Serving it HOT - SoundSage

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This week, I'm wrapping up season 9 (!) by sharing my conversation with Isha Vela. In their work as a trauma psychologist and embodied leadership coach (among other things), Isha offers sovereign business coaching to revolutionaries and witchy disruptors. Their centering passions are intimacy and embodiment from a systemic, social justice lens.

They also felt like the perfect person to cap off this season of the podcast. Together, we chatted all about:

Their internal evolution from mother phase to crone phase
The shift (both personally and collectively) from doing to being
Leaders as transformation agents
Why they love being alive right now

"Yeah, sometimes the burdens that you have to carry and work through, that's your leadership! You don't have to like it. You can kick and scream about it. But maybe that's what needs to happen for you to turn it into medicine."

Isha, thank you so much for everything you shared on the show this week! For my listeners who want to learn more about Isha, I encourage you to check out their website: https://www.ishavela.com as well as their current offers: https://linktr.ee/IshaV

I hope you enjoyed listening to this season as much as I enjoyed creating it. I'll be back with a new season a little later this year, but in the meantime, my digital door is open! You can get in touch via my website, https://www.lisakuzman.com/, or check out my full list of services here: bit.ly/LKC-Services

If social media is more your jam, here’s where to find me:

Instagram - @leadership_coach_lisa
FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/leadershipcoachlisa/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-kuzman/

Thank you, as always, for tuning in.

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This week, I want to spend some time discussing a concept that sounds simple on the surface, but is actually pretty complex: setting yourself up for success.

I'm specifically going to address this from a leadership perspective, because that comes with its own unique challenges. Setting yourself up for success can be tough to sequence when:

You are holding other people accountable
You're responsible for team outcomes, metrics, and deliverables
You have to consider the bigger picture of an organization — or, for my entrepreneurs out there, you are the one who holds the vision of your business
You're in that "in-between" position (think middle management)

This concept has been on my mind for a while, and I've been noticing how I implement it in my own life — especially when I've hit the bottom of my "tank" of motivation. So let's talk about setting ourselves up for success, and utilizing self-knowledge as we do it.

Is there anything I've covered today (or this season) that you'd like me to cover in more detail? I'm all ears! You can get in touch via my website, https://www.lisakuzman.com/, or check out my full list of services here: bit.ly/LKC-Services

If social media is more your jam, here’s where to find me:

Instagram - @leadership_coach_lisa
FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/leadershipcoachlisa/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-kuzman/

See you next week!

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I hope you're all ready for a deep one today, because I've really been looking forward to sharing this conversation with all of you. On this week's episode, I spoke with Anuradha Kowtha. Anuradha runs the Kowtha Constellation, where they help small business owners build ethical, accessible, and inclusive practices into their systems, all with the goal of sustainable growth.

I truly appreciated Anuradha's deep, thoughtful, and nuanced perspectives while we talked about:

Nourishing the places we've neglected, and honing our foundations
Planning for the "tides" in business
Not allowing shame to define us
Recognizing the difference between knowing something intellectually, and processing it emotionally
The interconnected nature of grieving, both internally and communally

(and that really only scratches the surface)

"I know it seems silly to say, in our society as it is now, I'm going to stop and cry and that's going to fix anything. It's daunting. But [...] it would be wonderful if we could incorporate a grief practice, even if it's just a small practice, in our day to day or month to month routine. Before we plan, before we build a foundation, before we decide what sort of edits, we also decide, I'm going to spend time with the feelings, too."

Anuradha, thank you again for spending time with me on the show and sharing your stories and insights with our listeners. If you'd like to find out more about Anuradha and their work, you can find them on Twitter and LinkedIn as AnuradhaKowtha, and on Instagram and FB as thekowthaconstellation.

Also be sure to visit The Kowtha Constellation: https://www.thekowthaconstellation.com

Want some company as you're spending time with your feelings? My digital door is open. You can get in touch via my website, https://www.lisakuzman.com/, or check out my full list of services here: bit.ly/LKC-Services

If social media is more your jam, here’s where to find me:

Instagram - @leadership_coach_lisa
FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/leadershipcoachlisa/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-kuzman/

See you next week!

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I have always loved the word "catalyst." To me, it refers to events or situations — like a move to a new city, a shift in physical or mental health, or changes at our jobs, for example — that can stir stuff up.

Catalytic events often feel disruptive or confusing, and we might have trouble adjusting to the changes that come in their wake. But these events are also a huge opportunity to:

Re-evaluate self love
Think about self care
Take our power back
Renegotiate standards and boundaries
Strengthen and expand our tools

Some of us might instinctively resist change, and I get it! But if that's where you find yourself, this episode is for you. Catalytic events are an opportunity for expansion and a powerful inspiration for positive change.

Allow this to change you.

Got questions? Looking for support? I'm all ears! You can get in touch via my website, https://www.lisakuzman.com/, or check out my full list of services here: bit.ly/LKC-Services

If social media is more your jam, here’s where to find me:

Instagram - @leadership_coach_lisa
FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/leadershipcoachlisa/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-kuzman/

See you next week!

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This week's guest is Shulamit Ber Levtov, the Entrepreneurs' Therapist and co-founder of the Business Therapy Centre. In an era of relentless stressors that can make you lose your sh*t on the daily, Shulamit works with women business owners to care for their mental and emotional wellbeing.

That sense of care really came through during our time together. This truly was an "alive" conversation, full of new awareness of ourselves and the world. Tune in to hear us explore ideas like:

Falling back into the arms of what is... even when it's easier to be busy than to get quiet
Navigating the tension between our life forward impulse and the arbitrary deadlines we impose on that impulse
Honoring transparency and context in close relationships — and in leadership

"I wish for the world a wave of folks who are self-connected in the best way possible. In a way that serves life in them and others, as opposed to a bunch of people in power. We have the belief that if we just get the right people in power, things will be fine, but power is the issue. That model of power is what's creating the problem, not the people in it. I'm just wishing for a wave of a different way."

Shulamit, I can't thank you enough for our deep and thoughtful conversation — because chats like these are why I started this podcast in the first place! For anyone out there listening who wants to know more about Shulamit and her work in the world, I encourage you to check out:

entrepreneurstherapist.click
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulamitberlevtov/
https://www.Instagram.com/the_entrepreneurs_therapist

As always, I'd love to hear from you, too. You can get in touch via my website, https://www.lisakuzman.com/, or check out my full list of services here: bit.ly/LKC-Services

If social media is more your jam, here’s where to find me:

Instagram - @leadership_coach_lisa
FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/leadershipcoachlisa/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-kuzman/

See you next week!

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Let me say this right off the bat: there is no correct, perfect way to move through grief.

It can be difficult to even talk about grief, because it's such a big, layered conversation with SO much nuance. How we grieve, on an individual level, involves who we are, where we come from, our beliefs, our culture, our religion, and so much more.

Grief can be scary and make us self-isolate. It's also a non-linear process that can be, honestly, inconvenient as hell! But it can also be a catalyst for massive change and transformation.

So with all that in mind, this week I want to talk about how to move through grief, and how this all relates to leadership. (hint: it has to do with how we lead ourselves)

This is a topic that's very close to my heart, and it's also integral to my Ready! certification program. So if you're in need of someone to talk to, you can get in touch via my website, https://www.lisakuzman.com/, or check out my full list of services here: bit.ly/LKC-Services

If social media is more your jam, here’s where to find me:

Instagram - @leadership_coach_lisa

FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/leadershipcoachlisa/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-kuzman/

See you next week!

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No matter what industry you're in, I'm sure you've seen the nearly endless amount of advice for taking the best selfies and making the highest performing reels (or Tiktoks, for that matter). But none of those tips are going to help if you feel awful whenever you're in front of the camera.

That's where my guest this week, Lucia Doynel, comes in! Lucia helps coaches feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera using Spiritual Psychology tools. When it comes to visibility and intuition, this is a woman who clearly walks her talk.

Our conversation went in a few directions I didn't expect, so tune in to hear about:

The intersection of leadership as it relates to intuition — and how her intuition shows up
Discerning what intuition feels like vs a trauma trigger
Prioritizing ethical behavior and consent when engaging in healing work
Viewing our jobs and hobbies as containers where we grow, heal, and learn
The importance of visibility (especially when you're resistant to it)

"People will try to do everything in their power to avoid [being seen]... Where is that coming from? Usually, if we dig into it, it's coming from a place of resistance, not from a place of allowing. And that, to me, is a tell. If you're resisting something, it's probably not your intuition. It's probably something that needs healing."

Lucia, I can't thank you enough for coming onto the show this week! I loved our conversation and I just know my listeners will, too. If you'd like to learn more about Lucia and her work in the world, check her out on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thelucias/ or her website https://luciadoynel.com/

As always, I'd love to hear from you. You can get in touch via my website, https://www.lisakuzman.com/, or check out my full list of services here: bit.ly/LKC-Services

If social media is more your jam, here’s where to find me:

Instagram - @leadership_coach_lisa
FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/leadershipcoachlisa/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-kuzman/

See you next week!

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At some point, every one of us learns firsthand that sometimes, things just don't work out the way we wanted them to. But once the dust settles, what comes next?

Well, as long time listeners of the podcast already know, for me, last year was one of those years where things just didn't go as planned. So this week, I want talk about two ideas that I've used at different points in my life: the do-over, and the free pass.

If you're loving these ideas but you're not sure how to implement them, remember that I'm always here to help! You can get in touch via my website, https://www.lisakuzman.com/, or check out my full list of services here: bit.ly/LKC-Services

If social media is more your jam, here’s where to find me:

Instagram - @leadership_coach_lisa
FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/leadershipcoachlisa/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-kuzman/

See you next week!

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My very first guest for season 9 of the New Wave Leadership podcast is none other than Marissa Loewen! While she has a corporate background in media, marketing, communications, online sales and web design, her first foray into business ownership was a thriving food service business at the age of 11. (Yes, you read that right!) These days, Marissa working with small business owners to create the rules in order to create thriving, resilient, prosperous businesses that fuel the business owner.

We had a spirited conversation to kick off the season in style. Tune in to hear all about:

Leading yourself first, because leadership is more than just decision making
Having time for yourself, when you're building up those around you
Removing the shame and judgment around making mistakes
Her biggest goal and wish in life (and why it ISN'T perfection)
Seeing others as whole people, so that we can see ourselves as whole people

"If bad stuff happens, I know that I've got the community, the support network, the skills, the tools, in order to go an be in it. Face it, conquer it, do whatever I need to do, but get through it. [...] You can have all the tools, you can have all the systems, but you need the people. I need it, as much as I'm an introvert, as much as I'm shy. I know that I need people. And if I've got that, I think I'm golden."

Marissa, thank you so much for coming onto the show today! For anyone listening who wants more from Marissa, you can find more about her at www.createtherules.com and instagram.com/createtherules.

As always, I'd love to hear from you. You can get in touch via my website, https://www.lisakuzman.com/, or check out my full list of services here: bit.ly/LKC-Services

If social media is more your jam, here’s where to find me:

Instagram - @leadership_coach_lisa
FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/leadershipcoachlisa/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-kuzman/

See you next week!

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Welcome to 2023 and season NINE of the New Wave Leadership podcast! True to form, I'm continuing my trend of changing things up & keeping it interesting.

For the first time, I'm in the position where I can give you a roadmap of where we'll be going over the course of this season. So I want to kick off season 9 by giving you that overview, including who you're going to hear from over the next few weeks, and what some of the topics are going to be.

But that's not all! I also want to let you know a little bit about my upcoming free virtual retreat day on January 20th.

This evert is for you if:

The idea of annual planning leaves you feeling burnt out
You want to run your life, team, and/or business differently this year
You're in search of a plan that doesn't feel like an assignment

Registration does close the day this episode goes live, but you can get more details and sign up here:

https://lisa-kuzman-coaching.mykajabi.com/leadership-coalition

As always, I encourage you to reach out to me — whether privately or publicly — if you have questions, topics you'd like me to expand on, or just any feedback about the podcast at all! Connecting with my audience is important to me, so I would love to hear from you.

Get in touch via my website, https://www.lisakuzman.com/, or check out my full list of services here: bit.ly/LKC-Services

If social media is more your jam, here’s where to find me:

Instagram: @leadership_coach_lisa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leadershipcoachlisa/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-kuzman/

See you next week!

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I'm going to finish out season 8 with a bit of a throwback to season 1, when I was in the hot seat with my amazing friend, Jill Farmer. (I hope all my newer listeners will check that out here: https://www.lisakuzman.com/podcast-archive/episode-20-staying-authentic-when-sht-gets-real-my-turn-in-the-hot-seat)

After the way this year has gone for me, it felt like the perfect time to revisit the concept — and Jill is even back for round 2!

First, a quick refresh on Jill: she's a master certified time and stress management coach, as well as the author of the bestselling There's Not Enough Time... and Other Lies We Tell Ourselves. You may know her from pieces she's had published in The Washington Post or Inc. Magazine (among others!) or the podcast she co-hosts, "DocWorking: The Whole Physician Podcast.”

On this episode, Jill and I really drill down into the theme of "it's okay to not be okay" and the process of applying this to my life. We'll talk about:

What happens when all the coping mechanisms you've curated over years, if not decades, just... stop working
Why aren't we as kind to ourselves as we are to others, when it comes to our own "not-okayness"?
How important — and f*cking hard — it is to show up when you're not okay

...which is exactly why I'm going first.

Thank you so much to Jill for coming back to put me in the hot seat one more time. Thank you, also, to everyone who tuned in for season 8. It definitely didn't unfold the way I expected it to, and I'm so glad you could be here with me as it did.

Season 8 may be over, but I'm not going anywhere. Come on over to my website, https://www.lisakuzman.com, or check out what services I offer here: bit.ly/coachkuz-services

You can also find the podcast on Youtube right here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_BxmhgHM86D0xu4ikWXdFg

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My guest today is Justine Aksoy, a dedicated healer and leader in helping women reclaim their bodies, sexual identity, and joy. In her classes on sensual practices as well as her private intimate workshops, she educates women on building their self-esteem, confidence, and intuition, as well as reconnecting them with their power and passion.

