especially in male-dominated industries like FinTech. Gail clarifies the distinction between mentorship and sponsorship, explaining how sponsors advocate for you even when you’re not in the room. She describes her philosophy to start with your gifts, align your actions, and build a network around them. Her approach has not only transformed her own path but fueled the explosive growth of the PayTech Women community, making this episode a must-listen for anyone ready to lead boldly.
About Gail Burgos
Dr. Gail Burgos is the former Senior Diversity and Inclusion Officer for TSYS and Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at 1st Sentry. After retiring from TSYS with 25 years of service, she founded Burgos Consulting Group, Inc., where she currently serves as CEO. Prior to retirement, she led Global Payments’ global inclusion and diversity strategy and supported all areas of information technology as Senior Advisor to the CIO at legacy TSYS. With deep knowledge of corporate culture and an impeccable leadership record, Burgos has remained committed to advancing equity for children, women, and underrepresented groups. She holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Columbus State University, an M.S. in Human Resource Management from Troy State University, and a Doctorate in Organizational Theory and Leadership from the University of Phoenix. She has served as an adjunct professor and on multiple educational and community boards.
Burgos is a former CEO of Girls Inc. of Columbus, an organization supporting girls ages 6–18, and served on the boards of Hope Harbour and PayTech Women, where she is now CEO. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. While at TSYS, she founded Project Cookie Jar, a financial literacy initiative for Girls Inc. participants, and chaired the TSYS IT Education Council to boost STEM awareness in regional schools. Through her consulting work, she continues to guide organizations in building inclusive cultures, launching DEI programs, and embedding diversity into recruitment, retention, and succession planning. Her leadership and community service have earned her numerous awards and speaking engagements.
Additional Resources
Learn More About PayTech Women: paytechwomen.org
LinkedIn: @GailBurgos
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About This Episode
In this episode, Dr. Lori Rosenkopf, Vice Dean for Entrepreneurship at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, offers a fresh, accessible take on boldness and entrepreneurship. Through her journey and insights from her new book Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation, Lori debunks common myths about founders, showing that innovation can just as easily come from "accidental entrepreneurs," who leverage their unique experiences in unexpected ways. Lori encourages us to rethink what it means to create value, start small, move quickly, and trust that our distinctive paths can spark meaningful innovation. This conversation is packed with actionable advice for anyone ready to make a bold move, whether launching a business or bringing fresh ideas to their current role.
About Lori Rosenkopf
Lori Rosenkopfis the Simon and Midge Palley Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. As Vice Dean for Entrepreneurship, she serves as Wharton’s faculty director for Venture Lab, Penn’s home for student entrepreneurs, and also their San Francisco campus. In a prior role as Vice Dean of Wharton’s Undergraduate Division, she introduced a new curriculum and developed experiential classwork in the tech sector. For over thirty years, Rosenkopf has taught entrepreneurship and management of technology to more than 20,000 high schoolers, undergraduates, MBAs, and executives, connecting these learners to many of the most entrepreneurial alumni at Wharton and Penn through treks, panels, and classes.
Rosenkopf was named a Best Undergraduate Professor by Poets and Quants, and has received multiple awards for her teaching, including Wharton’s prestigious David Hauck Award for Distinguished Teaching. Rosenkopf has published more than thirty articles on technological communities and social networks in top management journals, and she is a Fellow of the Academy of Management.
Rosenkopf received her PhD in Management of Organizations from Columbia University, her MS in Operations Research from Stanford University, and her BS in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from Cornell University. She worked as a systems engineer at AT&T Bell Laboratories and Eastman Kodak between her degrees. Rosenkopf lives in Philadelphia with her partner, Allan, and their dog, Winston.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @LoriRosenkopf
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About This Episode
Erika Hanafin, CEO and co-founder of Hello Mamas, explores what it truly means to be bold as a mother, leader, and entrepreneur. Erika redefines boldness as taking decisive action with confidence, even amid uncertainty—a mindset that has guided her through multiple startup acquisitions, motherhood, and personal transitions. She shares raw insights on navigating identity beyond titles, the power of community, and the often unspoken loneliness of leadership. With refreshing vulnerability, she encourages others to take the first step, however imperfect, reminding us that bold journeys are built in motion, not perfection.
About Erika Hanafin
Erika Hanafin is a devoted mom, sophisticated business leader and startup advisor, and a compassionate advocate for women in business. She is the CEO and co-founder of Hello Mamas, a community dedicated to supporting every mom’s success by empowering every mom with the tools, connections, and joyful experiences needed to thrive in all aspects of life.
Growing up in a family of successful CEOs, Erika was enriched with the intricate details of running successful businesses through observation, higher education, and extensive experience. Over the past 15 years, she has played a pivotal role in growing small businesses across various industries, with a focus on business development, research and data, operations, revenue management, and an expertise in diverse fundraising models. Erika's success is underscored by her involvement in four significant startup acquisitions, three of which she was instrumental in leading.
Through her experiences, Erika has learned that a company's culture is fundamental to its success. She is committed to fostering supportive and healthy corporate cultures across the world by empowering women through leadership, collaboration, philanthropy, mentorship, and fundraising. This passion led her to the helm of HeyMama, a membership community of over 75,000 moms in business with events and programs impacting over 400 million moms. In just three years as CEO, Erika transformed the distressed company, marking it as her fourth acquisition and launching its parent company Hello Mamas.
Recognized for Excellence in Business by the National Association of Professional Women VIP Awards, Erika has also earned President’s Club and Knights of the Roundtable awards. Beyond her professional achievements, Erika is the Chairman of EQUI-KIDS, is a Certified Holistic Health Coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and is dedicated to supporting divorced and co-parenting businesswomen like herself navigate the delicate balance between high-pressure careers and crucial roles at home.
Additional Resources
Website: www.erikahanafin.com
Instagram: @ErikaHanafin
LinkedIn: @ErikaHanafin
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This episode was taped live at the ViVE 2025 conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
About This Episode
Patty Hayward, General Manager of Healthcare and Life Sciences at TalkDesk, shares how personalized AI communication in healthcare is becoming reality. In a groundbreaking partnership with Epic, TalkDesk is transforming healthcare contact centers from cost-driven call hubs into vital parts of the care team, integrating support directly into electronic health records and empowering agents to guide patients with empathy and precision. Hayward dives into this evolution and makes a compelling case for co-innovation, challenging outdated metrics and redefining what truly human-centered healthcare can look like. Whether you're a healthcare professional, technology enthusiast, or simply someone who's experienced the frustration of healthcare bureaucracy, this episode offers a compelling vision of how bold thinking and strategic partnerships are creating more human-centered experiences.
About Patty Hayward
Patty Hayward, General Manager of Healthcare and Life Sciences at Talkdesk, has over a quarter century of industry strategy experience, including at organizations such as McKesson, Medicity, and Humedica. She is an expert in HIE, population health, pharmacy, process redesign for healthcare systems, and increasing access to patient information.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @PattyHayward
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About This Episode
The path to gender equality in the workplace remains frustratingly slow despite decades of well-intentioned efforts. What if we've been focusing on the wrong solutions all along? Harvard researcher and author Siri Chilazi joins us to challenge conventional wisdom about advancing women in the workplace. Her groundbreaking research shows how we need to fix the systems that weren't originally designed for women's success, offering evidence-based approaches that actually work. Whether you're a leader seeking to create a more inclusive workplace or someone navigating career advancement, Siri provides practical advice for creating fairness through measurable, data-driven approaches rather than performative initiatives. The key to progress isn't adding more one-off programs; it's embedding fairness into our everyday business processes and measuring results with the same rigor we apply to other business goals. Listen in and discover how small, evidence-based changes can create significant impact in creating workplaces where everyone truly has an equal opportunity to succeed.
About Siri Chilazi
Siri Chilazi is a senior researcher at the Women and Public Policy Program at Harvard Kennedy School whose life’s work is to advance gender equality in the workplace. As a keynote speaker and strategic advisor, Siri collaborates with a wide range of organizations around the world. Her work regularly appears in leading media outlets. Siri has an MBA from Harvard Business School, a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, and a BA in Chemistry and Physics from Harvard College.
Additional Resources
Website: sirichilazi.com
LinkedIn: @SiriChilazi
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Content Warning: Description of suicide attempt
About This Episode
In this episode, executive coach and author of You’re the Boss, Sabina Nawaz systematically dismantles leadership myths that harm both leaders and those they lead. Particularly insightful is Sabina's discussion of the "superhero syndrome" and how promotion can actually be the most dangerous time in your career. She offers practical strategies like micro-habits and the "time portfolio" approach to help leaders make sustainable changes without attempting unrealistic overnight transformations. Sabina’s advice on turning strengths into balanced leadership skills rather than weaknesses provides actionable guidance for anyone in a position of influence. Whether you're a seasoned executive or newly promoted manager, this episode provides both the wake-up call and the practical tools needed to lead with greater self-awareness, effectiveness, and humanity. Discover why some of your greatest strengths might actually undermine your leadership, and how small, deliberate changes can transform your impact on others.
About Sabina Nawaz
Sabina Nawaz is an elite executive coach who advises C-level executives and teams at Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, and academic institutions around the world. Sabina routinely gives speeches each year and teaches faculty at Northeastern and Drexel Universities. During her fourteen-year tenure at Microsoft, she went from managing software development teams to leading the company’s executive development and succession planning efforts for over 11,000 managers and nearly a thousand executives, advising Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer directly. She has written for and been featured in Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, NBC, Nasdaq, and MarketWatch.
Additional Resources
Website: sabinanawaz.com
Instagram: @sabinacoaching
LinkedIn: @SabinaNawaz
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This episode was taped live at the ViVE 2025 conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
About This Episode
Dr. Stephanie Lahr's bold journey from practicing physician to healthcare technology executive provides fascinating insights into how innovation and AI are transforming organizations and how we lead. Stephanie shares the pivotal moments that shaped her career path – from switching residency programs to leading technology implementation as a practicing hospitalist, and ultimately joining Artisight, an AI-focused health tech platform. Her transitions weren't always easy, but they were guided by a powerful mission: bringing joy back to medicine. Stephanie emphasizes that the most successful organizations partnering with innovation are those that value bold leadership and create a culture that encourages trying new approaches at every level. Tune in to hear Stephanie’s journey and her recommendations for those considering their own bold career pivots.
About Stephanie Lahr
Dr. Stephanie Lahr is Chief Experience Officer of Artisight Inc., an innovative sensor network platform solution with the goal of bringing the joy back to medicine and reducing friction using automation and AI. Prior to Artisight, Dr. Lahr served for 6.5 years as the CIO and CMIO of Monument Health. She is an experienced informaticist and leader in the healthcare industry and has served on several boards and committees including CHIME, the Epic Community Connect Steering Board, in which she was the previous Chair, the South Dakota state HIE board, AMDIS, and the United Way of the Black Hills. Dr. Lahr was a HIMSS 2021 Changemaker in Healthcare Award recipient. Dr. Lahr was named a Becker’s Women in Health IT to Know in 2024 and was selected as one of the “50 under 50” by Slice of Healthcare. She holds a Medical Degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch, completed an internship in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Internal Medicine residency, is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Clinical Informatics, and has completed the CHIME CIO Bootcamp and is a certified CHCIO.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @StephanieLahr
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About This Episode
Would you ever chase a stranger off the subway? That's exactly what Jenny Wood did, and it changed her life forever. This stranger became her husband and the experience became a powerful metaphor for embracing what she calls "wild courage," the ability to take bold action despite our deepest fears. During her 18 years at Google, Jenny Wood grew from entry-level to executive leadership, running operations teams that drove billions in annual revenue. The heart of Jenny's philosophy is her framework of nine counterintuitive traits: weird, selfish, shameless, nosy, obsessed, manipulative, brutal, reckless, and bossy. These deliberately provocative terms represent qualities we're taught to suppress, especially women. Jenny brilliantly reclaims these traits, showing how embracing the right version of each empowers us to achieve extraordinary results. Whether you're considering a career pivot, seeking promotion, or simply want to live more boldly, this episode will give you the tools to embrace your own wild courage.
About Jenny Wood
In her 18 years at Google, Jenny Wood grew from entry-level to executive, and she most recently led a large operations team that helped drive billions of revenue per year. In 2021, she started a passion project within Google called Own Your Career, which grew to one of the largest career development programs in Google’s history. Through the program she founded, she has trained tens of thousands of people on: acing a job search, building relationships, personal branding, effective email writing, landing the right mentor, maximizing workplace influence, and most importantly, increasing confidence. Jenny’s writing has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Entrepreneur, Inc., and Forbes. She is an FAA-licensed private pilot, a daily hiker, an improv student, a tap dancer, and a zucchini bread connoisseur. She lives in Boulder, Colorado with her two young children and her husband, Jon. She met Jon by chasing him off the NYC Subway, and the New York Times featured their story.
Additional Resources
Website: itsjennywood.com
Check Out Her Book, Wild Courage
Instagram: @itsjennywood
LinkedIn: @JennyWood
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About This Episode
Paula Davis, founder of the Stress and Resilience Institute, takes us on her bold journey from burnout to breakthrough in this compelling conversation. Paula's story begins with a choice between her health and her career– a decision point many professionals face but few discuss openly. After walking away from her law practice, she discovered her true calling: helping leaders and teams prevent burnout before it happens. Her personal experience of values misalignment became the catalyst for the research and framework that would ultimately help thousands. Paula also dives into the five leadership mindsets from her new book, Beating Burnout at Work: Why Teams Hold the Secret to Well-Being & Resilience. From creating "sticky recognition" that makes team members feel genuinely valued to building workload sustainability, Paula offers practical strategies for leaders at every level. Tune in to start improving how your team works. Paula recommends starting with recognition and mattering, the foundational mindset that opens the door to resilience, belonging, and exceptional performance.
About Paula Davis
Paula Davis JD, MAPP,is the Founder and CEO of the Stress & Resilience Institute. For 15 years, she has been a trusted advisor to leaders in organizations of all sizes helping them to make work better. Paula is a globally recognized expert on the effects of workplace stress, burnout prevention, workplace well-being, and building resilience for individuals and teams. Paula left her law practice after seven years and earned a master’s degree in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. As part of her post-graduate training, Paula was selected to be part of the University of Pennsylvania faculty teaching and training resilience skills to soldiers as part of the Army’s Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness program. Paula is the author of Beating Burnout at Work: Why Teams Hold the Secret to Well-Being & Resilience, which is about burnout prevention using a teams-based approach. Beating Burnout at Work was nominated for best new book by the Next Big Idea Club, which is curated by Adam Grant, Susan Cain, Malcom Gladwell, and Daniel Pink. Paula has shared her expertise at educational institutions such as Harvard Law School, Wharton School Executive Education, and Princeton. She is a two-time recipient of the distinguished teaching award from the Medical College of Wisconsin. She has been featured in and on The New York Times, O, The Oprah Magazine, The Washington Post and many other media outlets. Paula is also a contributor to Forbes, Fast Company and Psychology Today.
Additional Resources
Website: stressandresilience.com
Instagram: @stressandresilience
LinkedIn: @PaulaDavis
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About This Episode
Shawn Nelson, founder and CEO of the Lovesac Company, defines boldness as a state of mind that is as constant as we push ourselves to make it. He maintains his bold edge by deliberately seeking situations that challenge him. When faced with seemingly impossible vertical climbs, in dirt biking and in real life, he applies his philosophy: "If it has been done, it can be done. And why not me?" This same mindset helped him transform a simple beanbag chair into a publicly-traded company now worth billions. What makes Shawn’s journey particularly valuable is his transparency about struggle. He openly shares Lovesac’s bankruptcy experience, which he calls his "MBA in a box," and shares so many of the other lessons he has learned in his latest book, Let Me Save You 25 Years. Shawn also challenges listeners to be bold enough to be honest about what truly motivates them, rather than pursuing status symbols or others' definitions of success. Tune in for an inspiring episode that will encourage you to make you own bold path forward.
About Shawn Nelson
Shawn D. Nelson is the author of the best-selling book Let Me Save You 25 Years: Mistakes, Miracles, and Lessons from the Lovesac Story. He is the founder and CEO of the Lovesac Company, which designs, manufactures, and sells such furniture as modular couches and bean bag chairs. Nelson holds a BA in Mandarin Chinese from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in Strategic Design and Management from Parsons, The New School for Design in New York City, where he later became an instructor.
Additional Resources
Website: shawndnelson.com
Instagram: @shawnoflovesac
LinkedIn: @ShawnDNelson
Check Out His Book, Let Me Save You 25 Years
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About This Episode
Catalina Bloch shares her transformative journey from corporate to entrepreneurial success as the CEO and founder of MDRN Creative Group, a seven-figure business specializing in high-end photo and video experiences. Her story demonstrates how taking bold action despite fear and uncertainty can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Catalina explores how listening to your gut, creating genuine value for clients, and taking action, even if it’s not always perfect, can lead to great success. Her story isn't about overnight achievement but persistent belief in possibility, a philosophy that has established her as a leader in the experiential marketing industry. Ready to take your own bold leap? Tune in to hear Catalina’s process and how you can get started on your own bold journey today.
About Catalina Bloch
Catalina Bloch is the CEO and founder of MDRN Creative Group, the powerhouse behind successful brands like MDRN Photobooth Co. and MDRN Activations. Having built a 7-figure business specializing in high-end photo and video experiences for luxury weddings and major brands, Catalina has become a leader in the experiential marketing industry. Through Photo Booth Mastery, she now teaches other photo booth business owners how to scale their businesses with proven strategies and technical expertise. From pricing and lead generation to advanced DSLR techniques, Catalina empowers entrepreneurs to build thriving, automated businesses while delivering exceptional service.
Additional Resources
Web: photoboothmastery.catalinabloch.com
Instagram: @photoboothmastery @mdrnactivations @mdrnphotoboothco
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About This Episode
Are you ready to show up authentically for yourself? Join us in this eye-opening episode as we sit down with Melissa Hurrington, a transformational leader and advocate for authenticity in the corporate world. As CFO and VP of Operations at Premier Claims, Melissa exemplifies the essence of balancing personal values with professional ambition. In our conversation, Melissa shares her bold decision to transition from a stable corporate environment to a startup, highlighting the fears and exhilaration that accompanied such a leap. She redefines what it means to be authentic in a professional landscape often governed by expectations and constraints, encouraging listeners to recognize their unique strengths in a world that frequently asks them to conform. Packed with actionable insights, this episode invites you to reassess how you define boldness and authenticity in your life. Tune in and start your journey toward embracing your authentic self.
About Melissa Hurrington
As a devoted wife and mother, Melissa Hurrington embodies the essence of balance and leadership both at home and in the professional arena. With a multifaceted role as CFO & VP at Operations of Premier Claims, she navigates the complexities of financial strategy and operational excellence with finesse. Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Melissa serves as the Omaha Chapter President of the CFO Leadership Council, is a founding member of The Bold Leaders Collective, and stands among The Next 100. A true servant leader at heart, she approaches every endeavor with authenticity and humility, recognizing that her greatest strength lies in uplifting others. At the core of her identity, she remains unapologetically and authentically herself.
Additional Resources
Learn More About the Corporate Women Leaders Collective in Omaha
LinkedIn: @MelissaHurrington
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Content Warning: suicide attempt
About This Episode
Shola Richards, the innovative CEO of Go Together Global, speaker and author, brings a fresh perspective on being bold. Shola reveals how seemingly small acts, like setting personal boundaries, can trigger profound personal growth and transformation. He candidly shares his own experiences with toxic workplace environments, illustrating the bold decisions and inner strength needed to reclaim one's mental well-being and authenticity. Shola also delves into the significance of fostering psychological safety and civility in the workplace, rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu and his Go Together movement. By creating spaces that honor both our commonalities and differences, we can pave the way for genuine collaboration and mutual respect. With practical strategies for engaging with opposing views, Shola inspires us to embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth, urging us to take bold steps toward a more inclusive and respectful world.
About Shola Richards
Shola Richards is an international keynote speaker, author, and suicide survivor, who has deep expertise about—and firsthand experience with—the dangers of toxic incivility. Lovingly nicknamed, “Brother Teresa”, Shola has shared his transformative message of civility on three different continents, on major media platforms such as CBS This Morning, with top organizations (such Microsoft, Google, and WebMD), on the TEDx stage, and even on Capitol Hill where he was invited to testify in front of the House of Representatives for two hours about how to bring more civility to Congress (and he’ll be the first to tell you that they need a refresher course). Shola’s ideas are known to be extremely practical, deeply researched, highly inspirational, and readily applicable to people from all walks of life.
Additional Resources
Web: sholarichards.com
Instagram: @sholarichards
LinkedIn: @SholaRichards
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About This Episode
Rachel Salzberg, a leadership development expert and CEO of Facets Coaching, joins us for a compelling conversation on boldness and personal reinvention. Rachel opens up about her transformative journey to highlight how true boldness can be a profound internal shift. Discover how challenging inherited belief systems and embracing a ReSoul Revolution can lead you towards authentic living and help you break free from societal expectations. Rachel also delves into the significance of recognizing signs of misalignment and burnout, and how these can manifest physically and emotionally. She emphasizes the importance of self-love, setting boundaries, and intentional reinvention for fostering personal growth. This episode invites you to challenge outdated beliefs, embrace your soul-driven potential, and take inspired actions that honor your true self. Whether you're on the search for personal growth or ready to ignite your own ReSoul Revolution, this conversation offers invaluable insights and motivation for your unique journey.
About Rachel Salzberg
Rachel Salzberg is a leadership development expert, keynote speaker, board member, podcast host, author, and CEO of Facets Coaching. She coaches individuals and consults leaders in top-tier organizations like Microsoft drawing on her deep expertise across various industries including technology, non-profit, academia and healthcare. Central to Rachel's mission is the ReSoul Revolution™. In her new book she talks about a transformative movement that harmonizes brain and soul to elevate individual consciousness and unlock the path for full personal mastery. This philosophy champions the idea that everyone has both the capacity and moral responsibility to foster conscious leadership within themselves and extend it to their communities and the globe. In her work, Rachel introduces easily adoptable yet powerful “ReSoul” Rituals for personal transformation. Her compelling narratives merge personal adversities with professional challenges, addressing societal pressures, fears, and failures. Her stories not only stir deep emotional connections but also inspire action, encouraging readers to ignite their personal ReSoul Revolutions. These experiences sowed feelings of defectiveness and alienation but also fueled her quest for personal growth and Rachel's journey is a testament to resilience. By shedding outdated beliefs and aligning with her soul’s desires, Rachel transformed her life and now empowers others to tap into their soul-driven potential helping people to transform their pain into powerful gifts of growth to achieve sustainable change, wisdom, and strength.
Additional Resources
Website: facetscoaching.com
Check Out Her Book, The ReSoul Revolution: https://lnkd.in/gUCFEP7C
Instagram: @resoulrachel
LinkedIn: @RachelSalzberg
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About This Episode
What if the biggest roadblocks to your success are the lies you tell yourself? Tune into this transformative discussion with Mo Bunnell, a visionary in business development, author of Give to Grow, and founder of Bunnell Idea Group. His insights urge us to recognize and challenge the false beliefs that constrain us, including the fears and uncertainties that can hold us back. He shares practical strategies for prioritizing long-term goals and embracing strategic generosity in business. Mo also offers guidance on how to offer value without underselling yourself, sharing advice to navigate the balance between giving and maintaining self-worth. He describes how a thoughtful approach to generosity can foster genuine connections and propel professional relationships forward. Listen in to uncover how cultivating a bold mindset, fueled by generosity and persistence, can lead to remarkable outcomes both personally and professionally.
About Mo Bunnell
Mo Bunnell helps complex organizations grow by scaling business development skills across their organizations and creating a growth-oriented culture. He’s the author of Give to Grow, The Snowball System, the host of the podcast Real Relationships Real Revenue and the founder of Bunnell Idea Group (BIG), who has trained tens of thousands of professionals. BIG’s clients have used Mo and his team’s GrowBIG® training to give their experts a system for growth that creates deep relationships, gives a comprehensive business development framework and dare we say, is fun to use. Mo started out his career as an expert himself, passing all the actuarial exams to earn their highest designation: Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. Today, Mo enjoys working with hundreds of clients including some the largest, most prestigous service-based organizations. Mo and his wife of over 30 years, Becky, enjoy spending time with their friends and two adult daughters. Outside of work he enjoys working out, backpacking, and playing ultimate frisbee at the national and world levels. Becky and Mo live in Atlanta, Georgia with their four horses, two cats, dog, bird and miniature donkey, Louie Hamilton.
Additional Resources
Website: bunnellideagroup.com
LinkedIn: @MoBunnell
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About This Episode
Sonnie Linebarger’s journey from Certified Nursing Assistant to the CEO of Cadre Hospice isn't just a career story; it's a testament to the power of boldness and intentionality in shaping one's path. Join us as Sonnie shares her remarkable evolution moving between the corporate world and entrepreneurship, and most importantly, how she began defining success on her own terms beyond traditional metrics. Sonnie unpacks how to recalibrate priorities to achieve a fulfilling alignment between career aspirations and personal life and responsibilities by setting non-negotiables that align with your core values. Sonnie’s inspiring narrative encourages a bold mindset, emphasizing meaningful contributions to communities and a focus on personal growth. Tune in as we further explore the transformative power of a growth mindset and the courage to embrace possibility.
About Sonnie Linebarger
Sonnie Linebarger is a maverick in the Hospice space, stitching together the fabric of leadership, innovation, and care with the precision of a seasoned nurse and the vision of a CEO. With over two decades in the trenches of healthcare, Sonnie has journeyed from CNA to CEO, a path that's anything but linear. She's the CEO for Cadre Hospice and is disrupting the industry through world class end of life care. She is also the Host of The Evoke Greatness Podcast Ranked in the Top 3% globally, her podcast is a light for the lifelong learners and those hungry for the real lessons behind leadership and success. Sonnie's philosophy? People matter. Cultivating a culture that breathes empathy and empowerment is not just her passion but her mission. Through mentorship, development, and transformation, Sonnie isn't just in the business of healthcare; she's in the business of human potential.
Additional Resources
Website: evokegreatness.com
Instagram: @evoke.greatness
LinkedIn: @SonnieLinebarger
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Content Warning: car accident, paralysis, depression
About This Episode
Cindy Kolbe has been a life-long disability advocate—even before her daughter Beth was paralyzed in an accident at the age of 14. In this episode, Cindy shares her and Beth's journey of resilience, boldness, and healing. Cindy reveals how they navigated this new reality, turning obstacles into opportunities and achieving extraordinary feats, including Beth's competing in the Paralympics and becoming a lawyer after attending both Harvard and Stanford living on her own. Beth’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of choosing hope and embracing life's challenges with courage. Cindy also touches on universal themes of caregiving and self-forgiveness, the importance of seeking help, and the incredible strength derived from family love and determination. Join us for a moving exploration of a resilient mindset and a reminder that even amidst adversity, it's possible to stay afloat and move forward.
About Cindy Kolbe
Cindy Kolbe worked as a nonprofit director, group home manager, and literacy instructor. She has been a life-long disability advocate—even before her daughter Beth was paralyzed in an accident at the age of 14. After the accident, Cindy and Beth became a team. They shared extraordinary adventures, traveling from a small town in Ohio to Harvard and around the world. Cindy wrote a 2019 memoir of their story titled Struggling with Serendipity. A second edition of the book launched in December of 2022 with a new title, Just Keep Swimming: A Crash, a Quest, and Waves of Hope. Cindy published over 50 articles in two years and volunteers for disability and mental health nonprofits. She is a peer mentor for the Reeve Foundation. "Hope is an incredibly powerful thing. And if you never give up - hope wins."
Additional Resources
Website: cindykolbe.com
Facebook: @justkeepswimmingbook
Instagram: @cindybkolbe
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Content Warning: bulimia, eating disorders, alcoholism, depression
About This Episode
As an inspiring author, podcast host and nonprofit founder, Erin Washington’s journey is a testament to the power of bold choices, especially when it comes to making difficult personal decisions. From navigating relationships to confronting struggles with eating disorders and alcohol, Erin exemplifies how trusting one's authenticity can lead to profound personal transformation. This episode sheds light on the ongoing need for adaptation and authenticity, highlighting how letting go of a former identity can be a courageous step toward further growth. Erin’s openness and courage provide valuable lessons on self-alignment, inspiring listeners to take bold steps in their own lives. Tune in as we explore Erin's remarkable story and discover how embracing vulnerability can positively impact both ourselves and those around us.
About Erin Washington
Erin Washington is the author of From Pain to Purpose: Finding Meaning in the Mess, host of the hit podcast,thERINpy, and a single mom of two. After struggling with body image and self-worth for almost two decades, Erin created Blue Butterfly Foundation, a not-for profit that provides mentorship and advocacy for teen girls struggling with body image and self-worth.
Additional Resources
Check Out Her Book, From Pain to Purpose: Finding Meaning in the Mess
Instagram: @iamerinwashington @the_blue_butterflies_
LinkedIn: @ErinWashington
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About This Episode
What if stepping out of your comfort zone could lead to a more fulfilling career and life? On this episode, Valerie Feghali shares her bold journey as a Doctor of Physical Therapy who dared to follow her passion and transition into holistic health and nutrition coaching. She shares how the limitations she observed in traditional healthcare propelled her to make the leap into entrepreneurship. Valerie also shares her strategic approach to staying connected with industry trends and client needs, drawing on empathy and active feedback loops to ensure her software remains at the cutting edge. Her story is not just about career change but a testament to the impact of aligning your work with your personal values, even when it means facing uncertainty and doubt. Whether considering a business pivot or personal shift, this episode provides invaluable insights into recognizing signs that it’s time for change and building a path forward that harmonizes with your true priorities. Tune in to be inspired to take bold steps toward a more aligned and meaningful life.
About Valerie Feghali
Valerie Feghali is both a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Certified Holistic Health and Nutrition Coach. She has revolutionized the field for wellness practitioners by providing them with the tools to quickly and professionally deliver recipe packs, meal plans, how-to guides, challenges, and more. Her innovative software streamlines the process, allowing coaches to gather and produce top-quality content with unmatched efficiency. Valerie is driven by a mission to create a healthier world, empowering wellness practitioners to enhance client outcomes and boost their business profitability.
Additional Resources
Wellness Vault Membership: wellnessvault.com
Instagram: @v.feghali
LinkedIn: @ValerieFeghali
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As we are now at the last day of 2024, it’s time to pause, reflect, and unpack a few learnings that 2024 brought our way.
From the bold moves we made to the lessons that stretched us beyond our comfort zones, this is the perfect moment to step back and take inventory. Where did we find growth? What challenges sharpened our resilience? Where do we still need clarity to move forward? Most importantly, what commitments do we need to make to ourselves to align with the bold goals we’ve set for 2025?
In this special year-end episode of The Bold Lounge, I’ll dive into the moments that defined my year—both the triumphant and the messy—and revisit a few standout podcast episodes that left me inspired, challenged, and ready to grow. I’ll open up about the challenges that demanded perseverance and the pivotal lessons that shaped how I’ll approach the year ahead.
But this isn’t just about reflection—it’s about preparation. Together, we’ll uncover actionable insights and practical strategies to carry forward into the new year. From redefining success to embracing intentionality and purpose, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you hit the ground running in 2025.
Let’s set the stage for your boldest year yet—one rooted in clarity, confidence, and unstoppable momentum. Whether you’re ready to design bold goals, take that first brave step, or reignite a dream you’ve been holding back on, this conversation is here to spark your next move.
Grab your favorite drink, a journal, and spend a few moments with me for yourself—because this isn’t just about closing out 2024.
It’s about launching into the best and boldest version of you in 2025.
Don’t miss this reflective, empowering, and action-packed conversation!
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About This Episode
Jodi Durst, the visionary CEO and co-founder of ePaymints, shares her personal journey of embracing boldness and entrepreneurship through personal growth and the critical role of self-belief. By sharing her experiences, Jodi illustrates how embracing boldness and a sense of agency can empower you to dream bigger and prepare for any challenges, including fear and uncertainty. We also explore the alignment between personal and professional life, underlining the importance of simplifying complex processes for greater clarity and efficiency. Discover how reducing over-analysis and embracing action can be game-changers in both business and personal life. Jodi offers practical advice for aspiring changemakers, encouraging you to listen to your inner spirit and take small, actionable steps towards your goals. Join us as we celebrate Jodi's inspiring story and the bold mindset that drives meaningful change.
