Fiat Career Coaching Podcast: Recent Episodes
Valentina Obafunwa
You are created for more. You are created to live a full and abundant life.
I’m a Catholic Career Coach helping you find a fulfilling career and experience a fulfilling spiritual life. Each episode is designed to draw you closer to discovering your calling and stepping out into your unique giftings!
Learn more at fiatcareercoaching.com.
As an avid reader, I am always on the lookout for good children’s books that share the faith and inspire the love of reading in my son.
I was delighted to read Susan Joy Bellavance’s new children’s book, “When Jesus Speaks,” and was enthralled by the beautiful illustrations and text.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Susan to talk about her inspiration of the book, and it was a joy hearing her passion and the insights she desired both parents and children take away from the book. Susan is a ball of energy, with a true love for the Eucharist, the priesthood, and the power of God’s word.
To purchase "When Jesus Speaks," visit: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/when-jesus-speaks/.
To learn more about Susan's other books, visit: https://www.susanjoybooks.com/.
To connect with Valentina, visit: https://fiatcareercoaching.com/.
This will be last podcast episode of the season, as I will be taking a break for the summer to resume again in the Fall.
What does a typical Sunday look like for you? Does it revolve around time in worship with anticipation of a lively breakfast after church? Does the idea of Sunday conjure up thoughts of a cozy nap or of laundry day in preparation for the week?Whatever your Sunday currently looks like, I encourage you to consider that God might be inviting you, and me, to something more. Many of us consider Sunday as a “day of rest”, and rightly so, as during creation God rested on the seventh day and commanded us to do the same. Rest is for our good. However, it is so much more than just a day to put our feet up or to hurriedly prepare for Monday. In his new book, “Restoring the Lord’s Day,” New Orleans native, Daniel Fitzpatrick, takes readers on a journey to understand why our Sunday observances have vastly changed from ancient times to now, some of the root causes, and how we can restore Sunday to its’ proper place. I enjoyed speaking with Daniel about his book and gaining tips I can incorporate into my family life to live Sunday even better!To purchase Daniel's book, visit: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/restoring-the-lords-day/. To connect with Valentina, visit: https://fiatcareercoaching.com/.
As we navigate life, it can sometimes be tempting to live in a disintegrated way. How often do we “live for the weekends” or look at something so essential as our health as separate from our faith life. One apostolate that is seeking to aid people in living a more integrated and whole life, is Reform. Founded by Jackie Mulligan, Reform is a wellness apostolate and functional health practice focused on helping individuals heal both body and soul. I first learned about Reform from a friend of mine several years ago, and so I was excited to sit down with Jackie to learn more about her entrepreneurial and faith journey and the lessons she’s learned leading people to physical and spiritual healing. To learn more about Reform, visit https://www.reformwellness.co/. To connect with Valentina, visit https://fiatcareercoaching.com/.
Padre Pio Prayer referenced:
“Live simply. Eat simply. Love one another simply. Do not complicate matters unnecessarily. How do you live simply? You remove activities that are not necessary or that pull you away from duty. Consider your duty. Then move through each day and try to serve only that duty. Have order in your life and in the life of your family. There should be a rhythm to each day that does not change.
Rise at the same time. Retire at the same time in the evening. Pray at the same time. This creates an environment in which you are free to consider God. Do not think, my friends, that you live in a world where the need for simplicity has disappeared. There should be calm and if there is not calm in your life, change your life and keep changing it until you feel calm.”
Have you ever read a quote or story at just the right time? The type of writing that just speaks to what you’re walking through at that very moment?
That’s how I felt when I read Constance Hull’s article, “How Our Worldly Failures Lead Us to Grow in Hope” last year.
I had been praying for an increase in the virtue of hope and struggling with some recent disappointment. Reading Constance’s words was a gentle, yet firm, reminder on how to tackle life’s disappointments like the saints.
This episode is for you if you’re walking through a season of changes, sickness, loneliness, or if things aren’t going the way you planned.
By the end you’ll be encouraged and reorientated to the true source of all our hope.
Some helpful resources that Constance references are:-
- Litany of Humility: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/litany-of-humility-245-
- Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter Spe Salvi on Hope: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi.html
You can also watch this episode on YouTube.
Be sure to share with a friend. I pray you have a blessed Good Friday and Easter!
To read more of Constance's writing, visit https://catholicexchange.com/author/constancehull/.