This conversation was so juicy and just full of gorgeous insights! Justine and I talked all about:

Her own views on, and connection to, leadership
What happens when we as leaders have the courage to tell the truth, and stop hiding our moments of struggle
Urgency vs spaciousness, and being realistic about our needs
Holding your higher vision even as you meet opposition along the way
Honoring the process, and acknowledging the nods from the universe

"The more that we start to broaden what leaders look like and how they express themselves, and that we don't have to be super buttoned-down, you can be creative and flowy and all these things that don't typically go along with leadership — the better off we're going to be! We'll have so many different amazing perspectives and ideas, and I really feel like our world needs that more now than ever."

Justine, thank you so much for being my guest this week! And for my listeners who want to hear more of Justine's wisdom, check out the Pleasurehood Podcast: https://www.wildsexyfree.com/podcasts/the-pleasurehood-podcast-2

As always, I am glad that you're here with me. Come on over to my website, https://www.lisakuzman.com, or check out what services I offer here: bit.ly/coachkuz-services

You can also find the podcast on Youtube right here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_BxmhgHM86D0xu4ikWXdFg

See you next week!

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This week, I'm thrilled to share my conversation with April Benincosa, a puppy loving, traveling, poetry writing, entrepreneur and coach! April has a degree in psychology and is deeply passionate about helping people heal from trauma while she expands her certifications. She believes your life is your gift — and that how you use it is ours.

It felt great to sit down and have an interview for the podcast again. But I'll admit: I really didn't expect this conversation to go where it did! Tune in to hear us jam about:

Redefining success and redefining yourself
Not putting grief or healing on a time frame — instead, trusting the flow and being real
Fear thoughts vs loving thoughts
The techniques we use to calm ourselves, and how those techniques change over time

"I'm sure you've tried all the things, and as you level up in your life, what used to work for you isn't going to work for you anymore. The way I see it, is you are leveling up through your own experience. These tools you used to use for yourself are probably the tools you helped your clients with. And now, there's a calling for you to find different tools for different levels of anxiety, and PTSD, and panic attacks. [...] You're trailblazing for yourself, so then you get to help other people at a higher, deeper level."

April, thank you so much for coming onto the show today to have this incredible conversation! If you'd like to learn more about April, you can start by checking out her website: https://aprilbenincosa.com/

To learn about my upcoming retreat, and to register, visit: https://lisakuzmancoaching.ac-page.com/virtual-retreat

You can also find the podcast on Youtube right here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_BxmhgHM86D0xu4ikWXdFg

See you next week!

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The personal development world is a small one, even online — that's why it's so important that we have spaces to process challenging things and get confidential support with our leadership struggles.

Next month, I'm holding a virtual retreat which I hope will be exactly that, for anyone who needs it. So I want to devote this episode to talking about that event (and of course, inviting you to it!).

This event:

Is for leaders processing feelings of burnout, anxiety, grief, and loss
Will not be recorded
Will be judgment-free
Is free and open to anyone, whether you speak up and share or not

For more information, and to register, visit: https://lisakuzmancoaching.ac-page.com/virtual-retreat I hope to see you there.

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On this episode, I want to dig a little bit deeper into some of the things I touched on last week. It's no secret that I'm going through a tough time right now — but why is it so uncommon to hear someone in a leadership position say that? We don't often hear leaders come out and say, "I don't want to compartmentalize, I want to feel my feelings, and I'm going to be honest about my capacity and take care of myself."

So let's talk what it's like to be honest about not being okay.

Note: right now, for me, this means that season 8 will play out a little bit differently than I had initially planned — and that's okay. I'm just glad you're here with me.

If you're someone who's been struggling and this is a topic that resonates with you, I hope you'll join a free event that I'll be running on November 1st. The goal is to have a frank discussion about how we move through things like this in real time, without compartmentalization, while telling the truth and managing our capacity (even if we don't have much).

For more information, and to register, visit: https://lisakuzmancoaching.ac-page.com/virtual-retreat I hope to see you there.

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I was really excited about 2022.

If you've been listening to the show for a while, you already know that. I went into this year with so many amazing plans for celebrating both myself and an incredible year.

But I'm going to say it: this has been probably the most challenging year I've had in the last decade. And considering that we've had multiple years of our lives being disrupted, now, I know I'm not the only one feeling this way.

If you're in it right now — whatever your it is — you might also be grappling with the feeling that you need to resolve it already. When there's a lot of unknowns, when there's trust required, when there are elements outside of our control, when we're still in it... that's a challenging place to be. And forcing ourselves to process and resolve won't get us out of that place even one second faster.

So today, I'm giving you permission to let your processing take as long as it takes.

As always, if you're interested in working together, you can find more from me at my website, https://www.lisakuzman.com, and check out what services I offer here: bit.ly/coachkuz-services

You can also find the podcast on Youtube right here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_BxmhgHM86D0xu4ikWXdFg

Thanks so much for tuning in, and I'll see you next week.

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This week, I'm super excited to share my conversation with Sascha Schlossberg! An internet marketer since 2013, Sascha utilizes a mix of brand messaging and content strategy that makes it easy to help her clients grow — without having to hire anyone or implement more things. Her background in acting has given her insights into human psychology that underpins her work and makes lead generation strategy a breeze.

She also shares so candidly when speaking about all aspects of her journey: personal, professional, you name it. We had an amazing time talking all about:

Showing up responsibly as a leader with your content
How doing everything "right" doesn't necessarily mean you'll make everybody happy
Compartmentalization, gratitude, and forgiveness
Growing a business (with your partner!) while also navigating the unexpected trauma responses to that growth

and so much more!

"[I was on] this hamster wheel of how do I prevent this? How do I prevent this? And then it just resulted in all of these blocks [...] because so much of the messaging and what people are talking around trauma is like this responsibility and this duty to not traumatize your clients. When, what I had found was that in all of my efforts to do everything right, I was the one that was buried and nobody talked about that."

Sascha, I can't thank you enough for coming onto the show this week! I know the listeners will enjoy our conversation as much as I did. Interested in learning more about working with Sascha? Check her out at the links below:

http://Facebook.com/theSascha
http://instagram.com/saschadoesthings
http://TikTok.com/@saschadoesthings

And of course, you can find more from me at my website, https://www.lisakuzman.com, or check out what services I offer here: bit.ly/coachkuz-services

You can also find the podcast on Youtube right here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_BxmhgHM86D0xu4ikWXdFg

Thanks so much for tuning in, and I'll see you next week.

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A lot has changed over the years since I started my podcast — for me, both personally and professionally, but also in the wider world. That's why, for the first solo episode of the season, I wanted to dig into the ways in which this podcast has evolved, and the changes I've made to reflect that evolution.

I believe there's a new generation of leaders on the rise. We have shit to say and a world to change, and now is a beautiful time for anyone feeling the call to assume some responsibility! I want us to ask ourselves how we can be better leaders, who show up in authenticity (even if we're the only ones in the room doing it).

So that's where this podcast is going, and I'm thrilled that you're along for the ride with me. You've probably already noticed that we'll have some great tunes to accompany us along the way — and I'm going to talk a little bit about the new song, too!

To all of you out there listening, I'd love to connect with you. Come on over to my website, https://www.lisakuzman.com, or check out what services I offer here: bit.ly/coachkuz-services

You can also find the podcast on Youtube right here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_BxmhgHM86D0xu4ikWXdFg

See you next time!

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I'm starting season 8 of this revamped podcast with the one, the only, the Brittany R Williams! A Sex Doula and Expansion Coach, Brittany facilitates connected, innovative spaces for leaders and visionaries who know there is more than the version of success you see. But today, she's here to talk about tenderness.

I don't know about you, but the word "tenderness" brings up so much for me! So I was excited to talk to Brittany all about:

What is tenderness, and what led to her exploration of this concept
The lie of compartmentalization
The process of integration, and getting to know pain and grief without judgment
Some of the surprises along the way
Learning to receive without resentment or overwhelm

(and of course, so much more)

"I think that sometimes when we're trying to compartmentalize and work around, we are so worked up and overwhelmed that we don't realize energetically that other people are feeling that! I found that people were gravitating towards, I guess that honesty, that truth. [...] It resonates. It gives people permission, in a sense, to realize that 'Oh. I can have both these things. I can have success and still feel, and I can understand and experience my pain and still be seen as a professional. Nothing is lost of me, because I'm holding these two truths."

Brittany, I can't thank you enough for being my first guest on season 8! If you want to learn more about Brittany and the amazing work that she does, start by heading over to https://www.brittanyrwilliams.com/

You should also check out her previous appearance on the show here, if you haven't already:

https://www.lisakuzman.com/podcast-archive/season-6-episode-8-a-journey-of-unfolding-with-the-brittany-williams

As always, I’d love to hear from you! Come on over to my website, https://www.lisakuzman.com, or check out what services I offer here: bit.ly/coachkuz-services

You can also find the podcast on Youtube right here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_BxmhgHM86D0xu4ikWXdFg

See you next time!

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Big things are coming to the podcast! Tune in to this short update episode to hear about where I've been, and where we're going. Spoiler: I'm so freakin' excited!

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Well, here we are: the final episode of season 7! If you've been tuning in, you know that this season has been dedicated to helping people understand what it's like to go through READY!, my nine-month grief, loss and trauma sensitive coach certification program. (Which starts on March 16th, 2022 by the way)

For this episode, I wanted to share an audio version of my sales page, where I describe each element of the program in detail. Mai-kee Tsang gave me this idea, and I think it's a wonderful way we can all make our websites more accessible. After all, there are lots of reasons why people might prefer — or need — to engage with our websites in an audio format.

The 2022 cohort of READY! is starting soon! If you've tuned in all season and you think this program might be right for you, I invite you to apply and join us.

Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com
Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8
Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

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One thing you might have noticed this season is that when I talk about READY, I make a point to mention that this is a nine-month long program.

Whew! Nine months! That's a long time, right? But part of the reason it's that long is, well, it takes time to implement the things we cover. It takes time to infuse these trauma-sensitive practices into all aspects of your business — from how you interact with your clients, to your website copy, to your contracts, and all the "stuff" behind the scenes.

There's a common theme to the lovely people who have been a part of READY so far: we all have a deep-seated commitment to get things right. We want to avoid making mistakes and causing harm, and we want to do that by implementing the program's teachings IMMEDIATELY!

When you get right down to it, this is a long and ongoing process. So yes, that's part of why the program is as long as it is. That's also why I offer continuing support for alumni. Practicing trauma sensitivity is a leadership act, and leadership is a constant evolution.

I'd love to be a part of your journey, and I welcome and encourage you to apply for the READY 2022 cohort. (Psst: don't forget that there are a limited number of scholarships available!) Here's how to get started:

Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com
Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8
Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

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This week, I'm thrilled to welcome Tracey Forde back to the show! Tracey is a wife, mother, entrepreneur and FIERCE female. While she's currently a Trauma Healing and Mindset coach, speaker, author & businesswoman, the road she took to get there was a winding one. Having focused on the work of healing, Tracey empowers Black women to live life on their own terms, and be fearless, authentic, and unapologetic.

I so loved hearing the insights Tracey had to share, including:

How she came to join READY
What surprised her about the program
The importance of breaking generational cycles to not just survive, but thrive

...and a whole lot more!

"In this cohort, I'm so excited to be partnering with all of these women, learning with them and growing with them, because it's not just about them learning to be trauma sensitive, it's their heart. They absolutely have some of the hugest hearts I've ever seen. And it's just amazing to be a part of part of that because I'm new to this. So even though this is my niche — trauma healing for black women — it's still new. [...] So having the different perspectives, the education, the experience and the lived experiences. Oh my gosh. What a beautiful melting pot for me to gather and learn information that I can actually grow. Not just personally, but professionally."

Tracey, thank you so much for coming onto the show again. In case you missed it, you should definitely check out Tracey's first appearance on Serving it HOT! https://www.lisakuzman.com/podcast-archive/season-6-episode-18-coach-tracey-forde-on-messiness-curiosity-and-the-human-asset

Feel like READY might be part of your journey? Here's how to get started:

Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com
Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8
Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

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This season, I've been focusing on various aspects of READY: both sharing the experiences of past students, and going in-depth on certain topics in my teaching episodes. Today, I want to talk about something that my students from the 2021 cohort brought to my attention! They felt it was important to have people be aware of the need to manage oneself mentally, emotionally, and physically as we cover topics in READY.

Now, this program attracts people who have a history of trauma, which I personally love — and it means they tend to be more trauma-aware. And due to the nature and complexity of topics that we cover throughout READY, it's important that we are willing to grapple with difficult topics and gray areas.

So this week, let's dive into the importance of self-regulation before, during, and after a READY class — plus, the ways in which I've implemented this in my own life!

Love what you've learned about READY so far this season? Think it might be right for you? Here's how to get started!

Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com
Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8
Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

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My guest this week is Mai-kee Tsang, host of the Quiet Rebels Podcast. Mai-kee is also a podcast guesting trainer and sustainable visibility mentor who helps underestimated and underrepresented women-identifying entrepreneurs to become safer, be seen as they become more visible, and deepen their impact on the world. Back in season 3, she came onto the show to discuss podcasting, leadership, and letting go of "should," but today she's here to talk all about her experiences with READY!

Tune in to hear about:

Her thoughts on visibility and trauma, and how this led her to the program
Making mistakes, crying, and being FULLY human
Her biggest takeaways from READY

"The majority of conversations around visibility is just 'Put yourself out there' and it's very dismissive. It fails to validate and acknowledge the lived experiences that we have that have been less than beautiful. And so becoming aware of how my own trauma impacts, how I show up. I really wanted to start doing that deeper work with other people, but it didn't feel right for me. It didn't feel in integrity for me to do it without any further training[...] So I really want to see from multiple lenses because I carry my own lived experiences."