About Jodi Durst
Jodi Durst, a dynamic and accomplished leader in the world of business, has earned a reputation for her unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence. With years of experience, she has made a significant impact on the global payment landscape by founding and leading several successful companies. As the CEO and Co-Founder of e-Paymints, Jodi inspires and empowers countless individuals and aspiring entrepreneurs through her work and the impact it creates. Over the years, she has demonstrated her innate ability to recognize emerging trends, seize opportunities, make the complicated simple and develop disruptive business models that continue to shape the payment industry. Jodi's strategic growth mindset and adaptability have powered her to navigate the ever-evolving and competitive market with finesse. Jodi shares her knowledge and experiences by helping and supporting others through her mentoring, speaking engagements and the support of her community.
Additional Resources
Website: epaymints.com
Instagram: @jodi_durst
LinkedIn: @JodiDurst
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About This Episode
Ever wondered how embracing boldness can transform your life? Claire O'Connor, the visionary founder of Bright Life Coaching, joins us to share her story of courage and growth, where stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing mistakes can pave the way for incredible opportunities. Through real-life coaching stories and her own bold journey, Claire underscores the importance of self-advocacy and taking decisive action towards personal fulfillment. Claire takes a deep dive into the dynamics of evolving identities, whether in career paths or personal relationships, encouraging you to support and embrace your own transformations. She also touches on the power of essential connections and the importance of setting boundaries. Claire inspires us with bold stories of positive impact, demonstrating how taking even the smallest steps can lead to meaningful change. Get ready to be encouraged and inspired to embark on your own bold adventures!
About Claire O’Connor
Claire O’Connor is a Personal Executive and Leadership Coach. She has spent decades in education, well-being, facilitation, and coaching. Her teamwork and skills in Sports, TV and Media equip her to work with all kinds of teams, individuals, and leaders. She is the CEO and Founder of The Bright Life Coaching. Some of her 2-year research includes the areas of Burnout in the Workplace and Women in Leadership. Life started on a Farm in Rural and Rugged Ireland. She made a BOLD move 2 years ago- when she moved to the United States with her family and decided that she would set up her company here. She is joining us today to tell us her BOLD story and what she has been doing to empower women all over the world from Atlanta, Georgia.
Additional Resources
Website: thebrightlifecoaching.com
Your FREE “Refresh your Routine” Guide: joinzenyth.com/58-page-guide-page
Instagram: @thebrightlifecoaching
LinkedIn: @ClaireOConnor
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About This Episode
Tune in to hear the bold journey of Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, a global business powerhouse and the President & CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee. Lisa recounts her professional path marked by strategic self-advocacy and the courage to step beyond her comfort zone. She describes the powerful leadership insights that inspired her book, Making Waves: A Woman's Rise to the Top Using Smarts, Heart, and Courage. Lisa delves into how embracing oneself, fostering empathy, and taking calculated risks are essential as a leader. She also dives into how the principles of sports- integrity, collaboration, and mutual respect- find parallels in effective leadership. Lisa’s leadership philosophy, deeply rooted in kindness and empathy, extends from her influential work in the maritime industry to her plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Through her narrative of making waves and empowering others, Lisa inspires us all to embark on our own bold journeys, championing positive change and making a meaningful impact in the world.
About Lisa Lutoff-Perlo
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo is CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee responsible for all aspects World Cup strategies and operations for the matches in Miami. Previously she was Vice Chairman, External Affairs for the Royal Caribbean Group, where she worked on broad strategic initiatives with industry organizations and key external stakeholders. Prior to that, she served as President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises from 2014 to 2023, the first woman to take the helm of a Royal Caribbean Group brand and one of the few women then leading a multi-billion dollar brand. Lutoff-Perlo is a recognized trailblazer in the global hospitality industry. She is Chairwoman of the Board for Hornblower Group and is a member of the Board of Directors of Fortune 500 company AutoNation (NYSE: AN) and actively lends her expertise to numerous international and regional nonprofit organization boards. Lutoff-Perlo shares her inspiring journey and leadership insights in her best-selling book, Making Waves: A Woman’s Rise to the Top Using Smarts, Heart, and Courage and through numerous public speaking engagements.
Additional Resources
Website: lisalutoffperlo.com
Instagram: @lutoffperlo
LinkedIn: @LisaLutoffPerlo
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About This Episode
Award-winning keynote speaker and executive coach Rich Bracken joins us for an energizing conversation around what it truly means to be bold, focusing on self-belief and authenticity and how these elements can transform your life. He shares his personal journey, battling imposter syndrome and embracing fear, and how these experiences have shaped his bold persona. From the thrill of presenting unique ideas to the nerve-wracking moments before stepping onto a stage, Rich discusses the exhilarating blend of fear and excitement that comes with daring to be different. Drawing inspiration from his own life, Rich encourages listeners to shift their mindsets, viewing fear as a steppingstone toward new opportunities. This episode is packed with motivational insights designed to inspire you to uncover and pursue your own bold story. Tune in to discover how embracing your unique self can pave the way to extraordinary achievements.
About Rich Bracken
Rich Bracken is an engaging keynote speaker and executive coach known for his dynamic storytelling and entertaining style. He seamlessly blends data, research, and emotion to deliver powerful insights that inspire sustainable positive change. He is also the Brand Ambassador for TalentSmartEQ, the #1 emotional intelligence research and training company in the world. Leveraging his expertise in emotional intelligence, executive presence, and leadership, Rich infuses his presentations with the energy and creativity honed from his experience as a national touring DJ. His keynotes are not just informative but also captivating performances that resonate on both personal and professional levels. Rich has partnered with numerous Fortune 100 companies and global organizations, offering keynote speeches and consulting services that leave a lasting impact. A familiar face on national media, he is also a trusted presentation and public speaking coach to executives and celebrities nationwide. Recognized by Smart Meetings as a National Top Speaker, Rich’s creative, empathetic, and performative keynotes have set him apart in the world of professional speaking.
Additional Resources
Website: richbracken.com
Instagram: @richbracken1
LinkedIn: @RichBracken
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Content Warning: cancer, death of a parent, suicide, mention of car accident, mention of sibling loss
About This Episode
Tune in to hear the bold story of Amy Ware, a distinguished healthcare executive and mental health advocate. Amy shares her journey of resilience, from taking care of her mother as a young child to the moment she dared to step out on her own during high school to where she is today as the Associate Regional Vice President of Oncology for Sarah Cannon. Her bold commitment to authenticity and education carved a path of impact, turning life’s trials into a testament of courage and self-discovery. Amy also reflects on coping with profound losses, including her father's suicide. Through her story, we highlight the power of turning grief into a purpose that aids others and the crucial role of mental health support. This episode underscores the importance of empathy, genuine relationships, and the power of community in the healing journey. Embark on this episode with us to explore the strength found in vulnerability and the enduring impact of compassionate connections.
About Amy Ware
Amy Ware is a seasoned healthcare executive with a passion for elevating access to research-driven oncology care. As Associate Regional Vice President of Oncology for HCA's Sarah Cannon Cancer Network at TriStar Health, she oversees oncology across 10 hospitals, working to ensure comprehensive oncology care for those across Tennessee and Kentucky. Prior to her current role, Amy served as senior advisor to the CEO at one of the nation's largest cancer centers. There, she led high-impact initiatives driving strategic growth and operational excellence. Her professional accomplishments are complemented by a robust academic background. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Healthcare Administration from Franklin University, holds a Master's degree in Health Administration, a Master's degree in Education, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Beyond her professional achievements, Amy is a passionate mental health advocate. Motivated by personal tragedies—losing her stepbrother at age 8 and her father to suicide three years ago—she has become a powerful voice for mental health awareness. Leveraging her social platforms, she regularly speaks publicly about the importance of mental health, working tirelessly to destigmatize mental health issues and promote accessible, integrated care solutions that address both physical and emotional well-being.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @AmyWare
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About This Episode
Tune in to hear the inspiring journey of Sarah Gormley, an art gallery owner and author of The Order of Things: A Memoir about Chasing Joy. Through her story of building a corporate career to navigating personal loss to opening her own gallery, we explore how taking unexpected actions fueled by self-belief can lead to finding your own sense of joy. Journey with us as we reflect on the pressures of societal and personal expectations, and discover how stepping away from the need for external validation enabled Sarah to embrace her own happiness and creativity. She also explores the profound power of self-acceptance and the neverending journey of personal transformation. Sarah's courageous story and artistic journey inspire and exemplify how vulnerability and boldness can lead to meaningful impact. Don't miss this episode filled with stories of courage, healing, and finding one's true path.
About Sarah Gormley
Sarah Gormley is a writer and art gallery owner living in Columbus, Ohio. Her undergraduate degree from DePauw University reinforced an early love for literature and writing, while the heavy sprinkling of liberal-arts fairy dust taught her how to analyze and articulate a clear point of view. She rounded out this foundation with concentrations in marketing and operations from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. Her marketing career included work with several global brands, including IMAX, Martha Stewart, Girl Scouts of the USA, and Adobe. Gormley was honored as one of 2015’s Forty Women to Watch over 40, and she has been featured in Forbes and the CMO Club. In June 2019, she was invited to deliver the class address at her DePauw University class reunion and regrets not having her hair blown out. Today, Gormley owns a contemporary art gallery, Sarah Gormley Gallery (SGG), in downtown Columbus, Ohio. The gallery operates based on the belief that original art can be a source of joy for everyone and actively eschews pretense of any kind. She opened the gallery in 2019, twenty-five years after Grandma Cameron gifted her with her first piece of art.
Additional Resources
Web: sarahgormley.com
Instagram: @scgormley
LinkedIn: @SarahGormley
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About This Episode
Tune into this episode with Vitale Buford Hardin, a renowned expert in the intriguing intersection of perfectionism and boldness, as she shares her journey from seeking love through her actions to doing things from a place of love. With insights influenced by her transformative experience of motherhood, Vitale offers an authentic look at balancing professional success and personal fulfillment, all while embracing imperfections in both areas. Vitale reveals the most common causes of perfectionism, most of which often start in childhood for parental approval or social acceptance. With a keen eye on corporate environments, she distinguishes between slow perfectionism, often seen in procrastination and imposter syndrome, and fast perfectionism, marked by unrealistic expectations and people-pleasing. Vitale’s personal stories shed light on how these traits manifest and provide valuable guidance on managing them effectively. Tune in to hear how you can reclaim control from perfectionism's grip, especially through the boldness within you.
About Vitale Buford Hardin
Vitale Buford Hardin, leading expert in perfectionism and how it permeates corporate culture and individual performance, is the President and CEO of Vitale & Company. Having led two University studies focused on perfectionism in the workplace, Vitale is a true pioneer of thought leadership in this space. This study Revealed that 85% of workplaces have cultures of perfectionism as well as 86% of leaders in these workplaces seeing their work affected by perfectionism, further solidifying perfectionism as a crucial topic to be addressed in every work environment. Throughout Vitale’s life, she has overcome struggles with perfectionism and addiction which propelled her to becoming a published author, nationally recognized speaker and iPEC-certified executive coach. She brings 15 years of corporate experience to her custom trainings, strategic advisory, culture change initiatives and performance coaching.
Additional Resources
Website: vitaleandco.com
LinkedIn: @VitaleBufordHardin
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About This Episode
Powerhouse Mary Crafts shares her transformative bold journey towards embracing her true self and aligning with her inner purpose. Her story is a testament to the daily choice of boldness, where aligning with our true selves can lead to real growth, personally and professionally. Fear can often take root from a sense of inadequacy or uncertainty, a universal experience that can paralyze us from taking bold steps. Mary opens up about how embracing vulnerability and self-acceptance can break this cycle, leading to genuine healing and transformation. By choosing love over fear and asking ourselves what we would do if we were no longer afraid, we can catalyze change and inspire others. Listen as we unpack the stories of those who've embraced this bold mindset, reassuring us all that we're part of a shared human journey toward self-discovery and fulfillment.
About Mary Crafts
Mary Crafts built her award-winning, multi-million-dollar catering company from the ground up. For over 3 decades Mary led her company to greater and greater levels of success, earning the respect and admiration of her peers, employees, and clients. Her catering empire became the launching pad for Mary to serve in leadership positions in her community, and to share her hard-won business and wellness expertise through public speaking. In 2016 Mary handed the reins of her catering empire to her three children and has devoted herself full time to helping others build their dreams. Whether those dreams are centered around business, leadership, wellness, or something uniquely personal, Mary’s unbounded energy and engaging spirit lights the way for others to choose a new path forward — a path empowered by courage and personal meaning and fueled by authentic vitality.
Additional Resources
Website: marycraftsinc.com
Instagram: @marycrafts
LinkedIn: @MaryCrafts
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Content Warning: death of a sibling, grief
About This Episode
Join us as we welcome Annie Orenstein, an esteemed qualitative researcher, oral historian, storyteller, and the author of Always a Sibling: The Forgotten Mourner’s Guide to Grief. Through Annie's insights, we explore the deeply personal nature of boldness and the courage it takes to keep moving forward, especially after hardship. As the youngest of three siblings, Annie shares the experience of losing her oldest brother during his deployment in Afghanistan, and we examine the shared and distinct aspects of sibling grief and the lifelong journey of healing. This episode also emphasizes the importance of storytelling and creating a lasting legacy, as Annie recounts how writing her book was a positive transformative process. We share the power of sharing stories, encouraging you to embrace a bold mindset and preserve cherished memories to inspire healing and connection.
About Annie Orenstein
Annie Sklaver Orenstein is a qualitative researcher, oral historian, and storyteller who has spent over a decade collecting stories from people around the world. Her work has been featured on NBC Nightly News, Comedy Central, Huffington Post, Politico, TIME, and Mother.ly. In 2020, driven by a desire to share these stories beyond the walls of corporate America, Annie founded Dispatch from Daybreak, a collection of letters written by womxn to their earlier selves. She is also the author of Always a Sibling: The Forgotten Mourner’s Guide to Grief. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, children, dog, and chickens.
Additional Resources
Website: annieorenstein.com
Instagram: @AnnieSklaverOrenstein
LinkedIn: @AnnieOrenstein
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About This Episode
Cate Luzio, the dynamic founder and CEO of Luminary, joins us to share how her bold decisions and mindset catalyzed her journey from the corporate banking industry to being a successful entrepreneur. Cate's narrative is one of resilience and determination, offering invaluable insights into how bold actions not only break barriers but also inspire lasting change. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the need for a bold mindset and the courage to bet on oneself, while underscoring the importance of fostering support systems. Mentorship and community continue to be pivotal in Cate's journey, influencing her vision for Luminary as an inclusive, collaborative platform. With a membership exceeding 15,000, Luminary champions an environment of support where competition takes a backseat to partnership. Cate’s story is a testament to the power of community and the belief that empowering others can create waves of positive change. Tune in to explore how boldness, mentorship, and a supportive network can pave the way for personal and professional success.
About Cate Luzio
Cate Luzio is the Founder and CEO of Luminary, a global professional education and networking platform created to uplift, upskill, and propel women and allies through all phases of their professional journey- from entrepreneurs to those navigating their career path, the Power Middle to the C-suite, those in transition, and everyone in between. In March 2018, Cate left her two-decade banking career and self-funded the launch of Luminary, with the mission to build an ecosystem of high-touch engagement for both individual and enterprise members to address and impact the systemic challenges faced by women and underrepresented communities across all industries and sectors. Cate has grown Luminary into a multimillion-dollar global B2C and B2B business with more than 15,000 members and over 100 enterprise members. Before starting Luminary, Cate was Global Head of Multinational Corporate Banking for HSBC and prior to that, she served as Head of Multinational Corporate Banking at J.P. Morgan EMEA based in London. She spent her early years in Latin America with Bank of America across both consumer and wholesale banking. Cate is a graduate of the University of Maryland, where she was named its Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021 and joined its Board of Governors that same year. She holds a master’s degree in International Relations from Georgetown University. She sits on the Boards of Girls Inc. New York City and Pomp and Whimsy.
Additional Resources
Website: www.weareluminary.com
Instagram: @CateLuzio
Twitter/X: @CateLuzio
LinkedIn: @CateLuzio
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About This Episode
Discover the art of boldness and resilience with leadership expert and bestselling author of The Setback Cycle, Amy Shoenthal. With Amy's engaging stories and her work with leaders and founders, we spotlight the importance of recognizing setbacks and navigating them with curiosity and kindness. From quiet self-assurance to major life transformations, discover why staying on an unsatisfying path can be more harmful than making brave changes. This episode serves as a guide to making informed decisions that foster personal and professional growth. Amy walks through the four phases of The Setback Cycle—Establish, Embrace, Explore, and Emerge—and explains how to make sense of your experiences, gain clarity on what comes next, and move confidently into your future. Join us for a transformative journey through boldness, and learn how to harness the power of taking action to overcome setbacks and make a positive impact on your life and the lives of others.
About Amy Shoenthal
Amy Shoenthal is a leadership expert and the author of USA TODAY bestselling book, The Setback Cycle, about how today’s prominent founders and leaders overcome obstacles to find success. Amy has been studying the journeys of successful leaders for more than two decades. As a top contributor to ForbesWomen and Harvard Business Review, Amy highlights underestimated innovators dedicated to solving society's greatest challenges. She's interviewed high profile leaders such as Senator Mazie Hirono, Tracee Ellis Ross, Norma Kamali, Robin Arzón and others. Amy frequently speaks at conferences and within organizations about career development, leadership, unexpected pivots, working motherhood, and more. She also works with organizations to help their employees and managers confidently lead through tumultuous times, offering the tools to help teams navigate workplace setbacks together.
Additional Resources
Website: www.amyshoenthal.com
More about The Setback Cycle
Instagram: @amysho
LinkedIn: @AmyShoenthal
Subscribe to her newsletter: Amy's Antidote
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About This Episode
Ready to boost your positivity and personal growth? Join us in an uplifting conversation with Kristen Butler, the trailblazing author and CEO of the Power of Positivity, who has transformed her life from rock bottom to leading a community of over 50 million followers. Kristen opens up about her bold journey of stepping into her true self, building her personal brand, and connecting deeply with others to inspire change. She dives into the establishment of healthy boundaries and the dangers of toxic positivity, while emphasizing the importance of authenticity to embrace and process emotions. Kristen also highlights the significance of aligning actions with personal preferences and expanding your comfort zones for sustainable success. Together, we explore the powerful themes of living boldly, aiming high, and embracing the courage to be vulnerable, all of which can motivate you to pursue your own aspirations.
About Kristen Butler
Kristen Butler is a bestselling author and the CEO of Power of Positivity, a community with over 50 million followers globally. Kristen was awarded SUCCESS Magazine's Emerging Entrepreneur in 2022. She is a leader, writer, and visionary in personal development with a huge heart and captivating authenticity. Her mission is to uplift the planet! Kristen passionately started Power of Positivity in 2009 after completely transforming her life from rock bottom using the power of positive thinking. Kristen contributes her transformation to a positive mindset, her relationship with God, and an active, plant-based lifestyle.
Additional Resources
Website: www.positivekristen.com
Instagram: @positivekristen @powerofpositivity
LinkedIn: @KristenButler
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About This Episode
What does it mean to truly lead boldly? Join us for an engaging discussion with Katie Desiderio and Michael Frino, co-authors and organizational experts. Katie and Michael share the transformative experiences that inspired their book, The Beekeeper: Pollinating Your Organization for Transformative Growth, including insights into unlearning inherited beliefs to become a more effective leader. Through their personal stories, they illustrate the power of stepping out of comfort zones and embracing new perspectives. As we navigate the importance of authentic leadership, Katie and Michael reveal how storytelling, curiosity, and vulnerability can drive both personal and professional growth. Throughout the episode, they highlight the value of having a growth partner for accountability and the joy of continuous learning in leadership. Tune in for a rich conversation that promises to inspire and challenge your approach to leadership.
About Katie Desiderio & Michael Frino
Katie Desiderio is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Beekeeper; Pollinating Your Organization for Transformative Growth. Along with her work as a Professor of Management and tenured faculty member at Moravian University, Desiderio is Principal Partner in Learning of Proximal Development, LLC, an authorized DiSC partner, specializing in leadership development and the advancement of performance through learning. Katie’s personal mission is grounded in her r2C model, where she has devoted her work to recognize what we give our time and energy to grow, to reflect on how we interact with and see the world, and, at the heart of her approach, to connect with why this fuels transformative growth. Upon completion of her doctorate in Organizational Learning and Leadership, Katie has been co-authoring scholar-practitioner journal articles, conference proceedings, and now this book with her learning partner and friend.
Michael Frino is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Beekeeper; Pollinating Your Organization for Transformative Growth. Michael has over 20 years of professional experience working for Fortune 500 companies in sales, leadership, and organizational development across the payroll/human resources, pharmaceutical, and med-tech industries. His curiosity on how organizations optimize performance at work inspired him to obtain his PhD in Organizational Learning and Leadership in (2010) and embrace opportunities to help individuals, groups, and organizations reach their peak potential. His co-authoring of The Beekeeper is the culmination of decades of research and publishing with his friend, Katie Desiderio, in performance improvement journals to understand how organizations can provide transformational growth to their most important assets, people.
Additional Resources
Web:leadershipfables.com
LinkedIn:@KatieDesiderio @MichaelFrino
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About This Episode
Meet Katie Nowak, a visionary leader, new venture designer, and investor who founded Kanvas, a strategy consultancy that helps companies turn new ideas into compelling business cases. Katie joins us to share her definition of boldness—one that includes persistence and the pursuit of joy against all odds. She also discusses how she navigated from a corporate career to entrepreneurship by maintaining a clear vision and understanding her "why." Katie's experiences offer invaluable lessons on reclaiming control over your schedule and remaining process-oriented to achieve long-term goals. Storytelling and networking are crucial for any startup founder, and Katie emphasizes how to effectively communicate your vision to others. Get ready for an episode packed with motivation, insights, and practical advice to fuel your own bold endeavors.
About Katie Nowak
Katie Nowak is an innovation leader, new venture designer, and investor. At her strategy consultancy Kanvas, Katie helps companies turn new ideas into compelling business cases. Her clients have raised over $350M+ in early stage investment. Katie is also on the investment team at HF Scale Partners, a fund investing in growth- and late-stage startups with a current focus on secondary market transactions. Outside of Kanvas and HF Scale, Katie is celebrated as a game-changer for startups looking to clearly articulate their message, raise money, and commercialize their products. She is an active mentor and advisor for organizations like The Venture Mentoring Team, Plug and Play Korea, Techstars, and others. Katie recently distilled her frameworks into educational content and launched her first course “Dreams to Dollars: Unlocking your Business Model” with venture capital firm Seven Seven Six Ventures. Her goal is to translate the live course into digital content, and eventually into a book.
Additional Resources
Website: www.withkanvas.com
LinkedIn: @KatieNowak
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About This Episode
What does it mean to truly take up space? Cristina Apple Georgoulakis, a trailblazing portfolio and founder outcomes partner, joins us in this episode to share her unique journey in boldness. Travel with Cristina as we explore the pivotal moments that shaped her career and confidence, including her adventure teaching English in Spain and upon returning to the U.S., her key role in Typeform’s U.S. expansion during its hyper-growth phase. Cristina’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth. Now with Seven Seven Six, she emphasizes the importance of helping others realize their entrepreneurial dreams, while reflecting on how international ventures contributed to her own self-belief and independence. Tune in to celebrate the bold mindset and the extraordinary stories that inspire us to make positive impacts in our lives.
About Cristina Georgoulakis
Systems-thinking CX leader turned venture capitalist, Cristina Apple Georgoulakis values driving growth in people and organizations. She previously co-founded an e-learning SaaS platform in Barcelona. After seven years of building her career and community abroad, she moved to San Francisco to open Typeform’s first U.S. office. She’s held a number of leadership roles at hyper-growth SaaS startups where she built and operationalized teams from scratch. As an investor, Cristina is drawn to startups where technology meets human connection, emphasizing the approach to maximizing returns while keeping a keen eye on the triple-bottom line: profits, people, and process. While at 776, Cristina has invested in ScorePlay, Area 2 Farms, Givingli, Trala, LA Golf Club.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @CristinaGeorgoulakis
Instagram: @cris.tinaapple
X: @cristina_laki
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About This Episode
In this episode, we sit down with the remarkable Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, an engineer-turned-lawyer and history-making leader, to explore her unique definition of boldness: giving voice to others. As the first person of color and immigrant to be elected to her city's council, and later serving as council president and mayor, Ukeme's story is one of courage, determination, and the transformative power of advocacy. Join us as we delve into the essential qualities that define impactful leadership as well as the intricate dynamics faced by immigrants, a topic covered in her book, IMMIGRIT: How Immigrant Leadership Drives Business Success. Ukeme shares how recognizing the need for action and stepping out of one's comfort zone are vital for driving change, especially for women and minorities. This episode isn't just about leadership; it’s about inspiring listeners to take bold steps, engage in transformative conversations, and champion the voices of those around them.
About Ukeme Awakessien Jeter
Ukeme Awakessien Jeter is an engineer turned lawyer, keynote speaker, and history-maker on a mission to transform leadership. She is the author of IMMIGRIT: How Immigrant Leadership Drives Business Success. For over two decades, she has held positions within Fortune 500 companies, national law firms, universities, local governments, and specialized agencies of the United Nations. Having lived and worked in eight cities across four countries, Ukeme has a profound understanding of diverse cultures. A trailblazer, Columbus CEO Magazine named her one of its Future 50 Leaders in 2021. Ukeme works as an intellectual property attorney for a national law firm. She has made history twice, first by becoming the first person of color and immigrant elected to City Council in her 103-year-old community. Then, just two years later, she became the first immigrant and person of color elected Council President and Mayor of her city. Ukeme resides in Upper Arlington, Ohio, with her two children and dog.
Additional Resources
Website: www.ukemeforua.com
Learn More About Her Book, Immigrit: immigritbook.com
Instagram: @ukstopia
LinkedIn: @UkemeAwakessienJeter
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About This Episode
How often do you find yourself lost in the hustle, trying to meet others' expectations at the expense of your own well-being? In this episode, we are joined by Megan Miller, a TEDx speaker and founder of the Intentional Living Method, who shares her bold journey from a high-powered career to a life of intention. Megan emphasizes the importance of creating space to truly understand yourself and acting on your own needs, a necessary step towards authentic living. Tune in to learn about the power of micro-decisions, setting clear intentions, and adopting mindful living practices that enhance mental clarity and emotional well-being. From keeping phones away from the bedside to incorporating reflective practices into daily routines, Megan offers tangible tips to foster stronger relationships and a more fulfilled life. Join us and be inspired by Megan's journey towards prioritizing well-being and embracing your authentic self.
About Megan Miller
Megan Miller is a TEDx & Global Speaker, Founder: The Intentional Living Method, International Bestselling Author, and the Host of Apple’s Top-Rated Podcast, Attention to Intention. Through the Intentional Living Method, which she founded in 2021 with a 98% approval rating, Megan has inspired thousands including top leaders at Google, Hilton & Cigna to live a life built on connection, community and real-life conversations, mask down, screen free & human first. She is on a mission to deliver the tangible tools that she needed for so long in her journey. Exhaustion is not a status symbol & striving does not need to come from a place of validation. Megan shares science backed microtools to guide audiences on how to reconnect to the person that can get lost in the busyness of life: you.
Additional Resources
Website: megan-miller.com
Instagram: @megan.b.miller
LinkedIn: @MeganMiller
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About This Episode
Navigating self-doubt and external skepticism is a common hurdle for entrepreneurs, and Kara Goldin shares how to overcome these barriers. As the founder and CEO of Hint, Inc., best known for its award-winning Hint water, she discusses the powerful role of mindset as an entrepreneur. Kara's transition from corporate executive to health advocate reveals a deeply personal motivation. Concerned about the questionable ingredients in her children’s food and beverages, Kara embarked on a mission to create a healthier alternative. Tune in for Kara’s compelling bold story, an inspiration for those ready to go to the next level.
About Kara Goldin
Kara Goldin is the Founder and Former CEO of Hint, Inc., best known for its award-winning Hint water, the leading unsweetened flavored water. She has received numerous accolades, including being named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 Northern California and one ofInStyle’s 2019 Badass 50. Previously, Kara was VP of Shopping Partnerships at America Online. She hosts the podcast The Kara Goldin Show and her first book, Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters, was released October 2020 and is now a WSJ and Amazon Best Seller. Kara lives in the Bay Area with her family and 3 labradors.
Additional Resources
Website: www.drinkhint.com www.karagoldin.com
Instagram: @karagoldin
LinkedIn: @KaraGoldin
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About This Episode
How can you stand out in a world full of noise? Discover the art of bold communication with our special guest, Jessica Chen, an Emmy-Award winner, keynote speaker, and CEO of Soulcast Media. Her story exemplifies the power of taking risks and making bold moves to set yourself apart in any industry. Jessica's journey from broadcast journalism to founding Soulcast Media provides a compelling foundation for discussing effective workplace communication. In our conversation, she shares invaluable insights from her book, Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons. From tactical advice on engaging in meetings to mastering the nuances of tone and active listening, Jessica breaks down her 4A sequence: Active listening, Acknowledging, Anchoring, and Answering. These strategies are designed to empower you to communicate confidently, even in the most challenging scenarios. Whether you’re working remotely or in person, her tips on utilizing the five elements of voice will transform your communication effectiveness and visibility. Tune in to equip yourself with tools to make bold, impactful strides in your career.
About Jessica Chen
Jessica Chen is an Emmy-Award winner, top virtual keynote speaker, and CEO of Soulcast Media, a global business communication training agency. Her client list includes Google, LinkedIn, the CDC, Medtronic, Mattel, HP, DraftKings, and many more. Prior to starting Soulcast Media, Jessica was a broadcast television journalist. She is also an internationally recognized top LinkedIn Learning Instructor where her communication courses have been watched by over 2 million learners and featured in Forbes, Fortune, and Entrepreneur. She lives in Los Angeles.
Additional Resources
Website: jessicachenpage.com soulcastmedia.com
Learn More About Her New Book, Smart Not Loud: smartnotloudbook.com
Twitter/X: @jessicachenpage
Instagram: @jessicachenpage
LinkedIn: @JessicaChen
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About This Episode
CEO and founder Michelle Bufano joins us to share her extraordinary journey from seasoned litigator to empowering consultant for female entrepreneurs. Michelle’s story is a powerful testament to the courage it takes to step outside of one’s comfort zone and live authentically. She begins with the transformative bold moment in 2021 when she chose to stop conforming to external expectations in a male-dominated industry and chose to be true to herself. She unpacks the importance of aligning your career with your core values and the strength you gain from this alignment. In this entrepreneurial deep dive, Michelle highlights the learnings from her own journey and provides strategies for fair pricing, managing back-office tasks, and recognizing one’s limitations when necessary. She also discusses her writing journey, including her upcoming book, Views from the Midpoint, a guide to understanding your values and navigating life decisions, emphasizing that knowing oneself is the key to making bold, authentic choices. Join us for an inspiring episode packed with practical advice and heartfelt reflections that could transform your own bold path forward.
About Michelle Bufano
After 27 years of defending large corporations in commercial and products liability cases, Michelle Bufano decided to leave life as a litigator behind. Currently, Michelle is the founder and CEO of Michelle Bufano Business Consulting LLC, where she leverages her legal background to help female entrepreneurs navigate risk and thrive in business. Her personal and professional vision statement is: “A world where all women thrive.” Michelle is also the founding partner of the Law Offices of Michelle M. Bufano LLC, a small practice dedicated to providing legal services to female founders. In addition to assisting women in fulfilling their entrepreneurial dreams, Michelle is the founder of and primary contributor to The Midpoint Blog, as well as a coach, author, keynote speaker, and discussion facilitator through her company, MMB Media LLC d/b/a as HerPoint. Her first book, Views from the Midpoint, is expected to be released in early 2025.
Additional Resources
Website: www.michellebufano.com
Instagram: @michellebufanoconsulting
LinkedIn: @MichelleBufano
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About This Episode
Join us as we welcome Susan McPherson, a serial connector, angel investor, and corporate responsibility expert, who shares her unique take on boldness. In this episode, she examines the courage and confidence needed to uplift others and how building genuine connections has changed over time, especially through the explosion of social media and the changing approaches to networking. Susan discusses her motivation for writing her book, The Lost Art of Connecting. Amid our digital distractions, she emphasizes the necessity of authentic, face-to-face interactions and the powerful outcomes these connections can bring, especially for women seeking to build lasting communities. She also describes her Gather, Ask, Do methodology- a strategy for meaningful communication and community building. We also delve into the challenges faced by introverts at social events and offer strategies for true engagement. Learn how to use social media wisely to amplify others' successes and foster genuine relationships. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on maintaining meaningful connections and building a supportive community.