To connect with Valentina, visit www.fiatcareercoaching.com.
What was the last beautiful thing you saw? Was it the morning light as it danced across your windowpane? The face of your child or your beloved? Or the steam rising from your coffee as you reached for your favorite mug? Hold that memory for a second.
Did you know that deep down, at the essence of that very thing, is God? Bear with me for a moment.
The very depth of all things that are good, true and beautiful is God. He is Beauty. If you don’t believe me, then take a listen to today’s episode.
During Holy Week in 1962, Saint John Paul II, then Karol Wojtyla, delivered a retreat to a group of artists about the beauty of God, the ache of artists, the importance of prayer, and the Eucharist.
Originally published in Polish, this retreat was recently discovered by Dr. Christopher West, from the Theology of the Body Institute (TOBI) and translated to English. The result is the book, “God is Beauty: A Retreat on the Gospel and Art,” which contains Wojtyla’s exquisite retreat, as well as rich reflections by various artists and theologians on Wojtyla’s major themes.
Today’s guest is Bill Donaghy, Senior Lecturer and Content Specialist for the Theology of the Body Institute, and one of the authors of the book. In our conversation today we discuss:
- How God uses beauty to draw us upwards to Himself
- Why beauty is so important and how it will save the world
- How we are God’s poetry (and what to do if we don’t feel that we are)
- How to connect with God when you feel distant
I think you will thoroughly enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Reading this book changed my view for the better on who God is, who I am, and how I’m meant to view those around me. I highly recommend it, whether you think you’re an artist or not.
As Saint John Paul II said, “Not all are called to be artists in the specific sense of the term. Yet, as Genesis has it, all men and women are entrusted with the task of crafting their own life … to make of it a work of art."
Additionally, the TOBI is also offering a discount to all listeners for this book. Use the code BEAUTY during checkout to get 20% off one or more copies of God Is Beauty from their store.
To learn more about the Theology of the Body Institute visit: https://tobinstitute.org/about-the-institute/team-advisors/.
To purchase the book visit: https://shop.corproject.com/collections/books/products/god-is-beauty-a-retreat-on-the-gospel-art.
To connect with Valentina, visit: www.fiatcareercoaching.com.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, I have a very special episode for you. Whether you’re single and desiring marriage, recently engaged or have been married for 15 years, today’s episode is for you. I’m joined by Dana Nygaard a Catholic Licensed Professional Counselor, speaker, and author of the book, “365 Dates to Renew Your Christian Marriage: Increasing Your Emotional Intimacy One Question at a Time.”I stumbled upon Dana’s book last Fall, and my husband and I began using it on our date nights and it has greatly enriched our conversations. I knew I had to connect with Dana to learn more about her, and I’m so glad I did. Dana is absolutely delightful with a wonderful sense of humor, and it was an absolute joy speaking with her! In this episode, we discuss:- What is marriage? (Spoiler: It’s not just two people who love each other and want to be together forever.)- How to communicate during conflict (because there will be conflict).- Strategies to make your marriage stronger.- How to stay in love with your spouse.- What to do if your spouse isn’t interested in working on the marriage. To learn more about Dana, visit https://www.dananygaard.com/. You can purchase her book, “365 Dates to Renew Your Christian Marriage: Increasing Your Emotional Intimacy One Question at a Time” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dana-Nygaard/author/B09D5ZGL6J?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true. To connect with Valentina, visit https://fiatcareercoaching.com/. You can also listen to today's episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Be sure to share with a friend, or two or three.
Today’s my birthday and in gratitude for another year around the sun, I want to share this special episode with you.
I had the honor of speaking with Maria Vadia, an evangelist and founder of The Glory of God Foundation and was blown away. I know I say that about each guest but listening to Maria felt like walking on the road to Emmaus next to Jesus.
Maria is from Cuba and her and her family fled to Miami to escape the Communist regime when she was 10 years old. She is passionate about scripture and speaks with such conviction that my heart was stirring throughout. As I listened to her, I realized how often I have misused a great gift I’ve been given - my tongue.
The words we say about ourselves and to others matters. We have the power to build up or to tear down, and both have eternal consequences.
This episode is for you:
- If you’re tired of the negative thoughts swirling around your head and you want to break any word curses spoken against you.
- If you want to learn how to speak blessings on yourself, your children and those around you.
- If you want to know how praise and worship can lead to radical healing and breakthrough in your life.