Mai-kee, thank you so much for coming onto the podcast again and sharing your experiences with us. Want more from Mai-kee? Of course you do! For starters, listen to the Quiet Rebels Podcast here: https://maikeetsang.com/podcast/

And don't forget to check out her first appearance on Serving it HOT, right here: https://www.lisakuzman.com/podcast-archive/season-3-episode-10-the-quite-rebellion-of-letting-go-of-should-with-mai-kee-tsang

Think you're ready for READY? Getting started is as easy as 1-2-3!

Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com
Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8
Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

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How many spaces do you have in your life where you feel like you can be completely, totally, one HUNDRED percent yourself?

For a lot of us, that answer might be "not many" or even (eek) "none." Especially for anyone navigating the world with marginalized identities.

So this week I want to talk about how to create a community of belonging, and why it's important to trauma sensitivity. Because when you create a space where people show up as exactly who they are, and who they are in that moment, and be alongside other people doing the same — incredible things can happen.

Want to learn even more about creating a culture of belonging, or being a part of one? READY might be right for you! Here's how to get started:

Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com
Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8
Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

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Welcome back, everyone! This week, I'm excited to share my conversation with business strategist and money mentor Megan Hale! She works with freedom driven entrepreneurs who are ready to step into feel good money and create sustainable, aligned business growth. Megan is also a former psychotherapist, a previous guest on the podcast, and a graduate of the READY program.

Megan shared so beautifully about her experiences with READY, including:

The importance of taking a holistic lens and NOT bypassing
What it means to be a compassionate leader
Witnessing AND celebrating each other
How having the right tools can be a massive catalyst

"Not only do we have our own lived experiences that we're going through, but we also have collective lived experiences that are oftentimes very traumatic. And to think that we're just going to bypass those, or we're just going to go on as business as usual — that's not the real live human experience. So I think oftentimes when we don't have the words, we don't have the tools, we don't have the training, we can sometimes shy away from having conversations that really need to be had. [...] That is such a gift that can be such a catalyst for helping people take that next step forward. But if you don't have the tools, it's really easy to not trust yourself to open that conversation, to hold that space, to check in with your people in that way."

Megan, thank you so much for being a part of READY and for coming on the show to share your experiences with everyone. If you'd like to connect and learn more about all things money and sustainable business growth (hell yeah!), head on over to meganhale.co. In case you missed it, you should also check out her previous appearance on Serving it HOT: https://www.lisakuzman.com/podcast-archive/season-6-episode-14-step-into-your-financial-truth-with-megan-hale

Feel like READY is part of your next step forward? Here's how to get started:

Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com
Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8
Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

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No matter what type of coaching you do, we all know that coaching is meant to empower people. And that's an awesome goal! But considering that so many of us are trauma survivors ourselves, it can get... complicated.

As trauma survivors, when we meet with our clients, we might feel the impulse to save, fix, or rescue people because we are aware of their distress.

Here's the thing: your client is the only person who knows what is best for them. Full stop. And it is up to them to take what you facilitate, sort through that information, and make decisions about it.

This is an important part of the READY curriculum, and it's something I face often in my coaching work. I'm happy to tell clients what I've done in my own personal development journey, and to share (with discretion) things that my other clients have done in similar situations.

But what I won't do is tell them what to do because that is disempowering. Decisions like that need to come from within.

So on today's episode, let's dig a little deeper into the empowering practice of pointing people back to themselves.

Feel like you might be ready for READY? Good news: getting started is as easy as 1-2-3!

Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com
Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8
Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

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Welcome back to Serving it HOT! Today, I'm excited to share my chat with counselor, coach, and educator Karen Hochheiser. In her work, she utilizes a collaborative approach to care in order to support the whole person. Karen's trajectory — from coach to now training as a mental health counselor — has been a little different from what we normally see in this space, and she brings a unique perspective to her experiences with READY.

Tune in to hear all about:

Why she joined the program, and how she sees the work fitting in with her future
Her thoughts on the benefits of supervision in the coaching space
Her favorite thing she learned while in the READY program

"This is the third coach training program I've been through and I haven't had one with this amount of one-on-one time built into the program. It's something that I've been used to from the counseling perspective, meeting with a supervisor. So it's been really nice to have that added to process what comes up in the group. Also, I appreciate about the space too, is that you leave it open to whatever it is that we're going through or dealing with. It's been a space where I've been able to talk through some of the ways that things have showed up for me, day-to-day and in my work."

Karen, thank you again for sharing your experiences and perspective on the show today! You make it so clear that READY is for folks across a wide variety of backgrounds, and in many different professions.

I want to thank all of my listeners as well. Do you think READY might be the next step in your journey? Here's how to get started!

Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com
Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8
Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

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I've talked before about the difference between trauma sensitive vs trauma informed — check out episode 3 of season 7 for the most recent episode on the subject. But what I want to talk about today might... ruffle some feathers.

Okay, it might straight up make some people upset. But this is something I really need to put out there, so here goes.

Being a trauma survivor does not automatically make you a trauma-sensitive coach.

Education does. Training, skill development, and implementation of those skills and that education — those are the things that make someone trauma sensitive.

Does trauma survivorship bring a better understanding, a different lens, and an ability to relate? Of course. But that is not enough to claim trauma sensitivity.

So if you're still with me (and I hope you are), let's talk about why — and for full transparency, I'm going to use myself as an example.

How did this episode land for you? I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts, so don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.

Want to take the next step towards a trauma sensitive approach? Sounds like you're ready for READY! Here's where to start:

Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com
Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8
Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

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Long time listeners of the podcast will probably remember today's guest: Katherine Creighton Crook! Katherine is a multi award winning sports and remedial massage therapist who has combined physical body work with visceral manipulation and her intuitive ability to create a new approach to releasing pain. Back in season 4, she spoke beautifully about the relationship between trauma, pain, and bodywork. (Have a listen here!) Today, I'm excited to welcome her back on the show to hear about her experiences with READY! During our conversation, we touched on: * What made her decide to opt in to READY * Holding space for someone rather than trying to "fix" them * Her experiences with READY — including the unexpected things that came up * Creating a space where you can safely show up as your whole self

“One thing that I didn’t expect, but is super obvious in retrospect knowing you personally, was to experience such a high level of safety in the container. It’s something that everyone commented on too, but I found it really interesting because I’ve been in a number of different coaching experiences where I thought I would feel safe but didn’t.

The level of vulnerability that showed up in the classes and weekly calls is nothing like I’ve ever seen before and that’s an indicator of how safe READY actually is. Everyone, every experience and emotion was given space equally. To be trauma sensitive is to not only let people be their whole self but to accept all parts of their humanity. However if you’ve never experienced being accepted as your whole self it doesnt feel safe to show up and show all your parts especially in a professional capacity. There are so few places where you don’t have to worry about the consequences of being your whole self.

So to have nine months where you’re shown through experience that you can show up and be all of yourself without fear of judgment, shaming, or minimizing. A space where you can be happy one day, sad the next and even feel frustrated with yourself in the midst of your messy humanity - and not have people think any differently about you, that equipts you to be trauma sensitive in a way you can carry forward to others. And that’s what you did, through role modeling your own vulnerability and creating this space we got to experience that level of safety.”

Katherine, it was my pleasure to have you back on Serving it HOT and hear what you had to say about READY. I encourage my listeners to learn about her clinic's approach to massage at leytonsportsmassage.com I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. I truly believe that just about everyone out there can benefit from a trauma sensitive approach. If you agree, then READY is for you! Here's how to get started: * Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com * Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8 * Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

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If you're in the personal development space, I'm willing to bet that client safety is important to you. None of us set out with the intention to activate people's triggers! Unfortunately, even with the best of intentions, it can happen.

Has a client ever told you that they felt uncomfortable or unsafe? How did you respond?

And what about the flip side: have you, as a client, ever had to speak up and advocate for yourself in that situation?

Speaking up in those moments is NOT easy... and hearing that your clients feel unsafe certainly isn't easy, either. We need to prioritize listening to people, especially when they're brave enough to be vulnerable and bring these things to our attention. So this week, let's dig into what it means to actually BE safe — not just say you are.

Want to go even further with the topics I've covered so far in this season of the podcast? You just might be ready for READY!

Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com
Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8
Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

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Welcome back, everybody! This week, I'm really excited to share my conversation with Lee McDonough. Lee is the CEO and Founder of Coach With Clarity, a training and education company for life and business coaches. She is also the host of the Coach with Clarity podcast and author of the #1 Amazon bestseller, ACT On Your Business: Braving the storms of entrepreneurship and creating success through meaning, mindset, and mindfulness. And with a background like that, I was of course delighted to have her in last year's READY cohort — and to have her share her experiences with it on the podcast!

Tune in to hear Lee share all about:

The power of nurturing community, and experiential learning
Creating a space for vulnerability and transparency
Why the difference between "trauma sensitive" and "trauma informed" is so important to her
One big thing SHE thinks people need to know if they're considering joining READY

"There is a difference between trauma informed and trauma sensitive. And if we're not clear about that, and if we don't anchor our work in it, then we do run the risk of people using these words as buzzwords and slapping a label on themselves or their program saying, oh yeah, it's trauma informed — when they don't really understand what that means. And while they may be coming from the best of intentions, there's still a responsibility there to do your own work, to do your own learning. And remember that, you know, one of the things about trauma and those of us who have experienced it, it does unite us. We're a part of a club that we never wanted to join, and yet we're in it together. Everyone's experience with trauma is different and unique."

Lee, thank you so much for sharing your experiences in READY with the podcast listeners! If you'd like to learn more about Lee, her podcast, or the Coach with Clarity framework, head on over to her website: https://www.coachwithclarity.com/

As Lee said today, "if you're ready, then READY is ready for you!" And it's as easy as 1-2-3!

Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com
Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8
Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

See you next week!

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If you join READY, you'll hear me talk a lot about the process of "safety first." I circle back to it plenty of times throughout the nine-month program, so as you can imagine, I have a lot of thoughts on the subject!

Today I want to touch on 3 different areas where we can practice putting safety first:

for yourself as a coach
for your clients as you work together
for your business as a whole

So, what does it mean to practice "safety first" as an approach to being a trauma sensitive coach, leader, and business owner? Let's dive into it!

If you're feeling as excited about READY as I am (and you can hear it in this episode for sure!), these links are for you:

Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com
Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8
Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

See you on Thursday!

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Long time listeners will probably remember my guest this week! Certified trauma sensitive intuitive transformational coach Andréa Michel came onto the show back in season 4 to talk about healing from trauma, safety and gentleness, and of course a whole lot more. But today, she's here to tell us about her experience in READY!

Together, we discussed:

The lifelong journey of healing and self discovery
The importance of safety, especially for trauma survivors
Creating a space for people to heal and drink their own Kool-Aid
Embracing the full spectrum and experience of emotions

"How do we know what light is? We only know what light is because we've experienced darkness, right? How do we know what peace and safety feels like? We only know what peace and safety feels like because we've experienced storms. How do we know what love feels like? We know what love feels like because we've experienced the heartbreak. We've experienced the grief, we've experienced the anger, we've experienced the frustration. And so we have to be real about those things. See, the beauty of being a human being is we get to experience the full spectrum of our emotions. If we didn't have these emotions, then we will be trees. Then we will be cats. We will be dogs. We wouldn't be human beings. Part of what makes us human is our emotions. And not just that, but the full experience of them."

Andréa, I'm so happy to have had you in the READY program, and that you were willing to share your experiences today! Want more from Andréa? Head on over to andreamichel.com and follow her on Facebook and Instagram at @andreamichelconsulting.

You can also check out her first appearance on the podcast if you missed it: https://www.lisakuzman.com/podcast-archive/season-4-episode-4-andra-michel-on-telling-the-truth-to-yourself

As always, listeners, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.

Already all-in on READY? These links are for you!

Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com
Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8
Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

See you next week!

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Part of why I decided to create READY is because there are so many facets to trauma sensitivity. The idea of "consent at every turn" is one of them.

If you're here, you already know about the importance of consent — but consent isn't just a one-and-done box to tick. Consent to one thing (signing up for a program, for example) doesn't automatically imply consent to other things.

Where this often gets lost, and where it's especially important, is when it comes to providing education, showing up in community spaces, sales, and marketing. When I'm not asked for my permission or consent, I begin to feel uncomfortable or even unsafe. Now, that's a normal response, but it's one we can easily avoid.

So this week, let's dive into the idea of consent at every turn, and how to bring it into your practice.

How did this episode land for you? I always love getting feedback from my listeners! If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy — just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.

Feel like READY might be right for you? These links are for you!

Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com
Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8
Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

See you on Thursday!

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My guest today is Onna LeBeau, a member of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska who has a passion for financial literacy and helping the underserved population. She brings that passion to her work as Executive Director of the Black Hills Community Loan Fund in Rapid City, South Dakota. And today, she's here to share her experiences in READY!

Together, we talked about:

Why she decided to join READY
What she got out of READY that she didn't expect
Her insights for anyone considering joining the program
Healing through building deep and enduring relationships

"You're not too old to learn. Every day, you're going to learn something new. And I think whatever cohort you have, the new individuals that you bring into your program, they're going to learn from each other. Hopefully, whatever the next step is after this, we can continue to learn from each other, support each other, and continue keeping our little family together. And we'll be there cheering each other on, and helping each other in these challenging times."

Onna, I can't thank you enough for coming onto the show to share your experiences today. You're truly a passionate advocate for your clients who are seeking a healthier, more empowered way of living financially.

If you're already all-in on READY, these links are for you!

Step 1: Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com
Step 2: Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8
Step 3: Book a call with yours truly here: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

See you next week!

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Sometimes, using the wrong word isn't a big deal. Did you know that when most people say they feel "nauseous," they actually mean they feel "nauseated"? It's a tiny difference, and most people will understand what you mean. Heck, most people (except English majors) probably won't even notice!