About Susan McPherson
Susan McPherson is a serial connector, angel investor, and corporate responsibility expert. She is the founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a communications consultancy focused on the intersection of brands and social impact. She is the author of The Lost Art of Connecting (McGraw-Hill). Susan has 30+ years of experience in marketing, public relations, and sustainability communications, speaking regularly at industry events including Massachusetts Conference for Women, BSR, DLD, Worth Women and Techonomy, and contributing to the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Forbes. She has appeared on NPR, CNN, USA Today, The New Yorker, New York Magazine and the Los Angeles Times. Susan is the recipient of Forbes magazine’s 50 over 50—Impact 2021 award and Worth Media’s Worthy100 award. Currently, Susan invests in and advises women-led start-ups, including: iFundWomen,Inc., The Meteor, Our Place, Spicewell, The June Group, Hint Water, The Helm, Apolitical, The Muse and has recently begun investing in women-led Broadway productions including Like Water for Elephants and SUFFS. She is on the advisory boards of the Apolitical Foundation, Lebec Consulting and Just Capital. Additionally, she is a member of the MIT Solve Women and Technology Leadership Group and serves as an adviser to several nonprofits including She’s The First and The OpEd Project. Susan is a Vital Voices global corporate ambassador and a member of the New York Women’s Forum and Extraordinary Women on Boards. She resides in Brooklyn.
Additional Resources
Website: www.mcpstrategies.com
Instagram: @susanmcp1
LinkedIn: @SusanMcPherson
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About This Episode
Tune in to an incredible episode with Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, or MH, who brings a wealth of business and psychological insight to our conversation. With over 20 years of experience as a practicing psychologist and a senior leader in corporate, insurance, governance and health care, her journey offers a profound look at how boldness can evolve over time, shaped by experiences and the courage to seize opportunities. MH also redefines resilience, shifting the focus from sheer persistence to strategic adaptation. Our discussion highlights the critical link between resilience and burnout, emphasizing the need for a customized resilience plan to stave off exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced performance. MH's insights will help you rethink the way you approach resilience in your own life, which is the focus of her latest book, The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health. She shares actionable steps in this episode for creating your own resilience plan, including aligning your personal values with your actions and proactively managing your supply and demand. Listen in for a transformative discussion that promises to leave you feeling grounded and empowered.
About Marie-Hélène Pelletier
Throughout her career in business management and psychology, Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier has spearheaded the dialogue on the crucial issues of leadership resilience and work performance. Drawing on her extensive background in corporate, insurance, governance and public sectors, she brings an international perspective and unique expertise on leadership. She is a practicing leadership psychologist and executive coach with over 20 years of experience and holds a Ph.D. and an MBA from the University of British Columbia. Marie-Hélène is a Member of the Global Clinical Practice Network of the World Health Organization, and past Director on the boards of the Canadian Psychological Association and the International Association of Applied Psychology. She has presented and authored and co-authored a number of industry and academic publications and has won numerous academic and industry awards. In 2024, Dr. Pelletier published her award-winning book, The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health.
Additional Resources
Website: www.drmarie-helene.com
Access Free Resources from MH: https://drmarie-helene.com/free-resources-sign-up/
Instagram: @drmhpelletier
LinkedIn: @DrMHPelletier
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About This Episode
In this episode, we sit down with Captain Sandy Yawn, known for her exemplary leadership on Bravo's Below Deck Mediterranean. Captain Sandy shares her incredible journey from surviving life-threatening incidents to commanding a super yacht with grace and resilience. Sandy's stories illuminate the power of standing up for oneself, asserting with kindness, and how even the smallest acts of boldness can lead to significant personal and professional growth. Drawing lessons from her book Be the Calm or Be the Storm: Leadership Lessons from a Woman at the Helm, she emphasizes the importance of treating people with respect and embodying leadership through actions. Personal growth and change are never easy, but Captain Sandy's journey through self-leadership and humility provides insight for us all. Tune in for a compelling episode filled with actionable insights and inspiring stories of bold leadership and personal development.
About Captain Sandy Yawn
Captain Sandy Yawn is a world-renowned captain in the yachting industry with over 30 years of experience. Yawn’s love for the ocean propelled her to achieve the highest status as a mega yacht captain in a male dominated industry. Yawn, always the professional, earned a United States Coastguard Masters of Oceans 1600T/3000T and the United States Coast Guard and Maritime Coast Guard Agency Class IV CEC. The undeniable resilience Yawn possesses has not only pushed her to the top of the yachting industry but also allowed her to focus on philanthropic collaboration, ocean advocacy, and children’s education. She continually uses her experience and life’s trials and tribulations to educate and help others. Yawn survived a life-threatening motorcycle accident, threat of pirates, and even cancer. She appeared on the Emmy Award winning talk show The Doctors in hopes of sharing her personal experiences to educate others about cancer and health. Yawn is currently the captain on Bravo TV’s reality show Below Deck Mediterranean. Her unique leadership style of embracing teachable moments to train and educate her staff have earned her fan favorite accolades. Yawn is a hands-on type of Captain who leads by example and is not afraid to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Additional Resources
Website: www.captainsandyyawn.com
LinkedIn: @CaptainSandyYawn
Instagram: @captainsandrayawn
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About This Episode
Join us for a captivating conversation with Josh Linkner, a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, venture capital investor, and professional jazz musician, as he shares his incredible journey of living boldly. Josh illustrates how taking thoughtful risks and adapting dynamically can lead to extraordinary outcomes. In this episode, we explore the power of mindset in achieving greatness. Josh articulates how true belief isn't about unwavering certainty but having the confidence to adapt and the willingness to make mistakes. He offers insights on how to overcome negative self-talk, societal pressures, and the illusion of perfection, sharing practical steps to fostering creativity and innovation. Josh also delves into his Find A Way method and its five crucial steps to success. He emphasizes the importance of starting before you're ready and how to fall in love with the problem, not the solution. Tune in to learn how to live boldly, enjoy the present, and make meaningful steps towards your goals.
About Josh Linkner
Josh Linkner— a New York Times bestselling author — is a rare blend of business, art, and science. On the business front, he’s been the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which created over 10,000 jobs and sold for a combined value of over $200 million. He’s the co-founder and Managing Partner of Muditā (moo-DEE-tah) Venture Partners - an early-stage venture capital firm investing in groundbreaking technologies. Over the last 30 years, he’s helped over 100 startups launch and scale, creating over $1 billion in investor returns. He’s twice been named the EY Entrepreneur of The Year and is the recipient of the United States Presidential Champion of Change Award. While proud of his business success, his roots are in the dangerous world of jazz music. He’s been playing guitar in smoky jazz clubs for 40 years, studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and has performed over 1000 concerts around the world. His experiences in both business and music led him to become one of the world’s foremost experts on innovation. Josh is the co-founder and Chairman of Platypus Labs, a global research, training, and consulting firm. Today, he’s on a mission to help leaders Find A Way™ through creative problem-solving, inventive thinking, and ingenuity.
Additional Resources
Website: www.joshlinkner.com
Instagram: @JoshLinkner
LinkedIn: @JoshLinkner
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About This Episode
Ever wondered how bold actions can steer you towards a more authentic, fulfilling life? Stephanie Harrison, the author and visionary behind The New Happy, joins us to unravel this powerful connection. Through her own daring leap- quitting her job without a backup plan- Stephanie exemplifies how to align with your true self. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of embracing change to foster happiness and help others do the same. Stephanie emphasizes recognizing and valuing your true self, including your emotions, talents, and struggles, in order to achieve genuine happiness. She also tackles the misconception that happiness comes from external success, revealing that true joy stems from helping others and living a life of purpose. Dive into the science and stories behind happiness, and discover how vulnerability and authenticity can transform your life and the lives of those around you. Join us for an episode that promises to inspire and redefine your pursuit of happiness.
About Stephanie Harrison
Stephanie Harrison is the creator of the New Happy philosophy. Her work has been featured in publications such as CNBC, Fast Company, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review. She is the founder of The New Happy, a company helping individuals, companies, and communities apply this philosophy in their lives. The New Happy's art, newsletter, podcast, and programs reach millions of people around the world every month. She has a Masters Degree in positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. Previously, she was the Director of Learning at Thrive Global.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.thenewhappy.com/
Buy Her Book, The New Happy
Instagram: @stephaniehson @newhappyco
LinkedIn: @StephanieHarrison
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About This Episode
Joy Rios, a celebrated Health IT strategist, shares personal and professional experiences along her bold journey that underscore the importance of embracing fear, trusting oneself, and viewing any failures as opportunities for growth. Joy’s story is a testament to the power of mental, physical, and emotional boldness in overcoming life's challenges. From an unexpected career shift into healthcare IT to becoming a recognized expert in the field, Joy’s journey is an inspiring example of how bold decisions can lead to significant career transformations. Her experiences set the stage for the creation of her podcast, “HIT Like a Girl,” a platform dedicated to amplifying women's voices in the healthcare industry that has also grown into a comprehensive media agency, elevating diverse voices and advancing DEI initiatives within healthcare. Joy’s story, from vulnerability to taking action, showcases the transformative power of a bold mindset. Tune in to be motivated and inspired to not let fear hold you back in pursuing your own bold journey.
About Joy Rios
Joy Rios, MBA, stands as a distinguished Health IT strategist and a recognized expert in value-based care payment models. Celebrated for her pioneering spirit, Joy was awarded the 2023 HIMSS Changemaker of the Year award for her significant contributions to women in health IT, underscoring her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the healthcare sector. As founder and host of the "HIT Like a Girl" podcast, and the Like a Girl Media agency, Joy is dedicated to elevating diverse voices and advancing DEI initiatives within healthcare. Her expertise not only bridges gaps between health and technology but also champions the creation of equitable healthcare environments.
Additional Resources
Website: www.hitlikeagirlpod.com
Instagram: @_joyrios @hitlikeagirlpod @likeagirl_media
LinkedIn: @JoyRios @HITLikeAGirlPod @LikeAGirlMedia
About This Episode
Award-winning executive and team coach Jenny Fernandez joins us for an inspiring conversation about her bold approach to life and career. Discover the pivotal experiences that shaped her growth mindset and fueled her passion for playing a big game, both for herself and her community. Jenny breaks down the concept of portfolio careers and the multifaceted opportunities they offer, while sharing her personal journey from a marketing executive to a leadership coach, speaker, and author of the upcoming book, Zig-Zag to Top: How to Master the Habits, Behaviors, and Mindset to Succeed. Learn how curiosity, passion, and the strategic incorporation of the things that bring you joy can enrich and sustain your career. Tune in for a compelling discussion that equips you with the tools to build a bold, impactful career, while also creating a thriving, inclusive workplace.
About Jenny Fernandez
Jenny Fernandez is an award-winning executive and team coach, Columbia and NYU faculty, and brand strategist. She works with senior leaders and their teams to maximize their impact by becoming more curious, collaborative, and resilient. Her work spans Fortune 500 companies, startups, and higher education. Jenny has been recognized by LinkedIn as a “Top Voice in Executive Coaching, Personal Branding, Leadership Development, and Entrepreneurship,” Top 30 Management Thinkers to Watch - Thinkers50 Radar 2024, and Global Gurus Top30 in Brand. She was invited to join Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches Community & Agency, the world’s #1 Executive Coach and Leadership Thinker. She is a contributing author at Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fast Company and featured by The Washington Post and HuffPost. She is a keynote speaker, moderator, and panelist in leadership, and the new world of work. Her book, Zig-Zag to Top: How to Master the Habits, Behaviors, and Mindset to Succeed, comes out in 2025.
Additional Resources
Website: www.jennyfernandez.com
Instagram: @fernandezjennym
LinkedIn: @JennyFernandez
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About This Episode
Cindy Gallop, an expert in brand building, marketing, and advertising, joins us to redefine boldness. From advocating for her self-worth to challenging societal expectations, Cindy's journey is a testament to the power of living your values. She recounts how an early act of boldness set the foundation for future negotiations, marking the start of a career defined by self-belief and self-advocacy. She explores the courage it takes to embrace uncertainty and act despite fear. Cindy also describes how to find more happiness in your life by rejecting societal norms and living authentically. She shares insights on recognizing your self-worth and unraveling the misconception that prioritizing personal happiness is selfish. The episode also addresses the unique pressures women face, encouraging women to start their own ventures by leveraging their unique strengths and insights. Cindy's commitment to making a positive impact through her various organizations inspires with examples of genuine advocacy, offering practical advice for women looking to take control of their lives and their careers. Join us for an episode packed with bold stories and impactful lessons from an extraordinary individual making her own mark on the world.
About Cindy Gallop
Cindy Gallop is a graduate of Somerville College, Oxford, whose background is over 30 years in brand-building, marketing and advertising- she started up the US office of ad agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty in New York in 1998 and in 2003 was named Advertising Woman of the Year. She is the founder and CEO of IfWeRanTheWorld, co-action software launched in beta at TED 2010 and subsequently written up and taught as a Harvard Business School case study, which enables brands to implement the business model of the future- Shared Values + Shared Action = Shared Profit (financial and social). She is also the founder and CEO of MakeLoveNotPorn, a social platform designed to promote good sexual behavior and good sexual values, which she launched at TED 2009, and for which she has just raised $2 million to build out MLNP.tv. She acts as board advisor to a number of tech ventures and works as a personal brand/life/executive coach and a consultant on brand and business innovation for companies around the world, describing her consultancy approach as “I like to blow shit up. I am the Michael Bay of business.”
Additional Resources
Website: www.cindygallop.com
Ask Cindy Anything at her Substack: https://dearcindy.substack.com/p/yes-you-really-can-ask-me-anything
Invest in her equity crowdfunding campaign: https://wefunder.com/makelovenotporn/
Instagram: @cindygallop
LinkedIn: @CindyGallop
About This Episode
What does it mean to lead boldly and authentically in today’s world? In this episode, we have Bolanle Williams-Olley, the dynamic CFO and co-owner of Mancini Duffy, share her incredible journey. Bolanle introduces her powerful bold framework, underlining the importance of being true to oneself, embracing new opportunities, lifting others, and not waiting to take decisive action. She draws from her personal career experiences and her bestselling book Build Boldly: Chart Your Unique Career Path and Lead with Courage to offer profound insights on courage, authenticity, and the essence of boldness. Bolanle's story is a testament to the power of taking risks and building deep connections. She underscores the continuous need for self-reflection and realignment with one's values, particularly when stepping into leadership roles. Bolanle also shares how writing her book helped her articulate the bold principles that guided her career, emphasizing the importance of celebrating achievements and not glossing over them. This episode is an essential listen for anyone looking to grow boldly and support others in their journey. Join us as we explore the power of boldness in both career and life.
About Bolanle Williams-Olley
Bolanle Williams-Olley is the CFO & Co-owner of Mancini Duffy, a national design firm with a 100+-year-old history and tech-forward approach based in New York City, where she oversees the firm's financial and operational performance. With 15+ years of experience working in the AEC industry, she has a strong background in financial analysis and strategic initiatives. At her core, she thrives on building relationships between finance and management teams to ensure the overall financial success of projects and her firm. The firm's clients include American Airlines, TSX Broadway, Brooklyn Nets, Boqueria, Verizon, and NBC Sports Group. She is also the best-selling author of Build Boldly: Chart Your Unique Career Path and Lead with Courage.
Additional Resources
Website: www.bolanlewo.com
Check Out Her Book, Build Boldly
Instagram: @bolanle_hq
LinkedIn: @BolanleWilliamsOlley
About This Episode
Audacity and boldness can shape careers and lives in unexpected ways. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Lisa Bragg, the author of Bragging Rights: How to Talk About Your Work Using Purposeful Self-Promotion. Lisa's professional journey is a testament to the power of stepping forward and claiming your space. We delve into the complexities of self-promotion, particularly for women, and the societal pressures that often make it uncomfortable. Lisa defines "bragging" and how it can be reframed as a positive act of sharing one's journey and achievements. She discusses strategies to navigate this, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and the value of celebrating not just the milestones but also the challenges and growth along the way. This conversation aims to dismantle the barriers that hold many back from recognizing and celebrating their own successes. With Lisa's unique experiences and media expertise at the forefront, this episode is a powerful call to embrace boldness, support one another, and redefine how we celebrate success. Join us for an episode filled with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and the next step to a more confident and authentically bold you.
About Lisa Bragg
Lisa Bragg has essentially written the playbook on talking up your success without the ‘ick.’ Her book, Bragging Rights: How to Talk about Your Work Using Purposeful Self-Promotion, hit the shelves in 2023 and has been changing the game ever since. Not just an author, Lisa wears many hats as a speaker, advisor, and mentor, guiding people through the maze of professional visibility. As the brain behind a trailblazing company, MediaFace, she led the charge in getting organizations seen online through cutting-edge video content, before content was content. Plus, with 15 years under her belt as a TV reporter and anchor, she knows a thing or two about capturing an audience’s attention.
Additional Resources
Website: www.lisabragg.com
Check Out Her New Book, Bragging Rights
Instagram: @ThatLisaBragg
LinkedIn: @LisaBragg
About This Episode
Join us as we sit down with Michael Bungay Stanier, the celebrated author of several books including The Coaching Habit, to explore the essence of committing to being bold. Michael shares invaluable insights and personal anecdotes that spotlight the importance of taking pragmatic risk and understanding what is most important to you. As we discuss his latest book, How to Work with (Almost) Anyone, we delve into the significance of building psychological safety in professional relationships. Discover practical advice to enhance your collaboration skills and effectively navigate the complexities of organizational dynamics. You'll also hear the secrets of developing leadership skills through self-coaching. He discusses how to stay curious, resist the urge to give immediate advice, and use techniques like journaling to foster self-awareness and clarity. Michael’s bold mindset and inspiring journey will leave you motivated to embrace your own path and make a positive impact in your world.
About Michael Bungay Stanier
Michael Bungay Stanier is best known for The Coaching Habit, the best-selling coaching book of the century and recognized as a classic. His most recent book, How to Work with (Almost) Anyone, shows how to build the Best Possible Relationship with the key people at work. He founded Box of Crayons, a learning and development company that has trained hundreds of thousands of managers to be more coach-like in organizations from Microsoft to Gucci. Michael was a Rhodes Scholar, and was recently awarded the coaching prize by Thinkers50, “the Oscars of management”.
Additional Resources
Website: www.MBS.works
Instagram: @mbs_works
LinkedIn: @MichaelBungayStanier
About This Episode
What if living a bold life meant embracing discomfort and aligning every action with your core values? In this inspiring episode, Dr. Luana Marques, a global speaker, author, executive coach, and associate professor at Harvard Medical School, defines boldness as living a life that’s comfortably uncomfortable and reveals how aligning actions with your values can turn fear into a powerful catalyst for growth. Dr. Luana emphasizes the necessity of facing discomfort head-on and how our avoidance of challenges due to fear can lead us astray from a life that resonates with our deepest aspirations. She also offers actionable insights and science-backed tools to help live a more fulfilling and values-driven life, including the role of cognitive flexibility, particularly our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how our internal dialogue influences our responses to various situations. These insights are echoed in her bestselling book, Bold Move: A 3-Step Plan to Transform Anxiety into Power. Through it all, Dr. Luana provides a powerful reminder: boldness isn’t the absence of fear, but the courage to act in spite of it. Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration and practical advice to propel you on your bold journey.
About Luana Marques
Radiating an energetic blend of personal charisma and scholarly depth, Dr. Luana Marques has emerged as a powerful force in the global speaking circuit. She is known for her captivating presence and dynamic storytelling that weaves together the threads of her personal journey and professional expertise to inspire transformation in her audiences. Dr. Luana’s personal story of overcoming adversity, trauma, and poverty while growing up in Brazil provides authenticity and depth to her message. Today, as an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, Past President of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, and best-seller author, Dr. Luana is a paragon of resilience, determination, and boldness. Through decades of work as a researcher, clinician, author, and speaker, Dr. Luana has been relentless in her goal of equipping everyone, everywhere with skills to thrive. True to her mission, Dr. Luana is devoted to igniting action. Everyone who attends her events leave with a personalized plan to overcome challenges and make the next bold move toward what matters most. Her latest critically acclaimed book, Bold Move, A 3-Step Plan to Transform Anxiety into Power, is a testament to her ability to translate complex scientific insights into actionable strategies. Whether she's addressing a roomful of CEOs, community leaders, or corporate teams, she empowers them with science-backed tools that they can implement immediately to catalyze change. Dr. Luana's influential work has found recognition in numerous high-profile platforms, including The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, BIG THINK, Forbes, The New York Times, Good Morning America, and Face the Nation. She is also often featured in the top podcasts such as 10% Happier and The Mel Robbins Podcast.
Additional Resources
Website: www.drluana.com
Check Out Her Book, Bold Move: A 3-Step Plan to Transform Anxiety into Power
Instagram: @drluanamarques
LinkedIn: @DrLuanaMarques
About This Episode
This episode with speaker, author, and mentor Chelsey Goodan brings an inspiring discussion that not only enlightens but also equips us to uplift the next generation of women. Chelsey's work is deeply rooted in her belief that empowerment stems from a foundation laid early in life, supported by compassion and a nurturing environment. From the complex influence of social media to generational cycles and societal pressures and expectations, Chelsey describes many of the challenges facing teenage girls today and actionable ways that we can foster resilience and agency in teenage girls- a journey of self-discovery, authenticity, and empowerment. This is covered in even more detail in her new bestselling book, Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls. With the encouragement and support to embrace their true selves and overcome the confines of society and perfectionism, teenage girls can navigate the path toward being bold and living the life they want.
About Chelsey Goodan
Chelsey Goodan has been an academic tutor and mentor for 16 years, with a particular emphasis on the empowerment of teenage girls. She speaks regularly to audiences about gender justice and serves as the mentorship director of DemocraShe, working to support girls from underserved communities into leadership positions. She’s also a board member for A Call to Men, a national gender-based violence prevention nonprofit that educates men and boys about healthy masculinity. Her book Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls, has been recommended by Oprah Daily and Oprah’s Book Club, both saying: “If you have a teenage girl in your life, you need to read this.” Chelsey Goodan’s passion to explore humanity’s potential for authenticity, liberation, and empowerment permeates all her work.
Additional Resources
Website: www.chelseygoodan.com
Order Her Book, Underestimated
Instagram: @ChelseyGoodan
X: @ChelseyGoodan
TikTok: @ChelseyGoodan
LinkedIn: @ChelseyGoodan
About This Episode
As the COO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), Marcia Davies’ professional journey underscores the power of self-belief and truth in the stories we tell to ourselves and to others. The episode also sheds light on mPower (MBA Promoting Opportunities for Women to Extend their Reach) and how Marcia not only founded this networking platform for women in the real estate finance industry but has grown it over the years into an engaged community of more than 25,000. mPower’s true success lies in the genuine connections and business opportunities it has facilitated, transcending traditional corporate hierarchies and enabling women to extend their reach. Tune in to hear important insights for those seeking to revitalize their professional journey, emphasizing the importance of integrating passion into one's career and staying aligned with your joy and purpose.
About Marcia Davies
Marcia Davies is Chief Operating Officer for the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). As COO, Marcia is responsible for ensuring cross organizational alignment and facilitating the implementation of strategic initiatives, as well as maintaining oversight of key organizational priorities. She is also the lead strategist for MBA's external activities, providing leadership, guidance and overall management to the public affairs and marketing divisions. In addition, Marcia provides strategic direction and management of MBA's Conferences, Membership, Education, Information Technology and Office Services divisions. She also provides management oversight to and is a Board member of MBA's Opens Doors Foundation. Previously, Marcia worked at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner. Before joining HUD, Marcia spent 21 years at Freddie Mac, where she held a variety of officer positions in communications, customer outreach, marketing, servicer relations and policy. Marcia is the founder of mPower - MBA Promoting Opportunities for Women to Extend their Reach - MBA's networking platform for women in the real estate finance industry. Under her leadership, mPower has grown into an engaged community of more than 25,000, providing best-in-class conference and webinar programming, networking events, and online opportunities to stay engaged. Through mPower, more women are positioned to achieve leadership positions and are well represented in all segments of the industry. Marcia is a member of the AWRB Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council (NDILC). She is also a member of Women in Housing Finance and the International Women's Leadership Association. Most recently, Marcia received the silver Stevie Awards for Women in Business 2018 Maverick of the Year. She is also the recipient of Five Star's Laurie A. Maggiano Legacy award, the NAWRB 2018 Industry Revolutionary Award, and the CIFS Diversity & Inclusion 2018 Trailblazer Award. In 2015, Marcia was honored by HousingWire as one of its 2015 Women of Influence. Marcia is a graduate of the Katharine Gibbs School in Montclair, NJ.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @MarciaDavies
About This Episode
Throughout this episode, Bernice Chao demonstrates the multifaceted nature of boldness and visibility. Her experiences personally and professionally provide listeners with insights for amplifying their impact and creating a lifestyle that embraces inclusivity and community. As an award-winning creative who has worked on the world's top brands and the author of the bestselling book, The Visibility Mindset, Bernice describes how to assert your presence and navigate the nuances of professional visibility while fostering a supportive network that encourages growth, all in a way that feels authentic and right for you. She also emphasizes how our internal dialogues shape our decisions, the power of inclusivity in professional growth, and the subtle acts of boldness that define our lives. Tune in for an insightful episode on how to genuinely be present, communicate your value, and live an authentic life.
About Bernice Chao
Bernice Chao is an award-winning creative who has worked on the world's top brands. She is among the few female Asian American creative leaders in the industry and is helping to shape the AANHPI community through Asians in Advertising, a global non-profit organization that inspires the next generation of talent through its podcasts, events, mentorship, and scholarship programs. Chao authored the award-winning bestseller The Visibility Mindset and has given talks on over 100 stages, including SXSW, World Bank, and Cannes. She is a professor at Loyola Marymount University and president of TEDxCulverCity. Bernice was inducted into the AAF Hall of Achievement, the She Runs It Working Mother of the Year Award and the ADCOLOR Catalyst Award.
Additional Resources
Website: www.bernicechao.com
LinkedIn: @BerniceChao
Instagram: @HelloBernice
About This Episode
As a speaker, author, technology marketer and product executive, Mirna Eusebio Lithgow is an expert in guiding anyone ready to undertake bold changes in their life, infusing courage and strategy into their decision-making process. Throughout this episode, she delves into the resistance we often associate with change and why these reactions occur, both psychologically and physically. Mirna offers a profound shift in perspective, promoting the idea of a "leaper's mindset," where change is seen not as a threat but as a catalyst for growth. She introduces her eight-step playbook, a strategic framework for planning and executing life changes that can guide listeners through the uncertainty of transformation. This is the focus of her new book, Leap Out of Your Lane. For founders, entrepreneurs, and those contemplating a significant shift, Mirna's strategies are invaluable. Her book acts as a navigation tool for pivotal changes, providing the foundation for planning, executing, and adapting in a dynamic landscape. Tune in to hear how courage, strategic planning, and adaptability can enable you to make bold transitions and redefine the boundaries of your success.
About Mirna Eusebio Lithgow
Mirna Eusebio Lithgow is an award-winning and high-achieving technology marketer and product executive with over twenty years of multinational experience managing brands, P&L, and product portfolios of up to $10 billion in Fortune 500 companies such as Verizon, France Telecom/Orange, and Optimum. A sought-after thought leader, speaker, board member, and trusted C-level advisor in digital and business transformation, as Founder and CEO of LeapView Group. Mirna is a women’s leadership advocate and a passionate supporter of technology, education, and entrepreneurship. She is a marketing and corporate finance graduate from Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra, and she has a master’s in marketing from Barna School of Business/EADA Barcelona, with management and leadership studies at Illinois State University, Women in Cable Telecommunications BMLI, and Standford Graduate School of Business. Mirna is also a founding member at CHIEF, WICT Network Prime Access mentor, and American Red Cross NY/LI Board Member. Drawing from experience and stories from exceptional leaders, Mirna shares her playbook to embrace change and make it your currency as the author of Leap Out of Your Lane.
Additional Resources
Website: www.mirnaeusebiolithgow.com
Buy Her New Book: www.leapoutofyourlane.com
Instagram: @mirnaeusebiolithgow
LinkedIn: @MirnaEusebioLithgow
About This Episode
Heather Monahan's journey began with a shock- a sudden termination from a career that had defined her professional life. Yet, this unexpected change was the catalyst for a period of bold reinvention. Now a best-selling author of two books, Confidence Creator and Ovecome Your Villains, Heather is also a sought-after keynote speaker and podcast host. Her experience underscores a vital lesson: setbacks can set the stage for comebacks if met with the right mindset. As Heather describes her bold journey, she delves into the importance of confidence and recognizing your own unique value. From personal relationships to faith, each area where confidence is fostered contributes to a more resilient and assertive you. This episode is more than just a story of personal achievement; it's an inspiration for anyone facing doubts or setbacks. By embracing boldness, cultivating confidence, and taking deliberate action, success is not just possible- it's inevitable. So, if you're looking for a spark to kickstart your own journey of reinvention, this podcast episode is a must-listen.
About Heather Monahan
Heather Monahan is a best-selling author, Top 50 keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, podcast host, and Board Member of Healthlynked Corporation. As a former C-suite executive in media, she was named one of the most Influential Women in Radio in 2017, and Thrive Global named her a Limit Breaking Female Founder in 2018. After an unexpected termination, Heather wrote and self-published her first book, Confidence Creator. In 2019 Heather launched her podcast Creating Confidence, a Top 25 show on Apple Podcast’s Business chart weekly. Heather was named one of the Top 40 Female Keynote Speakers of 2020 and Top 50 Keynote Speakers in the World in 2022 by Real Leaders. Girls Club named her The Thought Leader of the Year in 2021 and in 2023 she was highlighted on Favikon’s Top 200 Linkedin Creator List. Her second book, Overcome Your Villains, published by Harper Collins Leadership, is available now.
Additional Resources
Website: www.heathermonahan.com
Apply for Heather’s Mastermind: https://heathermonahan.com/the-elite-mastermind/
Connect with Heather: https://linktr.ee/heathermonahan
LinkedIn: @HeatherMonahan
About This Episode
What if we could harness the power of change, transforming it into a propellant for growth and innovation? This is the core theme explored in this episode with Cassandra Worthy, a change enthusiast and expert in leading through transformation. Cassandra explains how real transformation occurs when we make conscious, incremental choices that spark significant change, a topic covered in her bestselling book Change Enthusiasm: How to Harness the Power of Emotion for Leadership and Success. She challenges the outdated linear models of change management and proposes a dynamic, motivation-centric approach. Her perspective shifts the paradigm from seeing change as a series of obstacles to viewing it as a series of opportunities, each leading us to grow and evolve. She also describes the importance of emotional intelligence and encourages listeners to sit with their difficult emotions, to use them as a means of discovering growth opportunities. For anyone looking to break free from stagnation or hesitation, this episode offers the inspiration and practical tactics to make that leap towards a more resilient, enthusiastic, and successful future.
About Cassandra Worthy
Cassandra Worthy enables organizations and individuals to grow through major change and significant shift by harnessing the power of emotion. Whether undergoing a merger, acquisition, start-up, explosive growth, or significant contraction, the strategies and tools of Change Enthusiasm are motivating and energizing workforces worldwide. Her leadership development and consulting company was birthed from the pain and challenges she overcame as a corporate executive. Cassandra’s client base spans the Fortune 500, including Microsoft, Google, Bank of America, the NFL, and Disney. She's a chemical engineer by training and also brings over a decade of M&A experience distilled down into the critical leadership traits required to lead with exception during times of change and transformation. She's the author of Change Enthusiasm: How to Harness the Power of Emotion for Leadership and Success.
Additional Resources
Website: www.cassandraworthy.com
Get More Inspiration & Free Resources: https://changeenthusiasmglobal.com/anthem/
Get Cassandra’s Best-Selling book: https://changeenthusiasmglobal.com/book/
LinkedIn: @CassandraWorthy
About This Episode
Join us for a very special episode with three incredible guests, Elisa Arias, Kate Knight and Jeff Hamaoui, who exemplify the transformative power of regenerative living and how it fosters thriving communities and a healthier planet. Farm manager Elisa delves into the importance of being present, and she embodies the concept of living in reciprocity with the Earth. Kate's transformative approach to urban gardens turns small spaces into sustainable oases that can have a substantial impact on the environment, the community, and your personal well-being. And as the co-founder of the Modern Elder Academy Jeff brings wisdom from his firsthand experience in developing a regenerative community in Baja. The discussion underscores that meaningful environmental contributions don't require grand gestures but can start with small, localized efforts such as welcoming more people to our table, nurturing our gardens, and fostering a welcoming atmosphere within our neighborhoods. They each remind us that the journey to a sustainable future is a collective endeavor that begins with individual acts of kindness, awareness, and a commitment to a holistic approach to life.