At the end of the episode, Maria shares a couple words of knowledge for certain people listening or watching who have certain illnesses that God wants to heal. If what she says applies to you and you receive healing, please email me so we can give God thanks for your healing!
To learn more about Maria, visit www.thegloryofgodfoundation.org.
To connect with Valentina, visit www.fiatcareercoaching.com.
There are certain conversations I know I will remember for the rest of my life. This podcast episode is one of them.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Dan Burke, the President of the Avila Institute, about his new book, “Finding Peace in the Storm: Reflections on St. Alphonsus Liguori’s Uniformity with God’s Will”.
Dan and I first spoke last year about how to live an abundant life, and it was great to have him back on the show. His new book is a page-by-page reflection on a treatise first written by St. Alphonsus Liguori, an 18th century bishop and moral theologian in 1755.
Our conversation had a profound effect on me for two reasons: Dan’s vulnerability and the topic of God’s will. As you will learn from this episode, Dan lives with a life-threatening illness, and his growth and acceptance of God’s will in and through it is remarkable.
Secondly, like most people, I hate suffering. It’s easy for me to accept God’s will when things are going well. However, my inclination is to throw an internal temper tantrum when difficult things happen and to wonder if God has abandoned me.
Reading this book has changed that pattern. I am learning to see how suffering can be for my goodand God’s glory,and how seeking God’s will in all things is my fast track to heaven.
Dan said it best- “There will be a day that the things that used to ‘wreck’ you will instead propel you to heaven.”
If you would like that to be your perspective, take a listen to this episode.
To purchase Dan's book, visit Finding Peace in the Storm - Sophia Institute Press.
To connect with Valentina, visit fiatcareercoaching.com.
What was the last good book you read? The kind of book that you couldn’t put down and you gave a satisfying sigh when you were done?
If it has been a while since you’ve read good literature that tickled your imagination and inspired you to reflect on the good, true, and beautiful, then this episode is for you.
I’m joined by Marcie Stokman, Founder and President of the international movement and book club, Well-Read Mom. Marcie, a nurse practitioner by trade with a focus in mental health, started this 501(c)(3) out of a desire to combat the loneliness she experienced as a new mom and to find a meaningful way to connect with other women on a deeper level through reading good literature.
Fast forward 12 years, and Well-Read Mom has expanded to groups all over the world, fostering friendships and encouraging women to grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally through deepened thought and conversation.
In today’s episode Marcie and I talk about:
- How to combat the loneliness many new moms face
- What it means to “read well” and the impact that has on a home and the culture as a whole
- Why we have to be relentless about eliminating the things that don’t nourish our hearts
- Why self-care is not selfish but essential
I hope you’ll join us and also pick up a good book soon.
To join a Well-Read Mom group, visit www.wellreadmom.com. To connect with Valentina, visit www.fiatcareercoaching.com.
Have you ever had a plan and then watch things go in a completely different direction?
That’s how I felt with today’s interview. Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers and I had planned to talk about discernment (which we did), and the next thing we knew, the Holy Spirit led us in a different and richer direction.
We covered topics such as identity and how to stay rooted and grounded in who you are, how to build a solid marriage and raise well-adjusted children, and also race and his upcoming book, “Building a Civilization of Love: A Catholic Response to Racism.”
I had so much fun speaking with Deacon Harold and felt like I was talking to my big brother in the faith. For those who don’t know who he is, Deacon Harold is a national and international speaker, an award-winning author of 6 books, with a varied professional career in law enforcement and television.
He is affectionately known as the “Dynamic Deacon” and after watching this episode you’ll see why!
To learn more about Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, visit https://deaconharold.com/.
To connect with Valentina, visit https://fiatcareercoaching.com/.
ps. I will begin maternity leave June 16th, 2023, and communication will be limited over the summer. Feel free to read past blog posts or watch past podcast episodes to stay connected with all things Fiat. Also, if you haven't already done so, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter on my website so you can stay in the loop of new content.
I feel incredibly blessed to know so many amazing people. One such person is Katie Patrick who lives in my favorite town of Lincoln, Nebraska (yes I’m biased).
Katie is the Executive Director of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, and the Founder of Totonga Bomoi, a non-profit educating artisans and entrepreneurs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
She is an exceptional leader and was recently awarded the “Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year,” due to her outstanding contribution to the Lincoln community. Katie is also a wife, a mother of twin girls and one of the calmest women I know.