But other times, using the wrong word isn't just a big deal — it's a misrepresentation. It's so, so important that as coaches, our language matches our actions.

So when I see coaches referring to their work as "trauma-informed" — instead of "trauma-sensitive" — I know I need to speak up. (Psst: I even have a free .pdf about this! You can download it here: https://lisakuzmancoaching.activehosted.com/f/17)

Let's talk about the difference between these two terms, and why it matters. Because when we get right down to it, coaches do amazing, life-changing, vital work — and there's no need to misrepresent that work, or risk causing harm.

Thank you so, so much for joining me and listening in. More than ever, I would love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, don't be shy! Send me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.

Do you love learning about topics like this? Then you'll love READY, my grief, loss, and trauma-sensitive certification program. Find out all the details on my website: https://www.lisakuzman.com

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Anybody who tuned in last season probably remembers my conversation with Mickey MacKaben about staying open to your true nature. Well, good news: she's back, baby! Mickey is a healing artist, visual channel, creative coach — and a graduate from my program READY. This week, I'm sharing our conversation where we discussed the program, and her experience with it, in depth.

Mickey and I talked about:

Her experiences both during and after READY
The ways those experiences have rippled outwards to other parts of her life — not just her business!
How having a safe container for her own healing made it possible to process and put down shame
The grey areas, nuances and a-ha moments along the way

"I am finding my voice in a way I never knew I would be able to find it.[...] It all has to do with feeling safe, feeling secure, and that allows my voice to come through because of the space provided in our program. And I have been in a lot of freakin' programs! I am the educational queen, I love to learn, I love to have other ways to support others."

Mickey, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with me, and with all the Serving it HOT listeners! If you want to hear more from Mickey, be sure to check out her first appearance on the show: Season 6 Episode 16!

If you're already all-in on READY, these links are for you!

Step 1: Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com
Step 2: Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8
Step 3: Book a call with yours truly here: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

See you next week!

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2022 is here and so is season SEVEN of Serving it HOT!! Can you tell I'm excited? Truth be told I have a lot of things to be excited about, but #1 on the list is the new cohort of my grief, loss, and trauma-sensitive certification program READY that I'll be kicking off in March.

Because of that, I'm going to do things a little differently this season. "Marketing" myself has never been my favorite thing in the world, so you might say that this is a bit of an experiment for me. I want to spend this season doing an in-depth look at READY.

We're going to talk about how I created it, what people can expect from it, and feature interviews from previous students!

Thank you so, so much for joining me and listening in. More than ever, I would love to hear from you. Answering questions and having deep conversations have truly made READY a stronger and more effective program — so please, don't be shy! Send me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.

If you're already all-in on READY, these links are for you!

Step 1: Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com

Step 2: Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8

Step 3: Book a call with yours truly here: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

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Well, here we are — the end of season 6, and the last podcast episode that I’ll release in 2021. And if you’ve been tuning in all along, you know that as much as I love making this podcast, interviewing every single guest, and connecting my mental dots out loud on my teaching episodes… I’m so happy to cross the finish line on this season!

But just because the podcast is wrapping up for the year, that doesn’t mean I’m going on vacation (not yet, anyways). In fact, I’m about to launch a brand-new offer on December 1st, and I want to tell you aaaaaalll about it!

So I’m going to use this opportunity to address my fellow coaches, consultants, and service providers in the personal development space — as well as anyone listening who just wants to better themselves and have a life, and a business, that they love. This is for you, but even more than that, it can’t happen without you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for being here. I’m so excited about what we’re going to build in 2022 and beyond!

Of course, if you’d like to connect between now and then, you can always find me over at https://lisakuzman.com/ and book a call!

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My guest this week is the fierce, fearless, and unapologetic Tracey Forde! Tracey is wife and a mother, as well as a sought-after Liberation & Trauma Healing coach, speaker, author & businesswoman. Her smile is infectious, her vibe is down-to-earth, and her passion is helping people who identify as women and are Black or of African descent liberate their mind, body & spirit. The ultimate vision is for them to reconnect with and reclaim the lost parts of themselves as they grow, thrive, and flourish.

This was a delightful conversation that I know you're going to love, especially if you enjoy topics like:

Examining and learning from the "breadcrumbs" from our ancestors
Leadership that encourages curiosity, and provides growth opportunities
Letting things get messy to reveal the strength of who we are
Honoring our curiosity even when it's intense or difficult

"I know that that intensity, that messiness, is going to reveal — it's like the diamond in the rough, or the oyster that's creating this beautiful pearl. So I'm excited for that because that means growth. Even in the midst of that, it means somewhere, I'm going to get some upleveling in my emotional, spiritual, physical, financial, in some part of my life, and I'm going to be able to share that."

Tracey, thank you so much for coming onto the show this week and sharing all your gorgeous insights! If you'd like to learn more about Tracey (or just bask in her vibes), her Instagram is a great place to get started: www.instagram.com/plantedtoflourish/

Thanks also to everyone who tuned in for this episode! As always, if you want to get in touch with me, you've got options. You're more than welcome to shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com, or book a call for some one-on-one time over at https://lisakuzman.com/

And of course, we'd love to have you join the conversation on my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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If you tuned in to last week's teaching episode, you already know that I'm training for my first FULL marathon — and I'm pumped! But obviously, it's November, and in my neck of the woods, that means cold weather.

Plus, the very first part of my run begins with running up a hill.

Oof. So it's only natural that sometimes, when I think about going for the run I have planned, my next thought is "I don't wanna." Which means I've been thinking a lot about internal resistance.

I've talked before in previous episodes about knowing when to honor that resistance and step away. But let's talk about the flip side.

Whenever we're working towards a big goal, the only way to see it to fruition is to show up for all the teeny-tiny steps along the way. No big thing is ever created in one fell swoop. So in our business, in our personal lives, in our marathon training... When should we ignore the internal resistance and push through?

Today, I pushed through and did the damn thing, and I'm so glad that I did. Because I gotta tell you: despite the cold and the hill and the "I don't wanna," when I finished my run today? I felt like a badass.

What internal resistance have you pushed through lately? I'd love to know! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.

Looking for some one-on-one time? I got you! Book a call with me and let's jam: https://lisakuzman.com/

My trauma sensitive leadership group is full of folks having these deep conversations, and you're always welcome to join us. Check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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My guest today is Mickey MacKaben, a healing artist, visual channel, and creative coach. Mickey has been curious and creative ever since she was a tiny human, and let me tell you — her curiosity and creativity comes through in just about every word this woman says!

This was such a deep, vibrant conversation that I know you're all going to love as much as I did. Mickey and I talked about:

Looking at the macro, not the micro, in your mindset
Practicing trust and mental vigilance
Making sure you step through the doors that you're asking to open
How she creates art, and the importance of how she approaches the canvas
Integrating your natural gifts with how you serve others

And be sure to listen until the end to hear her words of wisdom about "doing you" even when it feels weird or vulnerable!

"I spent a lot of time making myself wrong for not fitting into those boxes even though they made me miserable. I felt like I was dying inside, but I was willing to die to make sure I did it "right." I don't do that as much anymore. [...] So I am learning and have learned: when I am in my true nature, when I can embrace the truth of who I am and how it works best for me, I can fucking kick ass. I can bring the magic to my world. [...] It's so much better when you can do it in the way that's right for you."

Mickey, thank you so much for coming onto the show this week! If you like bold, bright colors and paintings full of texture and hidden details, you'll love Mickey's artwork. Her Facebook page is a great place to get started: https://www.facebook.com/mickeymackabenart/

Thank you also to everyone who tuned in today. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. Got questions? A topic you'd like me to cover? Don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.

To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

Looking for some one-on-one time? I got you! Book a call with me and let's jam: https://lisakuzman.com/

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For the past few teaching episodes this season, I've talked a lot about my personal development journey over the last decade. Every day, it becomes clearer and clearer to me that it is so important for me to acknowledge everything that's happened in those ten years (especially the last two).

Part of why this is on my mind so much is because — you heard it here first! — I'm officially training for my first FULL marathon. Because of how I like to process things, my marathon training is like a built-in period of reflection.

Now, I'm obviously big on reflection — but you might not be. So I want this episode to be your reminder to notice, take time, and remember everything you've accomplished lately. And I don't just mean the big stuff! I'm talking about the internal shifts, the processes by which you change and become more YOU.

And then? I want you to celebrate that sh*t!

Of course, I'd be totally jazzed if you want to tell me what you're celebrating. Big, small, for my eyes only, doesn't matter — it's all worth a happy dance, a fist-pump, and a "Hell yeah!" Shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.

Looking for some one-on-one time? I got you! Book a call with me and let's jam: https://lisakuzman.com/

To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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Does talking about money make you feel uncomfortable? Do you carry guilt around your ability to make money... or maybe shame about wanting to make more? If so, you DEFINITELY need to tune into today's episode with Megan Hale! A former psychotherapist, Megan is now a Profit First®️ Business Strategist & Money Mentor for freedom driven entrepreneurs. She works with people who are ready to step into Feel Good Money & amplify their impact in the world. She believes that more money in the hands of big hearts will surely change the world!

I was super stoked for this conversation, partly because Megan and I just had the chance to hang out in real life. But I've always been a fan of her work, so this was a great opportunity for us to talk all about:

Her journey from psychotherapy to coaching
Building a healthy relationship with your business and with money (hint: attachment styles play a role here)
Making money a non-negotiable in your business
The leadership challenges she has faced in creating, launching, and re-launching her offer
The importance of celebration

And so, so much more.

"I knew how to help people. I didn't necessarily know how to make good money helping people... so I struggled for the first three years of my coaching practice, immensely. I knew I was standing in my own way, there was something there that I was afraid to claim for myself. I was very aware of wanting to step into more money, but feeling bad, ashamed, or guilty for wanting more money because what does that mean about me? Thankfully, because of the inner work, I was able to connect the dots that I'd done a lot of work in living my own truth when it came to happiness and success, but I wasn't living my truth when it came to money and what I wanted money to mean to me."

Megan, I had an absolute blast chatting with you today, and I just know a lot of my listeners are going to feel the same way. Interested in learning more about what Megan has to offer? Check out https://meganhale.co/ (and pssst: she has a podcast on the horizon!)

I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. Looking for some one-on-one time? I got you! Book a call with me and let's jam: https://lisakuzman.com

To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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Today I wanted to expand on the ten year journey I talked about last Monday. Because let's be real: it's one thing to compare where I am right now to where I was ten years ago, but what about the time in between?

It was an excruciating time of undoing. Even on the other side, I get emotional when I think about how hard it was!

I had no idea how many layers of my own awareness I'd need to work through in order to access my truth.

Chip away, rest, repeat.

Your journey might not take ten years. Heck, it might take longer. But the process of learning and becoming who you are is worth every single second.

I'm so glad you tuned in today. Whether you're looking back on your own journey or still in the thick of the undoing, I'd love to hear how this landed for you. You can either send me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com, or visit https://lisakuzman.com/ and book a one-on-one call.

We're talking about stuff like this every day on my trauma sensitive leadership group. Come join the conversation!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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My guest this week is Leah Ardent, and I cannot WAIT for you to hear our conversation! Born with business in her blood, Leah is a brand visionary and co-founder of the world's first (and only) actualization agency. (That's just a fancy way of saying she helps entrepreneurs clarify their missions and tap into their genius.) She believes that everyone who is capable and ambitious should have access to the support they need — at a price they can afford.

She also did this interview while 36 weeks pregnant, so I was super honored that she took the time to jam with me. We covered so much in this discussion:

Clearing energetic and emotional baggage with just about everyone in her life
The income vs. merit disparity in the coaching industry
Sweeping out the cognitive cobwebs and fearlessly examining her shadow
Transcending identities and returning to resonance

...and a whole lot more. (Psst: be sure to stick around until the end for her closing thoughts around representation and worthiness, because WOW)

"I feel like so many of the journeys I have been on have been about that transgenerational healing. There's definitely been a lot of back work and a lot of fearlessly examining shadow, and internally looking at those dark corners and the places that we fear to tread normally. When you stop bullshitting yourself, it's very Shakespearean, right? To thine own self be true. The more honest I've gotten in myself, the way less extraneous expression I'm capable of."

Leah, thank you so much for joining me on the show before you unplugged for a while. I encourage anyone out there who enjoyed this interview to check out the Sovereign Society, a resource for shamelessly ambitious entrepreneurs to communicate, connect, and cash in their big ideas without breaking the bank: https://www.shamelesssavvy.com/sovereign-society

To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

Looking for some one-on-one time? I got you! Book a call with me and let's jam: https://lisakuzman.com/

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This week, I want to tell you about a beautiful moment I had at the top of a mountain waterfall. But first — let's rewind to where I was at ten years ago.

I knew I was terribly misaligned.

I knew it was time to actively put myself on a trajectory that would let me live how I wanted to live, feel how I wanted to feel, and be how I wanted to be.

I knew that if I wanted to get where I am now, I'd need to take responsibility, and manage my own impatience.

When I made that decision, did I think it would take me ten years to get where I am? NOPE.

But as I said to my support coach, Brittany, at the top of that waterfall: “I'm here.”

And I want you to get here, too. Whatever your "here" is.

It won't happen overnight, but if you can allow the journey to unfold, and accept support from the people around you? You got this.

I'm so happy that you're here with me. Are you at a point in your personal development journey where you need a pep talk? I got you! Book a call with me and let's jam: https://lisakuzman.com/

But I'd love to hear from you about other things, too. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.

To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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My guest today is Kelly Whinnem, and I'm thrilled to announce that this episode is her official podcast debut... sort of. While it's her first time on this side of the mic, over the last five years, Kelly has helped dozens of women (including me!) launch and run their podcasts — and share their authentic, unapologetic voices with the world.