About The Guests
Elisa Allen Arias is the Farm Manager of Baja Sage Farm in El Pescadero, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Elisa also acts as a farmer-collaborator with a statewide non-profit, the Alianza para la Seguridad Alimentaria (ASA), and the International Community Foundation (ICF) as part of a cooperative effort to improve the regional food system. Her background combines formal education and lived experience in biology, agriculture, food systems, teaching, wellness, and entrepreneurship.
Kate Knight is an executive consultant and a serial entrepreneur. She has repeatedly grown businesses from concept to hundreds of millions in revenue, and uses her expertise to support founders and executive teams scaling their work in the world, safely. She is also the founder of Dearborn Properties, an experiment in regenerative real estate, applied at home.
Jeff Hamaoui is Co-Founder and Chief Education and Innovation Officer of Modern Elder Academy, the first-ever ‘midlife wisdom school.’ Dedicated to reframing the concept of aging, Modern Elder Academy (MEA) supports students to navigate midlife with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. Hamaoui is also the founder of Baja Sage, MEA’s adjacent residential community.
Additional Resources
Elisa Arias
Instagram: @farmgirlbcs
LinkedIn: @ElisaAllenArias
Book Rec: Braiding Sweetgrass
Film Rec: Kiss the Ground
Kate Knight
Web: www.kateqknight.com
LinkedIn: @KateQKnight
Book Recs: Drawdown, The Blue Zones
Film Rec: Live to 100, Secrets of the Blue Zones
Jeff Hamaoui
Web: www.meawisdom.com
LinkedIn: @JeffHamaoui
About This Episode
As a renowned communication expert, Stanford professor, podcast host and speaker, Matt Abrahams provides a step-by-step approach to effective communication for even the most anxious of speakers to succeed. Matt's approach focuses on practical strategies on how to be present in the moment, overcoming the fear of future judgment, and the significance of authenticity in making genuine connections. In a world where virtual communication is becoming increasingly prevalent, Matt provides tips on adapting to the absence of visual cues and the unique challenges it poses. He also speaks to valuing connection over perfection and the necessity of pattern recognition. The insights provided by Matt are actionable and transformative, and they are explored in his new book, Think Faster Talk Smarter. Whether you're an aspiring public speaker, a professional looking to enhance your communication skills, or simply someone who wants to have more meaningful conversations, tune in to this invaluable episode.
About Matt Abrahams
Matt Abrahams is a leading expert in communication with decades of experience as an educator, author, podcast host, and coach. As a Lecturer in Organizational Behavior at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, he teaches popular classes in strategic communication and effective virtual presenting. He received Stanford GSB’s Alumni Teaching Award in recognition of his teaching students around the world. Outside of the classroom, Matt is a sought-after keynote speaker and communication consultant. He has helped countless presenters improve and hone their communication, including some who have delivered IPO road shows as well as Nobel Prize, TED, and World Economic Forum presentations. He also consults for the United Nations’ Secretary General’s Strategic Planning and Communication Office. His online talks garner millions of views and he hosts the popular, award-winning podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart The Podcast. His new book Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot provides tangible, actionable skills to help even the most anxious of speakers succeed when speaking spontaneously, such as navigating Q&A sessions, shining in job interviews, providing effective feedback, making small talk, fixing faux pas, persuading others. His previous book Speaking Up without Freaking Out: 50 Techniques for Confident and Compelling Presenting has helped thousands of people manage speaking anxiety and present more confidently and authentically.
Additional Resources
Website: www.mattabrahams.com
LinkedIn: @MattAbrahams
Instagram: @ThinkFastTalkSmart
Order His New Book, Think Faster Talk Smarter
About This Episode
Navigating life’s crossroads with courage and authenticity is a bold journey that many of us undertake. Lan Phan, a seasoned thought leader and speaker, delves into her rich experiences and deep insights into this transformative process. It's at these times where your values, courage, and true self are tested and revealed. Lan recounts the defining moments that crystallized her self-belief and set her on a path of possibility. Her narrative is a powerful testament to the impact of believing in your capabilities and finding your voice amidst adversity. Lan emphasizes the critical alignment of your personal values with your professional and personal aspirations. It’s not just about achieving financial success, but rather about discovering a sense of fulfillment and joy. Lan also shares four practical secrets for navigating life with clarity and intention, which is the focus of her new book, Do This Daily. Tune in for actionable insights that promise to empower you to craft a life of success, happiness, and purpose on your own terms.
About Lan Phan
Lan Phan is an author and speaker known for her expertise in purpose, mindset, and continuous improvement. Her expertise has made her a sought-after consultant for Fortune 500 companies, where she advises CEOs, and C-Suite executives to help them navigate the dynamic realms of business and innovation. Her thought leadership can be found in prestigious publications like The Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Money. As a keynote speaker, Lan has graced prominent platforms including the United Nations, Stanford University, NYU Law, and events hosted by Fortune 100 companies like PepsiCo, Warner Media, Citi, Bank of America, Disney, Meta. On LinkedIn and YouTube her content reaches an audience of millions annually, resonating deeply across diverse demographics. Phan is named as one of the top 100 LinkedIn creators globally and top ten in Management and Leadership. A Stanford University alumnus, she was honored with the J.E. Wallace Sterling Award, recognizing her significant impact through leadership and community service. She also holds master's degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Lan resides in New York with her husband, Kevin, and their daughter Morgan.
Additional Resources
Website: lanphan.co
Company Website: communityofseven.com
LinkedIn: @LanPhan
Instagram: @LanPhanC7
Facebook: @CommunityOfSeven
About This Episode
As a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and award-winning thought leader, Minda Harts is no stranger to boldness. Minda's compelling story serves as a catalyst for uncomfortable yet necessary conversations around race, diversity, and leadership. Her openness about her experiences encourages others to approach these sensitive topics with vulnerability, empathy and respect, promoting understanding and actionable change. Through her work, she exemplifies the importance of normalizing discussions around equity and inclusion to restore the humanity that we all share. This episode, rich in insights and perspectives, calls upon each listener to take part in fostering environments that support diversity and empowerment. By embracing empathy and taking small yet significant actions, we can contribute to creating a world that is inclusive, respectful, and equitable for all.
About Minda Harts
Minda Harts is the bestselling and award-winning author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table as well as Right Within: How to Heal from Racial Trauma in the Workplace, and her first YA book, You Are More Than Magic. She is a highly sought-after speaker and thought-leader, frequently presenting on the topics of advancing women of color, leadership, diversity, and management at companies like Nike, Google, JP Morgan, Aspen Ideas Festival, Dreamforce, The Atlantic Festival, Forbes Inclusion in The Workplace, and DraftKings to name a few. Minda is an assistant professor of public service at NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and the founder of The Memo LLC, a career development company. In 2020, Minda was named by LinkedIn as the #1 Top Voice for Equity in the Workplace. In 2022, she was named by Business Insider as one the top 100 People Transforming Business. She has a weekly career podcast for women of color, titled Secure the Seat.
Additional Resources
Website: www.mindaharts.com
LinkedIn: @MindaHarts
Instagram: @MindaHarts
Twitter: @MindaHarts
About This Episode
In a world where personal branding is not just a buzzword but a critical component of success, Dorie Clark stands as a guiding expert on reinvention, authenticity, and communication. Dorie shares her own bold journey, which has led her into defying norms and advocating for genuine self-representation. It's not just about creating a brand; it's about weaving your true identity into the narrative that you present to the world. Dorie describes the role leaders have in fostering an environment where being human is normalized and the common myths around striking a balance between professionalism and personal truth. She also provides insights into how best to create and leverage your personal branding through social media in a way that encourages you to find your unique voice, build social proof, and create content that resonates with your expertise and values. Dorie's personal branding method is not just about being seen; it's about being recognized for who you truly are and the value you bring to the table. Tune in for an actionable and insightful episode on building a brand that is authentically yours.
About Dorie Clark
Dorie Clark helps individuals and companies get their best ideas heard in a crowded, noisy world. She has been named three times as one of the Top 50 business thinkers in the world by Thinkers50. She was honored as the #1 Communication Coach by the Marshall Goldsmith Leading Global Coaches Awards and one of the Top 5 Communication Professionals in the World by Global Gurus. She is a keynote speaker and teaches for Columbia Business School. She is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game, Entrepreneurial You, Reinventing You, and Stand Out, which was named the #1 Leadership Book of the Year by Inc. magazine. She is a frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review, and consults and speaks for clients such as Google, Yale University, and the World Bank. Forbes has declared that “her insights connect marketing, social media, communications, learning technologies, and personal discovery to give us a blueprint for success in the future economy.” She is a graduate of Harvard Divinity School, a producer of a multiple Grammy-winning jazz album, and a Broadway investor.
Additional Resources
Website: www.dorieclark.com
Free Long Game Strategic Thinking Self-Assessment: https://dorieclark.com/thelonggame
Download Your Recognized Expert Self-Assessment Toolkit: https://dorieclark.com/toolkit
Twitter: twitter.com/dorieclark
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/doriec
Facebook: facebook.com/dorieclarkauthor
Instagram: instagram.com/dorieclark
YouTube: youtube.com/DorieClark
Content Warning: Mentions of sexual assault, substance abuse, alcoholism, trauma
About This Episode
This episode with Dr. Shelley Halligan isn't just a bold story; it's an intimate exploration of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. As an experienced psychiatric nurse practitioner with over twenty years of experience in the field of addiction medicine, she discusses the power in vulnerability and the importance of owning our struggles to foster true healing. Shelley also emphasizes the importance of not facing life's hardships alone and how sharing our stories can inadvertently uplift others. This episode is an invitation to embrace imperfections, recognize the beauty and victory in our scars, and to understand that, sometimes, the boldest act is simply to continue moving forward, one step at a time.
About Shelley Halligan
Dr. Shelley Halligan, DNP, MSN, PMHNP-BC is an experienced psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in the field of addiction medicine. She is the Chief Clinical Officer for Speranza Therapeutics focusing on medical trials, research opportunities, and growth while managing her own practice, New England Recovery Services, Inc. Her extensive knowledge and experience in the field of addiction medicine have awarded her many research opportunities and publications with Yale, Drexel, and Emory University. Dr. Halligan is a subject matter expert in the area of detox and medical conditions that accompany substance use disorder. Dr. Halligan has dedicated her career to focus on addiction medicine and working with organizations whose mission is focused on treatment with long standing results for the patients and families. Dr. Halligan is a person in long term recovery, so she can speak both languages of patient and provider. Dr. Halligan is an expert speaker and has been featured in many publications, podcast, and television appearances. She practices a holistic, harm reduction, client centered approach to treating addiction. She lives in Connecticut and enjoys traveling, cycling, sports, the beach, dancing, and spending time with her family and friends.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @ShelleyHalligan
About This Episode
As the current chief evangelist of Canva, Guy Kawasaki knows how to live a life characterized by boldness, creativity, and resilience. With past experiences at Mercedes Benz and Apple, during the time of Steve Jobs, his stories serve as important lessons on the transformative power of an unshakeable belief in yourself and your mission. The discussion delves deeper into the nature of resilience and vulnerability, qualities essential to personal development, while also emphasizing that remarkable achievements are not just for the famous. This is the focus of his latest book, Think Remarkable. Guy also shares insights on leadership and legacy, advocating for a life lived with integrity and without regrets. The takeaways from this podcast are clear: be bold, embrace resilience, nurture creativity, and live with purpose. This episode is a call to action for listeners to rise above the ordinary and become the designers of their own remarkable lives.
About Guy Kawasaki
Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist of Canva, author of Think Remarkable, and host of the Remarkable People podcast. He was the chief evangelist of Apple, Mercedes Benz brand ambassador, and trustee of the Wikimedia Foundation. He has also written The Art of the Start 2.0, The Art of Social Media, Enchantment, and twelve other books. Kawasaki has a BA from Stanford University, an MBA from UCLA, and an honorary doctorate from Babson College.
Additional Resources
Website: https://guykawasaki.com/
Order his new book, Think Remarkable
LinkedIn: @GuyKawasaki
Instagram: @guykawasaki
YouTube: @GuyKawasaki
About This Episode
Tara LaFon Gooch, a personal branding expert and keynote speaker, discusses the nuances of living a life driven by confidence and alignment. The conversation flows from lessons on individuality to practical strategies for navigating career changes and the importance of personal branding and networking. Tara’s past experiences in corporate highlight the all-too-common narrative where blending in takes precedence over standing out. Yet, as she shares, there comes a time when it’s clear that in order to succeed outside the corporate mold, you have to embrace your own unique identity. She also dives into the interconnectedness of confidence and personal branding, a topic further explored in her TEDx talk and her book, How to GRASP Confidence and Own Your Power. Tara emphasizes the importance of the company you choose to keep, encouraging you to be mindful of how relationships affect your energy and enforcing boundaries when necessary. This episode serves as a reminder that there is real power behind your individuality and choosing to be true to yourself.
About Tara Gooch
Tara LaFon Gooch is a keynote speaker, CEO, personal branding expert, coach, and author of the international best-selling book, How To GRASP Confidence & Own Your Power. Recently, Tara has been featured on the cover of Forbes, MSN, Yahoo Finance, as well as the United Business Journal, Fox News in New York, the Digital Journal, and TEDx in Nottingham, England. Tara has earned her MBA with a specialization in Business Analytics from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington as well as earning certificates in Management from The University of Notre Dame, and a certificate in Financial Management from Cornell University. Additionally, Tara is the United States Country Chair for Start-Up Ecosystems for the G100 Mission Million where she uses her position to elevate and support female entrepreneurs across the United States.
Additional Resources
Website: www.taralafongooch.com
Buy Her Book, How To GRASP Confidence & Own Your Power
Stay Connected on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/taragooch
LinkedIn: @TaraLaFonGooch
About This Episode
Tune in to hear executive coach and thought leader Antonia Bowring, as she describes how to harness your own power, embrace change, and stay motivated along the way. Sharing personal and professional experiences, including her own experience with ADHD, Antonia emphasizes the importance of agency and the transformative potential of setting clear intentions, establishing constructive habits, and taking incremental steps towards achieving one's goals, a concept echoed in her book, Coach Yourself! Increase Awareness, Change Behavior and Thrive. She also delves into motivation, including how to stay motivated and how to identify your key intrinsic motivators, sharing tools for sustained growth and regular reflection. This is an illuminating episode that explores how resilience, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset can catalyze your next bold move.
About Antonia Bowring
Antonia Bowring is a highly credentialed, top New York executive coach who works with founders, C-Suite executives, and leadership teams. One of Antonia’s areas of expertise is helping neurodiverse leaders create the necessary scaffolding to leverage their gifts and maintain their focus. She is a frequent speaker to companies and groups on topics ranging from mindfulness, ADHD in the workplace, and communication best practices. Her articles through the Forbes Coaches Council are widely read and The American Reporter named her one of the 10 leadership coaches to watch in 2022. Her most recent book, Coach Yourself! Increase Awareness, Change Behavior and Thrive, offers practical frameworks exploring the power of performance coaching to become the best version of yourself.
Additional Resources
Website: www.ab-strategies.com
Check out her book, Coach Yourself
LinkedIn: @AntoniaBowring
Instagram: @antonia_abstrategies
TikTok: @antoniabowring963
About This Episode
Cara Shortsleeve, CEO of The Leadership Consortium, exemplifies the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability in leadership. Her early lessons of inclusion and empowerment growing up have translated into a leadership style that's as inclusive as it is decisive. Throughout this episode, she delves into the importance of trust and transparency as a leader as well as the significance of self-evaluation. Cara describes how The Leadership Consortium, co-founded by Frances Frei and Anne Morris, came about as a leadership development platform for high potential and diverse leaders that aims to proactively cultivate cultural excellence. Tune in for an insightful episode around authentic leadership, including how to foster confidence, vulnerability, and trust for yourself and your team.
About Cara Shortsleeve
Cara Shortsleeve is the CEO at The Leadership Consortium (TLC), a leadership development platform for high potential and diverse leaders. Cara joined Harvard Business School professor Frances Frei and Thinkers50 author Anne Morriss to launch and scale the business in 2018. Since that time, TLC has forged strong enterprise partnerships with 80+ companies (including Google, Walmart, IBM, ServiceNow, L’Oreal, State Farm, the NBA, and dozens more) in 50+ countries. The ROI for clients is real: TLC has accelerated 4,500+ leaders, 97% of whom say TLC increased their confidence and 99% of whom report increased goodwill toward their employer. Prior to joining TLC, Cara spent 10+ years in various leadership roles at Google and YouTube- most recently focusing on commercial and product strategy as a Global Director for GTM at YouTube. Previously, she helped launch and scale Google’s east coast, mid-market sales presence in Boston, MA. Before Google, Cara managed the US running apparel business at New Balance, served as a Sales Director for Hind/Saucony, and spent three years with Morgan Stanley's Investment Banking Division. Cara received her BA from Williams College and her MBA from Harvard Business School. She lives near Boston with her husband and three children.
Additional Resources
Website: www.theleadershipconsortium.org
LinkedIn: @CaraShortsleeve
About This Episode
Tune in to hear Janet Foutty’s bold journey as an accomplished senior business leader, technologist, and speaker. Her three-decade tenure at Deloitte has been a masterclass in professional courage and personal growth. Janet's story underscores the importance of being open to new opportunities and trusting your instincts. These choices can often lead to accelerated personal development and career growth, defying the traditional paths laid out before us. Janet also discusses the bestselling book she co-authored, Arrive and Thrive: 7 Impactful Practices for Women Navigating Leadership, which emphasizes that it’s not just about reaching leadership positions but flourishing in them with the support of a community and continuous personal growth. Throughout the episode, Janet's reflections offer invaluable lessons for anyone at a career crossroads or seeking to inspire their leadership journey, highlighting the importance of aligning our professional and personal lives. Janet's bold choices, and the subsequent growth they fueled, remind us that the paths we choose in our careers can be as unique and transformative as we dare them to be.
About Janet Foutty
Janet Foutty is an accomplished senior business leader, technologist, author, and frequent public speaker. She spent over 30 years at Deloitte during which she led numerous practices through change and growth including technology and government and culminated her Deloitte career by serving as CEO of Deloitte Consulting, and US Board Chair of Deloitte respectively. Janet is focused on applying her leadership experience and passionate advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion; women in leadership; and the need for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education through investing her time across non-profit, public policy, corporate America and academia. She currently serves as chair of Bright Pink, a nonprofit dedicated to young women’s health; member of the National Semiconductor Technology Center Selection Committee; Argonne National Lab; and board member of The Chicago Network. She also serves on NYU Stern’s Tech advisory council and Indiana University Kelley School of Business Dean’s Council and is currently Kelley School's Poling Chair for the 2023-2024 academic year. Janet has been published in top-tier business publications including Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Management Review, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. And, recognized for her leadership by Fortune, Crain’s, Chicago Magazine, AICPA, City Year Chicago, and New York Moves Magazine. She is the co-author of a bestselling book, Arrive and Thrive: 7 Impactful Practices for Women Navigating Leadership. Janet holds a Bachelor of Science from Indiana University and a Master of Business Administration in finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. She is an inductee of the Kelley School of Business Academy of Alumni Fellows.
Additional Resources
Website: JanetFoutty.com
Instagram: @JanetFoutty
LinkedIn: @JanetFoutty
About This Episode
When faced with challenges that seemed insurmountable, Talia Kovacs turned her academic struggles into a springboard for success, becoming an expert in resilience and founding CalmConnected, an organization devoted to supporting parents in raising resilient kids. This episode serves as a reminder that resilience is not an innate trait but a skill that can be developed and honed over time. This episode is a blend of personal stories, expert insights, and strategies that resonate with anyone looking to empower themselves or the children in their lives. Talia discusses the importance of breaking down daunting goals into everyday tasks and how parents can recognize and nurture their child's self-trust by spotting avoidance behaviors and understanding the powerful impact of reframing failures as learning experiences, including her five-step strategy designed to enhance problem-solving abilities. This is a must-listen for all who wish to embrace the courage to grow and live a resilient life.
About Talia Kovacs
Talia Kovacs is the founder of CalmConnected, supporting parents in raising resilient kids. Her work on building resilience in kids, and the connection between social-emotional learning and literacy, has been featured in Forbes, Newsweek, Today, Scholastic, and many other news outlets. Talia serves on the Board of Directors for LitLife and The Brooklyn Book Bodega. She has previously served as a classroom teacher, a graduate-level education professor, and as the CEO of LitLife, an international literacy consulting firm. Talia's greatest mission is equipping parents with tools to foster a deep well of inner resilience in their kids, so that the whole family can live in calm, connected households where children thrive.
Additional Resources
Website: www.taliakovacs.com
LinkedIn: @TaliaKovacs
Additional Resources:
TaliaKovacs.com/gift-chores-survey
TaliaKovacs.com/gift
About This Episode
Have you ever felt like your true self is hidden beneath layers of expectation and convention? Bonnie Wan, an author, speaker and branding strategy expert, opens up about her transformative journey overcoming these pressures to find her own path in confidence and leadership. Her story will inspire you to embrace your authentic self and make the bold moves that resonate with your deepest truths. This episode isn't just about the daring leaps we take; it's about the quiet courage to align our actions with our innermost desires, a theme emphasized through the powerful concept behind her new book, The Life Brief. As Bonnie illustrates, this creative tool can clarify our intentions and guide our lives with purpose. She elaborates on how, like a creative brief used in brand strategy, a life brief can help distill our intentions and desires, ultimately guiding our decision-making and action-taking. Bonnie shares her professional and personal experiences in this, from navigating relationships to finding a new community, exemplifying the spirit of those who not only pursue boldness but ignite it in others. Tune in and let your own journey of boldness begin.
About Bonnie Wan
Bonnie Wan is an author and speaker, as well as partner and head of brand strategy at the world-renowned advertising agency, Goodby Silverstein & Partners. As creator of The Life Brief, Bonnie helps people live with greater clarity, creativity, and courage by teaching them how to write creative briefs for their lives. The Life Brief has evolved from an agency talk into a workbook, workshops, and speaking appearances at Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop, Jane Goodall’s Activating Hope Summit, the 3% Conference, SXSW, Accenture, Apple, Google, Change.org, and more.
Additional Resources
Website: www.thelifebrief.com
Buy Her New Book, The Life Brief
LinkedIn: @BonnieWan
Instagram: @bonniewanofficial
About This Episode
Lisa Sun, CEO and founder of GRAVITAS, is an expert voice on the topic of confidence and being your truest self. This discussion provides a multifaceted view of what it means to live a life characterized by boldness and gravitas. Lisa emphasizes how our mindset drives our behavior, and she explains the internal and external forces that can influence our sense of self-worth and confidence, providing examples from her own professional journey shifting from the corporate world to founding her own business. Lisa also describes the 8 Superpowers of Confidence, a new paradigm for understanding our own innate strengths, and the focus of her newest book, Gravitas: The 8 Strengths That Redefine Confidence. Ranging from leading and performing to knowing and believing, among others, these superpowers enable us to further understand our own sense of confidence and how to best build a team with complimentary superpowers. Tune in for an enlightening episode that will help you understand and unleash the confidence you have within.
About Lisa Sun
Lisa Sun is the founder and CEO of GRAVITAS, a company on a mission to catalyze confidence. GRAVITAS offers innovative size-inclusive apparel, styling solutions, and content designed to makeover women from the inside out. Prior to founding GRAVITAS, Sun spent 11 years at McKinsey & Company, where she advised leading luxury fashion and beauty brands and retailers in the U.S., Asia, Europe, and Latin America on strategic and operational issues. Her first collection was featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, People, and the Today show in the same month. Sun and GRAVITAS have been featured on CNN and in Forbes, Fast Company, New York magazine, Elle, Marie Claire, InStyle, and more. GRAVITAS includes among its activities a commitment to AAPI causes and New York City’s Garment District. Often called the “dress whisperer,” Lisa is also a highly sought-after public speaker who likes to impart her hard-won knowledge on gravitas and how to best harness it to other women.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.gravitasnewyork.com/
Discover Your Confidence Language: https://gravitasnewyork.com/pages/my-confidence-language-quiz
Buy Lisa’s New Book, Gravitas: The 8 Strengths That Redefine Confidence
Instagram: @LisaLSun @GravitasNewYork
LinkedIn: @LisaSun
About This Episode
In this episode, Erica Rankin, the dynamic founder behind Bro Dough, a health-focused cookie dough brand, shares her entrepreneurial journey, leaving behind a traditional career path to start something new. She reveals how her passion for healthy living and her knack for baking merged into Bro Dough, a classic tale of identifying a gap in the market and filling it with a product driven by passion and purpose. Erica provides a candid look at the hurdles and triumphs associated with starting a business from scratch, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, strategic networking, and financial savvy—skills that she honed to transform her startup into the thriving company it is today. Erica’s story underscores the significance of living one's truth and the fulfillment that comes from following the life you want. This episode serves as a blueprint for those hungry for personal and professional growth.
About Erica Rankin
Erica Rankin is the founder and CEO (Chief Everything Officer) of Bro Dough, a functional & nostalgic snack brand. They recently just launched their new natural & gluten free protein cookie dough bites which will be hitting shelves across Canada. Erica has built a community of almost 300k followers across her social channels completely organically, and bootstrapped Bro Dough for the first 2 and a half years. Her mission is to showcase the reality of entrepreneurship through social media and take her community along for the journey.
Additional Resources
Website: https://eatbrodough.ca/
LinkedIn: @EricaRankin
Instagram: @eatbrodough
TikTok: @eatbrodough
About This Episode
In this episode, we were honored to host Jeff Hamaoui, a visionary in the realm of wellness and longevity. As co-founder of Modern Elder Academy, Jeff offers insights into the beauty of aging and the richness of experience that comes with it. Modern Elder Academy's lens on aging is a powerful tool for realigning actions with core values and building the courage to forge a new path when necessary. Jeff’s own tale, marked by a sudden move to Baja with his family and supporting regenerative communities, serves as an inspiration for those looking to navigate life's transitions with grace and boldness. We also explore the idea that life is a series of seasons, each with its own set of challenges and opportunities for growth. Along the way, Jeff discusses the keys to longevity, highlighting the three most important pillars: purpose, wellness, and especially community. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will invite you to pause and reconnect your bold actions with your core values.
About Jeff Hamaoui
Jeff Hamaoui is Co-Founder and Chief Education and Innovation Officer of Modern Elder Academy, the first-ever ‘midlife wisdom school.’ Dedicated to reframing the concept of aging, Modern Elder Academy (MEA) supports students to navigate midlife with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. With prior roles at NASA, IKEA, and Nike before permanently landing in Baja at MEA in midlife, Hamaoui is a seasoned teacher and master facilitator with an entrepreneurial mind, teacher’s heart, and seeker’s soul. Hamaoui is also the founder of Baja Sage, MEA’s adjacent residential community. This new type of community utilizes regenerative principles to support flourishing and resiliency across the entire community.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.meawisdom.com
Instagram: @meawisdom
Facebook: @MEAWisdom
YouTube: @ModernElderAcademy
About This Episode
In the realm of high performance and personal development, few things resonate more deeply than the pursuit of authenticity and the boldness required to achieve it. Our latest episode featuring Dr. Michael Gervais, a high-performance psychologist, delves into these very concepts, exploring the profound impact of a bold mindset on our capacity to excel in life's various arenas. Michael begins by deconstructing the notion of boldness, presenting it as a deep expression of one's true self, unencumbered by the fear of judgment or failure. Michael also dives into an exploration of mastery and the pivotal role mindset plays in achieving it. He draws an analogy with gravity—an invisible yet undeniable force—emphasizing that mastering a craft is not just about skill execution but about developing a profound understanding of oneself. Michael also discusses the concept of FOPO- fear of other people's opinions- and its effect on boldness and high performance. He delves into the neurological underpinnings of our desire for social acceptance and the psychological tug-of-war between the need for belonging and the pursuit of authenticity. Tune in for an inspiring call to overcome the weight of societal expectations, highlighting the power of truth-telling and the courage required to step into our authentic selves towards peak performance.
About Michael Gervais
Dr. Michael Gervais is a high-performance psychologist, author and one of the world’s leading experts on the relationship between the mind and human performance. Over the course of a 20-year career working with world class performers and organizations, Dr. Gervais has developed a framework for the mental skills and practices that allow organizations, teams and individuals to thrive in pressure-packed environments. Gervais’ influence can be felt across many touchpoints of popular culture. His clients include the NFL’s Super Bowl Champions, Seattle Seahawks, world record holders, Olympians, MVPs from every major sport, internationally acclaimed music artists, and Fortune 50 CEO’s. Gervais has worked across three summer Olympic Games (Tokyo, Rio, London) and two winter Olympic Games as a high-performance psychologist supporting Team USA, most recently for USA Surfing in Tokyo 2021. Dr. Gervais is the host of the Finding Mastery podcast that explores the psychology of the world’s most extraordinary thinkers and doers. In the top 1% of podcasts globally, Finding Mastery crossed the 25 million downloads milestone in 2021. Gervais has an upcoming book, The First Rule of Mastery, that’s being published by Harvard Business Review Press in November 2023. Previously, Gervais wrote an Audible Original, Compete to Create: An Approach to Living and Leading Authentically, with NFL coach Pete Carroll (2020). A published, peer-reviewed author and nationally recognized speaker on optimal human performance, Dr. Gervais has been featured in premier media outlets including NBC, ABC, FOX, CNN, ESPN, NFL Network, Red Bull TV, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Outside Magazine, WIRED, Sports Illustrated and ESPN The Magazine. Dr. Gervais holds a doctorate degree in psychology, specializing in sport performance, and a master’s degree in kinesiology. He completed his PhD under the mentorship of Dr. Bruce Ogilvie, often referred to as the father of American applied sport psychology.
Additional Resources
Website: www.findingmastery.net
Instagram: @findingmastery
YouTube: @FindingMastery
LinkedIn: @FindingMastery
About This Episode
Stacy Olinger, a transformational healthcare leader, shares her bold journey of achieving alignment and living a life full of purposeful impact. Her story is not just about growing your career; it's about aligning every step with your core identity and calling, demonstrating the unstoppable force we all harbor within when our actions echo our truest selves. Navigating the fine line between leadership excellence and perfectionism, Stacy offers her strategies on how to emerge victoriously. She recounts her own challenges, from addressing burnout head-on to harnessing the power of self-reflection and mindfulness. Stacy shares practical tips on redefining success, managing the beast of perfectionism, and finding solace in life’s quiet moments. Stacy also discusses the keys to sustainable growth, building from her professional experience with her own company that fosters resilient change, integrating the oft-overlooked human element with solid data and operational strategy. This episode is an important listen for anyone seeking to break free from the confines of “should” and step into a life of “coulds” with confidence and grace. Tune in to uncover how to unboss yourself, embrace the beginner's mindset, and unlock the personal freedom to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
About Stacy Olinger
Stacy Olinger is a transformational healthcare leader with over two decades of multifaceted experience that melds a rare blend of clinical, operational, financial, and technical skillsets. Leveraging Six Sigma and Lean methodologies, she pioneers healthcare systems that cohesively integrate clinical strategies, business objectives, and ROI, resulting in a sustainable, long-term effect that extends beyond traditional hospital settings. In her current role as a healthcare consultant, Stacy adopts a forward-thinking, human-centered strategy to combine clinical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and leadership development, with robust operational redesigns in both care at home, hospital, and ambulatory settings. Through strategic AI and EHR implementations and economic modeling, she significantly boosts patient satisfaction and profit margins while reducing staff turnover. Previously, Stacy served as the vice president of home care services at BJC Healthcare where she was instrumental in care at home and virtual care strategy. The launch of a system-wide palliative care program boosted patient accessibility by 40% and integrated telehealth services. Additionally, her strategic implementation of a machine learning program saved the company nearly $1M annually. Before transitioning to BJC, she had an impactful 13-year tenure at EvergreenHealth Home Care Services, culminating in her role as the executive director where she oversaw a team of 480 professionals and managed annual revenue of $120M. Stacy maintains multiple board leadership roles and possesses a robust educational foundation, holding a master of science degree in nursing from Western Governors University and a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Alaska. Licensed in several states, she is also certified in Six Sigma and Lean methodologies.