I wanted to interview Katie as she is an excellent example of someone who is living out of their charisms. She inspires me and so many others to step out in faith and use the gifts we’ve been given.
I believe you will truly be inspired to give your own “yes” to the world and bless those around you after listening to Katie’s story.
To learn more about Totonga Bomoi, visit https://www.totongabomoi.com/. To learn more about Catholic Social Services, visit https://csshope.org/.
To connect with Valentina, visit www.fiatcareercoaching.com.
We each yearn to be seen, loved and accepted. We value when others acknowledge our strengths, our contributions, and even our presence. That desire to be loved and received as we are, is stamped in our DNA.
Can I propose that God wants to meet that desire for intimacy and fill you to the brim with His love?
If that has not been your experience and if instead you experience God as distant and disinterested, I invite you to take a listen to today’s episode.
I’m joined by Fr. Boniface Hicks, a Benedictine monk and the Director of Spiritual Formation at Saint Vincent Seminary.
I first learned of Fr. Hicks through my classes with Encounter Ministries and through a book he co-authored titled, “Personal Prayer: A Guide for Receiving the Father’s Love.” It started as an optional reading assignment that I wasn’t planning to read (I’ve read a lot of books on prayer and couldn’t imagine how this could be anything new- prideful I know!), to being a book I couldn’t put down and now recommend to everyone!
In our conversation, we talk about how:
- Prayer is both human and relational
- God is vulnerable with us and how our vulnerability with him begets true intimacy
- Praying with scripture and immersing ourselves in the Gospel stories will lead us to the intimacy we desire
- To lean into the silence of prayer and not “freak out” by what bubbles up within us or when we don’t seem to perceive anything from God
It was a true joy to speak with Fr. Boniface and I know you will be encouraged through our conversation.
To learn more about Fr. Hicks, visit www.fatherboniface.org.
To connect with Valentina, visit www.fiatcareercoaching.com.
Have you ever wanted to be a writer?
I remember being a child and sitting on our back step, scribbling reflections and stories on mini notepads as I overlooked our neighbors’ yards. Writing was a gateway to another world and a way to make sense of the jumbled thoughts in my head.
Fast forward several years, and I am still enamored by the art of writing and crafting a good story.
This is why I was thrilled to interview today’s guest, Claire Dwyer. She is a best-selling author of the book, “This Present Paradise: A Spiritual Journey with St. Elizabeth of the Trinity,” the Marketing Manager of the Avila Foundation, and co-founder of PraiseWriters, a new writing community for Catholic writers.
In our conversation, we talk about:
- Her journey to becoming the writer she is today
- How to be patient in the waiting, as we become who we are and wait for ‘good fruit’ to produce within us
- Why the world and the Church needs our stories
- How we become more like God when we create
- Practical ways to overcoming writer’s block
I was so inspired to write after speaking with Claire and I know you will be too!
To learn more about Claire's writing community, visit www.writethesewords.com.
To connect with Valentina, visit fiatcareercoaching.com.
In AD 516, the Rule of Saint Benedict was written by St. Benedict of Nursia. This book of precepts details how monks living communally should live their lives in virtue and with order. What is shocking is this same rule is still being used in Benedictine communities today, 15 centuries later.
Why does a book of “rules” carry so much appeal?
Could it be that at the core, we all crave structure and stability? That knowing our boundaries and living with intentionality can actually lead to greater freedom and growth?
My guest today is Amber Ezeani. Amber is a wife, mom to five children and a business owner whose life illustrates this concept well. Several years ago, her and her husband embarked on a journey to live life with greater intentionality and order.
After much research and trial and error, they now operate under a rule of life, individually and as a family. This means they have a daily and weekly schedule they aim to live by, and monthly and yearly goals they plan around.
However, the goal is not to just have a streamlined life schedule, but instead to orient their entire lives around the love of God and neighbor and to live out their purpose.
I encourage you to listen to today’s episode if you desire:
- Tangible tools that will help you be more proactive versus reactive in your day.
- To live life more intentionally.
- To know and accomplish the mission you believe you were put on this earth to do.
I was so inspired after speaking with Amber and I know you will be too!
To learn more about Amber's ministry, visit amberezeani.com.
To connect with Valentina, visit fiatcareercoaching.com.
What does God’s voice sound like? Does He still speak today? What if I can’t hear Him?