Now, I talk to Kelly pretty frequently, but I was super excited to get her perspective on:

The behind-the-scenes struggles she's witnessed from business owners
Various podcast disasters (with names changed to protect the innocent)
What goes into making money from your podcast
How her business evolved, "pandemic thriving," and her own leadership struggles

...and, as you can probably tell from how long this episode is, a whole lot more.

"[Early in my business] I had the opportunity to work with someone and I thought, this person has a big name. This could be a career making thing, but I fundamentally disagree with everything about this person. It was a real struggle! And now? It's an absolute no. [...] I am intentional about who I choose to work with and what I put out into the world in that way. That doesn't mean I agree with every single thing that every one of my clients says. Not by a long shot. But it does mean that I'm not going to work with somebody whose ideas either I feel are harmful, or go directly against my personal beliefs."

Kelly, thank you so much for coming onto the show for your first podcast appearance! Curious about working with Kelly? You won't find her on social media, but you can shoot her an email at kelly@faceforradio.co! (bonus points if you include a pet picture or corny joke)

I'm so grateful to all of you out there listening and sharing the show. As always, if you want to get in touch with me, you've got options! Drop me a line at podcast@lisakuzman.com or pop over to https://lisakuzman.com to book a call. I also hope you'll join my trauma sensitive leadership group if you haven't already. We'd love to have you join the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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When I first entered the business owner space eight years ago, I noticed a trend: old school vs. new school. And we've talked about this on the podcast before — how I wanted to lead from a place that felt authentic and aligned, not sleazy or scammy.

But in the last three years, I've been seeing a shift. For a lot of us, and especially for me, the "new school" approach we created? Yeah, it doesn't fit anymore.

With all the change happening in the world, we're being asked to adapt, and to shift how we show up. So now what? Let's talk about what comes next.

Where are you on your leadership journey? I'd love to know! Head on over to https://lisakuzman.com/ to take my leadership quiz or book a call for some one-on-one time.

Got a burning question, or a topic for me to cover on the podcast? Shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.

And of course, if you haven't already, I hope you'll join my trauma sensitive leadership group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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My guest this week is your conduit for all things transformation, embodiment, and leadership: The Brittany R. Williams, Transformational Embodiment Coach and Sex Doula. Brittany supports leaders and highly ambitious folks who find themselves hiding in their potential step up and step into their raw unapologetic power. (I get chills just reading that!)

Brittany is also my new support coach in READY!, so I was obviously super excited to have her on the show. Tune in to hear all about:

Our collective re-write and reinvention of "normal"
How we're being led to deeper and deeper levels of vulnerability
Business vs. is-ness
Self care as service to the collective
Her definition of success

...and as always, SO much more.

"I have the money goals, I have all those things, but if I don't feel great while I'm doing it — and I don't stay connected while I'm doing it — that's a problem for me. That doesn't feel like success for me. Success is feeling really good in my body, knowing that it's OK to fail, going before I'm ready, and still getting paid."

Brittany, thank you so much for coming onto the show this week! I so enjoyed speaking with you and I know all my listeners will love hearing what you have to say.

And speaking of you, my lovely listeners —if you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.
Looking for some one-on-one time? I got you! Book a call with me and let's jam: https://lisakuzman.com/

To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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Spoiler: I almost didn't release this episode.

If you've been listening to my podcast for any length of time, it shouldn't surprise you that generally speaking? I'm a happy, positive person. I don't just get excited about things, I get !!!EXCITED!!! about things. I experience joy and delight on the regular, y'all.

But I'm on a journey this year, and part of that journey was a big a-ha moment for me.

I don't know how to be happy.

Now, fair warning: I'm still processing this revelation and connecting the dots on this one. But I really wanted to talk through it on the podcast and see what came up — both for me, and hopefully for you, too.

Will you let me know what you thought? You can always send me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.

And as always, you're invited to join my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

Or book a call with me for some one-on-one time over at https://lisakuzman.com/

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If you've ever thought "Wow, Lisa really does ALL the things!" then this is the episode where you'll learn... I really, really don't. That's because I have Ashley Kay in my corner: the CEO and Founder of AK Virtual Assistant Services. After developing her talents for organization and project management in the corporate world for over a decade, Ash found herself craving more fulfillment. She began AK Virtual Assistant services in 2016, when she realized that supporting people isn't just what she does best — it's what she thrives on.

And lucky me, I get to be one of those people! Ash and I have worked together for three and a half years now, and we have both grown, shifted, and faced our fair share of challenges along the way. So I was super pumped to have her on the show to talk about all that and so much more, including:

The hardest part of leaving behind the "hustle and grind" mentality
Building a team and giving up control as an entrepreneur
Transparency as a way to honor yourself and those around you
Creating a safe container for people to flourish and to flop
Her advice to other leaders and entrepreneurs

“Entrepreneurship is not easy. Running a team is not easy. I carry the weight of my team every day. [...] That heaviness can get to me, but I think it's important to remember that you're not alone, and there are other people you can talk to, or lean on for advice. On the days when you feel like giving up, or like you're the worst leader in the world? Just remember that you are doing your best.”

Ash, thank you so much for being on the show today and everything that you shared! I consider myself so lucky knowing that you and your team have my back. If you'd like to learn more about Ash and AK Virtual Assistant Services, check out https://www.akvirtualassistant.com/.

So, my fellow leaders and entrepreneurs, how did this land for you? Don't forget, you can always book a call with me over at https://lisakuzman.com, or send an email to podcast@lisakuzman.com. And of course, if you want to join the larger conversation, that's all happening in my trauma sensitive leadership group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

We'd love to see you there!

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Question for my fellow entrepreneurs out there: how do you feel about photoshoots?

Before I took up my leadership mantle, the only time I'd had professional photos was the first time I got married. Now, though? I do photoshoots twice a year! They're a great way to keep my mojo up, to keep my vibe high and my confidence grounded, and to come back to myself in moments of self-doubt.

I love the fact that I have a visual representation of my journey over time as an entrepreneur. I can look back at photos and remember how I felt in that moment. Which is incredible — but also vulnerable as hell.

Because in some of those photos, I can see that I was projecting myself into a place I hadn't reached yet. I was trying to capture the essence of how I thought it would feel to be where I wanted to be.

But I knew I wasn't there yet. So it felt fake.

Like I was pretending.

So on my most recent photoshoot, I did things a little differently. I wanted to confront the feeling that our value is in what we do, rather than who we are — when it should be the other way around. I wanted to see how it would feel to be witnessed in this way.

To stand in front of the camera and just let myself be good enough.

Because I am.

I'd love to know how this landed for you. Send me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com, or head over to https://lisakuzman.com/ to book a call for a one-on-one jam sesh. You can also join my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

Thank you so much for being here.

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This is a longer interview than usual, but I have a feeling you're going to love every minute of it — I know I sure did! My guest this week is Vangile Makwakwa, who helps women of color heal ancestral money trauma so they can fall in love with their bank accounts, increase income and live their best lives. She's an author, an avid traveler, and the host of multiple podcasts: the Property Magicians Podcast, and the Money Magic Podcast. And thanks to the magic of the internet, she was able to join me from all the way in South Africa!

We had so much to talk about, including:

What went on for Vangile behind the scenes over the past year
Constant embodiment and self-care, in business and beyond
Power, integrity, and the divine guidance to return to yourself
Respecting and honoring NO — as well as the all-in YES!

"What I noticed about being coached through objections is that sometimes people will coach you to override your soul messaging. They'll make you believe that they know more about your business than you do. This is why I'm also really adamant about telling people, I cannot tell you what your strategy will be. What I can do is hold the space for you to determine what feels right for you, what feels right in your body."

Vangile, thank you so much for joining me on the podcast and having such a lively, deep conversation. Want more from Vangile? Find her on Twitter and Instagram under @vangilemakwakwa, and on search for Wealthy Money on Facebook. She also has an abundance of free resources, including her podcasts, over at wealthy-money.com.

And as always, if you want to connect with me, you've got options! Send your podcast questions and topic requests to podcast@lisakuzman.com, or head over to https://lisakuzman.com/ to book a call for a one-on-one jam sesh. You can also join my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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Let's connect some more dots this week, shall we? My goal here is to offer you something to consider the next time you're in a stressful situation, feeling activated, or in conflict.

When you have more awareness and understanding, you can work on responding differently in these situations — and be a little safer within yourself.

So, how did this land for you? I'd love to know! If you'd like me to connect some more dots, you can shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com with suggestions for future episodes.

If the one-on-one is more your jam, head on over to https://lisakuzman.com/ and book a call with me.

And of course, my trauma sensitive leadership group is where you'll find a whole community of leaders having deep conversations around these topics. Check us out! https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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My first guest of season 6 is nature-based mentor and certified life coach Lynn Trotta. Lynn guides empaths and sensitive souls out of the overwhelm of distraction culture and into peace and belonging, through a rooted and sacred relationship with nature.

As someone with my own deep connection to nature, I don't mind telling you that this got emotional for me! Our conversation flowed so organically, covering topics like:

Spirituality and the sacred triangle where she focuses her energy
Why nature is so important to her, and the evolution of that relationship
How this deeply rooted relationship with nature informs her business
The intergenerational passing of the baton
What she wants everyone to know about connecting to nature

"[Connecting with nature] is so much easier, so much faster, and so much closer than they imagine. It doesn't require traveling out vast distances... in order for you to feel this sweet transcendent experience so that you are fully at one with all of creation. It's not so much about how far you go, it's how consistently you go, and the type of connection that you are out there making."

Lynn, thank you so much for coming on the show and sharing so beautifully about your relationship with nature. If you'd like to learn more about Lynn, you can check out her Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/611928405943312
or visit her website: www.lynntrotta.com

Thank you also to everyone listening! If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.

To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

Looking for some one-on-one time? I got you! Book a call with me and let's jam: https://lisakuzman.as.me/connection-call Want to learn more about my work, check my website out here: https://lisakuzman.com

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Welcome to season SIX (!!) of Serving it HOT! I think it's safe to say that, collectively, we've got a lot on our plates right now... and that's why I want to kick things off by sharing some perspectives about these strange, swirling times we're in.

To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

Looking for some one-on-one time? I got you! Book a call with me and let's jam: https://lisakuzman.com/

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My final interview of season 5 was exactly the conversation I needed to have — and I'm hoping it's exactly the one you need to hear. I had the pleasure of speaking with Manasi Kakade, a Practical Spirituality Mentor, and Speaker for Bridgewalker visionaries. Manasi works with coaches, healers, artists, and authors to create an unshakable internal foundation — so it's no surprise that clients often describe her work as the "liberation of the soul."

I couldn't have chosen a better conversation to cap off five seasons and one hundred episodes. We discussed:

What it means to be a Bridgewalker
Deeper definitions of chakra, energy, and flow
Effecting systemic change through practical and divinely guided action
How to move forwards when your purpose feels like a burden
Debunking the myth of a one size fits all business strategy

And yes — so much more.

"Healing doesn't mean there's something broken about us. Healing simply means we're reminding ourselves to go back to who we really are. Not defined by the traumatic experiences we've had, not by the systemic oppression that we've faced, not defined by any of that. We are liberating our souls. That liberation, that expansion, is what healing is."

Manasi, I can't thank you enough for everything you shared on the show today, and all the important work you do in the world. I encourage everyone listening to check out some of the resources she offers:

Beginner’s Guide for Bridgewalkers: https://www.manasikakade.com/beginners-guide-for-bridgewalkers-2/
7 Chakra and Business Free Mini-course: https://resources.manasikakade.com/7cbc-videos
Apply to work with Manasi 1:1: https://www.manasikakade.com/bvi/

Well, my lovely listeners, that's a wrap on season 5! I'll be back with season 6 in September, and I hope you'll tune in then. In the meantime, you can connect with like-minded leaders and have meaningful conversations over on my trauma sensitive leadership group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/
Or, you can head on over to https://lisakuzman.com/ and book a call with me for some one-on-one time.

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Like everyone under the sun, I make mistakes sometimes — and most of the time, they really don't bother me. Typo in an email? I get a fact wrong in a podcast? Come off a little blunt during a conversation? Not a big deal. Correct and move on.

But there are some areas where even the thought of making a mistake is paralyzing. When it comes to leadership, ethics, allyship, and integrity, I hold myself to an extremely high standard that leaves ZERO room for error.

And recently — you guessed it — I made exactly the kind of mistake I spend a lot of energy trying to avoid.

Ouch. But you know what? Good. Because those big, unfortunate mistakes have helped me uncover a whole new layer of understanding about where I am on my leadership journey.

Where are you on your leadership journey? What truths have you uncovered, what hurdles have you cleared? If you want to connect with your fellow leaders around topics like these, then you definitely need to join my trauma-sensitive leadership group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

For those of you in search of a more one-on-one experience, you can always book a call with me. I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/

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My guest this week was Dusti Arab, a brand strategist who specializes in elevating the personality-driven brands of women on the rise who want to make a difference. Dusti got her start writing on the internet at a very young age, and has had an online business for over a decade — which means she's definitely got some stories to share.

This was a lovely, free-flowing conversation that touched on so many different topics near & dear to my heart:

growing up on the internet and doing everything wrong
developing stability and capacity (sometimes the hard way)
outsourcing the stuff you hate doing
the relationship between risk-taking and trauma
staying authentic during a mental health crisis
her upcoming book, Braver than Before

...and yes, a WHOLE lot more, especially about neurodiversity.

"I was definitely trying to find my voice and figure out who I was, learning how to navigate that space and figure out what was mine and what wasn't. I did everything wrong — and that was probably the best possible way for me to learn how I did actually want to show up on the internet as that conversation started to evolve."

Dusti, thank you so much for coming onto the show! I loved hearing everything you had to share and I know the listeners will, too. Want more from Dusti? You won't find her teenage Livejournal anymore, but to learn more about her, start at http://www.dustiarab.com/ and https://www.thereinvention.co/

To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

And don't forget, you can always book a call with me. I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/

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By the end of this season, I will have put one HUNDRED episodes of Serving it HOT out into the world.
Holy.
Sh*t.