Additional Resources
Web: www.stacyolinger.com
LinkedIn: @StacyOlinger
Instagram: @stacyolinger
About This Episode
In this episode, Dr. Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at the Harvard Business School, discusses how we can best think about and practice failure. Amy distinguishes between the different types of failure while also clarifying preventable mistakes from intelligent failures- the latter being a byproduct of calculated risk-taking that often leads to significant insights and innovation. She encourages a reframing of our perception of failure, advocating for a healthy acceptance of intelligent failures as steppingstones in uncharted territories. Amy shares practical strategies for embracing vulnerability and harnessing setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, acting as a guide for leaders, innovators, and anyone seeking to transform their approach to failure. Tune in as Amy encourages us to openly greet the unfamiliar and to recognize that within our boldest actions lies the key to our greatest achievements.
About Amy Edmondson
Amy C. Edmondson is the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at the Harvard Business School, a chair established to support the study of human interactions that lead to the creation of successful enterprises that contribute to the betterment of society. Edmondson has been recognized by the biannual Thinkers50 global ranking of management thinkers since 2011, and most recently was ranked #1 in 2021; she also received that organization’s Breakthrough Idea Award in 2019, and Talent Award in 2017. She studies teaming, psychological safety, and organizational learning, and her articles have been published in numerous academic and management outlets, including Administrative Science Quarterly, Academy of Management Journal, Harvard Business Review and California Management Review. Her 2019 book, The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation and Growth (Wiley), has been translated into 15 languages. Edmondson’s newest book, Right Kind of Wrong (Atria), provides a framework for how we can think about, discuss, and practice failure wisely, using human fallibility as a tool for making ourselves and our organizations smarter.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @AmyEdmondson
Twitter: @AmyCEdmondson
About This Episode
Bridget Hilton, the force behind LSTN and co-author of Experiential Billionaire, shares her journey from a music industry insider to a social entrepreneur and now an expert sharing how to become rich in life experiences. By selling headphones and speakers, LSTN has funded life-changing hearing devices for over 50,000 individuals. But more than that, it has become a vehicle for Bridget’s message that true wealth is found in the experiences we have and the challenges we overcome. She provides actionable strategies for breaking down grand ambitions into tangible steps. Whether it's embracing new ventures like beekeeping or Italian cooking, Bridget emphasizes the importance of starting small. By adopting a beginner's mindset, she argues, we open ourselves to new possibilities and the thrill of learning. Bridget also discusses how common it is to postpone dreams in anticipation of a perfect time that may never come. Her message is clear: don’t wait to experience life. This podcast is a reminder that our lives are composed of the choices we make, the connections we forge, and the impact we have on others.
About Bridget Hilton
Bridget Hilton is a leading expert on the art, science, and path to becoming rich in life experiences. Growing up in Flint, MI, Bridget used her love of music as inspiration and hustled her way into the largest record label in the world as a teenager - helping to launch some of today's biggest careers in music such as Rihanna, The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, Drake, The Killers, and Taylor Swift. Inspired by a viral video of a deaf woman hearing for the first time, she then founded and bootstrapped the first ever social good electronics company, LSTN, sold millions of products, partnered with the likes of Google, Delta Air Lines, and Amazon, and has given over 50,000 people the gift of hearing for the first time. Now as a keynote speaker, co-author of the Amazon #1 best-seller Experiential Billionaire book and Treasure Maps card deck, self-proclaimed experiential guinea pig, and facilitator of one of the largest surveys on life experiences ever done, she is passionate about creating tools to help teams and leaders connect in the workplace through rich experiences and shared goals. Bridget has previously been recognized as both Forbes and Inc Magazine's 30 Under 30, Entrepreneur's 15 Women to Watch, and NAWBO's Rising Star. She has been featured on 500+ media outlets including the Today Show, Good Morning America, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, TechCrunch, Buzzfeed and Fast Company. She serves on boards at both UCLA and UC Santa Barbara and lives in Los Angeles, CA with her dog Taco. Together her and co-author Joe Huff have trained to be samurai, danced with the northern lights, tracked silverback gorillas in a hail storm, stood face-to-face with a hungry lion on safari, visited 50+ countries and all 50 states, absorbed life lessons from Maasai Mara tribesmen, sped across a glacier on a dogsled, spoke on stage with Sir Richard Branson, built schools for kids in need, lived with monks, swum with sharks, and explored the experiential riches life has to offer.
Additional Resources
Website: https://bridgethilton.com/
https://www.experientialbillionaire.com/
Instagram: @bridgetlhilton
LinkedIn: @BridgetHilton
About This Episode
As an award-winning health and fitness expert, Ariel Belgrave’s bold journey is a testament to the power of authenticity and the courage to follow one's true passion. After over a decade as a corporate HR leader for Fortune 100 companies, she founded Gym Hooky, which is dedicated to empowering others with simple and sustainable healthy habits for high performance. Ariel not only provides insights into making a successful transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, but she also highlights the importance of continuous learning and taking small, manageable steps toward your goals. Her insights into the art of joyful movement, setting boundaries, focusing on managing your energy instead of your time, and the significance of self-care also underscore the necessity of prioritizing well-being to support overall success. Ariel's story is a vivid example of how staying true to oneself can revolutionize not just your career, but your entire approach to life. Tune in for a motivational episode that will enable you to forge your own path, prioritize well-being, and embrace life with courage and determination.
About Ariel Belgrave
Ariel Belgrave is an award-winning health and fitness expert, creative wellness consultant, and the founder of Gym Hooky. Through her signature approach, The L.E.A.N Method, she's helped thousands of women around the world adopt simple and sustainable healthy habits for high performance. She’s also helped some of the nation's most innovative companies build a culture of wellness in a way that highly engages their audience, fuses in technology, allows for deeper human connection, and is inclusive of authentic cultural experiences. Before starting her wellness company, Gym Hooky, Ariel spent over a decade as a corporate HR leader for Fortune 100 companies like JPMorgan and Facebook. Today, she fuses this HR knowledge with her health expertise to create engaging wellness programs, trainings, and experiences for her clients. Her work has been featured in Good Morning America, The Today Show, NBC, Women's Health Magazine, Shape, Elle, Glamour, Refinery 29, PopSugar, Entrepreneur, and The Huffington Post. She is also an advisor for Women's Health Magazine, an Under Armour ambassador, and trainer for Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's fitness brand, Project Rock. She loves traveling, dancing, and proudly waving her Trinidad flag.
Additional Resources
Website: www.gymhooky.com
Instagram: @GymHooky
LinkedIn: @ArielBelgrave
About This Episode
As a global transformation executive, Michelle Ferguson is proof that stepping out of your comfort zone can be the key to unlocking greatness. Our conversation traverses the path of personal growth, taking risks, and the invaluable process of learning from your failures. Michelle firmly believes in the immense impact that mentorship can have on an individual's personal and professional development. She underscores the importance of finding the right mentor and the key lessons that can be gleaned from such relationships. The power of mentorship is further illustrated in her book, Women Mentoring Women. As we delve into Michelle's bold life and how she harnesses vulnerability to make a meaningful impact, we gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of boldness. Her journey serves as a motivation to embrace your potential, be open to change, and be daring in your decisions.
About Michelle Ferguson
Michelle R. Ferguson is a global transformation executive with expertise in operations, finance, and shared services. She spent most of her career at S&P Global/McGraw Hill where she held a variety of positions including SVP of Global Business Services and SVP of International Operations. Her legacy there includes founding WINS, the company’s first ERG, serving as an advisor to subsequent ERGs, and co-founding a global mentoring program. She is a DEI advocate and serial mentor. Currently, she is advising the 9/11 Memorial and Museum on the launch of their diversity initiative. Michelle’s first book, Women Mentoring Women was published in spring 2022. She is a founding member of Chief in NYC. She has also held positions at KPMG, Abrams, and Maxwell Communications. Michelle holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BBA from the University of Notre Dame where she remains active. She is the mother of two sons and grandmother of six and lives in New York City.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @MichelleFerguson
About This Episode
Join us in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Melissa Sundermann, a lifestyle coach and double board-certified physician in internal medicine and lifestyle medicine. Melissa takes us on a journey through the world of wellness, shedding light on her experiences in the medical field and her passion for endurance training and marathon running. Her journey to a fulfilling life is a testament to the power of self-acceptance, authenticity, and vulnerability. Tune in to discover how she treats setbacks as steppingstones towards her dreams and the importance of persistence and risk-taking in achieving success. We even touch on the mindset of a runner, sharing personal anecdotes and strategies from her experience running ultramarathons and competing in several Boston Marathons and Ironman Triathlons. Throughout the episode, Melissa highlights the value in prioritizing self-care and focusing on your own personal goals instead of comparing yourself to others, and she also provides actionable advice to make healthy behavioral changes that will last.
About Melissa Sundermann
Dr. Melissa Sundermann is a double board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine and has been practicing medicine for over 20 years. She also has training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Michigan and has completed a Professional Training Program in Mind Body Medicine through the Center for Mind Body Medicine based in Washington, DC. She has been featured in several Lifestyle Medicine articles and podcasts as well as an invited speaker for health/medical national conferences. She strongly believes in fostering a partnership with her patients and helping to guide them towards a healing pathway through self-care utilizing Lifestyle Medicine principles. Her 7 pillars of health include a wholefood plant-slant dietary pattern, daily movement, restorative sleep, avoidance of risky behaviors (such as tobacco, excessive alcohol, drug use), stress management, social connection and daily exposure to nature and fresh air. Dr. Sundermann is also known as “Doctor Outdoors” and Chairs the Nature as Medicine sub-committee for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Sundermann currently specializes in Lifestyle Medicine at Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort in Lenox, MA and is also the co-founder of REVIVE! Lifestyle Medicine Well-Being Coaching. Prior to these roles, she practiced medicine with IHA in Ann Arbor, MI where she helped to launch the IHA Lifestyle Medicine Institute and also led the IHA Staywell Committee which focuses on optimizing the health and well-being for 3000 employees of IHA. She does her best to practice what she preaches and enjoys running, biking, hiking, skiing and spending time outdoors and creating adventures with her husband, 2 children and 2 dogs. She is a 10x Boston Marathon finisher, 3x Full Ironman Triathlon finisher and currently training for several upcoming Ultramarathons. She truly believes that age is just a number and is passionate about spreading this word to all her patients, family and friends.
Additional Resources
Website: Dr. Melissa Sundermann - Lifestyle Medicine Physician - Canyon Ranch Resorts
LinkedIn: @MelissaSundermann
Instagram: @motivatormelissa @thedoctoroutdoors
About This Episode
Content Warning: Loss of a parent, loss of a sibling, loss of a child, grief
In this compelling episode, Nate Randle, CEO of Gabb Wireless, shares his personal journey, marked by early experiences of adversity and loss, which have shaped his proactive approach to life and leadership. Through his bold story, Nate highlights the importance of seizing life's opportunities and creating a positive impact. He also stresses the importance of a people-first philosophy and creating a supportive work environment, while emphasizing the power of resilience and personal connection. With regard to technology, Nate discusses the significance behind setting boundaries and disconnecting in order to enhance genuine human connection. He also delves into the impact of technology on our lives and its role in authenticity, personally and professionally. With a people-driven purpose, this episode serves as a poignant reminder that every setback presents an opportunity for growth and transformation.
About Nate Randle
As CEO of Gabb Wireless, Nate brings years of experience and expertise to the nation’s leading kid-safe tech company. Nate has held pivotal leadership positions at major companies like Nike, Callaway Golf, Qualtrics, and the Utah Jazz. He joined Gabb in June 2021 as the CMO and took on the CEO role in November 2021. Nate is a husband and father of four. He places the highest priorities on people and family. His focus on family directly translates into his leadership at Gabb, where protecting kids and encouraging a stronger connection between families are core to the Gabb mission.
Additional Resources
Website: https://gabb.com/
LinkedIn: @NateRandle
About This Episode
In this episode, we delve into the dynamic world of books and publishing with our special guest, Angela Engel. Angela is the powerhouse behind The Collective Book Studio, and she offers an inside look into the ever-evolving publishing industry. Fueled by the boldness inspired by her mother and grandmother, Angela's compelling narrative takes us through her journey to founding her own publishing house after a successful career in sales and marketing. She also discusses the role of boldness in leadership and how stories that connect people and provide inspiration hold the most power. Angela shares invaluable insights into the art of creating a captivating book and the essentiality of authenticity not only in the publishing world but in everything that you do. Tune in for an enlightening episode on the power of stories and being true to yourself.
About Angela Engel
Angela Engel grew up in Minneapolis, MN, and now calls Oakland, CA, home. For many years, she worked in sales and marketing for nationally known category leaders in publishing, including Chronicle Books, Ten Speed Press, Cameron + Company, Dwell Studio, and Moleskine. She has sold to key national and international retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Nordstrom, and Target and became a sought-after expert in the industry. Now, as founder of The Collective Book Studio, Angela has the opportunity to provide authors the support they need to get a book out into the world, from start to finish.
Additional Resources
General Website: https://thecollectivebook.studio/
Instagram: @thecollectivebookstudio
LinkedIn: @TheCollectiveBookStudio
Facebook: @TheCollectiveBookStudio
Twitter: @CBS_Oakland
About This Episode
Tune in as we explore the transformative power of books with Nick Hutchison, the founder and CEO of Book Thinkers and author of Rise of the Reader. Through his entrepreneurial journey starting his own book-related marketing agency and podcast, Nick shares tips and strategies to help you reach your full potential, overcome setbacks, and live a fulfilling life. To Nick, it’s a matter of establishing clear intentions from the very start, whether you’re making a significant change or merely starting a new book. With these intentions in mind, you will be able to implement more effectively what you learn and ultimately, take action toward what you want. This episode is all about embracing an actionable approach towards personal growth, making bold moves, and elevating your life.
About Nick Hutchison
Nick Hutchison is the visionary force behind BookThinkers, a thriving 7-figure marketing agency bridging authors and readers. In just over seven years, he has cultivated a platform reaching over a million people monthly and hosts the top 2% global podcast, "BookThinkers: Life-Changing Books," featuring interviews with renowned authors like Grant Cardone and Lewis Howes. Nick's platform and services have empowered countless authors to reach millions of readers, driving substantial revenue growth. His services encompass video production, podcast booking, and social media brand building. With a mission to inspire readers to take action, Nick authored Rise of the Reader, delving into mastering reading habits and applying newfound knowledge to unlock potential.
Additional Resources
Learn More About Nick Hutchison: www.nickhutch.com
Learn More About BookThinkers: www.bookthinkers.com
Buy His New Book, Rise of the Reader: https://a.co/d/c9dE0ln
LinkedIn: @NickHutchison
Instagram: @NickLovesBooks @BookThinkers
About This Episode
As an experienced nurse executive and innovator, Rebecca Love’s bold story takes us along as she kickstarted a nurse innovation movement and founded the Nurse Hackathon, challenging status quo and placing nurses at the heart of healthcare innovation. With her unique perspective on risk-taking, Rebecca underscores the importance of betting on yourself. Drawing upon her own experiences, she emphasizes the power of starting small and writing down your ideas, including how to overcome the fear of failure and even the fear of your own success. She also speaks to the role of validation in our decision-making, addressing imposter syndrome, and how to give your passions a chance so you can live without any regrets. Tune in to be a part of this motivational episode and find the inspiration to bet on your own bold journey.
About Rebecca Love
Rebecca Love, RN, BS, MSN, FIEL is an experienced nurse executive and first nurse featured on Ted.com, and recognized as one of Modern Healthcare's most influential people in healthcare in 2022. Rebecca was the first Director of Nurse Innovation & Entrepreneurship in the United States at Northeastern School of Nursing – the founding initiative in the Country designed to empower nurses as innovators and entrepreneurs, where she founded the Nurse Hackathon, the movement has led to transformational change in the Nursing Profession. In early 2019, Rebecca, along with a group of leading nurses in the world, founded and is President of SONSIEL: The Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs & Leaders, a non-profit that quickly attained recognition by the United Nations as an Affiliate Member to the UN. Rebecca is an experienced Nurse Entrepreneur, founding HireNurses.com in 2013 which was acquired in 2018 by Ryalto, LTD UK, where she served as the Managing Director of US Markets, until it’s acquisition in 2019. Currently, Rebecca serves as the Chief Clinical Officer of IntelyCare, Inc. Rebecca is passionate about empowering nurses and creating communities to help nurses innovate, create and collaborate to start businesses and inventions to transform healthcare. She is now Co-Chair and Co-Founder of the Commission for Nursing Reimbursement working to respond to the nationwide concerns of nursing staffing shortages. Rebecca holds a M.S. in Nursing from Northeastern University, B.A. in International Relations/Spanish from Boston University, an, sits on the board of NextGen Ventures, Health Science Entrepreneurs at Northeastern University & the Host Committee for the Massachusetts ACLU. She currently lives in Marblehead, Massachusetts with her husband and 3 children.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @RebeccaLove
About This Episode
Get ready for an insightful episode with Jessica Sibley, the CEO of TIME, as she outlines her interpretation of boldness and how it has catapulted TIME into a new era of transformation. Under Jessica’s leadership, TIME has continued to accelerate its digital transformation, expanded into new platforms, and revitalized its brand. In addition to unveiling and implementing her TIME 3.0 transformation plan, Jessica launched the company into e-commerce for the first time and led the initiative to remove the paywall in order to make its content free and accessible for all readers around the world. She describes these bold moves and many other insights, including the importance of mentorship as a leader, how to build a strong, dynamic team, and the future of media. Tune in for a special episode and an inside look at TIME.
About Jessica Sibley
Jessica Sibley is the Chief Executive Officer of TIME. As CEO, Sibley oversees the global media brand which includes TIME's iconic magazine and digital platforms that reach a combined audience of 105 million people around the world; the Emmy Award-winning film and television division TIME Studios that has generated more than $100 million in revenue; a rapidly growing global live events business built around the powerful TIME100 and Person of the Year franchises; an industry-leading web3 division, including the TIMEPieces NFT community; Red Border Studios, producer of award-winning branded content; the website-building platform TIME Sites, which TIME acquired in 2022; the sustainability and climate-action platform TIME CO2 and more. Today, TIME’s audience is the largest in its history and its magazine, with more than 1 million subscribers, remains the largest U.S. print title in news.
Prior to joining TIME, Sibley was the Chief Operating Officer of Forbes, where she led all revenue and growth initiatives for the world’s largest business media brand. Sibley headed the Revenue Operations team, which includes Consumer Growth, Content and Design Studio, ForbesWomen, Sales and Marketing, Product, Technology, Asia, and Europe. Before being appointed Chief Operating Officer, Sibley served as Forbes’ Chief Revenue Officer, and as Senior Vice President of U.S. and Europe and Chief Sales Officer prior to taking the CRO helm. Sibley has also held senior leadership positions at The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and Condé Nast. Sibley is also co-chair of IAB’s CRO Council, serves on the board of directors for The Ad Council, The Business Marketing Association and is a Member of the Board of Advisors at Chief, Her Campus Media and Prota Fiori, a sustainable luxury footwear startup. When she is not leading the next phase of TIME’s evolution, Sibley is an avid runner and supportive mother of two. She is a graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges and resides in New York City.
Additional Resources
Website: www.time.com
LinkedIn: @JessicaSibley
Instagram: @JessicaSibley
About This Episode
Everything is fixable if you are open to change, according to Frances Frei, Professor of Technology and Operations Management at Harvard Business School and author of Move Fast and Fix Things. In this powerful episode, we dive into the world of trust-building, strategy optimization, and leadership as Frances shares her bold journey, from challenging gender norms in her early years to becoming an expert in strategic operations and an advocate for open sourcing knowledge. She also breaks down the concepts of radical prioritization, buffer leadership, and overcoming mistrust, giving actionable ways that you can solve organizational problems, no matter your position. Frances also emphasizes the importance of valuing diverse perspectives and overriding our innate inclination towards uniformity. Her insights remind us that leadership isn't just about making decisions—it's about inspiring others, fostering trust, and guiding your team towards success.
About Frances Frei
Frances Frei is a Professor of Technology and Operations Management at Harvard Business School. Her research investigates how leaders create the conditions for organizations and individuals to thrive by designing for excellence in strategy, operations, and culture. She regularly advises organizations embarking on large-scale change initiatives, including embracing diversity and inclusion as a lever for significantly improving performance. A global thought leader on leadership and strategy, Frances is widely recognized for her breakthrough scholarship and high-impact teaching. She developed one of the most popular classes at HBS, which explores business models that reliably delight customers. She also led the design and launch of HBS’s innovative FIELD curriculum built around learning experiences that are experiential and immersive. In 2017, Frances was tapped to become Uber's first Senior Vice President of Leadership and Strategy with a mandate to help thousands of employees excel in a context of hyper-growth, strategic change, and an evolution in culture.
In 2018, Frances delivered a TED talk viewed by millions on ‘How to build (and rebuild) trust.’ Frances is the best-selling author of Uncommon Service: How to Win by Putting Customers at the Core of Your Business and Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader's Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You. Hailed as “the definitive guide to leadership today,” Unleashed inspires readers to look beyond themselves and focus on the true challenge of leadership: how to unlock the potential of others. Her newest book, Move Fast & Fix Things is on shelves now. In 2023, Frances and her wife, Anne Morriss, launched their first podcast. “Fixable” is a career advice podcast produced by TED Audio Collective and guides advice seekers toward getting unstuck. The leadership couple take real people’s career complications - no matter their industry or position - and set them up for success. Frances holds a Ph.D. in Operations and Information Management from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Additional Resources
Website: https://anneandfrances.com/
Order Her New Book, Move Fast and Fix Things
LinkedIn: @FrancesFrei
Instagram: @francesxfrei
About This Episode
Have you ever been curious about the power of a photo? In this episode, Alissa Randall, CEO and lead photographer of All About Headshots, shares her journey of pivoting from a career as a marketing executive to taking the bold leap and starting her own headshot photography business. As a photographer, Alissa’s ultimate goal is to capture the essence of her clients, making them feel seen and empowered. Throughout this discussion, she describes her approach to creating a safe, comfortable space for others to show up authentically as themselves, and she explains how genuine connection is at the foundation of everything she does. In addition to sharing a few of her signature techniques and approaches to headshots, Alissa also tells of her work in the nonprofit sector, particularly with the Food Bank of New York and Princeton University's Black Student Union, using her photography to help support and empower individuals. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, an established executive, or simply someone looking to boost your digital presence, the lessons shared in this episode are invaluable. Tune in to hear about the transformative power of headshots in enhancing self-confidence, and how they can be a game-changer in forming a bold presence and accelerating careers.
About Alissa Randall
As CEO and lead photographer of All About Headshots, Alissa Randall has the incredible honor of living out her life’s purpose: to help others see their true and authentic selves reflected in their headshots. It’s not just about the photos—it’s creating an experience where people feel valued, heard, and comfortable to bring their full selves to the foreground. From styling consultations to professional hair and makeup, she creates a stress-free experience for her clients that allows the world to see the most impactful and strong version of them. Before Alissa became a professional photographer, she worked for many years as a Chief Marketing Officer at a nonprofit. She loves helping people, and it’s why she can make anyone comfortable in front of the camera—even if it’s their first time being there or if they hate having their photo taken. Alissa was a passionate, growth-focused marketing executive with demonstrated expertise building strategies at the intersection of performance marketing & business development. She has a knack for designing partnership strategies that scale program reach and amplify performance growth. And now, Alissa is a headshot and portraiture photographer leveraging her passion for helping her clients see themselves for the first time.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.allaboutheadshots.com/
Email: alissa@allaboutheadshots.com
LinkedIn: @AlissaRandall
Facebook: @AllAboutHeadshots
Instagram: @AllAboutHeadshots
YouTube: @AllAboutHeadshotsByAlissa
About This Episode
Tune in to hear the bold story of Dr. Carla Mack, an accomplished executive whose career trajectory has taken her from academia to an industry leadership role as the Head of Global and US Professional Education and Development at Alcon. She shares her journey of resilience, personal growth, and humanizing the workplace. Being authentic and vulnerable in a professional setting may seem intimidating, but Carla demonstrates how it can be a powerful tool for personal development and relationship-building. It’s about embracing your true self and revealing your human side, which will foster deeper connections with others. In the modern workplace, especially in remote work, the communication and teambuilding strategies that Carla shares are so important in achieving success and living a full life.
About Carla Mack
Dr. Carla Mack is Head, Global and US Professional Education and Development at Alcon. Carla is an innovative and progressive business leader, eye doctor, and wellness fanatic. She has held global leadership roles in the development and bridging of scientific, professional, and commercial strategies. She is passionate about advancing consumer insights and innovative treatment solutions into patient quality of life outcomes. Prior to joining Alcon, Carla held roles in global medical affairs and global professional marketing, was a professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry and was Clinic Director of the OSU Campus Optometry Services. Carla completed a hospital-based disease residency and earned both her Doctor of Optometry and her Master of Business Administration degrees from The Ohio State University. She is a Diplomate in the American Academy of Optometry Section on Cornea, Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @CarlaMack
About This Episode
This episode, featuring the Emmy-nominated TV host and Forbes Senior Contributor, Jeff Conway, takes you on a journey to discover the nuances of boldness, authenticity, and success. You'll hear Jeff's unique insights and experiences, including his perspective on being tenaciously bold and how he's used his unique interviewing style to capture genuine, honest moments with high-profile personalities. He also discusses how 'no' can be turned into an opportunity, and how treating high-profile individuals as normal people can lead to meaningful interactions and collaborations. He shares instances of celebrities, like Ryan Reynolds and Dolly Parton, who have exhibited a passion for their business endeavors that extends beyond their fame. Jeff’s story serves as a reminder that everyone has their own story to tell and that being bold and authentic can pave the way to achieving success on one's own terms.
About Jeff Conway
Jeff Conway is a Forbes Contributor with a focus in the Entertainment Business section and a seasoned journalist in Los Angeles. Recently, he was nominated for a "Program Host" Emmy for his uniquely executed interviews with A-List actors including Robert Downey Jr., Kevin Hart, Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Hudson, John Travolta, Amy Schumer and more. He has also received multiple Emmy nominations for his writing and producing achievements on a former entertainment television show on NBC Chicago. Beyond the Midwest, he has passionately written popular, upbeat and in-depth interview articles for a men's contemporary lifestyle magazine in London about the rising stars in Hollywood.
Additional Resources
Read Jeff’s Articles: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffconway/?sh=42923f055576
LinkedIn: @JeffConway
Instagram: @jeff_conway
About This Episode
This episode tells the bold story of Joanna Lyall, founder and CEO of The Better Menopause and Nutritional Therapist, who transitioned from a career in media to becoming a powerhouse in the world of nutrition. Joanna's passion led her to establish The Better Menopause, a health and wellness company dedicated to empowering women to navigate through menopause in a better and more informed way. One of the main topics we delve into is the crucial role of nutrition in managing menopause, and Joanna stresses the importance of understanding our bodies as a key to managing our health effectively. By understanding the intricate interactions between our hormones, gut health, and nutrition, we can better manage menopause symptoms and maintain optimal health. So, if you're looking to be inspired, enlightened, and empowered towards a healthier, happier you, this episode is a must-listen.
About Joanna Lyall
Joanna Lyall embarked on her journey as a certified nutritional therapist in 2006, establishing her own private practice dedicated to enhancing women’s health and optimizing hormonal balance. With a wealth of experience spanning over two decades, Jo passionately champions the transformative potential of nutrition, holistic wellness, and complementary health practices. Having held prominent roles as a leader and CEO within the media industry, Jo brings a unique perspective to her work. She witnessed firsthand the profound influence that investing in one's well-being can have on both professional performance and personal happiness. Prior to founding The Better Menopause, Jo's professional experience included a remarkable tenure of over twenty years in market leading media businesses. Notable leadership positions at Brainlabs, Freeda Media, and Mindshare attest to her strategic acumen and visionary leadership. Presently, Jo extends her expertise as an advisor to startups and digital media enterprises, contributing to their growth trajectories. Jo's holistic approach to health, coupled with her extensive leadership background, underpins her commitment to revolutionizing women's experiences through The Better Menopause. Her multifaceted journey continues to inspire positive change and empowerment in individuals and businesses alike.
Additional Resources
Website: www.thebettermenopause.com
LinkedIn: @JoannaLyall
Instagram: @jolyallnutrition @thebettermenopause
Note: Aponi Advisors has been rebranded to RGR Advisory.
About This Episode
The idea of disrupting oneself may seem daunting, but it can lead to profound self-discovery and alignment, as shown by Erika Roegies, founder of her own advisory firm, RGR Advisory. Erika's bold decision to disrupt her life came from the realization that the checkboxes she was ticking didn't truly reflect what she wanted or needed. This led her to leave behind her comfortable routine and move across the world from Belgium to Toronto, Boston, and ultimately, New York. As she embarked on the journey of starting her own business, she learned to respect her boundaries and energy, and she emphasizes the importance of finding your own alignment—professionally, personally, and emotionally. She discusses how to identify when you’re out of alignment and provides actionable strategies for moving forward toward the life you want to be living. Tune in for inspiring insights on embracing change and finding true alignment in your life.
About Erika Roegies
Originally from Belgium, Erika Roegies began her career path in satellite communications with New Skies Satellites, now SES Astra, in The Netherlands. Since then, she has changed industries multiple times and moved countries with it. But has stayed focused on operations and helping organizations improve ways of working through enhanced culture, simplified processes and technology enablement. As a passionate systems thinker, she always pursues holistic optimization of ways of working across all functional areas of an organization. She has built a wealth of transformational leadership that shoulders the importance of collaborative cultures where people thrive. Throughout her career, she has worked as an executive in product development, technology management, enterprise strategy, performance management and data management. After having spent 25 years in the corporate world, she now leads her own advisory firm, RGR Advisory, focused on helping CEOs and their Executive Team establish the operating structure and backbone needed to grow and scale their organization in a cost effective and speedy fashion. Erika holds a M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands, and an MBA from Erasmus, Rotterdam school of Management in The Netherlands. She lives in the NYC metro area, with her husband and Rhodesian Ridgeback Mia.
Additional Resources
Website: www.rgradvisory.com
LinkedIn: @ErikaRoegies
About This Episode
Carolyn Carpenter defines boldness as going beyond our limiting dimensions. She encourages us to push back against self-imposed boundaries and open ourselves to the possibilities that life offers. As President of Johns Hopkins National Capital Region and a mother of two, she discusses how this boldness manifests in both our personal and professional journeys. Carolyn encourages us to not allow the limitations we put on ourselves to restrict our potential to live authentically. It’s not only about managing our energy, but about letting go of fear and anxiety and embracing optimism as well. Carolyn also describes how to recognize patterns of opportunity and tap into our creative intelligence.
About Carolyn Carpenter
Carolyn Carpenter serves as President of Johns Hopkins National Capital Region (NCR), where she leads all hospital-based and community-based ambulatory sites across the National Capital Region on behalf of Johns Hopkins Medicine (JHM), including Sibley Memorial Hospital and Suburban Hospital. Prior to joining Johns Hopkins, Ms. Carpenter served as the President of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Corporate Vice President of Sentara Healthcare. Ms. Carpenter joined Sentara after twenty years of progressive leadership responsibility at Duke Health. During that time, she served in a variety of capacities including Chief Operating Officer of 900+-bed Duke University Hospital, Associate Dean of the Duke School of Medicine, Associate Vice President of Oncology Services for the Duke Health System, and Associate Chief Operating Officer for Medical/Surgical/Critical Care Services. Ms. Carpenter received her B.A. at the University of Pennsylvania and her MHA from Medical College of Virginia. She completed an administrative fellowship at Duke. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and was an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health. In 2016-7, Ms. Carpenter was among the inaugural class of Carol Emmott Fellows, a select fellowship for women leaders aimed at empowering female health executives to bridge the gender gap in the C-suite and transform health care.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @CarolynCarpenter
About This Episode
Tune in for a powerful conversation with Abenaa Hayes, the founder and CEO of Elysee Consulting, a DEI and health equity-based consultancy. Abenaa's fierce determination and daring vision have been the driving force behind her bold journey, which she shares with us on this episode. Through an intricate blend of authenticity, perseverance, and passion, she took her experiences in journalism and public relations and developed an impactful career in healthcare and health equity. Along the way, Abenaa has crafted her unique voice, fueled by music and culture, and emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself. She also shares practical advice on taking the small steps that lead to bigger changes and celebrating the incremental achievements throughout your journey.