These are the questions my guest, Fr. Stephen Graeve, and I discuss on today’s episode. Fr. Graeve is a priest in a country parish in Nebraska and someone I have known since I was a wee lass in high school.
He is wise, hilarious, and the kind of priest that inspires you to live an authentic life in Christ.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Fr. Graeve’s journey to becoming a priest
- The different ways God speaks (ex. visual, auditory, sensing, knowing)
- How to discern if it’s God’s voice, our own, or the enemy speaking
- What to do if you feel like you can’t hear God’s voice
- The importance of vulnerability in prayer
Get ready to laugh and smile throughout this episode.
Some of the resources we talk about on this episode are:
- Encounter School of Ministry
- “Personal Prayer: A Guide for Receiving the Father's Love,” by Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB & Fr. Thomas Acklin, OSB
You can also enjoy today’s episode on YouTube.
Lastly, today is the final dayto register for my upcoming Called & Gifted Workshop. Sign up today!
Diane Reiber is an artist and author residing in Lincoln, Nebraska whose paintings immediately took my breath away the first time I saw them.
I have always been fascinated by artists. Their freedom with medium such as oil and watercolor that seem to transcend space and reality has always inspired me.
However, unlike other artists whose paintings leave you merely appreciating the subject at hand, Diane’s paintings draw you upward and outwards towards God.
If you have ever desired to be an artist or are curious about how art can heal, take a listen to today’s conversation.
You can find copies of Diane’s work on her website or take a peek into her studio through Instagram.
To connect with Valentina, visit fiatcareercoaching.com.
In honor of American Thanksgiving this week, I wanted to share my 10 things with you, regarding this business- Fiat Career Coaching, that God gifted me with almost 3 years ago. These are the 10 things I am grateful for over the last year, in no particular order.
What are your 10 things for a specific area of your life? I would love to hear it. Please send me a message at valentina@fiatcareercoaching.com to let me know.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
If you have ever felt discouraged in your spiritual life or feel like you fall into the same patterns of behavior and don’t know how to get out of them, today’s episode is for you!
I’m so excited to share with you my conversation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V., on the 14 Rules of the Discernment of Spirits by St. Ignatius of Loyola. If you’re not familiar with the rules, think of them as the coach’s game plan in a football game.
Now bear with me, as I’m not a football expert, but imagine yourself huddled around with your team learning strategies on how to overcome the assaults of your enemy… err I mean the opposing team. That is what these 14 rules are. They are a tried-and-true method, backed by the lived experiences of millions of people over centuries.
So, if you’re tired of getting beaten in the game and you want to actually take a stand and be on the offense, then pour yourself your favorite morning beverage and have a listen.
In today’s episode Fr. Gallagher shares about:
- How to discern the movements of the good spirits versus the bad spirits
- The difference between consolation and desolation and what to do when we experience them
- Which 3 out of the 14 rules he has seen have the greatest impact on others
- How to climb out of spiritual discouragement
- How to confidently prepare for future desolation
You’re going to love this episode!
To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit:
- Fr. Gallagher's website: https://www.frtimothygallagher.org
- The 14 Rules for the Discernment of Spirits on the Discerning Hearts website
- Podcast episodes with Fr. Gallagher describing each rule in detail on the Discerning Hearts website
To connect with Valentina, visit fiatcareercoaching.com.
“Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today.”- Jordan B. Peterson, Canadian Clinical Psychologist
The following story had a tremendous impact on me when I first heard it several years ago and helped change the trajectory of my life. I hope it blesses you too.
To connect with Valentina, visit fiatcareercoaching.com.
Have you ever thought about running your own business?
If the idea of pursuing your passion or being your own boss has ever crossed your mind, I encourage you to listen to my interview with Shana Martin, Chief Cat Officer of Club Cat, the first luxury cat boarding hotel in Orange County.
I first met Shana over 10 years ago while living in California and was immediately struck by her vivaciousness and tenacity. She launched Club Cat in 2019 and has built a thriving business blessing felines and those that love them. (And yes, cats are better than dogs.)
In today’s episode Shana shares about:
- How she left an unfulfilling career and founded Club Cat
- Why knowing yourself and understanding your gifts is critical
- The power of relationships and why having a strong network is essential
- How to overcome discouragement or opposition as an entrepreneur
- Discerning God’s will for your business
You’re going to love this episode! Be sure to share with a friend and “Subscribe” to this podcast so you never miss an episode.
To learn more about Club Cat, visit clubcatusa.com.