I've learned a lot about myself since I started this podcast back at the beginning of 2020. Some of it was surprising — like how it's helped me find my voice in the leadership space. Some of it confirmed things I already knew — like that I need to take a break between seasons, or else I'll end up quitting altogether.

So as season 5 winds to a close, and I move closer to that 100-episode milestone, I want to reflect on some of those things. I also want to hear from you, though! Will you let me know what makes you tune in to my show, any questions you have about leadership, and maybe even your favorite episode? You can shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.

To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, join my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

If you think you’ll miss me too much between seasons 5 and 6, never fear — you can always book a call with me! https://lisakuzman.com/

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My guest this week is two-time entrepreneur and fellow podcaster Michelle Cherian. With 15 years of experience working with startups and Fortune 500 companies, Michelle knows what it takes to create a profitable app that makes your customers' lives better. On her podcast, Art of the App, she interviews trailblazing women startup founders, investors and other top minds to discuss their journey and role as agents of change.

But today, she's on my show, which means it's her turn in the hot seat! I was so jazzed to talk all about:

her winding path, and the beautiful disasters along the way
self-trust in decision making and shrugging off "should"s
the process of visibility (especially as podcasters!)
leaving perfectionism behind us — and embracing joy

"You make a decision and then you move on. The past is the past, you can't change it. It's a good practice to understand how you operate so that you can navigate making your decisions on your terms and not on someone else's or the way you think it 'should' be made."

Michelle, thanks so much for coming onto the show this week! I really enjoyed our conversation and I know the listeners will, too. Go check out her podcast, Art of the App:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/art-of-the-app/id1558538397
And visit her website: https://www.michellecherian.com/

Have you joined my trauma sensitive leadership group yet? We'd love to have you join our conversations! Head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/
If you're in search of a more one-on-one experience, you can always book a call with me! https://lisakuzman.com/

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We all have things in our lives that we feel like we'll never really figure out — especially those of us in leadership roles! (For me, two of those things were plants, and money.) But this week, I'm encouraging you to examine the stories you tell yourself around those things. Are they still true? Or have you been holding on to old, outdated beliefs about yourself and your abilities?

Now don't get me wrong: I'm a huge fan of delegating out the things that just aren't in my wheelhouse. That doesn't mean that I'm not constantly evolving, growing, and updating those old stories! If you can show up, lean in, and then give space, you just might look back in a few months and realize — that thing that feels impossible right now? You're kinda killin' it!

Because, spoiler alert? I recorded this episode after watering my plants and paying my bills, two things I now thoroughly enjoy doing!

Have you joined my trauma sensitive leadership group yet? It's where you'll find like-minded leaders having deep conversations, and we'd love to have you add your voice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/
And don't forget, you can always head over to https://lisakuzman.com/ to book a call with me (and see some of my gorgeous new plants)!

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For a lot of us, being photographed can be a vulnerable experience that brings up a lot of insecurities and not-so-great self talk. That's why my guest this week, Damaly Shepherd, is so passionate about the trust between photographers and their clients. And she would know! Damaly is a published photographer and writer whose mission in life is to help women OWN IT — both on camera and off.

I was so excited to have this conversation with Damaly, partly because of my own interest in photography and partly because of an incredible post I read on her blog. We talked all about:

her journey and daily practices of self-trust
managing insecurity and becoming "camera neutral"
her favorite response from her clients during the reveal
redefining ROI, both in business and in life

...and a whole lot more!

"It's so important for us to see ourselves reflected back in a positive light. [...] These photos are just a reflection of what you already are. It's not about being anyone else or doing anything differently. These photos are literally just about finally capturing you in a way that shows it."

Damaly, I can't thank you enough for the enthusiasm and insight you brought to this conversation! For more information about Damaly's work and how you can work with her, head over to damalyshepherd.com and be prepared for some stunning images. (Psst: you should totally read her blog, too!)

Want to connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations? My trauma sensitive leadership group is the place for you! Join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

And don't forget, you can always book a call with me. I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/

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Hang onto your hat, because this episode is going to be a little bit wild. I want to talk about intuition, the spiritual practices that are a huge part of my work, and the idea of tuning in to the divine. I've held back from discussing this in the past, but no more!

To be honest, when I knew I had to record a podcast for this week, I felt a little stuck until one of my amazing clients encouraged me to talk about all of this. When it comes to our personal development journeys, the more we become who we are, tell the truth about our experiences, and align within ourselves, we expand our access points to the divine.

I've said it a few times before, but I just want you to know that I appreciate every single one of you out there listening. If you like engaging in conversations about some of the same topics I discuss on the show, I hope you'll join my trauma sensitive leadership group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/
And of course, you can always book a call with me for some one-on-one time: https://lisakuzman.com/

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I am SO excited to share this conversation with all of you. Working with women as a business mentor, Sumeena Gupta is on a mission to be the change — and after 25 combined years of corporate AND entrepreneurial experience, she's definitely got what it takes. Her work helps women build businesses that allow them to have freedom and impact while building wealth, with the ultimate result of generational change.

The timing on this episode couldn't be better. I'm traveling at the moment, and that's something Sumeena and I discussed at length:

how traveling changes the way you look at the world — and your business
the power of discomfort and how it helps you build tenacity
why you should pause, question everything, and then take action on the answers

...and so, so much more.

"Problem solving in those [travel] situations makes you come back to your business and realize that you can do this. The problems we deal with in our business are nothing compared to those problems! [...] The beauty is, I know for me, I came back to my business with a lot more empathy. Empathy for what needed to be done, for how people were impacted by my work, who I wanted to contribute to, what I wanted to support. That real understanding of what's out there and what needs our attention... you see it and you can't unsee it."

Sumeena, thank you so much for coming onto the show and sharing your incredible perspective with us. To learn more about Sumeena and everything she has to offer, head on over to https://www.sumeenagupta.com/ and remember: you can do this!

Looking to connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations? Sounds like you need to join my trauma sensitive leadership group! Check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

And don't forget, you can always book a call with me. I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/

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It's summer now, and that means I'm feeling footloose, fancy free, and yes — focused on fun. But you know what's a weird thing nobody really ever tells you? Having fun can be... kinda hard!

I remember the moment I realized this. Back when I was first dipping my toe into the world of coaching, I practiced some tools and techniques with a coach buddy of mine. I had just listed off a whole bunch of things I love to do: seeing movies, dinner with friends, grabbing drinks, you get the idea.

And then she stopped me in my tracks with a simple question:
"Okay... but what do you do for fun?"

My immediate reaction was: F*ck. You.
Talk about a strong reaction, eh? But she had a great point! A lot of us have no friggin' clue what we actually find FUN.

So today, let's talk about building a summer fun list. Think anything that lights you up, brings you joy, and gets you the heck away from your desk for a while.

I would love to have you share your summer fun snapshots on my trauma sensitive leadership group! Check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/
If you're in the mood for one-on-one summer fun, you can always book a call with me. I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/

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I hope you're ready to be delighted this week, because my guest today is the one, the only, the amazing Shannon Whaley. She's a Professional Certified Coach on a mission to help women get their message and magic out into the world — no hustle or burnout necessary. Shannon believes in putting pleasure and play first, and she walks that talk as she lives out her Eat, Pray, Love dream in Italy.

I had an absolute blast during this conversation as we talked all about:

how she ended up in Italy (and met her husband)
giving fcks without giving fcks
intention and authenticity in business
some ins and outs of the coaching industry
how no level of income or education will erase impostor syndrome

"My clients say, I can't wait until I don't have to deal with this anymore. And I'm like — hold up. I can't wait until I don't have to deal with this anymore! I still have the same brain that tells me that I suck, that this isn't going to work, that my story is stupid and people don't care... Income level, certificates, training... I still get impostor syndrome. So I remind myself, oh, that's probably your trauma telling you that things aren't working. The difference is, it's not that it doesn't happen anymore, it's that we have tools to help us not spin out. We know how to pull ourselves out. That's the difference."

Shannon, thank you so much for joining me on the podcast this week! To find out more about Shannon, head on over to shannonwhaley.com and prepare for that "oh HELL yes" feeling.

And, to join in on deep conversations with like-minded leaders, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/
In the mood for something one-on-one? You can always book a call with me. I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/

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One thing you might not know about me is that I've run so many half marathons that I've lost count of them all. I know it's close to a dozen — that's enough to call myself a seasoned half-marathon runner, right?

My most recent run was over the weekend, and I had to do things a little differently than I have in the past. Part of that, yes, was because of the 3-year gap between the last half marathon and this one, but there was a more to it than that. This time around, I had learned a few lessons in my business that were surprisingly applicable to those thirteen-point-two miles.

Whether we're talking about launching a podcast, facilitating a course, or running a race, it's important to enjoy the process AND get a result that makes you happy. So today, let's talk about how to do tough things justice while honoring yourself along the way.

What are some of the hard things that you've overcome lately? I want to hear all about them! You can join the conversation on my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/
or, for the one-on-one experience, head on over to my website and book a call with me: https://lisakuzman.com/

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I'm super excited to share today's conversation with self-proclaimed weirdo and Human Design badass Fiona Wong. A student of multiple spiritual systems and groups, Fiona takes a heretical approach to the systems she practices. In other words: this ain't your mama's take on Human Design.

So if you've been on the fence (or even outright skeptical!) about Human Design, believe me when I say, this episode is 100% for you. Fiona and I talk about:

Her definition of Human Design (in both professional and, let's say, PG-13 terms)
how honoring your Human Design can help accentuate your true nature in a way that feels good
conditioning... and de-conditioning
applying the Human Design lens to your business (hint: think flexibility, and capacity)

...and a whole lot more, including a peek at MY Human Design profile!

"Human Design says, there really is nothing to follow here except yourself. And that is terrifying for a lot of us. A lot of people say, what's the next step? Give me an action step! Well, when is the last time you sat with yourself and heard your body? ...THAT is the action step I always tell people. Are you open to listening to your body? Your heart? Your own spirit, your sense of self?"

Fiona, thank you so so much for coming onto the show today! For those of you who want more from Fiona (which I assume is all of you), her Instagram will give you all the Human Design memes you never knew you needed: https://www.instagram.com/thewildpixel_/
Check out her full website and all of her offerings at: thewildpixel.com

Hopefully you've already joined the amazing network of leaders on my trauma sensitive leadership group, but if you haven't — what are you waiting for? https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/
And don't forget, you can always book a call with me. I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/

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Have you ever been told not to let people see you cry? Does the idea of showing up as your full, potentially vulnerable self kinda freak you out? If so, this episode is for you — because we're talking all about transparency and openness as a leader.

Listen, I want other people to show up fully as themselves, and that's why I'm doing my best to lead by example. (And in the spirit of full disclosure, yes, you might hear one of the trains that runs past my new house with their horns blaring approximately one thousand times per day...!)

Showing up as your full self is scary — full stop. But it doesn't make you less of a leader, and it's a lot less scary when you're not alone.

You know how I know? Because your people are over at my trauma sensitive leadership group, talking about all of this and more. We'd love to have you join us: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/
If you're looking for more of a one-on-one experience, never forget that I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/

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My guest today is the incredible and multifaceted Darieth Chisolm. Not only is Darieth a multiple time Emmy Award winning TV host and former NBC News Anchor, she is also a respected empowerment and visibility Coach. On top of that, she directed and produced the harrowing social justice documentary 50 Shades of Silence, based on her personal story of betrayal and revenge at the hands of a jilted ex-boyfriend.

[Note: this episode has a content warning for a discussion of revenge porn]

Naturally, Darieth and I had a lot to talk about! Our conversation took us down quite a few avenues:

the traumatic experience behind her documentary, and how she got to the other side
giving yourself permission to ask for help
the relationship between trust and discernment
living fully and intentionally on her own terms

and — as always — WAY more than I could put into bullets!

"Courage is not something we're born with. It's something that we develop in the face of something. [...] But even in that courage, you don't have to carry all of the weight yourself. You don't have to pretend like you have all of the answers. In fact, it's in your openness that other people may be able to come and assist and support you."

Darieth, I cannot thank you enough for coming on the show today! I loved this conversation and I know the listeners will, too.

If you have been the target of revenge porn, please remember that you are not alone, and there are resources in place to help you. I recommend starting at https://50shadesofsilence.com/.

To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/
And don't forget, you can always book a call with me. I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/

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What does the word "trust" bring up for you? Do you think of other people, and the ways you allow them to support you? Or do you think of your relationship with yourself, your ability to identify and honor your needs?

As a recovering perfectionist, I've worked hard to build a sense of trust — both internally and externally. So this week, I want to share a little bit of that journey with you.

If you're out there listening but haven't joined my trauma sensitive leadership group yet, what are you waiting for? We'd love to have you become a part of the community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/
And if you're craving some one-on-one time, you can always book a call with me. I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/

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Welcome back to another interview on Serving it HOT! This week, I spoke with Dr. Jen Barna, practicing radiologist and founder and CEO of DocWorking.com. DocWorking is a platform that specializes in coaching physicians by bringing the best coaches in the industry together onto one team. In 2016, she started her business, Qelse, which is an ecommerce boutique that creates designer walker/mobility bags, stroller bags and caddies.

I was particularly excited to chat with Jen because of her combination of experience in medicine and the entrepreneurial world. Together we discussed:

How her learnings in medicine translated to entrepreneurship — and the areas where she needed to think differently
Why she's so passionate about supporting physicians
Creating a space that encourages empathy and vulnerability
How her views on failure have evolved over time
Time spent strategizing vs executing

and a whole lot more!

Jen, I'm so glad you could join me on the show this week. Want more from Jen? After you visit DocWorking.com, you should also check out DocWorking: The Whole Physician Podcast, hosted by Jen and the two lead coaches, Gabriella Dennery MD and Master Certified Coach Jill Farmer. The show is currently ranked 9th on the list of “Top 25 Physicians Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021.” And don't forget to visit https://www.qelse.shop to see all the gorgeous bags and totes.