About Abenaa Hayes
Abenaa (Abby) Hayes helps healthcare leaders and brands who want to meet 21st century societal mandates head on. The founder and CEO of Elysee Consulting, LLC, she is a seasoned communications and brand marketing executive with expertise in healthcare, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) and health equity. For 25 years, Abenaa has helped US and global biotech and pharma companies reach stakeholders, influencers and communities through transformative narratives, dynamic storytelling and meaningful engagement. Building on a family legacy in health equity and racial justice, she is also a champion of racial and social equity in the communications industry. Recognized as a “Woman to Watch” by Medical, Marketing and Media (2021), Abenaa has been a featured speaker and panelist at forums such as SXSW (2021); ADCOLOR (2021); and publications including Axios, Essence, Adweek and Entrepreneur magazine.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.elyseeconsulting.co/
LinkedIn: @AbenaaHayes
About This Episode
In this episode, we delve into the bold founder’s journey of Stephanie Sarka, the CEO and co-founder of 1 Atelier, a custom luxury brand dedicated to sustainability. Along the way, she shares her insights into the art of risk-taking and the importance of doing work that brings joy to you and to others. Having started in mergers and acquisitions, Stephanie quickly realized that she was more of a builder than a banker, and ultimately, went on to co-create the paid search model that has revolutionized the marketing and advertising industry and to found the custom luxury brand 1 Atelier. With her commitment to sustainability and the transformative power of technology, Stephanie has redefined what it means to be an innovative leader.
About Stephanie Sarka
Stephanie Sarka is the Founder & CEO of 1 Atelier, the tech-enabled custom luxury brand which is disrupting the entire luxury experience and value chain. Graduating from Stanford, Stephanie started in M&A at Goldman Sachs. Realizing that she is a builder, not a banker, she spent a year running marketing for IFF in Paris before getting her MBA at HBS. She then worked at Coach for 7 years as Handbag Product Manager and GM of Mark Cross, the American luxury goods brand. Stephanie co-founded GoTo.com in 1998, where they invented the “Paid Search” business model. They took the company public in 1999 and grew it to ~$1 billion in revenue before selling it to Yahoo for $1.6 billion in 2003. This Fall, 1 Atelier is launching Farm to Arm, the first-ever luxury accessories offering that is carbon negative and biodegradable, as well as zero waste. Her mission is to heal the planet, one beautiful bag at a time.
Additional Resources
Website: https://1atelier.com/
Check Out the New Collection Coming Soon
Instagram: @1atelierluxury
LinkedIn: @StephanieSarka
About This Episode
Boldness comes in many forms and Jessica Meyrowitz, the founder of the knitting company It's a Yummy, is a living testament to this. Her story is an inspiring journey of personal growth, curiosity, and reinvention. From launching her own advertising agency to transitioning into the world of knitting, Jessica shares her keen eye for recognizing opportunities and the power of authenticity. She also shares the connection between mindfulness and knitting. From the creation of a scarf, she draws out the discovery of personal rhythm and individuality. She inspires others to assess where they are in life and what qualities they want to embrace, leaving listeners inspired and ready to embark on their own path. Whether it's starting a small knitting project or building a thriving business, Jessica's practical and actionable advice encourages us to focus on what we want more or less of in our lives, and to embrace our own bold journey, a journey that is unique to us and doesn't have to be defined by anyone else.
About Jessica Meyrowitz
Jessica Meyrowitz is a knitter and designer who creates handmade products using an oversized, 100% merino wool yarn. Her company, It’s a...Yummy, is a provider of Yummy Yarn and hand knit products including throws, baby blankets, pillows, wraps, hats, scarves and belts as well as DIY knitting kits. Jessica sells the products, the yarn and the DIY kits on her website itsayummy.com. Additionally, she created and teaches Yummy Mindful Knitting Workshops- a hot new trend in the Wellness Community.
Additional Resources
Website: https://itsayummy.com/
LinkedIn: @JessicaMeyrowitz @ItsAYummy
Instagram: @ItsAYummy
Facebook: @ItsAYummy
Pinterest: @ItsAYummy
YouTube: @ItsAYummy
About This Episode
Liz Elting, the founder and CEO of the Elizabeth Elting Foundation, shares her bold journey moving from a stable job in finance to taking the risk to become an entrepreneur and ultimately, become a self-made billionaire. Liz elaborates on the importance of setting goals with deadlines, maintaining discipline, and recognizing your self-worth in the pursuit of success. She advocates for the practice of keeping the promises you make to yourself and shares her personal strategy of taking calculated risks. Liz demonstrates that success does not come overnight; it is a result of consistent efforts and unwavering focus. Her story serves as an inspiration and a guide for those who dare to dream big and take bold action in the pursuit of their dreams. Tune in to this insightful podcast episode to hear Liz Elting's journey and gain valuable insights on taking bold risks, setting goals, and valuing oneself in the pursuit of success.
About Liz Elting
Liz Elting, Founder and CEO of the Elizabeth Elting Foundation is an entrepreneur, business leader, linguaphile, philanthropist, feminist, and mother. After living, studying, and working in five countries across the globe, Liz founded TransPerfect out of a NYU dorm room in 1992 and served as Co-CEO until 2018. TransPerfect is the world's largest language solutions company, with over $1.1 billion in revenue and offices in more than 100 cities worldwide. Liz received the 2019 Charles Waldo Haskins Award for business and public service from NYU’s Stern School of Business, the American Heart Association’s 2020 Health Equity Leadership Award, the Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs’ 2021 Vertex Award for changing the face and direction of women’s high-growth entrepreneurship, the American Heart Association’s 2022 Woman Changing the World Award, and Trinity College’s 2022 Kathleen O’Connor Boelhouwer ’85 Alumni Initiative Award. Liz has been recognized as a NOW Woman of Power & Influence, American Express' and Entrepreneur magazine's Woman of the Year, and one of Forbes’ Richest Self-Made Women every year since the list’s inception. Elting is the author of the upcoming book, Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business.
Additional Resources
Website: https://lizelting.com/
Order Her New Book, Dream Big and Win: https://lizelting.com/book
LinkedIn: @LizElting
About This Episode
This conversation with Janine Broussard underscores the transformative power of literacy. Her journey from a cardiac nurse to an education advocate is a testament to the impact one individual can make when driven by passion and a bold vision. Her nonprofit, the Help Us Grow (H.U.G.) Foundation is transforming the landscape of literacy development for grades one through three. The foundation's unique reading program pairs students with dedicated tutors, providing personalized instruction in a virtual setting. But the program's impact extends beyond the students. It offers internships for college students, gives seniors a renewed sense of purpose, and encourages corporate volunteers to get involved. The foundation's work is creating a significant impact, proving that literacy is a tool for change. Tune in for an inspiring call to action that we can all learn from.
About Janine Broussard
Janine Broussard is the founder of the Help Us Grow (H.U.G.) Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on early childhood learning and development. The H.U.G. program is innovative in its design as it’s personalized to each child, with a central focus on improving their literacy. The program is oriented to improving the literacy of children in grades one through three, crucially impactful years of learning and of building an educational foundation. Janine collaborates with reading professionals to develop and deliver a targeted, structured reading curriculum, which has received national recognition for its results. Recognizing the importance of mental and emotional health in one’s ability to persevere and tackle life’s difficulties, Janine also created BE THE DIFFERENCE™, an interactive program woven into the H.U.G. sessions that reinforces positive behavior change and instills core values. The foundation, a 501c3 organization since 2016, has vetted and approved programs in the states of Kentucky and Florida. As part of its growing network of volunteers, H.U.G. seeks people of all ages—from seniors and college students to leaders and employees of corporations—to BE THE DIFFERENCE™ in their communities.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.hugreadingprogram.org/
LinkedIn: @HUGReadingProgram
Instagram: @HUGReadingProgram
About This Episode
To Mita Mallick, bold means finding, claiming, and owning her power. As a Chief Diversity Officer, speaker, and change-maker she has had a lot of experience doing just that. In this episode, Mita discusses how to truly build an inclusive culture and debunks commonly held myths about inclusion in the workplace, the subject of her upcoming book, Reimagine Inclusion. Mita also discusses toxic relationships, particularly in the workplace and her firsthand experiences with abuses of power. She talks about the importance of taking the time to heal and how she found solace in stories and writing, while also providing practical examples of recognizing and advocating for your own value and worth. Tune in for an energizing episode on how you too can be your own advocate and the author of your own story.
About Mita Mallick
Mita Mallick is a corporate change-maker with a track record of transforming businesses. She gives innovative ideas a voice and serves customers and communities with purpose. She has had an extensive career as a marketer in the beauty and consumer product goods space, being a fierce advocate of including and representing Black and Brown communities. Her passion for inclusive storytelling led her to become a Chief Diversity Officer, to build end to end inclusion ecosystems across big and small organizations. Mallick has brought her talent and expertise to companies like Carta, Unilever, Pfizer, AVON, Johnson & Johnson and more. She’s a sought-after speaker and coach to start-up founders, executives, and public CEOs. Mallick is a LinkedIn Top Voice, a contributor for Harvard Business Review, Adweek, Entrepreneur and Fast Company. Mallick has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, Forbes, Axios, Essence, Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Business Insider. She was featured in a documentary created by Soledad O’Brien Productions for CBS News entitled: Women in the Workplace and the Unfinished Fight for Equality. Mallick holds a B.A. from Barnard College, Columbia University and a M.B.A. from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. She lives in New Jersey, US, with her husband and two children.
Additional Resources
Preorder her Upcoming Book, Reimagine Inclusion: https://www.amazon.com/Reimagine-Inclusion-Debunking-Transform-Workplace/dp/1394177097/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1694198749&refinements=p_27%3AMita+Mallick&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Mita+Mallick
LinkedIn: @MitaMallick
Instagram: @mita_mallick13
About This Episode
As a professional climber, entrepreneur, and author, Majka Burhardt describes boldness through what she considers to be the three pillars of self-expansion: emotional, physical, and mental. She begins by tracing her path from her early climbing days to how her passion for adventure has shaped her career. Majka also describes her journey through motherhood, from the surprising news that she was having twins to finding alignment in her life as a mother and climber, the inspiration behind her new book, More: Life on the Edge of Adventure and Motherhood. You'll also get to hear about the pivotal role her organization Legado plays in advocating for climate justice and the importance of community partnerships in creating a sustainable future. So tune in for an engaging episode around the adventures of climbing, parenthood, self-discovery, and being bold.
About Majka Burhardt
Majka Burhardt is a professional climber, conservation entrepreneur, author, and filmmaker. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Legado and the author of Vertical Ethiopia: Climbing Toward Possibility in the Horn of Africa, which was short-listed for the Banff Book Award, as well as her latest book, More: Life on the Edge of Adventure and Motherhood, a Next Big Idea Club must-read. Her work and projects have been featured in The Economist, Outside Magazine, The Weather Channel, NPR and more, and her articles have appeared in publications including Afar, Men’s Health, Skiing Magazine, Backpacker, Patagonia, Alpinist, Women’s Adventure, The Explorers Journal, and Climbing. Majka is a climber and ambassador with Patagonia and an American Mountain Guides Association Rock Guide and Ice Instructor. She graduated from Princeton University cum laude and received a MFA in Creative Writing from the Warren Wilson Program for Writers. She and her husband, Peter Doucette, an internationally certified (AMGA/IFMGA) mountain guide, live in Jackson, New Hampshire with their twin children.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.majkaburhardt.com/
Learn More About Legado: http://www.legadoinitiative.org/
Instagram: @MajkaBurhardt
Order Her New Book, More: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1639363491?tag=simonsayscom
About This Episode
Gratitude is at the heart of everything Chris Schembra does. As an author, speaker, and founder, he believes that being grateful is a key ingredient to living a fulfilling life and overcoming the loneliness and disconnection we may face. In this episode, he shares his personal and professional bold journey from accepting a 15-year memory loss to founding the 7:47 Gratitude Experience, a framework at the heart of his company and his community-building dinners. Chris talks about the continuum of boldness, how it ranges from being a pioneer and starting something completely new to giving yourself permission to even think about doing something different or figure out what you really want. Being bold does not mean that you have to do more or be more. In fact, it often means doing less and focusing more on those select things. Chris also provides practical and actionable steps you can take to support your bold own life immediately. Tune in for an insightful episode on how the bold path is typically not the straight path, but it can be better and more impactful than we originally imagined.
About Chris Schembra
Chris Schembra is the Wall Street Journalbestselling author of Gratitude Through Hard Times and Gratitude and Pasta. USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru," he's a Founding Member of Rolling Stone Magazine's Culture Council, and he sits on the Executive Board at Fast Company Magazine. He is the Founder and Chief Question Asker of the 7:47 Gratitude Experience™ — an evidence-based framework used to strengthen client and team relationships in profound ways. He's used the principles of gratitude to spark over 500,000 relationships, serving Fortune 50 CEO's, Olympians, Academy Award Winners, Grammy Award Winning #1 Recording Artists, Super Bowl Champions, and more. His direct work has been talked about in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Forbes, Inc, Entrepreneur, Bravo TV, Fox News Channel, Variety, and hundreds of other media outlets.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.chrisschembra.com/
LinkedIn: @ChrisSchembra
Instagram: @Chris.Schembra
About This Episode
To bestselling author Simon Alexander Ong, bold is the ability to think differently and to act in ways that the majority won’t. He has certainly taken bold action in his own life shifting from the world of finance to being an author, speaker, and business strategist. While sharing his professional journey, Simon also provides transformative insights and practical actions that we can take to control and increase our own energy. Breaking down energy into four dimensions (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual), Simon emphasizes that the key to progress and productivity lies not in how we manage our time, but in how we manage our energy. He also speaks to the role and importance of curiosity, gratitude, and communication in our success. Tune in to learn more about your own energy and how you can hone it to reach the next level in your life.
About Simon Alexander Ong
Simon Alexander Ong is a bestselling author, international keynote speaker and business strategist. His work has seen him invited onto Sky News and BBC to be interviewed, while he has been featured in the likes of Forbes and Harvard Business Review. He has spoken at organizations such as Barclays, Salesforces, Adobe, EY and Microsoft. And his debut book Energize, published by Penguin in 2022 became an instant bestseller, receiving endorsements from the likes of New York Times bestselling authors Simon Sinek, Marie Forleo and Marshall Goldsmith. In 2023, Energize was also awarded Book of the Year within the Wellness & Wellbeing category at The Business Book Awards.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.simonalexanderong.com/
Check Out His New Book, Energize: https://getenergizebook.com/
LinkedIn: @SimonAlexanderOng
Instagram: @SimonAlexanderO
YouTube: @SimonAlexanderO
About This Episode
TW: infertility, miscarriage, death of a child
Sharing a deeply personal story of overcoming loss, Michelle Valiukenas shows how to redirect during hardship without sacrificing your goals. As the mother of two angel babies, she shares the infertility challenges she faced and the decisions that ultimately led her and her husband to pursue a gestational surrogacy, which brought them their healthy son, Elliott. Inspired by her own experiences and wanting to do more to help families in similar situations, she founded The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation, which provides financial assistance to those dealing with high-risk and complicated pregnancies, NICU stays, and loss. Throughout this episode, Michelle emphasizes the importance of not blaming yourself for failures and being open to seeking help and support when you need it as well as the power in taking time to rest and reflect. Tune in for a heartfelt episode that reminds us that even if you’re experiencing difficulty in reaching your dream, you don’t have to give up. There are alternative paths you can take to achieving your goals and living the life you imagined.
About Michelle Valiukenas
Michelle Valiukenas is the proud mom of her angel Sweet Pea, who she lost due to miscarriage, her angel daughter Colette Louise who she lost at nine days old, and her only living child, her rainbow baby, Elliott Miguel. Inspired by her journey with Colette, Michelle and her husband founded The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation, whose mission is to improve outcomes of pregnancy, childbirth, prematurity, and infancy, as well as aid in the grieving process through financial assistance, education, and advocacy. Their flagship program financially assists families dealing with high-risk and complicated pregnancies, NICU stays, and loss. The organization’s ability to help families relies on donations and grants and they are grateful if you are able to donate. Michelle also participates and advocates on issues of maternal health, maternal mortality, infant health and safety, and pregnancy complications. Michelle lives in Glenview, Illinois with her son Elliott, husband Mark, and dog Nemo.
Additional Resources
Website: www.colettelouise.com
www.colettelouise.com/donate
Facebook: @colettetisdahl
Instagram: @colettelouisetisdahl
LinkedIn: @TheColetteLouiseTisdahlFoundation
About This Episode
Content Warning: mention of suicide, physical abuse
To Danielle Cobo, consultant, speaker and podcast host, being bold means looking at the possibilities beyond what we initially imagined. In this episode, she shares pivotal personal stories that served as turning points in her life, moments where she had to trust in herself and in her own beliefs over those of others. Danielle also talks about shifting the question of “what” we want to be to “who” we want to be. Deciding that you matter and investing in your own personal development will not only help you reach your goals but lead to the most fulfilling life. She emphasizes the importance of sharing our own perspective and being vulnerable and honest with others in order to build meaningful connections, especially in the world of social media. Tune in to hear Danielle’s bold journey and gain practical advice for increasing your own self-confidence and finding your own flow, personally and professionally.
About Danielle Cobo
Danielle Cobo’s clients know the power of developing the grit, resilience, and courage necessary to thrive in a complex and changing market. Danielle’s own resilience and courage led her to leave a highly successful Fortune 500 sales career to start her own business. She now shares the strategies from her award-winning career with others who want to excel in the workplace. As a Fortune 500 Senior Sales Manager, Danielle led a poor-performing team to #1 through downsizing, restructuring, and acquisitions. Lessons she learned along the way will help you to create high-performing teams and award-winning results. Her 20 years of sales experience was key to developing her expertise in leadership, change management, and burnout. Danielle is also the author of forthcoming Unstoppable Grit: Breakthrough the 7 Roadblocks Standing Between You and Achieving Your Goals and the host of “Dream Job with Danielle Cobo Podcast,” and a devoted military spouse and mother to 5-year-old twin boys.
Additional Resources
Website: www.DanielleCobo.com
LinkedIn: @DanielleCobo
Instagram: @TheDanielleCobo
About This EpisodeThrough a decades-spanning career at Nestlé and transformative personal experiences, Sabine Roduit shares how boldness comes from within. She emphasizes that you can’t escape your problems or keep them locked away in the back of your mind. You have to do the work. Drawing from her own experiences overcoming grief and owning her story, Sabine describes the power of asking for help and the importance of doing so for your mental and physical wellbeing. Overall, it’s up to you to start your journey, and your journey can begin by listening to this inspiring episode on finding and embracing the bold within.
About Sabine Roduit
Originally from Switzerland, Sabine began her career path with Nestlé in 1998. Since then, she has taken her dynamic career around the world through a variety of key roles—from change and release management to integration, program management, managing infrastructure, IT manager for a country (Switzerland), and service delivery prior to assuming the role as Head of the IT North America organization since January 2018. 20+ years at Nestlé shaping and leading IT teams, as well as gaining business experience outside of Nestlé, have influenced her people-centric approach to organizational change and management. Sabine is passionately involved in global diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within Nestlé and remains a strong advocate for the organization’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Her connection and compassion for people is central to the energy she brings to Nestlé. After six years based at the St. Louis Hub, Sabine has returned to Switzerland in the Nestle Headquarter to start a new role as of the 1st of April 2023 as the Global Head of Business architecture and End to End flows.
Additional Resources
Follow Sabine on LinkedIn: @SabineRoduit
About This Episode
As a Chief Financial Officer, Ashley Jones Lee demystifies the world of finance, debunking some common misconceptions about the field, and providing actionable advice to best deliver a clear message. She talks about the power of storytelling and how best to understand your audience in order to communicate most effectively. Drawing parallels from her own experience, particularly as a mother, Ashley discusses the importance of understanding and checking in with yourself to best assess and allocate your energy and attention. She also describes the process of defining success for yourself, especially as this definition likely changes over time. Above all, Ashley emphasizes the significant role of intuition in being bold. From social media and online presence to the future outlook of industries affected by AI, there is an underlying need for human perception and genuine connection. Tune in to learn more about inspirational leadership and the power of intuition and storytelling.
About Ashley Jones Lee
Currently Chief Financial Officer at Uptempo, Ashley was brought in to enhance the financial sophistication and operational efficiencies of the organization. Previously, Ashley served as Chief Financial Officer and Acting Chief Technology Officer for Joyce University of Nursing & Health Sciences, where she directed a large team and oversaw accounting, finance, transformation, and technology. At SunteckTTS, Ashley served as the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis where she held P&L accountability and contributed to the company’s sales, sell-side diligence, and documentation. At Conduent (formerly Xerox Business Services), Ashley worked her way up to Finance Director, Group CFO. She led international finance teams and managed budgets, forecasting, P&L, and more. Ashley’s prior roles include serving as Senior Auditor for Liggett & Webb, P.A., Pricing Analyst for Conagra Foods, Tax Analyst for PGA of America, and Revenue Accountant for ADT Security Services, Inc. Ashley earned her Master of Accounting, with an emphasis in Forensic Accounting, from Florida Atlantic University and her Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting from Florida State University.
Additional Resources
Follow Ashley on LinkedIn: @AshleyJonesLee
About This Episode
To Sheena Yap Chan, being bold is taking action even when you’re scared, and she notes that the boldest decisions often have a ripple effect that can lead and inspire others in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Through her own personal and professional experiences, she describes the importance of advocating for yourself, recognizing that you are good enough, and being willing to take the first step in order to create new opportunities. Additionally, Sheena addresses the need for increased diverse representation and the importance of speaking up and sharing your experience, emphasizing the power of community. She also talks about the significance of mental health and describes the role of trauma in our lives, including how to identify and address what is holding us back in order to truly heal and move forward. Tune in for an insightful episode that debunks societal myths and gives you the tools to embrace and be your best self.
About Sheena Yap Chan
Sheena Yap Chan is The Wall Street Journal Bestselling author, keynote speaker, consultant and award winning podcaster on leadership and self-confidence. She is also the founder and host of the award winning podcast called The Tao of Self-Confidence where she interviews Asian women about their inner journey to self confidence. Her podcast has gotten over one million downloads to date and has interviewed over 800 women on the topic of confidence. She has interviewed celebrities, 8 figure CEO’s and more. Sheena has been featured on MindValley, FOX, ThriveGlobal, Manila Times and more. She is the TOP 10 Self Confidence/Self Love Coaches to Follow which was featured in Disrupt Magazine. She is also the co-author of the International bestselling books called Asian Women Who BossUp and International Women of Color Who BossUp. Sheena's debut book with Wiley, The Tao of Self-Confidence: A Guide to Moving Beyond Trauma and Awakening the Leader Within is also The Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestselling book.
Additional Resources
Website: https://sheenayapchan.com
Learn More About Her Latest Book
Listen to Her Podcast, The Tao of Self Confidence
About This Episode
Fashion executive Melissa Cohen discusses her bold journey personally and professionally, from studying abroad in Italy to starting in the retail industry and moving into fashion, where she ultimately started her own consulting business. Along the way, she talks about how to be open to trying new things, recognize when something isn’t a good fit, and take the first step towards a passion. Melissa also emphasizes the importance of personal branding, especially on platforms like LinkedIn. She describes key steps to intentionally growing your network, building authentic relationships, and using your platform for good. Tune in for a great episode on following your passion, building a brand, and overcoming self-doubt.
About Melissa Cohen
Melissa Cohen is a senior fashion executive who has led teams at many well-known American brands such as Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Nautica, managing product development, sourcing and production. In 2020, when the pandemic upended the fashion industry, Melissa launched her own consulting business (MBC Consulting Solutions, LLC). She supports start-up and growth stage brands with product development and production execution. Melissa is the co-founder of Belle and Clover, a woman-owned bespoke digital portraiture service geared to celebrating life and love. Passionate about girls and women’s empowerment, she is a founding member of Chief (New York City chapter) and a member of the board of directors of Her Move Next.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @MelissaCohen
About This Episode
As a top executive in manufacturing, Joanna Cooper is familiar with taking bold moves. In this episode, she explains how a decision to live and work internationally broadened her perspective and shaped her leadership style to always be curious and open. Joanna also discusses how to tackle big problems by breaking them down into achievable goals and building the right team. She emphasizes the power of working together and how new levels of success can be reached when we champion the perspectives of others. She also talks about the importance of reflection, taking the time to understand what you really want, and not being afraid to redefine what success looks like. Tune in for an enlightening episode on intentional relationship-building, curiosity-based problem-solving, and building self-awareness.
About Joanna Cooper
Joanna Cooper is Daimler Truck North America's General Manager, Mount Holly. Recently named as a Women in Manufacturing board member, she continues to bridge competence and confidence to transform executive leadership and business culture to drive results. As a featured speaker in Reuters Automotive Retail and FABx at Fabtech 2023, Authority Magazine, Adam Mendler’s Leadership blog, SHRM, and other globally recognized leadership publications and podcasts, Cooper reduces the learning curve by sharing how leaders can systemize their results. Workforce development and digital transformation have never been more relevant than now as leaders seek to transition product and service portfolios to more sustainable solutions.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @JoannaCooper
About This Episode
Marci and Kyle Pruzina, the husband-and-wife duo of the Americana/Pop band, Suitcase Souls, tell their story of discovering themselves and their passions through music. With insights into the songwriting and musicmaking process, Kyle and Marci also share personal stories from making the bold decision to pursue music, how they first met, and how they ultimately formed their band. Along the way, Kyle and Marci talk about how to figure out what you’re really passionate about and pursue it with courage and conviction. They also speak to keen problem-solving and the entrepreneurial mindset it takes to start something new that you believe in, while also addressing how to not let your work define your identity, being open to trying new things, and how to overcome a creative roadblock if you get stuck. Tune in for an insightful, fun episode on discovering yourself and your inner boldness in order to pursue your true passion.
About Suitcase Souls
Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Suitcase Souls are an Americana/Pop duo composed of husband-and-wife Kyle and Marci Pruzina. Meeting while attending college in Memphis, Tennessee, they’d started performing together in bands and as a duo since day one. Moving to Nashville in 2019, they began writing, recording, and building their band in the heart of Music City. The couple released their debut album, The Love We Found, in 2021 ranging from uptempo, driving Americana-rock songs to vibey love ballads perfect for a wedding first dance. With recent singles like "Nashville October" and "Good Life" the duo has shown a wide variety of heartfelt emotions and anthems for family and friends to enjoy & appreciate the simple moments of life. With an electrifying full-band live show paired with tight harmonies reminiscent of a "happier Civil Wars" mixed with a “slightly less-country Dan+Shay," their sound likens to the singer-songwriter styles of artists such as Ben Rector, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, and The Lumineers, finding inspiration from duo acts such as Johnnyswim, Watchhouse and The Civil Wars.
Additional Resources
Facebook: @SuitcaseSouls
Instagram: @SuitcaseSouls
Listen to Suitcase Souls on Spotify
Listen to Suitcase Souls on Apple Music
About This Episode
As a founder, wife, and mother, Kirby Wilkerson shares her story of learning how and when to ask for help. As someone who tried to do everything on her own, recognizing that she could even ask for help, let alone accept it, was a bold journey in itself. Kirby shares that story in this episode as well as the benefits of accepting help, including being more present and intentional with your life. She also talks about her learnings and advice from starting her own PR firm, The Impact Kind, which strives to lead and support its clients with heart and kindness, all while making a positive impact. From her experience and expertise as a PR strategist, Kirby also describes the power of a story. Specifically, she emphasizes how each of us has a powerful story within us, one that can inspire and empower others. Tune in to hear Kirby’s empowering story about embracing support and giving back.
About Kirby Wilkerson
Kirby Wilkerson is Founder and PR Strategist at The Impact Kind, a digital PR firm based in Michigan. With clients featured in Forbes, Fortune, Authority Magazine, Business Insider, Parents, and other globally recognized leadership publications and podcasts, Wilkerson is helping business leaders by showcasing their expertise with intentional PR campaigns. She is leveraging her international experience and digital communications education to connect her clients with powerful mediums that help them achieve results. To date her roster has helped major brands generate over $3 Billion.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.impactkind.com/
LinkedIn: @KirbyWilkerson
About This Episode
As the CEO of AllBright, a global collective of ambitious women, Viviane Paxinos strives to create purposeful, data-driven action that leads to real change, especially regarding gender equity in the workplace. Viv shares the key pivots she made in her life, including moving to London without knowing anyone and changing industries after 15+ years. She emphasizes that failures and the learnings we get from them are a natural part of life and an essential part of being bold. Through her own experiences, Viv provides helpful information on training your own mind muscle to ensure your thoughts are supporting and empowering you, instead of holding you back. She stresses the importance of strengthening the values that unite us and considering our legacy and the story we want to tell about our life. Listen in for an insightful perspective on failure, overcoming setbacks, and moving forward with conviction, belief, and positive impact.
About Viv Paxinos
Viviane Paxinos, CEO of AllBright, leads a global collective of 500,000 ambitious women committed to creating a more equitable world for all. Based at the Mayfair headquarters of the membership club, Viv was appointed to the leadership role in October 2022 with her extensive experience in driving tangible results and business growth. Formerly Global GM of UNiDAYS, one of the world’s leading student affinity networks, Viviane successfully grew the business, connecting some of the world’s leading lifestyle brands with new audiences. Previously, Viv has held senior roles for BBC Worldwide, Comcast and Discovery Inc; Viviane has a legacy of delivering global growth for brands through strategic insights and innovative creativity. Viv passionately believes in the power of the collective and is committed to developing global teams who are empowered to achieve results; maintaining a people-first culture through nurturing and mentoring talent to create a best-in-class working environment.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.allbrightcollective.com/
LinkedIn: @VivianePaxinos
Instagram: @viviane_paxinos @allbright
About This Episode
Amani Duncan was taught boldness early on through her family, who encouraged her to try everything and be anything she wanted to be. Even with this strong support system, there were many voices in her own head that planted the seeds of doubt and fear. Amani discusses self-talk and how to silence inner negativity and change the internal narrative by checking in with yourself, recognizing that are you enough, and knowing your worth. Through personal stories of overcoming grief and the fear of disappointing others, Amani also describes her professional journey from pivoting immediately after college into the music industry, a field she had no previous experience in, to becoming a veteran marketer and brand strategist. She discusses the role of fear in being bold- how being unafraid doesn’t necessarily mean the absence of fear, but rather a willingness to try anyway and go for it. From her own experience, Amani relays important advice on betting on yourself and not allowing imposter syndrome and second guesses to prevent you from living an intentional life, one where you call the shots. Tune in for a powerful episode on overcoming your fears and self-doubt, while acknowledging your own worth and living a life by your own design.
About Amani Duncan
Amani Duncan is a highly accomplished full-stack marketer and brand strategist with almost three decades of experience in industries such as beauty/fashion, media, advertising, music/entertainment, and manufacturing. She has a proven track record of driving brand growth and transformation through strategic partnerships and initiatives that positively impact the 3 P's: people, purpose, and profits. Her leadership and contributions have earned her recognition in the industry, including being named Ad Age A-List’s 2022 Agency Executive of the Year, Adweek's Women Trailblazer 2022, Campaign Female Frontier Award honoree, Girl Scouts of Greater New York Gold Achievement honoree, among others. Amani is also an active member of various industry organizations, including serving as a founding member of Chief and sitting on the Board of Directors of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) and Fyli. Additionally, she volunteers with the Girl Scouts of Greater New York. Amani continues to be heavily involved in the advertising industry, regularly speaking at events and serving as a juror and Jury President for prestigious award shows such as Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, Ad Age’s Creativity Awards, Advertising Week’s Future is Female and Dubai Lynx awards. Despite her success, Amani shows no signs of slowing down and is dedicated to driving positive change in the industry and beyond.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @AmaniDuncan
Instagram: @intern_toceo
About This Episode
Being bold to Abbi McCollum means taking chances and being willing to try. No matter the outcome, you’ll learn, grow, and have additional insight to help you moving forward. This has especially been relevant to her work in the digital space, as the Vice President of Digital and Social Media for HGTV, staying up to date on the latest social media platforms and trends, while also staying true to herself and the brands she represents. In this episode, Abbi describes her professional journey in social media and marketing, a passion she had early on, and draws from her vast experience in the field to provide tips and advice for growing your own brand and staying authentic and relevant in an ever-changing digital world. Abbi also gives us an inside scoop on some of HGTV’s exciting endeavors, from their earlier work on The Brady Bunch House to their upcoming Barbie House project this summer. Tune in for a fun episode around staying adaptive, being open to change, and following your passion.