To connect with Valentina, visit fiatcareercoaching.com.
As we celebrate Labor Day here in the United States, today the Catholic Church also recognizes Mother Teresa of Calcutta, a woman who labored and loved well.
Born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Macedonia, she left home at the age of 18 to join the Sisters of Loreto in Rathfarnham, Ireland. After a year there learning English, she was transferred to Darjeeling, India where she took her vows in 1931 and choose the name Teresa.
Fifteen years later on a train ride to a retreat, she heard Christ calling her to a new mission to serve the poorest of the poor. After two years of preparation, she left her order and began the journey to becoming the woman that impacted the world by her faithful “yes” to God.
I highly recommend the movie, “Mother Teresa” on Amazon Prime, for more information about her life.
There is a quote I recently read from her that particularly touched me:
“At the moment of death, we will not be judged according to the number of good deeds we have done or the diplomas we have received in our lifetime. We will be judged according to the love we have put into our work.” - Mother Teresa
These are incredible words from a woman who did many good deeds and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
On this 25th anniversary of her death, I want to leave you with a recording I made of an excerpt of her letter to her spiritual family on March 25, 1993, in Varanasi.
In her letter she reminds us why love should be our aim.
May God bless you and your family with peace and rest on this Labor Day.
With love,
Valentina
“For when we say ‘Yes’ to God, we change the world”!
Some of the thoughts in your head aren’t yours and you shouldn’t listen to them.
When was the last time you paid attention to the thoughts in your head? We tend to accept every thought, positive or negative as coming from us, however that is not the case, according to today’s guest, Dan Burke.
Oftentimes these negative thoughts are seeded by the enemy of our souls, seeking to discourage us and pull us away from the abundant life we are created for.
Dan is an author of over 15 books on authentic Catholic spirituality, the founder and President of the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation, Apostoli Viae, and co-host of the Divine Intimacy Radio Show on EWTN Radio.
In today’s episode he shares about:
Marriage- How your spouse is your cross (in a good way*)
*Mental Prayer- What is it and how to do it
*What to do if you don’t know how to pray
How to fight in the spiritual battle (we’re all in a battle*)
For additional resources, visit spiritualdirection.com, avila-institute.org, and apostoliviae.org.
To connect with Valentina, visit fiatcareercoaching.com.
You are unstoppable. You have a unique role to play in your sphere of influence and the world needs you.
If you don’t believe me and instead feel bogged down by self-doubt and anxiety, remember this- “The enemy works hard on women because he’s afraid of women.”
These powerful words come from today’s guest, Sarah Kaczmarek, the Pastoral Director of Encounter Ministries. Sarah reminds us that we are unstoppable when we live out of our identity as beloved daughters of God.
In today’s episode Sarah shares about:
- Encounter Ministries and how she became involved with it
- How to hear God’s voice and why that matters
- How to move past disappointment into joy
- Why having positive female relationships in your life is your key to growth
To learn more about Encounter Ministries, visit encounterministries.us.
To connect with Valentina, visit fiatcareercoaching.com.
Are you getting enough sleep? Do you find yourself prioritizing other things above rest, either by choice or by circumstance?
A good night’s sleep is the greatest gift we can give ourselves and others, according to Dr. Carleara Weiss, Ph.D, MS, RN. Dr. Weiss is a clinician-scientist at the University at Buffalo and has over fifteen years of experience as an Adult-Geriatric Nurse Specialist, focusing on Behavioral Sleep Medicine and Circadian Rhythms.
She is originally from Brazil and is our guest today in this 2-part series on rest.
In today’s episode, we talk about:
- Her unique journey to this field of study
- How to improve your sleep if you are a busy mom or work the night shift
- Why houseplants are truly the gift that keeps giving (yay!)
- The long-term positive effects of getting enough sleep today
Watch today’s episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Be sure to share with a friend!
Also, be sure to subscribe to this podcast so you never miss an episode.
To connect with Dr. Weiss, follow her @dr.weiss.sleepeducation on Instagram.
To connect with Valentina, visit fiatcareercoaching.com.
Did you know there are 7 types of rest? According to physician and work-life integration researcher, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, most people lack rest in one or more of these 7 areas: physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, social, sensory, and creative.
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is the author of “Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity”.In today’s episode, she explains why you may still feel exhausted after 8 hours of sleep or often totter on the verge of burn-out.