Looking to connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations? I've got you covered at my trauma sensitive leadership group, which you can find right here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/
For a one-on-one, you can always book a call with me. I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/

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Sometimes as leaders and entrepreneurs, we can focus a bit too much on forward momentum and checking off boxes. But what do you do when all your attempts to move the needle just feel like banging your head against the wall?

As a recovering perfectionist, my default settings are doingand tryingrather than beingand allowing. The difference here isn't just a matter of word choice — it's energetic.

Do you get a little bit anxious at the thought of stepping back and dropping into the energy of allowing? If so, this episode is definitely for you.

Want to connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations? My trauma sensitive leadership group is just what you're looking for. Come check it out!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/
And don't forget, you can always book a call with me. I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/

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My first guest for season 5 is Meaghan Lamm, hiring strategist and host of the Feminist Visionaries podcast. Meaghan supports purpose-driven coaches and course creators who are passionate about changing the world and making an impact on the lives of the womxn they work with. She helps them identify, source, interview, and hire a skilled dream team that aligns with their mission, vision, and values.

So it should come as no surprise that Meaghan has a lot of powerful insights to share about leadership (among many other things!). Together we discussed:
* The evolution of her ideas around leadership * Corporate vs supportive leadership models * How millennials are changing the entrepreneurial landscape * The importance of knowing yourself as a leader, and honoring the "restlessness of the spirit" * Recognizing the cycles and seasons in life and in business

"When I transitioned into business, the definition of leadership sort of shifted for me. It wasn't just leading another person. I also had to be a leader for myself [...] Leadership became so much more multifaceted. It wasn't just about telling the person underneath you what to do — it was about, how are you showing up and making them feel? How are you guiding the conversation and the interaction so that it is as productive and meaningful as possible? And how are you showing up in a way that feels good to you at the same time?"
Meaghan, thanks so much for joining me on the show! Want more from Meaghan? Check out the Feminist Visionaries podcast: https://www.inspiredsolutionsco.com/podcast/

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Welcome back to Serving it HOT! If you're a long time listener, you already know how much I value open and honest discussions around trauma. Over the past few years, I've witnessed an increased awareness around trauma as a whole.

You know what else I've noticed? As people become more aware of trauma, they start to ask themselves questions like, "Is this behavior a trauma response? And if it is... is it actually serving me?"

Today, I'm going to kick off season 5 by talking about just that. Want to have an even deeper conversation? Head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/
Or, you can always book a call with me. I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/

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Today, I'm wrapping up season 4 by sharing this conversation with mom, entrepreneur, creator and licensed social worker Shanda Brown. Shanda has channeled her lived experience, education, and passion for both fashion and wellness into the creation of Zen Lately.

In addition to gorgeous wellness products, Zen Lately offers in-depth self-care consultations which go above and beyond the "massage and a girls' night out" school of self-care. These consultations are an investment, and the first step towards better mental, physical, financial, occupational, and social wellness.

So obviously, we had to talk self-care — in all of its forms! Tune in to hear all about:

the difference between Zen Lately's services and therapy
building a life that doesn't require escape
how self care looks different for everybody
the financial component to self-care

and of course, a whole lot more!

Shanda, thank you for everything you shared on the show today. If you resonated with Shanda's views on self-care, I encourage you to head over to https://zenlately.com/ and check out everything they have to offer!

I also want to thank all of you who tuned in for season 4. Serving it HOT will be back in May, but in the meantime, you can find me over at https://lisakuzman.com and book a call! I'd also love for you to join us in my Trauma-Sensitive Leadership Facebook group where the full video of these episodes are hosted: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

See you soon!

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Can you believe we're almost ready to wrap up season 4?! I always like to do a little bit of reflection at the end of a podcast season, and this one is no different.

This time around, I've been inspired by a conversation with a lovely friend. She reached out to me and said, "Your business is BOOMING, what's different? What did you do?!"

Great question, right? So that's what I want to share with all of you on this episode. Because, spoiler alert: I didn't do all the things people taught me to do.
I did me.

Serving it HOT will be back with season 5 sometime in May, but in the meantime you can always find me over at lisakuzman.com, and book a call if you'd like to chat. I'd also love for you to join us in my Trauma-Sensitive Leadership Facebook group where the full video of these episodes are hosted: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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Hey — how does your body feel today? Are you in any pain? Holding tension in your neck, your jaw, your back? If so, I really want you to tune into today's interview with Katherine Creighton Crook. She's a sport & remedial massage therapist / intuitive bodyworker whose mission is to get rid of all unnecessary pain in the world.

And according to Katherine, "Any pain you can get rid of is unnecessary."

Now, even though we talk a lot about emotional pain and trauma on this show, this is probably the first time we've focused on physical pain. But are they really two separate, unrelated things? Katherine had some fascinating insights to share:

how her view of physical pain has changed over time
the relationship between trauma, pain, and bodywork
her #1 tip for people receiving massage
her clinic's unique approach to massage therapy
building trust within and without

...and a WHOLE lot more.

"I always say when I'm working with someone on the table, I'm working with you, and I'm working with your body. And you might trust me, but your body needs to trust me as well. And you might say there's nothing going on in this area, but your body's like 'there is DEFINITELY something going on in this area!!' So sometimes I'm bridging the gap."

Katherine, I can't thank you enough for coming on the show this week! Want to learn more about what Katherine has to offer? You've got options!

Learn about her clinic's approach to massage at leytonsportsmassage.com
Check out her DIY online course for computer users at nopainatwork.com
Or, for more information about working one to one with Katherine, email info@leytonsportsmassage.com

Of course, you can always find me over at lisakuzman.com, and book a call if you'd like to chat. I'd also love for you to join us in my Trauma-Sensitive Leadership Facebook group where the full video of these episodes are hosted: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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You know that old expression "shit happens"? Well, it's true. Sometimes, no matter how much you plan ahead or watch your step, bad stuff happens. We get triggered. We deal with tough situations.

How do you usually react when shit happens? A lot of us feel like we have no choice but to power through — and definitely NOT tell anyone what's going on.

Today, I want to make the case for being transparent. Leading with transparency is hard, and requires an extra dose of bravery — but I fully believe that it's worth the effort. So let's talk about why, as well as how to do this in both your personal life and your professional life.

Wanna talk transparency and all the things that go along with it? Come find me over at lisakuzman.com, and book a call! I'd also love for you to join us in my Trauma-Sensitive Leadership Facebook group where the full video of these episodes are hosted: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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This week, I'm thrilled to share my conversation with a truly special guest: Lisa Dennen-Young. She's a Forbes featured leadership coach who mentors womxn to be epically expressed as their highest calling leadership for success in their businesses, love, and as the visible leader in their communities. Lisa was the 1st WOC forensic linguist in the United States, and combines her lineages of medicine women and civil rights activists with Martin Luther King Jr so that you can experience your healing, embodiment, and unique prosperity codes to unlock your most empowered life.

She also witnessed me at a very vulnerable point in my trauma healing journey as my coach and mentor in her 2021 All Access Mastermind.

It was such a delight to sit down with Lisa and discuss:

the beauty of noticing patterns and solidifying our foundations
evolving and showing up for ourselves... and the ripple effects we can create as leaders
exploring her process through my own experience (and I get emotional, y'all)
dismantling the idea that any of us are "too much"

"No matter where you are and what step you're taking next, if and when you experience things that make you feel like 'What is happening to me? I thought I passed this already! Am I taking steps backwards?' This is part of the process that indicates that you are on the journey. You are on the path. You are progressing. It's from that place of chaos... in whatever form it takes for you, that's where the rebirth gets to happen."

Lisa, thank you again from the bottom of my heart for doing the work that you do, and for coming on the show today. I want ALL of you listening to check out her offerings at https://www.lisadennenyoung.com/ and learn more.

And of course, you can find me over at lisakuzman.com, and book a call if you want to chat. I'd also love for you to join us at my trauma-sensitive Facebook group for coaches and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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If you asked me at the beginning of 2020, "Hey Lisa, are you honoring your true nature?" I probably would have said yes. But now, over a year later, I can see how showing up in this way, having these conversations, and speaking my thoughts and learnings aloud... well, it's opened a floodgate inside of me.

Here's the thing: once you start to fully honor yourself, there's no going back. I may not have expected this, but I'm leaning ALL the way in. I want to tell the truth in all areas of my life. I want to show up as 100% me everywhere I go.

And I want you to do it, too.

This week, let's talk about giving each other (and ourselves) permission to tell the truth about who we are. If more of us could do that, we could understand, know, appreciate each other better, in all of our complex glory. NDB, right?

You can find me being 100% me over at lisakuzman.com, and book a call if you want to chat. I'd also love for you to share how you're honoring yourself! Join us at my trauma-sensitive Facebook group for coaches and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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I've been looking forward to this episode for a while. My guest this week is Kimberly Tilsen-Brave Heart, a sixth-generation entrepreneur and enrolled citizen of the Oglala Lakota Nation of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. As the Executive Chef and Co-owner of Etiquette Catering Company, Kimberly and her husband Brandon leverage food sovereignty to highlight the cuisine of our region.

I am beyond excited to share this conversation with all of you! We cover a lot of ground, including:

cooking as a creative outlet, a prayer, and an expression of love
her massive 2020 pivot (and how it paid off)
the leadership struggles she has confronted
recognizing (and shedding) those big, looming fears
the pressure to succeed, especially as a member of a marginalized group

...and a WHOLE lot more.

"There is a certain way I have to carry myself because I represent 17 thousand members of the Oglala Lakota Nation. I don't take that lightly. I recognize there there are lots of rooms and lots of meetings and lots of tables that I am probably one of the only Native people to have ever been in. When I'm in a room, I make sure it's not just my story that people are hearing. Multiple stories, multiple needs are being met."

Kimberly, thank you again for coming onto the show! If you want to learn more about Etiquette Catering Company, I encourage you to visit www.etiquettecateringco.com
...But fair warning: the photos WILL leave you craving a gorgeous charcuterie display.

As always, you can find me over at lisakuzman.com and book a call if you're feeling talkative. And if you're in search of community, you're officially invited to join my trauma-sensitive Facebook group for coaches and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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Break out the the candles, the cake, and the confetti because it's my birthday month! Yes, I do make a point to celebrate myself for an entire month — and I encourage you to do it, too. It doesn't have to be this month, it doesn't even have to be 30 (or 31) consecutive days, but honoring and celebrating yourself is important for so many reasons.

For me, this grew naturally from two things: a less-than-stellar birthday, and my practice of self-love on Valentine's day. (episode 5 of this season, in case you missed it!) So this week, I want to share how I celebrate myself, and hopefully give you a few ideas on how you can make this tradition your own.

Now, you know you can book a call with me over at lisakuzman.com, but I soooo want to hear all about how you plan to celebrate yourself! Join our trauma-sensitive leadership group on Facebook and tell us all about it: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/
I'll consider it your birthday gift to me. See you next time!

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Too many of us have been in the position where we hate our jobs... but we can't even dream up a job we'd love. That's where my guest this week, Sarah Vermunt, truly shines. As the founder of Careergasm, she helps people figure out what the heck they WANT to do — so they can quit those awful jobs and do work that feels good.

Sarah and I cover a lot of ground in this conversation:
* how she (and her super cute sneakers) walks the walk when it comes to rebelling against the patriarchy * her lifelong leadership journey * how sharing doesn't always have to be about service * honoring ourselves, our desires, and how we want to show up in the world * the right way to take risks (because you can't avoid risk altogether!) * and so, so much more

"I think it's hard to honor who you are as a leader or to honor yourself in any way when there's so much socialization that we've had. So there's a lot of undoing we have to do in order to be comfortable to show up as ourselves. Even when we've lost some of that conditioning, it is still often very hard to do. And let's be real — we're going to get pushback on it."

Sarah, I'm so thrilled you joined me on this episode of Serving it HOT! I encourage all of my listeners to check out her website, Careergasm.com, to learn more about her books and even get some sweet freebies.

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It's officially March, and you know what that means.
Spring is coming to the northern hemisphere.
It's my birthday month (woo!).
Aaaaand.... it's almost time to kick off my next cohort of READY!, my grief, loss, and trauma sensitive certification program for coaches and other service professionals.

I'm sure you already know how jazzed I am about this, since I've been talking a lot about READY! on the podcast this season. But today I wanted to go into a little more detail about:

the lightbulb moment when I realized the need for this program
how I developed the program — and created some changes
what you might need to know if you're interested

Whether you're listening to this the day it airs, or a few months down the road, you can always learn more over at https://lisakuzman.com and book a call if you wanna chat! The READY! application form is here: https://forms.gle/tUBbJVU5etbvDCLw5

And if you're in search of community, you're officially invited to join my trauma-sensitive Facebook group for coaches and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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Does the name Jake Bass ring a bell? It should! He co-produced the song "First Off" along with my dear friend, Mama Yaya, which is not only a total bop, but the theme song for this podcast. Jake is a Detroit-based composer and producer who began his musical journey playing piano and drums by ear at age 8. In the years since then, he's partnered with a variety of artists, formed the publication and production company Boca J Music, and made a huge impact on the Detroit music scene.

So it's safe to say that Jake is deeply committed to music, especially as self-expression. He shares a lot about his journey, the role of intuition in his process, and the importance of authenticity in the music industry.

I loved getting this peek into the musical world, and I know you'll love hearing what Jake has to say. To hear, see, and read more from Jake, head on over to https://bocajmusic.com/. And as always, you can find me at https://lisakuzman.com and book a call if you wanna chat!

PS: Did you know about my trauma-sensitive Facebook group for coaches and leaders? Check it out and join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

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From bowl cuts and bleached tips to terrycloth pants with words on the butt, one thing you can say about trends is that they come and (thankfully) go. And hey, I'm not immune to trendy stuff — but some things should be timeless.