About Abbi McCollum
As the Vice President of Digital and Social Media for HGTV, Abbi McCollum creates a bridge between the on-air programming team, the marketing team and the digital team. As the digital lead for the brand, Abbi manages a team that creates a digital and social presence for all HGTV shows and talent and promotes to an audience of over 33 million. She helps manage partnerships, create original video content, produce live events and coordinates influencer campaigns. Abbi also oversees content for HGTV.com and creates content strategy to grow the brand across the ever-changing landscape of social media.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn: @AbbiMcCollum
Instagram: @AbbiMcCollum
Learn More About HGTV’s Latest Barbie House Project
About This Episode
To Angela Cheng-Cimini, being bold means speaking truth to power. She talks of moments in her personal and professional life that have brought out this boldness and shares what she has learned on effectively speaking truth to power in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. With over 30 years of experience in human resources, now a CHRO at Harvard Business Publishing, Angela shares her expert opinion on what leaders should be paying particular attention to within their teams and across an organization. She shines a light on DEI initiatives and the most effective ways to support and incorporate DEI into the workplace. Additionally, Angela speaks to sponsorship and mentorship as well as being on a board and how others can also claim a board seat. Tune in for an inspirational perspective on speaking truth and leading the way for significant, positive change.
About Angela Cheng-Cimini
Angela Cheng-Cimini joined Harvard Business Publishing as Senior Vice President, Talent & Chief Human Resources Officer in 2021. Angela brings 30 years of both generalist and specialist Human Resources experience, having worked across consumer product goods, professional services, and high-tech as well as nonprofits. Prior to joining Harvard Business Publishing, Angela was at ClearMotion, Inc. an automotive technology startup where she accelerated the evolution of the HR function from administrative to strategic. She also served as the Global Head of Human Resources for Crabtree & Evelyn, where she led an international team spanning four continents and prepared the brick-and-mortar business to go completely digital. Angela sits on the Alumni Board of Directors for Cornell University; serves as an HR Venture Adviser for SemperVirens, an early-stage venture fund that invests in technology transforming healthcare, work, and financial wellness; and is Board Director for the T. Howard Foundation, a mission-driven organization dedicated to increasing diversity in the media industry.
Additional Resources
Connect on LinkedIn: @AngelaChengCimini
About This Episode
As the host of a highly successful podcast, The Learning Leader Show, a bestselling author, and keynote speaker, Ryan Hawk knows what it takes to be a real leader. To him, leadership is a choice, one that has to be made consciously on a regular basis. In this episode, he talks about what makes a successful leader, including learning it all instead of knowing it all, staying authentic and true to your values, and leading yourself before you can lead others. Along the way, Ryan shares insights from his own experience as well as his own podcast guests and other leaders that he admires. He also emphasizes the importance of meeting the moment, managing your time, and turning your hard work into memorable experiences for the ones you love. Tune in for an insightful episode on how to be the best leader you can be.
About Ryan Hawk
Ryan Hawk is the host of The Learning Leader Show. He has recorded more than 500 episodes over the past 8+ years. Ryan is the author of Welcome to Management: How To Grow From Top Performer To Excellent Leader and The Pursuit of Excellence. Previously, he worked in corporate America for 12 years. Ryan started as an entry-level telephonic sales rep and worked his way to manager, director, and ultimately VP of sales for a multi-billion-dollar company. When he’s not recording podcasts or writing books, he works to help leaders be more effective. Some of the ways he does that: Leadership Circles, 1:1 advising, and teaching in The Learning Leader Academy (the online school he created). Ryan has delivered hundreds of keynote speeches on leadership and performance excellence all over the world.
Additional Resources
Website: https://learningleader.com/
Listen to His Podcast, The Learning Leader Show
Check Out His Upcoming Book, The Pursuit of Excellence
LinkedIn: @RyanHawk
Instagram: @ryanhawk12
About This Episode
Marcus Collins has been breaking conventions since the very beginning. With a background in engineering, music, and business, Marcus enjoys connecting things that are normally disparate. Through his work, he aims to bring people together to create collective meaning-making that ultimately leads to real change. Building from his own personal and professional experiences, Marcus describes how we can leverage our own agency to break expected conventions. His new book, For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be, takes this a step further and dives into the influence of culture and how people can leverage it to take action. Marcus challenges us to consider the reasons and ultimate sources behind our beliefs, which are essential to understand in order to break free. In this episode, he also identifies what creates a culture and community, how we can identify a cultural mismatch, and how we can tackle gender norms to create positive change.
About Marcus Collins
Dr. Marcus Collins is an award-winning marketer and cultural translator with one foot in the world of practice—serving as the Chief Strategy Officer at Wieden+Kennedy New York—and one foot in the world of academia—as a marketing professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan. His deep understanding of brand strategy and consumer behavior has helped him bridge the academic-practitioner gap for blue-chip brands and startups alike. Before joining Wieden+Kennedy, he served as the Chief Consumer Connections Officer at Doner Advertising and led Social Engagement at Steve Stoute’s advertising agency, Translation. And prior to his advertising tenure, Marcus began his career in music and tech with a startup he co-founded before working on iTunes + Nike sport music initiatives at Apple and running digital strategy for Beyoncé.
Marcus is a recipient of Advertising Age's 40 Under 40 award and Crain's Business' 40 Under 40 award, and a recent inductee into the American Advertising Federation’s Advertising Hall of Achievement. He holds a doctorate in marketing from Temple University, where he studied cultural contagion and meaning-making. He received an MBA with an emphasis on strategic brand marketing from the University of Michigan, where he also earned his undergraduate degree in Material Science Engineering. Marcus is a proud Detroit native, a devoted husband, and a loving father to Georgia and Ivy.
Additional Resources
Website: http://marctothec.com/
Check Out His New Book, For the Culture : http://marctothec.com/fortheculture
LinkedIn: @MarcusCollins
Instagram: @marctothec
Twitter: @marctothec
About This Episode
In this episode, retail executive Ron Thurston walks us through his impressive career and the bold moves he's taken along the way. Learning great leadership firsthand from his grandfather, who was the CEO of his own construction business, Ron strives, as a leader, to find the magic in other people and give them opportunities to grow. He discusses what it really means to be a student of the retail industry and the pivotal role of a store's general manager, all while discussing the perception of retail and debunking myths about the industry and online shopping. Ron also emphasizes the power of our purchasing decisions. The places where we choose to shop, particularly in-person versus online, have real impact, especially on the environment. So tune in to hear Ron’s bold story and get the inside scoop of the retail industry.
About Ron Thurston
Ron loves retail. And he’s proud of it. He is a highly accomplished retail executive and has proudly led the field teams for some of America’s most beloved brands over the last three decades, including GAP, Apple, West Elm, Tory Burch, Bonobos Saint Laurent, and INTERMIX. From part-time sales associate to Vice President of Stores, Ron has put in the hard work that career in retail requires and wrote his first best-selling book, Retail Pride, in 2020 to share what he learned along the way. For the last three years, Ron was named one of the Top 100 Retail Influencers by Rethink Retail and was also recently recognized as one of the 2022 Top 100 Retail Technology Influencers by RITH. He served on the Board of Directors of Goodwill NY/NJ and currently sits on the Advisory Boards of several emerging retail technology brands, including Reflex and IMMERSS.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.retailpride.com/
Check Out His Book, Retail Pride
LinkedIn: @RonThurston
Instagram: @RetailPride
About This Episode
Nathalie Gregg is a champion of women’s empowerment. Since she was 5 years old, she noticed that there were very few women in leadership roles. As she’s grown up and become a change agent, coach, and speaker, Nathalie has become determined to encourage people, especially women, to #LeadLoudly. This movement she started centers on being bold, confident, and fearless to drive results. An educator by trade and an entrepreneur by design, Nathalie is always asking what’s next, and she stresses the importance of living in the moment and having courageous conversations with ourselves and with others. You’ll also hear the firsthand account of her viral video commending a particular Starbucks employee for going above and beyond to agilely solve a customer’s problem. Tune in to hear how to start leading loudly on your own terms and take small actions each day towards the life you want.
About Nathalie Gregg
Nathalie Gregg is a Change Agent, Enterprise Leadership Strategist, Adjunct Professor, and Speaker. She empowers women to become their own economic engines through mentorship, sponsorship and allyship. She is the founder of the #LeadLoudly Movement, where she inspires women to be bold, confident, and fearless to drive results. Nathalie has also written a book called, Leading in Stilettos. Nathalie's mission is to change the trajectory of how women think and practice leadership. #LeadLoudly is the battle cry for women to live boldly, confidently, and fearlessly.
Additional Resources
Web: https://nathaliegregg.com/
LinkedIn: @NathalieGregg
Twitter: @NathalieGregg
About This Episode
Community is at the heart of everything Esther Sarpong does. As an expert in experiential marketing and creating unique, interactive experiences centered around art and culture, Esther loves bringing people together towards a shared vision. Pulling from her professional experiences as well as her personal experiences as a first-generation immigrant and mother, she emphasizes the importance of standing in your praise, celebrating your accomplishments, and giving yourself the credit you deserve. Esther also speaks to the importance of being true to yourself and shining your light where it’s valued. Throughout this episode, she shares advice for speaking up for yourself and going after what you want as well as the value in goal setting and partnering with others. Tune in to hear Esther’s bold story and how you, too, can shine your most authentic light.
About Esther Sarpong
Esther Sarpong, MBA, is the Global Marketing Director who has driven experiential business that's generated $1.25B for global brands including Red Bull, Dove, Art Basel, and global asset management companies including International Market Centers, a Blackstone Company. She's sharing how she's disrupting experiential marketing through culture & connection. Sarpong, a Celebrity Experience Marketer, based in Las Vegas, Nevada, the world's entertainment capital, drives the global strategy and implementation of EXPLORE, venues with a vision, the experiential retail platform for Brookfield Properties. A wife, mom of 2, and 1st generation immigrant from Ghana, West Africa, she uses her international perspective to empower business leaders. The twice-named 40 under 40 marketer is speaking at the upcoming Experiential Marketing Summit and Retail Innovation Conference.
Additional Resources
Website: https://esthersarpong.com/
LinkedIn: @EstherSarpong
Instagram: @Maameakua
About This Episode
Paru Radia is no stranger to being bold. Growing up with conservative, immigrant parents, there were few opportunities for her to take chances and pursue the kind of life that she really wanted. For the first time publicly, Paru opens up about her experience and how she made the bold decision to go against the cultural and societal norms in order to live the independent life she wanted. Through her own experiences, Paru explains the importance of being able to uncover the possibilities and to explore who you truly are and could be. Paru emphasizes the importance of finding clarity first, especially when it comes to your motivations and reasonings. From there, it is easier to find the courage to move forward along the path that is best for you. So tune in to hear an inspirational story about being authentic to who you are, standing up to power, and pursuing the life you want.
About Paru Radia
For Paru Radia, becoming a C-Suite Whisperer and Execution Ninja was a natural path as she has a keen understanding of the corporate world having been both an employee and a consultant, holding multiple senior level positions and working with senior executives at British Airways, King and Spalding, Stroock, Indeed, Vornado, Square, and Planned Parenthood to name a few. These experiences are what led to the formation of her business, providing advisory, consulting, and coaching services. Paru launched her company to help executives at various stages and points in their career to accurately assess their mindset, patterns, behaviors, strengths, success criteria, development needs, understand who they really are, articulating what they really want, and creating specific action plans to achieve their desired results. Born and raised in London, U.K., growing up in a family of hard-working entrepreneurs, Paru has become known for being a pragmatic optimist and turning entrepreneurial ideas into successful companies.
Additional Resources
Web: https://www.paruradia.com/
LinkedIn: @ParuRadia
Check Out Her Upcoming Book, Messes Behind Successes: https://www.paruradia.com/messes-behind-successes
About This Episode
Midwestern sisters Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson launched The Sister Project Blog to cover all things cozy, mindful, and wellbeing. Now, they also host Cozy Conversations with The Sister Project, a popular podcast filled with heart, hot topics, and witty banter. In this episode, Michelle and Lauren share how they got started and how their business shifted during the pandemic, becoming a source of genuine comfort and support. The sisters also discuss how to recognize signs of burnout, how to know your value, and the importance of using your voice to both speak up for others and self-advocate. Coziness is not merely fuzzy socks and comfy blankets, but it is an active choice we make to take care of ourselves and be in the moment. So, get ready to cozy up to your bold future!
About Michelle Anderson
I am a cozycore enthusiast, content creator, blogger and podcast host from Chicago. I am a daughter, wife to Ryan, mom to teen twins Mia and Will and sister to many. I made a career pivot from Government Contracting work to tap into my true passion of cultivating connections, and inspiring lifestyles and a safe space for cozy conversations. Cooking through food is my love language. I am a voracious reader, lead vocalist in a dad-band and am currently manifesting my summer house on the lake. My dream podcast guests would be the 1999 USA Women’s World Cup Soccer Champions.
About Lauren Massarella
I am a recovering Entertainment TV Reporter and PR & Marketing Executive now thriving as a hygge enthusiast, lifestyle influencer and podcast host. I’m living my best and coziest life in Chicago with my husband, Anthony, our cat, Egon and our new baby daughter Luna June. When I'm not interviewing people on our podcast, I enjoy teaching yoga in my spare time, and learning to navigate life as a new mom. I love art, traveling, French bistro music, autumn, and laughing so hard I pee my pants. My dream podcast guests would be Gloria Steinem and Jeff Goldblum.
Additional Resources
Website: https://thesisterprojectblog.com
Listen to their Podcast, Cozy Conversations
Instagram: @thesisterproj
About This Episode
With over a decade of experience in nutrition and healthcare, Elisa Haggarty is a conscientious leadership coach, guiding individuals and teams on leading mindfully with agility by decreasing what's called the drama tax. From workplace gossip and interpersonal relationships to procrastination and staying small, there are many forms of dramatic energy in our lives. Elisa describes how to not only identify this drama tax but how to control and overcome it as well. She also emphasizes the interconnectedness of our lives, particularly how our energy has a direct correlation with our health, mindset, and work. From her own personal experiences and mental health journey, Elisa invites us to release what is not serving us and become radically responsible for our own physical and psychological health. Part of this is understanding the areas where we experience flow, a concept that Elisa describes as being completely immersed and fully present. Tune in to hear how to mitigate the drama patterns in your own life, while strengthening the elements that bring you joy and energy.
About Elisa Haggarty
Elisa Haggarty is a former corporate leader turned Conscious Leadership Coach, working to guide leaders and teams all over the world to master the skills necessary to lead mindfully and with agility. Through experiential learning and coaching, Elisa helps professionals to embrace stress and change by mastering core skills. Elisa was an early team member of Parsley Health, where she launched the Learning & Development department, helping the company to scale 30x and deliver world class medicine. Prior to her work at Parsley, Elisa was a consultant for international wellness companies like Chosen Experiences and founded Culinary Farmacy, a global nutrition consultancy aimed to educate individuals on the importance of upgrading dietary choices. Elisa trained with the Conscious Leadership Group, with Jim Dethmer and Diana Chapman, and runs The School of Unlearning Podcast. She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her two cats, Josie and Lou.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.elisamaryhaggarty.com/
Check Out Her Podcast, The School of Unlearning
LinkedIn: @ElisaHaggarty
Instagram: @elisamaryhaggarty
About This Episode
Julia Boorstin has been making bold moves from the very beginning. Now CNBC’s Senior Media & Tech Correspondent, her illustrious career began from taking a reporter job at Fortune magazine straight out of college, a gap year experience that turned into a new beginning. To Julia, it is a combination of humility and confidence as well as a growth mindset that makes up the best kind of leaders. She explains the differences between how women and men lead, in addition to the well-documented benefits of having gender-diverse teams. Her recent book, When Women Lead, takes this a step further and provides real-world examples of female leaders across industries showing what true leadership looks like. When it comes to making your own bold moves and overcoming any imposter syndrome along the way, Julia emphasizes the importance of doing the work, being prepared and understanding the challenges you are up against. Tune in to hear about how to unlock your own leadership superpowers.
About Julia Boorstin
Julia Boorstin is CNBC’s Senior Media & Tech Correspondent and has been an on-air reporter for the network since 2006, delivering reporting, analysis, and CEO interviews with a focus on social media and the intersection of media and technology. She is the author of When Women Lead: What They Achieve, Why They Succeed, and How We Can Learn from Them, which was published by Avid Reader Press on October 11, 2022. In 2013, Boorstin created and launched the CNBC Disruptor 50, an annual list she oversees, highlighting private companies transforming the economy and challenging companies in established industries. She also helped launch the network’s ‘Closing the Gap’ initiative covering the people and companies closing gender and diversity gaps. A graduate of Princeton University, she has been a reporter for Fortune magazine, as well as a contributor to CNN and CNN Headline News. Julia lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two sons.
Additional Resources
Website: https://juliaboorstin.com/
Buy Her Book, When Women Lead
Instagram: @JuliaBoorstin
Twitter: @JBoorstin
LinkedIn: @JuliaBoorstin
About This Episode
Karen Fultz-Robinson, attorney turned entrepreneur and fashion designer, discusses her journey of embracing a healthy lifestyle and founding ObservaMé, a one-of-a-kind line of athletic and athleisure professional apparel. With a boldness and independence instilled early on by her mother, Karen is no stranger to making her own opportunities. ObservaMé was born out of identifying a problem and creating the solution. The aggravation from tugging at the sleeve of the shirt to gauge health statistics on fitness trackers while training led Karen to wonder why there was no watch opening in the sleeve. What began with a single phone call, turned into a snowball effect of momentum that ultimately led Karen to fully step into her purpose and found her company, launching an active apparel line with a wrist opening for performance devices and watches. Along the way, through her own personal experiences, Karen explains how to embrace the “Why not?” moments in our lives, overcome the naysayers, and keep fear from taking its hold. From her founder’s journey, she also discusses breaking into a new industry, building intentional relationships, and being the example to inspire and empower others to better their lives.
About Karen Fultz-Robinson
Karen D. Fultz-Robinson, Esquire is the designer and founder of ObservaMé®, LLC, a one-of-a-kind line of athletic and athleisure professional apparel that manufactures and sells athletic apparel from its facility in Tampa, Florida. As a marathon runner, Fultz-Robinson knows that outdoor activities happen under many weather conditions and access to fitness trackers should not be a distraction. The ObservaMé® design concept was born during one of Fultz-Robinson’s 15-mile runs and after constant aggravation from tugging at the sleeve of the shirt to gauge distance, heart rate, pace and time for the training. Fultz-Robinson developed sketches and assembled a legal team to help her put together the mock-ups and final patterns. After a year of research and development, in 2016, the company was launched with a dry-fit active apparel line with a wrist opening for performance devices and watches. Born and raised on the west side of Detroit, Michigan, Fultz-Robinson, an attorney and former Thomas M. Cooley law school assistant dean now fashion designer, earned her bachelor’s degree in International Relations at Michigan State University and juris doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Today, through Fultz-Robinson’s innovation and leadership, the product line has grown to include the signature shirts along with vests and performance pants and a variety of accessories.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.observame.net/
LinkedIn: @KarenFultz
Instagram: @observa_me
About This Episode
Bart Foster is all about getting outside- out in nature and out of the comfort zone. As the founder of BusinessOutside, a facilitation and training company focused on inspiring and empowering individuals and teams to get outside in nature, he is no stranger to doing things differently and pushing past societal and corporate norms. Bart discusses his journey from corporate sales to entrepreneurship, forging his own bold path forward. For Bart, that means being outside, where he’s discovered that leads to more authenticity and vulnerability, which ultimately builds more trust and better, higher-performing teams. As a facilitator and coach, Bart shares a lot about how to build genuine connections and have deeper conversations with one another. He also emphasizes the importance of gratitude and challenges us to share our own stories of appreciation by sending a short video message of gratitude to someone that has had a positive impact on our lives. So tune in to hear about expanding your own circle of comfort, embracing vulnerability, and creating genuine connections.
About Bart Foster
Bart Foster is the founder and CEO of BusinessOutside®, a facilitation and training company focused on engaging, inspiring, and empowering individuals and teams to get outside in nature and outside their comfort zones. Bart is an entrepreneur and seasoned global executive who began his career at Kellogg’s and Novartis. After climbing the corporate ladder and building a successful healthcare startup, Bart found his true calling as an advisor, speaker, and coach to executives throughout the world. He lives in Boulder, Colorado, with his wife and two kids. Most mornings, he can be found hiking the peaks above town, usually with someone in tow, discussing business, outside.
Additional Resources
Website: https://bart-foster.com/
Order His Book, Business Outside
LinkedIn: @BartFoster
About This Episode
Alex Carter knows all about negotiation. Whether that means negotiating for a pay increase, a particular role you want, or a new opportunity, there are keyways to progress forward. But, Alex stresses that no matter what the circumstance, the very first negotiation we have in every scenario is with ourselves. She points out the questions that we often ask ourselves and demonstrates how a simple change in wording can have a huge impact on how we view and overcome challenges. As a speaker, bestselling author of Ask For More, and professor at Columbia Law School, Alex draws upon lessons from her own life to emphasize how being vulnerable is a bold move, to provide tips for overcoming imposter syndrome and increasing your self-worth, and to develop a roadmap for times of transition. There are so many wonderful pieces of advice and takeaways that you can immediately apply to your own life, including questions we can ask ourselves to better understand who we truly are, what we really need, what we really want, and how to get there. So, tune in to hear how to master the most important negotiation you’ll ever have- the negotiation with yourself.
About Alex Carter
Alex Carter is a Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Mediation Clinic at Columbia Law School, where she has spent over a decade helping thousands of people improve their negotiation skills. She is a world-renowned negotiation trainer for the United Nations, where she has taught dozens of negotiation workshops to hundreds of diplomats from more than eighty nations. Carter graduated with honors from Georgetown University, was a Fulbright Scholar in Taiwan, and received her law degree from Columbia Law School. In 2019, Carter was awarded Columbia University’s highest teaching honor. She lives in Maplewood, New Jersey, with her husband and daughter.
Additional Resources
Website: https://alexcarterasks.com/
Order Her Book, Ask For More: https://alexcarterasks.com/book/
LinkedIn: @AlexandraBCarter
Instagram: @alexandrabcarter
Twitter: @alexbcarter
About This Episode
Rachel Baribeau is a joystarter, speaker, retired national sportscaster, and founder of I’m Changing the Narrative, a movement dedicated to promoting positive mental health and supporting others in finding their purpose, passion, and platform outside of sport. Through her bold journey, she describes the challenges of being a female in the male-dominated world of sportscasting to launching her own movement through #ImChangingTheNarrative. Along the way, Rachel emphasizes the importance of being authentic to who you are and staying true to your own definition of yourself, instead of listening to how the world defines you. Her passion for mental health and sparking joy shines through in this episode and is also the focus of her upcoming book, Relentless Joy, which publishes in June. Rachel provides tips on infusing more joy into life, both in the short-term and long-term, focusing on soul-care instead of only self-care, and leaning into the right support system to achieve your goals. Tune in to hear the power of relentless joy, kindness, and authenticity and how they can all come together to take your personal and professional life to the next level.
About Rachel Baribeau
In 2016, groundbreaking national sportscaster Rachel Joy Baribeau penned a piece for GridironNow titled, “College Football is Breaking My Heart.” The game she loved was becoming unrecognizable. Negative news stories dominated the game, and no campus seemed immune. Most broadcasters would have left it at that. Not Rachel.
Rachel developed #ImChangingtheNarrative with student-athletes in mind and a belief that one crooked course made straight is everything. One misstep not taken means one less victim in the world and one less life thrown away because of a split-second bad decision. Rachel now speaks to athletic groups, law enforcement, churches, schools, and corporations about taking back the headlines for good- showing them that they have the power to change the narrative and to find their purpose in life outside of their sport and everyday lives to live lives of Purpose, Passion, and Platform.
More than six years and 60-plus campuses later—and as a victim of domestic violence herself—her message now heavily encompasses self-love, joy, mental health, being a king, queen, or royal every day of your life, and interpersonal relationships. When she is not traveling to speak or teach, Rachel adores naps, dancing in her kitchen, museums, and history, and trying to spread joy on a daily basis. Of all the titles she goes by, she loves wife and bonus mom the most. She lives in Florida with her family and fur-children.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.imchangingthenarrative.org/
Learn More About the Joystarters Club
Pre-Order Rachel’s New Book Here
Instagram: @RachelBaribeau @imchangingthenarrative
Twitter: @CTNkingandqueen
Facebook: @ChangingTheNarrative
About This Episode
Michelle Emmick’s superpower is connecting with people and that is exactly what she does through Ask Us Beauty, her digital and print magazine built to educate, empower and inspire individuals on everything related to beauty and wellness. In this episode, Michelle describes her journey in the beauty industry, starting in sales and operations within medical aesthetics then co-founding a consultancy for those interested in cosmetic procedures to now running Ask Us Beauty. Michelle describes defining beauty on your own terms, putting mental wellness above all. She explains how the right mindset is essential for any type of transformation, and she also gives advice on how we can each find and create alignment, establishing the right balance between all the important areas of our lives. These sentiments are also explored in Michelle’s book, Blue-Collar Beauty: Confessions of a Plastic Surgery Coach. Tune in to hear how to identify the right time for a change and how to create alignment in your own life by surrounding yourself with a supportive network and making time for what is most important.
About Michelle Emmick
Michelle Emmick spent 20 years of her career working in the field of medical aesthetics as a sales and operations leader. Seeing a critical need in the market for transparency when it came to elective procedures, in 2018 Michelle co-founded MyCoachMD, a virtual consultation platform that provided consumers education and support prior to having a cosmetic procedure. She shared her experiences inside her bestselling book, Blue-Collar Beauty: Confessions of a Plastic Surgery Coach.
Off the success of her book, Michelle wanted to expand her message and challenge the mainstream by promoting truth, transparency, and a positive message. In 2021, Michelle co-founded Ask Us Beauty, a quarterly digital and print magazine with content designed to educate, empower, and inspire individuals on all things beauty and wellness. Whether it's through products, services, procedures, or personal brands, Ask Us Beauty challenges the status quo and brings together people of all backgrounds to share their stories and experiences, leaving you with inspiration to live your best life.
Michelle’s charismatic and heart-led approach to life has landed her conversations and connections with some of the most famous celebrities in the world like Robin Roberts, Christie Brinkley, and Marc Cuban. Michelle recently joined on as a Co-host with She’s a 10….times 5, a podcast that shares the “A-Ha” moments of learning, reflection, inspiration and of course, always fun.
Additional Resources
Website: www.askusbeautymagazine.com
Instagram: @askusbeautymagazine
LinkedIn: @askusbeautymagazine
Twitter: @askusbeautymag
About This Episode
In this episode, Carleen Haylett not only shares her bold professional moments, including the launch of her own ed tech company in 2020 to support school-aged kids, but also her bold personal moments, including moving to Italy in her late thirties and making the conscious decision to be a single mom. In 2009, Carleen needed a reset after her divorce and latest professional experience, so she sold her condo, put everything in storage, and bought a one-way ticket to Italy, where she would live for the next two years. She talks about overcoming fear and having to push through negative self-talk to go after what she really wanted and find the next step that was right for her new path forward. Fast forward a few years and after being inspired by her own experience as a single mom, Carleen founded her own company, EnrichedHQ, a virtual marketplace of educational and life skills-building programs for school-aged children in the 4th grade and up. Carleen discusses how she built up that bold muscle to become comfortable in the not knowing, especially through journaling and building self-awareness within. Tune in to hear about how Carleen was able to push through fear to make bold choices that brought her to Italy and also led to her starting her own company.
About Carleen Haylett
Carleen Haylett is the Founder and CEO of EnrichedHQ, a marketplace of educational and life skills-building programs for school-aged kids. Her mission as a single mother and professional is to provide solutions to help families, especially mothers, thrive in their work and homelife. Carleen has spent 20+ years in enterprise technology leadership roles spanning development, sales, marketing and product development to help global enterprises address their most pressing technical challenges. Bringing together her personal and professional experiences has allowed her to successfully build EnrichedHQ to support working families.
Additional Resources
Website: https://enrichedhq.com/
Instagram: @EnrichedHQ
Twitter: @_EnrichedHQ
Facebook: @EnrichedHQ
About This Episode
Founder of Inspiro Tequila, Mara Smith has had several bold moments along her journey. Initially a lawyer then a corporate strategist, Mara became a stay-at-home mom after her twins were born prematurely. After a few years, she was wanting a clean tequila and noticing that the wants and needs of the female consumer were not being addressed from companies selling spirits. So she decided to create her own. After breaking into the spirit industry, Mara now leads the female-powered team behind Inspiro Tequila and also provides support and mentorship for other entrepreneurs through The Purple Bicycle Project. Tune in to hear how to grow your network, not just within your own industry but across other sectors as well, and how to break into a new industry with your own company.
About Mara Smith
Mara Smith is a former attorney, corporate strategist and stay-at-home mom who is the founder of Inspiro Tequila. Mara began her legal career at a large law firm in Chicago before joining the corporate strategy team at a Fortune 500 Company. After her twins were born prematurely, Mara decided to leave the corporate world to focus on her family. She never stopped thinking about what was next. Mara always envisioned running her own company and in February of 2020 she set out on her journey to create a new tequila brand.
Mara started drinking tequila when she was looking for a clean, gluten-free spirit that fit into her active lifestyle. She searched for a tequila brand that was additive-free with a look, taste and aroma that appealed to her, and thoughtful female consumers like her. That perfect tequila did not exist, so she decided to create one. The goal was not just to create a one-of-a-kind tequila, it was also to bring another female perspective to the spirits industry. Women are involved in every aspect of Inspiro Tequila's process from creating the taste profiles to getting bottles on the shelves. As a female founder, Mara’s mission is to inspire and support other women on their entrepreneurial journeys through financial support and mentoring.
Additional Resources
Website: https://inspirotequila.com/
Learn More About The Purple Bicycle Project
Instagram: @inspirotequila
Twitter: @inspirotequila
About This Episode
Music has the unique power to bring people together and that is exactly what DJ Graffiti does at both in-person and virtual events. His ability to play the right music at the right time has captured the attention of not just audiences but renowned artists like Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Big Sean, and Jay-Z. But beyond his musical talents lies an equally impressive background in marketing, including degrees from the University of Michigan Business and Law Schools. He excels as a marketing strategist who specializes in helping companies increase their online engagement so they can reach their full potential, and he is taking his DJ skills into the enterprise corporate event space. Combining his experience and passion for both music and marketing has made DJ Graffiti into a formidable force determined to put good into the world. Tune in and get ready for an engaging conversation about the power of music to not only bring people together but to also bring us through the hard times just as much as the good.
About DJ Graffiti
Voted 'Best DJ in Detroit' by Real Detroit Weekly, DJ Graffiti has shared stages in person with Snoop Dogg, Beyoncé, Eminem, Jay-Z & J Cole. In response to COVID-19, he pivoted to creating virtual, in-person and hybrid experiences for a growing list of enterprise brands including Amazon, Cisco, GitLab, Campbell’s and Nike. In addition to his DJ duties, the entrepreneur formally known as Martin L. Smith is an alum of both the University of Michigan Business and Law Schools. As a marketing strategist he specializes in helping companies increase online engagement to improve their bottom-line goals. In 2001 he co-founded a marketing company that grew to manage digital marketing campaigns for companies such as T-Mobile, Hennessy and Toyota. In 2015 the company re-branded as Overflow, a digital agency providing a comprehensive suite of marketing services to help businesses predictably and repeatedly acquire clients. Whether music, business, or more regularly an abundance of both, DJ Graffiti aka Martin L. Smith is positioned to lead, while others take notes.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.djgraffiti.com
Listen to DJ Graffiti’s Mixes
Instagram: @DJGraffiti
LinkedIn: @DJ Graffiti
Twitter: @DJGraffiti
About This Episode
For Toiya Sosa, it’s all about the people. The relationships in our lives are the most important part of everything we do. Throughout her personal life and professional career in mass communication and public affairs to now as the Chief Diversity Officer at a large health system, she has learned that communication is at the heart of it all. Engaging in meaningful conversations across different perspectives is imperative for real change to be made, and Toiya draws from her own personal experiences to pinpoint this. Her recently published children’s book, Strangetop Hill, echoes this sentiment as well, focusing on how our differences can be some of our greatest attributes. As she discusses her bold moments and learnings along the way, Toiya also addresses how our boldness changes over time and how some decisions become easier and some become harder to make as we get older. Above all, Toiya emphasizes that it is important to share our own stories to help inspire others and foster the relationships in our lives.
About Toiya Sosa
Toiya Sosa is Chief Diversity Officer at Riverside Health System where she is responsible for the ongoing development, implementation, and oversight of the organization's diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy. Prior to this role, Sosa was a community leader and public affairs leader at GEICO where she had oversight of partner relations and philanthropic investment, media relations, and government relations for the VA, NC, TN region. Sosa is a Director for the Urban League of Hampton Roads, Tidewater Chapter of the VA Center for Inclusive Communities, Chair of the United Way of South Hampton Roads African American Leadership Society, a member of CHIEF, and Co-Chair of the Virginia UNCF Leadership Council. Sosa has been recognized with the 2022 UNCF M.A.S.K.E.D. Award, the 2020 Tidewater Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, the James V. Koch Award from the Urban League of Hampton Roads and was named to the Inside Business Power List from 2019-2021. Sosa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Norfolk State University, a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University, and a Master of Arts in Law from Regent University. Sosa was trained by the National Diversity Council as a Certified Diversity Professional (NDCCDP).