By knowing which of your ‘buckets’ are low, you will be able to focus your energy on replenishing the right ones. With full buckets, you will be able to bring your best self to your work and to those around you.
This is part 1 of a 2-part series on rest. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast to catch next month’s episode on the secret to sleeping better.
To learn more about Dr. Dalton-Smith, visit www.drdaltonsmith.com. To take the Rest quiz, visit restquiz.com.
To connect with Valentina, visit, fiatcareercoaching.com.
Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Lawrence Hicks, a retired Air Force Colonel & Executive Pastor of Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas.
Lawrence has a wealth of leadership experience and shared advice from his 25 years of military service on how to become more resilient and how to motivate your people. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Lawrence and I know you will too.
What if I told you that your worth isn’t in your job or marital status? What if I told you that you, as you are, right now, is enough. Would you believe me?
That no amount of striving, or posturing is going to make you any more loveable, valuable and worthy of respect. You are already all of those things.
Today, I’m joined by a woman I’ve gotten to know through a class I facilitate through Encounter Ministries. Jill Simons is an articulate and vibrant mother of four, who is the Founder and Creative Director of an online and brick and mortar store called Pink Salt Riot in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
As an entrepreneur who has built a successful business, she knows firsthand the temptation to “hustle for your worth”, even with God.
This episode is for you if you’ve ever considered starting your own business or if you want to be refreshed in your true identity as a beloved son and daughter of God.
To learn more about Pink Salt Riot, visit pinksaltriot.com.
To connect with Valentina, visit fiatcareercoaching.com.
How is your joy bucket today? With all the saddening news in the world and our own personal struggles, it can be hard to maintain joy.
Today, we’re joined by Karen Dwyer, Ph.D., an award-winning speaker, author, podcaster, and Professor Emeritus of Communications at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, on how to create a joy-filled life. Karen’s mission is to help people find joy and fight fear using God’s Word.
Join us as Karen shares tips on how to have more joy and also how to improve your public speaking skills, tapping into her 25 years of teaching experience.
To learn more about Karen, visit wrapyourselfinjoy.com.
To connect with Valentina, visit fiatcareercoaching.com.
It is not every day you get to meet someone you’ve admired from afar, in person (or via Zoom). I first heard Barbara Heil speak at a women’s conference in New Orleans three years ago and I was blown away. She is a woman who speaks with authority and compassion and has the experience to back it up.
For over 30 years she served as a Pastor and ministered all over the world, from Hong Kong to Jerusalem before becoming Catholic in 2013. She now leads conferences, retreats, and worship seminars all around the U.S. and the world and has seen thousands healed and set free inside and out.
Today we’ll be talking about trust, and how to grow in it. I will be the first to raise my hand to say I often struggle with trusting God, especially in the waiting or the uncertainty. If you can relate, then I encourage you to listen to our conversation.
To learn more about Barbara, visit www.fromhisheart.com.
To connect with Valentina, visit fiatcareercoaching.com.
“The body remembers what the mind forgets.” This is a phrase that I first heard our guest today share almost a year ago that I have never forgotten.
As a product of being human, we all experience pain and suffering, some of which we hope to forget or ignore yet find that it creeps up in unexpected moments. If you’ve ever found yourself activated or triggered by a statement someone has said, reliving a particular memory or injury, or seemingly ‘stuck’ in certain patterns of behavior, then I invite you to listen to this episode.
Our guest today is a woman I wish everyone had the pleasure of meeting at some point in their life. Her understanding of the human mind and heart and her ability to explain complex topics in relatable terms is a true gift.
Janet Constantine, LMHC, CET II, DAPA is a Psychotherapist in Jacksonville, Florida and is a minister of restoration. She helps her clients find freedom from addiction, trauma, co-dependency, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem to name a few. For clients who ask for prayer she facilitates an encounter with God and has seen miraculous things happen.
In this episode, she explains what happens to our brain when we experience painful events, and practical tips on how to move forward for freedom and wholeness.
To learn more about Janet, visit janetconstantine.com.
To connect with Valentina, visit fiatcareercoaching.com.
Have you ever felt unsure about your calling in life? Does your mind turn up blank when you try to think of things that you’re good at or that give you joy? If so, then tune in to today’s episode on “Discovering Your Personal Vocation”.