Additional Resources
Linked-In: @ToiyaSosa
Order Her New Children’s Book, Strangetop Hill
About This Episode
As a healthcare executive with experience across multiple areas of expertise, including population health, physical therapy and business, Urvashi Bhatnagar shares her passion for incorporating sustainability in all that we do. From the beginning of product creation and design through end of life, there are a myriad of opportunities to make decisions that not only support our environment but support human health. The ideas presented in her new book written with co-author Paul Anastas, The Sustainability Scorecard: How To Implement And Profit From Unexpected Solutions, can be applied to any industry because of the underlying messages of innovation and performance. Urvashi discusses how we must expand our definition of performance beyond functionality to include health. She also explains how to create ideal metrics that serve you in the short-term and long-term, while also addressing keys to change management and encouraging positive behavioral changes within an organization or population. Tune in to hear Urvashi’s bold journey to eliminate the silos impeding innovation and health within the realm of sustainability and healthcare.
About Urvashi Bhatnagar
Urvashi Bhatnagar is a healthcare executive whose career spans clinical care in PM&R, published research, advocacy and strategy and operations consulting for leading healthcare organizations. As a mission-driven population-health and sustainability expert, she has over fifteen years of healthcare leadership experience working with clients to bring new and innovative solutions to market that advance access and delivery of care, advance health outcomes and leading population health portfolios for leading health systems to underserved communities, and create data-driven approaches to advancing health equity.
Bhatnagar holds an MBA from Yale University and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Boston University. She is a Certified Clinical Instructor for DPT students and has served as faculty during the American Congress of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2021 and has served as an invited speaker at the United Nations in 2020. She believes global wellness can be achieved through sustained and intentional investment in products and processes that are designed to be inherently sustainable and capturing value from the triple bottom line advantages that sustainability offers. Along with Paul Anastas, Bhatnagar is co-author of the new book The Sustainability Scorecard: How To Implement And Profit From Unexpected Solutions.
Additional Resources
Linked-In: @UrvashiBhatnagar
Order Her New Book, The Sustainability Scorecard
About This Episode
Sondra Sutton Phung is living proof that saying yes to new opportunities can lead to the best outcomes. She has built her career at Ford Motor Company, continuously growing and advancing all the way to Global Chief Product Marketer. A pivotal decision when she was 25 years old led her to move to Japan, an experience that would not only elevate her career but also lead to lifelong friendships and transformational learnings about patience, authenticity, and building partnerships. She now works as the Marketing General Manager for electric vehicles, which have become a true passion of hers with their vast positive impact. Sondra’s bold journey emphasizes that true human connection surpasses all geographical and cultural differences. She encourages everyone to find their tribe, including a mentor and an advocate, that can support and guide you along the way. Tune in to hear Sondra’s incredible journey around the world, embracing opportunity, innovation, and human connection along the way.
About Sondra Sutton Phung
Sondra Sutton Phung is the Global Chief Product Marketer who led a team that delivered over $1B of profit for Ford Motor Company's iconic SUV portfolio. Recently named Marketing General Manager for Electric Vehicles, she leveraged her STEM & HBCU education to create her transformational, data-driven marketing approach. Her perspective impacts millions in the Automotive Tech Industry. Featured in Forbes, Fortune, Authority Magazine, and other globally recognized leadership publications and podcasts, Sutton Phung is reducing the learning curve by sharing how leaders can accelerate their results. Sutton Phung currently serves on the Executive Board of Jack and Jill of America, Oakland County, and the Cultural Arts Board for the City of Novi. She also serves as Executive Champion for DEI at Ford Motor Company, Corporate Recruiter/Mentor to first-generation college students via Ford's 1st Gen Program, and Co-founder of the Dr. Melvin Webb STEM Endowment at Clark Atlanta University. Sutton Phung holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Science in Mathematics from Clark Atlanta University.
Additional Resources
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About this Episode:
In this special edition of The Bold Lounge, hear from several members of the Young Chiefs Coalition, a group dedicated to supporting and lifting the next generation of female leaders. Mai Moore, Lucy Chen, Bridgette Smith, Sheana Hamil, Catherine Gregor, and Lisa Eyer each share their perspectives on what it means to be bold and the moves they have made along their personal and professional lives. These stories of perseverance and overcoming hardship, finding the right career, and pivoting from a dedicated path will not only inspire but help guide future generations of leaders. Tune in to hear incredible stories and guidance on cultivating a growth mindset, embracing the uncomfortable, being open to new opportunities, and advocating for yourself along the entire way.
About The Young Chiefs Coalition:
The Young Chiefs Coalition is a passionate and dedicated group of Chief members here to cultivate the future generation of female leaders and empower young women. Chief is the only private membership network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders. Chief is designed for women in the C-Suite, senior executives, and accomplished VPs to strengthen their leadership, magnify their influence, and pave the way to bring others with them. Join the next Young Chief Speaker Series for college-aged women to hear empowering and inspirational stories from diverse Chief speakers in this 3-part virtual series on December 1, 2022 at 9PM EST/6PM PST.
Additional Resources:
Register for the Next Young Chief Speaker Series (3-part virtual free event): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-leaders-speaker-series-for-college-women-tickets-421488632847
About This Episode
Candace Nelson is a successful serial entrepreneur best known for co-founding Sprinkles, the world’s first cupcake bakery and ATM, and most recently, Pizzana, a fast-growing chain of award-winning Neo-Neapolitan pizzerias. She discusses her transition from the financial world to pastry school and her journey of discovering and embracing her passion for food and bringing people together. Moving around a lot during childhood, Candace learned early on how to count on herself, particularly in the difficult times. She states this as a key for making bold decisions- knowing that no matter what happens, you can bet on yourself. Part of feeling this way is celebrating all your wins, especially the little ones because even the smallest of wins are the building blocks of confidence. Candace also addresses imposter syndrome, particularly for female entrepreneurs, and how you can overcome it and turn your ideas into actions. She believes that anyone with a passion and a plan can be an entrepreneur. And in her new book, Sweet Success, she walks you through her recipe for success, from ideation and developing the mindset of an entrepreneur to sales and growing your own personal brand. Listen in to hear Candace’s incredible journey taking an innovative stance on simple, handheld foods like cupcakes and pizza and growing them into the thriving and widely-recognizable brands they are today.
About Candace Nelson
Candace Nelson is a serial entrepreneur, Wall Street Journal contributor, and expert at turning one’s passion into a profitable business. Her debut book, The Sprinkles Baking Book: 100 Secret Recipes from Candace’s Kitchen, was a New York Times Bestseller and her forthcoming book on entrepreneurship, Sweet Success: A Simple Recipe for Turning Your Passion into Profit will be published by HarperCollins Leadership on November 8, 2022. Candace received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Wesleyan University, and a professional pastry certification from the former Tante Marie’s Cooking School in San Francisco.
Additional Resources
Buy Her New Book, Sweet Success: A Simple Recipe for Turning Your Passion into Profit: https://www.readsweetsuccess.com/
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About This Episode
Kristen Carbone discusses her bold journey as a female founder in tech that transitioned from a career in the arts to developing her own product and founding Brilliantly, a platform dedicated to meeting the long term, quality of life issues faced by women who’ve had an experience with breast cancer. Along the way, she has used her background in the arts to foster creative problem solving and a willingness to be open to constructive critique and collaboration. She discuses the art of feedback as well as the importance as a creator to be open to the possibilities, not being too focused on your initial goal that you miss the other opportunities that present themselves. Tune in to hear how you can take a passion, build your own company, and continue to grow organically in a way that is authentic to you.
About Kristen Carbone
After a decade long career working in curatorial departments in Museums across New York and New England I founded Brilliantly. Brilliantly started with trying to solve a problem for myself and after talking to hundreds of women in the breast cancer community over the summer of 2017 and finding out that I wasn’t alone in my struggles post-mastectomy, I was compelled to leave my career and start my own business. What started as a product designed to support breast cancer survivors feeling more comfortable in their body has become a leading innovation in the world of wearable technology for women.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.brilliantly.co/
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About This Episode
Founder and CEO of Minot, a sustainably sourced and clean-burning line of candles, Kerry Kip describes how her business came about and how she was able to find and develop a career that aligned with what she wanted. Prior to Minot, Kerry built a career in consulting and product management, until she experienced burnout and realized she needed a change. She explains how her interest in nontoxic living led her to make clean-burning candles for herself, family, and friends. The company naturally grew from there, and today Minot is available across the US and internationally. Along the way, Kerry had to overcome her own fears of failure and accept the unknowns of launching her own business. Tune in to hear Kerry’s story of taking the leap to start something new and gain strategies for you to take your own bold first step and begin.
About Kerry Kip
Kerry Kip founded Minot in 2020 with the intention to create a clean candle alternative for those who wish to rid their home of toxin-filled flames. What came was a sustainably sourced, clean-burning line of candles inspired by--and in honor of--nature. Minot is female owned and operated, based in a coastal community on the South Shore of Massachusetts. Before leaving the corporate world to found Minot, Kerry was in pharmaceutical consulting for Fortune 500 companies and then in Product Management for Wayfair. In her spare time, she enjoys being on the lake with family and taking her Great Dane, Zoey, for walks on the beach with her husband.
Additional Resources
Website: https://minotcandle.com/
Buy the Bold & Beautiful Candle (Our Listeners Get 20% Off: Boldpodcast20): https://minotcandle.com/collections/affirmation-collection/products/i-am-bold-beautiful-candle
Instagram: @MinotCandles
About This Episode
Rebecca Woods discusses her organic journey into the field of healthcare IT that has led her to launch her own company, Bluebird Tech Solutions, and found a nonprofit organization, Bluebird Leaders. From the age of three when she started gymnastics, Rebecca has had an innate boldness that has enabled her to embrace risk and the fire within. She competed as a springboard diver in college and currently enjoys cliff jumping. These literal leaps into the unknown mirror the figurative leaps she has taken as an entrepreneur. From starting her own company to learning the art of delegation, the common thread in all that Rebecca does is mentorship, especially when it comes to supporting other women. She also emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and acknowledging that you don’t have to be bold every day. A little kindness to yourself goes a long way. Tune in to hear how to fuel your own inner fire and embrace the bold you were born with.
About Rebecca Woods
Rebecca Woods, MHA is an accomplished healthcare executive, with 16 years of experience in healthcare administration. Rebecca is known for her work in helping healthcare organizations to utilize their electronic health records in the most efficient way possible. Her impressive record of accomplishments, from senior analyst to Chief Information Officer, are a result of her strong engagement skills, extensive operational knowledge, and strength in building teams. Recognized for her excellent leadership, valuable insight and ability to assist in setting the path for long-lasting success, Rebecca has used her skills and experience to help meet organization’s needs, with focus on increasing efficiency, transitional changes and the implementation of sustainable changes. Rebecca received her BS in communications from Plymouth State University and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from University of Phoenix. She recently relocated to her home state of New Hampshire with her husband and two daughters. Rebecca enjoys an active lifestyle running road races (including a marathon!) and boating with her family.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.bluebirdtechsolutions.com/
Register for the S.O.A.R. Conference- Our Listeners Get 10% Off! Use Code: BOLD2022: https://www.bluebirdleaders.org/2022-conference-1/
Instagram, Linked-In, Facebook: @BlueBirdTechSolutions
About This Episode
Author and keynote speaker Fran Hauser shares her bold journey moving from a media executive to a startup investor with a focus on supporting female founders. Fran talks about how to pivot within your current role or by branching out on your own. Whether or not you have the financial security, there are options to bring more joy into your career. Throughout this process, Fran encourages you to stay curious, open, and willing to reach out to people, especially to those that do things outside of your world. You never know what inspiration their fresh perspective could bring or what connections and future opportunities it could lead to. Fran also speaks on advocating for yourself in the face of risk and uncertainty as well as the importance of negotiating not only for your salary but for options too. Her books, The Myth of the Nice Girl and Embrace the Work, Love Your Career expand on this and guide you towards getting unstuck and taking control of your career in a way that’s authentic and kind. Listen in to hear the best way to traverse from stability to the unknown, while prioritizing your emotional well-being and redefining what success means to you.
About Fran Hauser
Fran Hauser is passionate about leveling the playing field for women. She does this through her investing, writing, and speaking. Fran has invested in over 30 female-founded companies across consumer tech, CPG, media & publishing, and wellness. She is the best-selling author of The Myth of the Nice Girl: Achieving a Career You Love Without Becoming a Person You Hate which has been translated into six languages and was named “Best Business Book of the Year, 2018” by Audible. Fran’s new book, Embrace the Work, Love Your Career is quickly becoming the go-to for women seeking more joy and fulfillment in their career. Fran regularly speaks at conferences and organizations to help women build careers they love while staying true to themselves. Much of her current work is informed by 15 years spent in media, where she rose through the ranks at Time Inc. to President of Digital. She lives outside of NYC with her husband and two sons.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.franhauser.com/
Order Her Latest Book Embrace the Work, Love Your Career: https://bookshop.org/books/embrace-the-work-love-your-career-a-guided-workbook-for-realizing-your-career-goals-with-clarity-intention-and-confidence/9781951412494
Linked-In: @FranHauser
Instagram: @Fran_Hauser
Bookstagram: @FransBookshelf
About This Episode
Working over 20 years in the electrical distribution field, Michelle Pecak shares her bold journey as a single mom of three boys and two pups. She discusses how she went from trying to fit in to embracing her authentic self in a male-dominated industry. For Michelle, a key part of her journey was identifying her true purpose. Being self-aware and understanding ourselves provides an important foundation to recognizing and honing our innate strengths and creating an environment where everyone can show up authentically. Michelle also talks about incorporating self-care into our daily lives and how each person has their own unique formula to what fulfills them. Tune in to hear Michelle's journey to living an authentic, fulfilling life with no regrets.
About Michelle Pecak
Michelle Pecak is the Vice President of Operations with nearly 20 years of experience in the Electrical Distribution Industry. She has a strong operational background skilled in process improvement, operational excellence, strategic pricing models, and data analysis. Michelle can most often be found enjoying time with her three young boys and two Golden Retrievers.
Additional Resources
Linked-In: @MichellePecak
About This Episode
As a TEDx Speaker, Executive Coach, and Workplace Performance Expert, Henna Pryor has had many bold moments in her personal and professional life. But that doesn’t mean that they were perfect or that she had no doubts along the way. In reality, she has felt awkward and nervous, and in this episode, Henna explains how embracing our awkwardness is an important key to being bold. Throughout our lives, we are conditioned to fit in certain norms within society and within the organizations we work for. And if being bold feels difficult, Henna encourages us to peel back those inner layers to fully understand ourselves first. She discusses how recognizing what we value most, especially when we have to choose between likability and doing the right thing, will unlock our inner boldness. She also talks about how to identify and amplify true vulnerability, in ourselves and especially across social media. All of this inspired her upcoming book, Awkward and Upward, which will be released next year. Take a listen to find out how you can embrace your own authentic and awkward self to be bold.
About Henna Pryor
Henna Pryor, PCC is a highly sought after Workplace Performance Expert and an award-winning keynote speaker, executive facilitator, and coach. Her clients call her their “secret weapon for impossible change,” an honor she wears proudly. She’s known for her ability to improve the performance, habits, and actions of hungry high achievers – in her fun, no-nonsense, no-jargon way – to move them from their first level of success to their next one. Henna founded Pryority Group – a fast-growing performance growth firm – to expand on her belief that the key to most people’s success is leaning into awkwardness a little bit longer and worrying about stinking a little less. (She might just have you do both.)
Additional Resources
Website: https://pryoritygroup.com/
Linked-In, Instagram, Facebook: @HennaPryor
About This Episode
Previously serving in medical missions around the world, supporting R&D as a cancer research scientist, and competing in beauty pageants, Iman Oubou has always embraced change and led with an impact-focused mindset. In this episode, Iman discusses how each of these experiences not only taught her something about herself but acted as a steppingstone towards the career and life she wanted. Along the way, she redefines feminism and empowerment in a way that encourages women to champion their own autonomy and take greater control of their lives. For Iman, the key to this is accountability. By first reflecting and understanding ourselves, including our specific strengths, weaknesses, and trigger points, we are able to build self-assurance, hold ourselves accountable, and embrace our full power. She also recently published a book, The Glass Ledge: How to breakthrough self-sabotage, embrace your power, and create your success, that expands on this. Tune in to hear how you can be your own best supporter and take full control of your path forward.
About Iman Oubou
Iman Oubou is a Moroccan American self-made entrepreneur, former beauty queen, and published scientist on a mission to change the women's media landscape. Through her diverse experience with business, pageantry, and STEM, Iman noticed gender disparities in the workforce and an omnipresent bias across printed and digital media. She founded SWAAY, an all-in-one publishing platform for women, to champion the voices of female change-makers through the power of storytelling. Her podcast, Women Who SWAAY, was number 2 on iTunes, and was ranked in the top 5 best podcasts for women entrepreneurs by Inc. Magazine. Iman has also recently written and published her first book, The Glass Ledge: How to breakthrough self-sabotage, embrace your power, and create your success.
Additional Resources
Website: https://swaay.com/
Buy Her Book, The Glass Ledge: https://bookshop.org/books/the-glass-ledge-how-to-break-through-self-sabotage-embrace-your-power-and-create-your-success/9781683648598
Instagram, Twitter & Linked-In: @ImanOubou
About This Episode
With a 92% bold factor, Monique Kelley has always embraced new opportunities and not been afraid to go off-script. One of her earliest moments of being bold happened while she was a track athlete. As in life, performing well in track requires setting the right pace, embracing that you can’t control every variable, and taking calculated risks. Monique discusses how she unintentionally built a portfolio career, working across corporate, agency, and academia, and how each of these opportunities built off of from one another. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on your purpose and moving towards what you want out of your career and your life, not delaying something you want to do. You don’t have to wait until you have more experience or until you feel completely ready to make a change. Tune in to hear how to have the confidence to try something new and go after what brings you joy.
About Monique Kelley
Monique Kelley is a purpose-driven strategic communications professional with a growth mindset. Her 20 years of experience spans across three sectors: corporate, agency and academia. Monique is the CEO and Founder of her consultancy, Monique Kelley Consulting, LLC (MKC). Through MKC, she infuses industry best practices and a customer-centric mindset gained through her roles as a pharmaceutical corporate communications senior leader and client experience leader (CXL) on the PR agency side. She is also a professor at Boston University's College of Communication and the Faculty Advisor for the University's award-winning Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter. Monique is a recipient of PRNews' Top Women in PR Award and numerous PR industry awards for her work.
Additional Resources
Linked-In: @MoniqueKelleyGigliotti
About This Episode
To Emily Chang, being bold stems from leaning in even when you don’t completely understand how you’re going to achieve the goal or what the desired outcome looks like. From starting in science then pursuing business and finance, Emily has worked with some of the top brands like Starbucks, Apple, and Procter&Gamble, and she is now CEO for McCann Worldgroup, China, a creative marketing agency. During this time, she and her family have opened up their spare room to those that need it. She describes the journey of how this organically came about and how social legacy has played a significant role in her life. Emily explains how the smallest spark can grow into a strong flame, noting how we can nurture our own spark and open ourselves up to possibility. From defining our offer and thinking how best we can serve others, Emily walks us through her bold journey of living an intentional life and how to find and embrace our true purpose.
About Emily Chang
Emily Chang is currently the CEO for McCann Worldgroup, China, and previously served as the Chief Marketing Officer for Starbucks, China, and the Chief Commercial Officer for InterContinental Hotels group, Greater China. Earlier in her career, she led Retail Marketing for Apple in Asia-Pacific and began her career with eleven years at Procter & Gamble. She is an action-oriented visionary known for cross-cultural team engagement, innovative brand building, and authentic people leadership. With her husband of twenty years, eleven-year-old daughter, rescue mutt named Holly Berry, and pygmy hedgehog named Scarlett Jellybean, she has shared her spare room with sixteen young people, five dogs, one turtle, one guinea pig, and 129 snails.
Additional Resources
Website: www.social-legacy.com
Buy the Book: https://social-legacy.com/the-spare-room/
Instagram: @thespareroom.emilychang
Facebook: @TheSpareRoom
About the Episode
As Chief Heart Officer of VaynerX, Claude Silver leads with trust and empathy. Her people-first approach prioritizes psychological safety and human connection in order to foster a sense of belonging. Throughout the conversation, Claude describes several bold moves, including the 93-day outward bound Wilderness Leadership Program she completed as a teenager, moving to London as a 40-year-old and starting over completely, and now leading with heart and emotional optimism with Gary Vaynerchuk. During her journey, she emphasizes that being bold is taking a risk knowing that you might fall, but also knowing that you have the inner strength and support to get through. As an optimistic rebel, Claude fights for what is possible and fights to bring hope to those that find themselves in the dark. She not only discusses team dynamics and the importance of being authentic to yourself, but she also describes the power of ritual and trusting from the start. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about knowing yourself, taking control, and always leading with hope.
About Claude Silver
Claude Silver is VaynerX’s inaugural Chief Heart Officer, Head of the People & Experience department; a first of its kind. She understands that the key to unlocking greatness in people requires letting go of traditional HR methods and leaning into human-to-human connection. As a graduate of the California Institute of Integral Studies with a BA in Transpersonal Psychology & Human Development, and additional certifications in various psychology and spiritual teachings from other institutes in Northern California, Claude is equipped with a unique perspective on corporate leadership and team building techniques. At VaynerX, Claude champions empathy-driven leadership, while overseeing talent management, employee retention, learning and development, workplace culture, internal communications, and people operations for over 750 employees. Before becoming CHO at VaynerX, she held leadership positions at both JWT San Francisco and London, Publicis London, and SAYMedia, and in 2002-2005 she founded and ran a surfing and outdoor adventure company for women in the San Francisco Bay area, Her success guiding client relationships, global brand strategies, operations, and management is driven by an abiding passion for creating spaces in which people can thrive. Her daily mission is to listen and ensure she is nurturing a workplace culture that embraces inclusivity, the uniqueness of individuals and thrives with constant collaboration.
Additional Resources
Website: https://www.claudesilver.com/
VaynerX: https://vaynerx.com/
Get the Emotional Optimism Hoodie: https://www.claudesilver.com/shop
Instagram & Twitter: @claudesilver
About This Episode
Jennie Byrne has long since embraced the nonlinear path. From starting as a music performance major in university, becoming a brain and behavior specialist, and now working as a physician leader, healthcare executive, and entrepreneur, she has always been determined and independent. Her secret to success? Being open to saying yes when opportunities present themselves. In her new book, Work Smart: Use Your Brain and Behavior to Master the Future of Work, Jennie describes how the human brain and behavior work and how this plays out in business. She describes how we must understand the people side of things in order for the best changes to be made within an organization. Jennie pinpoints that the future of work will be more about being better people than about having the best technology. Particularly through the book writing process, she shares her own story of being more authentic to herself and to others, dissolving the boundary between her personal and professional being. Listen in to hear Jennie’s bold journey of saying yes to the things that inspire.
About Jennie Byrne
Jennie Byrne, MD, Ph.D. is the founder and CEO of Constellation PLLC and the Chief Patient Officer at Belong Health. She has been called a “Triple Threat” because of her work as a Physician Leader, a Healthcare Executive, and as an Entrepreneur. She is a brain and behavior specialist with extensive training and experience in Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Neuroscience. Dr. Byrne is also a lifelong musician—she started her university career as a music performance major on the bassoon—and decided mid-pandemic to live out a high school fantasy and play the electric bass in a rock band. She is a proud math/science nerd who loves to read across the high-low spectrum of books. She is married to a lawyer-turned-fiction-author, and she has been surprised by how much fun she is having as the parent of two teenagers.
Additional Resources
Website: www.drjenniebyrne.com
Pre-Order Her New Book: https://jennie-byrne.presale.manuscripts.com/
Linked-In: @JennieByrne @ConstellationPLLC
About This Episode:
Defining herself as a Brave Overcomer Living Daringly (BOLD), Amelia O’Relly draws parallels between her own cancer journey and the struggles we each face, from even the smallest day-to-day setbacks, and how we can not only overcome them but turn them into something good. After an unexpected Stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis, Amelia ended up trying eight different treatments just to find one that worked and had to leave her long term career in HR because of the physical pain. During her experience, she identified a gap of information available between diagnosis and survivorship and a lack of easily accessible, credible resources. This led her to develop and launch how to Breast cancer, an online portal of centralized information to help anyone navigating a breast cancer journey, either as a patient, caregiver or loved one, through tools, practices, articles and other vetted resources to provide self-paced support. She took a negative and redirected it into something that helps others. Throughout the podcast, Amelia also emphasizes the importance of support and gratitude and how to focus on the big picture during a hardship. Tune in to hear an inspiring story of strength, resilience and giving back.
About Amelia O’Relly:
Amelia is the founder of how to Breast cancer; an organization fully dedicated to helping breast cancer patients, their loved ones, caregivers and community by serving as a central source and a single place for helpful, easy to use tools and practices for successfully navigating the breast cancer journey. Amelia’s inspiration to create and lead how to Breast cancer began after receiving her own breast cancer diagnosis in 2019 and beginning her cancer journey- a journey that is still ongoing. Prior to founding this organization, Amelia spent the last 20 years serving in executive roles with a focus on Human Resources for several fortune 500 companies, spanning multiple industries and countries. She was born in Havana, Cuba, and immigrated to the U.S. with her parents and sister in 1980. Amelia grew up in the Tampa, FL, area and earned her bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of South Florida. Amelia now spends her time focused on creating the very best tools and resources to help others successfully navigate their breast cancer journey and is the author of the upcoming book, The Breast Cancer Guide. She resides in south Florida with her life partner and their beloved dog-child.
Additional Resources:
Website: https://www.thebreastcancerguide.com/
Twitter: @OAilema @H2BreastCancer
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube: @howtobreastcancer
About This Episode:
For Shelley Zalis, being the first to break a pattern is what sets her apart from the rest. As the CEO of The Female Quotient and a champion of equality, she has continuously taken risks to pursue what she believes in. Too often, people get caught up in a pattern or routine, and they never find what they're truly passionate about, but you have to break that pattern in order to find your own rhythm. Shelley emphasizes that if you want change, you have to disrupt the status quo. You won't find what you love by repeatedly doing the same thing. It's important to be the first to break a pattern and create a new norm. This is something that Shelley has done time and time again. She didn't wait for the "right" time, but instead, she made it the right time. And you can make it the right time in your life too- tune in and find out how to break the pattern, find your passion, and make the greatest impact.
About Shelley Zalis:
Shelley Zalis, CEO of The Female Quotient, is an internationally renowned thought leader, movement maker, and champion of equality. She is a pioneer for online research, becoming the first female chief executive ranked in the research industry’s top 25. Today, Zalis works with Fortune 500 companies and impact organizations to advance equality in the workplace. Through its signature pop-up experience, the Equality Lounge®, along with the Global Exchange and advisory services, The Female Quotient has created an international community of women rising up to catalyze change. A firm believer in giving back with generosity, Zalis is a proud mentor to women around the world.
Additional Resources:
Website: https://www.thefemalequotient.com/
Social Media (Linked-In, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter): @ShelleyZalis
About This Episode:
Michael Clinton is redefining what it means to be over 50 years old. After a successful executive career in magazine publishing, Michael has dedicated his life to seeing the world and embracing what brings him the most joy. The second half of life can be a time of great opportunity. Just because you're 50 or above doesn't mean you have to slow down. In fact, 50 is the new 50. You can still pursue your dreams and live life to the fullest. Through his ROAR Framework (Reimagine yourself, Own who you are, Act on what’s next, Reassess your relationships) and his new book, ROAR Into the Second Half of Your Life, Michael shares that how we define our age is up to us and it can open up new possibilities. It's never too late to start living your best life.
About Michael Clinton:
Michael Clinton has more than forty years of experience in magazine publishing and is currently the special media advisor to the CEO of Hearst Corporation. A member of the board of trustees of Pace University and executive vice president of the board of trustees of the International Center of Photography, he has also written for publications as varied as The New York Times, Runner's World, and many more. He has a bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA and an honorary doctorate from Pace University.
Additional Resources:
Website: https://roarbymichaelclinton.com/
Order His Book, ROAR Into the Second Half of Your Life: https://roarbymichaelclinton.com/#order-window
Linked-In: @MichaelClinton
Twitter: @maclinton
About This Episode:
As a disruptive leader, Charlene Li talks through the bold moves she made throughout her career, particularly the ones that went against the norm. She explains how most of us often delay a bold move, waiting until we feel ready- until we take another course, gain more experience in a particular role, etc. But Charlene explains how we might not ever feel ready. The key is to have confidence that you’ll be okay no matter the outcome. A 6-time author, Charlene also describes her writing process and her latest book, The Disruption Mindset. Tune in to hear key aspects of disruptive innovation and how to “disrupt” yourself and start a movement, pushing the limits and inspiring others to do the same.
About Charlene Li:
For the past two decades, Charlene Li has been helping people see the future. She’s an expert on digital transformation, leadership, customer experience and the future of work. She’s the author of six books, including the New York Times bestseller, Open Leadership and co-author of the critically acclaimed book, Groundswell. Her latest book is the bestseller The Disruption Mindset. She is the Founder and Senior Fellow at Altimeter, a disruptive analyst firm acquired in 2015 by Prophet. Named one of the most creative people in business by Fast Company, Charlene is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School.
Additional Resources:
Website: www.charleneli.com
Instagram & Twitter: @charleneli
Linked-In: @CharleneLi
About This Episode:
Through hearing Jennie Blumenthal's bold journey from a C-suite executive in sales and marketing to the founder and CEO of her own company, Corporate Rehab, you'll learn about how to identify burnout and determine when it is the right time to transition to something new and change your path. Jennie talks about how she realized the realtionship she was neglecting the most was her relationship to herself, and she explains how she was able to find a new belonging within her career and start living as her authentic self. Her new book publishing this fall, Corporate Rehab, walks through her REHAB Framework (Recognize, Evaluate, Heal, Arise, Build) and not only describes her own journey but also shares the stories of many others overcoming challenges in the workplace and making the transition from surviving to thriving.
About Jennie Blumenthal:
An early wave of the Great Resignation, Jennie Blumenthal focused her 20 years in Corporate America counseling global C-suite executives at the intersection of strategy, innovation and customer growth - specializing in Sales, Marketing, and Digital transformations. She is now the founder and CEO of Corporate Rehab, focusing on leadership coaching, speaking and workshops for female executives and companies on how to shift from surviving to thriving, retain top talent, and build a human-centered culture. Jennie is currently writing her first book on the process she took to reset her relationship with her career and do her own Corporate Rehab.
Additional Resources:
Website: https://www.corporate-rehab.com/
LinkedIn: @JennieBlumenthal
Instagram: @corporaterehab
Twitter: @jennieblu
About This Episode:
Have you ever wondered how to get started or how to find your bold path? After spending more than two decades as a global marketing executive, Dalia Feldheim is now an Organizational Psychologist, Happiness Professor, and Leadership Coach. In this episode, she describes her big pivot moments and how she found her truest path, particularly as a passionate advocate of women and feminine leadership. Dalia explains how you don't need to have everything figured out to take the first step. It's all about staying aligned with your purpose and staying true to your heart. True boldness takes courage, and both are rooted in your heart and in your passion.
About Dalia Feldheim:
Dalia Feldheim spent over two decades as a C-suite global marketing executive at Procter & Gamble, where she led some of the world's most iconic ad campaigns. In 2018, she launched her own leadership consultancy, Flow Leadership Consultancy, and in 2020 she founded an EduTech Company "Uppiness-Up Your Game at Work," an online game co-created with Tal Ben-Shahar, to solve daily challenges using positive psychology interventions. Dalia is an adjunct professor at the Singapore Management University and an organizational consultant working with top tech companies on a mission to bring more purpose and joy to the workplace.
Additional Resources:
- Order her new book, Dare to Lead Like a Girl: https://lnkd.in/gDsQ6Hz2
- Website: daliafeldheim.com & www.uppinessgame.com
- LinkedIn: @Dalia Feldheim & @Uppiness Pte Ltd
- Instagram: @dalia.feldheim
- Twitter & Facebook: @DaliaFeldheim