This week I am joined by Joshua Miller, PhD who is the Executive Director of Inscape, an organization dedicated to cultivating the unique calling of every person. He is a leader in the field of narrative based motivational assessment and is also the Director of Coaching & Programming at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he currently serves as a vocation coach and trainer for students, staff and faculty.
To learn more about the Inscape Center for Personal Vocation visit www.inscapecenter.org.
To connect with Valentina, visit fiatcareercoaching.com.
This week I’m joined by Bruno Ferrari, a Director at OptimalWork, a company using cognitive-behavior therapy and neuroscience to help individuals increase their productivity and effectiveness at work.
In this episode, Bruno shares tips on how to overcome distraction (oh look a squirrel!) and procrastination, and the power of setting a clear intention before you begin working.
To learn more about OptimalWork, visit https://www.optimalwork.com/.
To connect with Valentina, contact her at fiatcareercoaching.com.
Are you currently a people leader or aspire to be one? If so, this episode is for you.
I’m joined by Jon Harrison, a Leadership Trainer and Executive Coach who is a former Executive of Caterpillar, Inc., a Fortune 100 company. Jon revitalized manufacturing plants across the world and was known for his ability to get various groups of people under the same goal to achieve remarkable results.
In this episode, Jon walks us through the VIP Way of leadership (being values driven, informing your employees through training and fueling passion). He also explains why setting clear expectations from the very beginning aids in the process.
I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Jon and throwing him some curveball questions like, “What do you do if you’re recently promoted and are now managing your peers?” and “What do you do if you’re a star employee but have a terrible boss?”
Check out his answers to these and other questions by listening to this episode.
To connect with Jon, visit jonharrisonvip.com.
To connect with Valentina, visit fiatcareercoaching.com.
When was the last time someone told you ‘no’? Whether ‘no’ to a job you applied to, or ‘no’ to a relationship you thought was going to go somewhere but ended? What do you do when that ‘no’ comes from God?
Do we rush into believing He doesn’t care, or do we begin to doubt His existence? It’s a tender place to be, as we wrestle with His goodness in the midst of our disappointment and suffering.
If you find yourself in this situation, I encourage you to take a listen to my conversation with Meg Hunter-Kilmer. Meg is a Catholic speaker, author and missionary. She’s been living out of her car for the last 10 years and travels all over the US and the world speaking about Jesus. In this episode she shares how she’s dealt with the disappointments she’s faced and the unexpected fruits in her journey.
I was left inspired by our conversation and encouraged by the God who sits with us in our suffering, even as He doesn’t take it away.
We all experience moments of anxiety, fear and confusion, however it doesn't have to end there. What if I told you that text written over 2,000 years ago has relevance for your life and the particular situation you're in today?
Are you joyful? Well, there's a Psalm for you. Are you lost? Well, there's a Proverb for you. Are you in need of comfort and healing? There's an encounter with the One who loves you, waiting to happen.
So, grab a cup of coffee and join Vern and I as we unpack how the Bible is still relevant today. To learn more about the Emmaus Institute for Biblical Studies click here: https://www.emmausinstitute.net/.
To connect with Valentina click here: fiatcareercoaching.com.
Do you know that you were created and baptized with unique and supernatural gifts? These free gifts from God, also called charisms, allow you to accomplish things with a level of greatness and in such a way that only you can do! The world needs you to operate in your charisms!
Click "play" to learn about some of the documented charisms and how you can discover yours!
For more information on the Catherine of Siena Institute visit: https://siena.org/
For information on the Called & Gifted Inventory visit: https://siena.org/called-gifted-step-one
To connect with Valentina visit: https://fiatcareercoaching.com/
What is the purpose of work? Why do we need to work? Are we better off sipping mojitos on a beach every day instead of laboring somewhere?
If you've ever wondered whether your work has meaning, look no further. In this episode, Mike shares with us how we actually image God through our work, big or small.
Mike Aquilina is an award-winning author of more than 50 books. His works have been translated into many languages and he has hosted eleven television series and several documentary films.
To read his article referenced in this video visit: St. Joseph the Worker and the value of labor | Angelus News
If you're feeling "stuck" in your career and want to find more fulfilling work, connect with Valentina at fiatcareercoaching.com.
Are you disappointed with a certain area of your life? Are you uncertain as to where to go next or if things will ever improve in your relationships or with your career? Well, tune in, because God has a promise for you today.
Welcome to my channel! I'm so glad you're here. Each episode is designed to draw you closer to discovering your calling and stepping out into your unique giftings!