Why am I thinking about bad 90's fashion trends? Well, on my recent foray into the world of Clubhouse, I joined a group discussion about why trauma sensitive practice shouldn't be trendy. Since I'm gearing up for a new cohort of Ready!, my grief, loss, and trauma sensitive coach training program, that was a big HELL YES for me!

Trauma is something we all deal with... especially after the major events of 2020 and 2021. That means we can't treat it like a trend, where we pay attention for a few hot seconds and then focus on the next big thing. So let's talk about making trauma sensitive leadership a permanent fixture in your practice.

Want to talk all things trauma-sensitive leadership, or just confess your 90's fashion sins? Find me over at lisakuzman.com and book a call! I'm always down to chat.

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You know what word I really don't like?
"Should."

"Should" has never felt good to me, and that's why I'm so excited to share my conversation with SharRon Jamison with all of you. SharRon wears a LOT of hats: she's a life strategist, author, minister, entrepreneur, and corporate leader who is committed to helping you be the person you were born to be... and not settle for what society has taught and told you to be.

Along with having an incredible way with words, SharRon is a deeply spiritual person who draws upon her wealth of experience in a variety of fields in everything that she does. During our chat, we discussed:

The importance of spiritual stamina, emotional intelligence, and vulnerability
How trauma is a tool and a weapon of control
Taking risks in the name of integrity and unity
Navigating the pressure (and the trauma) of success

...and a whole lot more. So what are you waiting for? Hit play and join us!

If you want more from SharRon (and who wouldn't?), you can head on over to www.SharRonJamison.com to check out all her resources, purchase her books, and everything else.
And of course, you can always find me at lisakuzman.com and book a call!

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I've spoken about trauma a lot in this season of Serving it HOT — and that's partly because I'm a trauma-sensitive leadership coach educator. Many of my clients have a history of trauma themselves, and I'm sure many of you listening do, too.

Hey — we're all human, and we all struggle sometimes. Whether we're talking big-T or little-t, our trauma (and how we respond to it) can seep into our work, like a drop of dye spreading through a bowl of water.

So today, let's talk about how creating safety within yourself will create a safer environment for the people around you. Talk about a win-win!

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This week on Serving it HOT, I'm talking all things leadership and copy (and I do mean ALL things!) with my guest, Marisa Corcoran. Not only is she the creator of the wildly popular Copy Chat summit, she also helps coaches and creatives craft their uncopyable message inside her program, The Copy Confidence Society.

Marisa and I cover a LOT of ground in our conversation, including...

Confronting the unique leadership struggles of 2020
Authentically communicating your values through copy
Kicking false scarcity messaging to the curb
Being mindful of context in how you communicate
Knowing when to PAUSE before you respond

"People really value that you give a shit. I think we're really valuing people who come out and say, I don't know the answer to this, I want to go and find out, and I'm just going to go a little bit deeper into what I'm putting out there to make sure I understand it."

Is Marisa speaking your language? Find her over at https://marisacorcoran.com/ or follow her on Instagram (which she takes VERY seriously) at http://instagram.com/mtoni. And of course, I'm at https://www.lisakuzman.com/ if you want to come on over and book a call!

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Like a lot of people, I have some... mixed feelings about Valentine's Day. Don't get me wrong, the concept is great, but with all the stuff around it? Whether I was single or partnered, I always ended up feeling a little let down by V-Day.

But not anymore! I want to tell you about how I reclaimed Valentine's Day in the name of self-love and started a tradition that has come to mean so, so much to me.

As always, you can find me over at lisakuzman.com and, if you're feeling the love, book a call!

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"Energy does not lie."

So says my guest this week, Andréa Michel. Among many other things, Andréa is an intuitive transformational coach, certified life coach, and certified NLP practitioner. In her work, she helps high performers heal while discovering their purpose and pursuing their passion — so that they can create more happiness, make more money, and live an abundant life. (who doesn't want that??)

As always when I chat with my fellow coaches, this conversation with Andréa goes both wide and deep. We cover...

How her running journey went from punishment to celebration
Healing from trauma as multidimensional beings
Being safe and gentle with yourself (and how that will resonate with others)
How leaders can keep their cups full to the brim
and so, so much more!

I just know you're going to love all the passion and wisdom that Andréa has to share, so pop in those earbuds and listen to what she has to say!

Want more from Andréa? Head on over to andreamichel.com and follow her on Facebook and Instagram at @andreamichelconsulting.
As always, you can find me at lisakuzman.com and book a call if you'd like to chat. See you next week!

Note: this episode has a content warning for brief mention of sexual assault

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As entrepreneurs, we spend a lot of time thinking about and planning for the future — especially early in the year. And when you know you want to make big changes in your business, that can feel a little overwhelming.
(Note: by "a little" I mean "incredibly")

The good news is that, no matter how ambitious your long game plans are, they don't have to be panic-inducing! Yes, change takes time, attention, and tweaking, but with a strong foundational focus, you can make it happen.

So this week, I'll tell you all about how I approach this in my business, and my life in general. (Hint: boundaries and self care play a biiiig role)

Looking to shift things in your business, but not quite sure where to start? Hop on over to lisakuzman.com/ and don't hesitate to book a call if you'd like to chat!

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For the first interview of season 4, I sat down with my dear friend Molly Weisgram to talk all about control, second chances, reframing the "victim" narrative — plus her debut book, The Other Side of Us: A Memoir of Trauma, Truth, and Transformation.

Long-time fans of the show probably remember my interview with Molly's husband, Chris Maxwell, back in season 3. In her upcoming book, Molly shares the story of Chris's sudden diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and the long, miraculous journey to recovery.

"I didn't want to frame myself as a victim. Writing ended up becoming the thing that allowed me to share, and maybe even moreso, process internally what was going on and finding a way to frame it as NOT a victim."

If you've ever been in Molly's shoes, as the partner to someone in a traumatic health situation, you'll definitely want to tune in for this one. Molly, thank you so much for all the wisdom and insights you share with the listeners today.

You can learn more about Molly at mollyweisgram.com and follow her on Facebook @AuthorMollyWeisgram and Instagram @mollyweisgram.

As always, you can find me over at lisakuzman.com and don't hesitate to book a call if you'd like to chat!

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Welcome to season 4 of Serving it HOT! I'm kicking off the season with a topic that came up for me — and a lot of my clients — during the transition from 2020 to 2021: taking time off.

Listen, I'm not telling you something you don't know when I say that time off is important. It's crucial to step away, to disconnect, and shift our focus.
But... are you actually doing that when you take time off? (Be honest!)

On this episode, I want to give you some questions to ask yourself so you can actually enjoy your time off — instead of sneaking into a bathroom to listen to client messages at 2am.

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When I launched my podcast in January, I had no idea what this year had in store. (Heck, I don't think any of us did!) But here I am, after three seasons, a whole 60 episodes, and loving it more than ever. And if that isn't cause for celebration, I don't know what is!

Season 4 of Serving it HOT will drop in January, but in the meantime, I wanted to finish off season 3 with something a little bit different. I've hand-selected 9 episodes to revisit — or maybe hear for the first time! — during the 9-week break.

Your holiday break listener's guide:

Season 1 Episode 12 with Brandon Love
Season 1 Episode 14 with Nick North
Season 2 Episode 4 with Prof Butler
Season 2 Episode 6 with Mama Yaya
Season 2 Episode 14 with Sarah Werner
Season 3 Episode 6 with Laura Slinn
Season 3 Episode 10 with Mai Kee
Season 3 Episode 12 with Swapna Patel
Season 3 Episode 16 with Tasha Booth

Aaaand just in case that's not enough to tide you over during the break... Let me highlight a few of the teaching episodes as well!

Season 1 Episode 20
Season 2 Episode 17
Season 3 Episode 3
Season 3 Episode 9

I want to thank each and every one of you who came on this podcast journey with me. Whether you left a review, sent me a message, or even just tuned in week after week, it has meant the world to me. I can't wait for you to join me — and maybe bring along a friend or two — for season 4. See you in 2021!

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Has anyone ever told you that confidence is a choice? My guest this week, Sheng Herr, believes otherwise — and by the end of this episode, I think you will, too!

Sheng is a Business Strategist and Wealth Coach for women of color. Due in part to her own upbringing in a culture with many limiting rules and expectations of women, Sheng is on a mission to empower other WOC to build their dream business, create their own wealth, and reach financial independence.

In our conversation today, Sheng and I will touch on a range of topics such as the cultural factors that play into confidence, navigating and identifying what being a woman means to her, muffling the voice that gives you self-doubt, and so much more.

"When you work with anyone, as a leader, you have to get to the root cause as to what's really going on, and then where is it they want to go. Then you can truly guide them and give them the resources that they need. Because then you're hearing them, and you really understand what challenges they're going to face. Ask them, what are you willing to do to get where you need to go? These are your three options at this point. Which one can you do right now so we can get closer to where you want to be?"

Sheng, I cannot thank you enough for being the final interview of season 3 — and of 2020! Thank you also to everyone who tuned in for this episode. If you'd like more from Sheng, head on over to www.shengherr.com/financialfreedomkit

See you next week!

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Welcome to (drumroll)... the final teaching episode of 2020! It's hard to believe I'm already wrapping up my first year as a podcaster — and what a year it's been — complete with three full seasons.

It's been a huge learning experience for me, and you know I love sharing those learnings with all of you! With that in mind, I wanted to give you a behind the scenes look at a few aspects of the show. Most notably, I want to talk about my goals for diversity and inclusion on the show, and how I followed through on those goals.

Now, let me be real: I'm not sharing this because I'm looking for cookies or a pat on the back. I'm sharing this to hopefully give you ideas, courage, and a willingness to speak up in turn. Talking about this stuff is hard — but it's not going to get any easier by staying quiet.

If this episode has given you ideas on how to prioritize diversity and inclusion in your business, I'd really love to hear them! Send me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.

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This week's guest, Tasha Booth, is the founder and CEO of the Launch Guild, a course launch support and digital marketing implementation agency. Through the Launch Guild, Tasha supports established coaches and course creators, along with her team of over 20 members.

And while she's a star in all things launch, we'll be talking about so much more than just that:

The growing pains of stepping into a new role and delegating
Avoiding turnover by anticipating your hiring needs
Empowering your team to make decisions — and trusting them to make the right ones
Battling your "launch gremlins"
Her greatest leadership challenge this year

Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, hiring your first assistant, or managing a growing team, Tasha has incredible wisdom to share that I just know will resonate with you.

Want more from Tasha? Check out the How She Did That podcast here! https://www.tashabooth.com/podcast
You can also learn more about the Launch Guild here: https://thelaunchguild.com/

Thanks so much for coming on the show, Tasha, and thank you to everyone tuning in! See you next time.

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One thing you may have noticed about me is that I thrive on human connection in a big, BIG way. But now, three seasons into Serving it HOT, I need to confess that sitting behind the mic can feel, well... a little one-sided! My conversation with Mai-kee (episode 10 of this season, in case you missed it) got me thinking about how much I want to connect with all of you.

So consider this your formal invitation to tell me:

your name and where you live
what you're watching on TV
a fun fact about you
what food you wake up craving
what brought you to this podcast in the first place

Oh, and: dog pics are always welcome.

Shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. You would really make my day — heck, my week! I can't wait to hear more about you.

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This week's guest, Brigette Iarrusso, is on fire with the purpose of accelerating entrepreneurial leaders and change agents who are driven by more than just profit. When it comes to deep connections and building safe spaces, Brigette is 100% passion and 0% BS — so you can see why I had to have her on the show!

In our conversation, we cover a lot of ground: disrupting the harm in the business coaching and personal development space, cutting through the online "noise" to have a financially sustainable business, and even the personal narratives she had to dismantle to get where she is today.

"Never once did it occur to me that I could disrupt the patterns of thinking and the stories that had me locked in this belief system, in this reality, that my life was over. That I had no options…that there was no path forward. For 5 years I did a tremendous job of convincing myself and my therapist of this narrative."

I know you'll all enjoy this conversation with Brigette as much as I did. If her words resonated I’d like to invite you to join me at her upcoming event, the Disruption Unconference. You can learn more about it here: https://embracechange.us/disruption-unconference/

Brigette, thank you so much for coming onto the show, and for all the work you do in the world!

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Lately, I've been in full-on launch mode for Ready! - My Grief, Loss and Trauma-Sensitive Certification Program for Coaches. Am I a launch "expert"? Hell no! But I think we need to bring the self care angle into these conversations a lot more than we have in the past.

I know a lot of you are either curious about launching, or struggle with it, and hey — I get it. That's why I thought today, instead of the usual teaching episode, I'd just jam a little with you about what went on behind the scenes during my launch.

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All right, show of hands: who's listening to this episode in their sweatpants? I think we can safely say that athleisure, pajamas, and messy buns have become the default "look" of 2020 — but my guest this week, Swapna Patel, doesn't think it has to be this way.

Through her business, Style Remixx, Swapna helps female business owners level up their style using what they already have in their closets so they can look like true industry experts. Thanks to her keen eye and attention to detail, Swapna has helped her clients save money, boost their confidence, and yes — change their lives! But when people only see you from the waist up on a Zoom call, does it really matter if your shoes complement your top?

"Right now, even though there is a restriction on where we are showing up, there's no restriction on how we should show up. So I think there's no time better than the present to raise the bar on our visibility."

Swapna makes a compelling argument for the importance of bringing the camera ready confidence of a well crafted look to your everyday life — yes, even in the Year of the Sweatpants. Are you ready to feel excited about your closet again? I know I am!

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Sometimes we're intuitively called to do things that, as far as our logical mind is concerned, make absolutely no sense. I haven't talked about intuition too much on the podcast so far, but my intuition has led me to make some decisions that felt downright terrifying!

But the only thing harder than honoring your intuition... is trying to ignore it. Intuition is that nonsensical, but absolutely clear, without a shadow of a doubt KNOWING that arrives from within that you just can't deny. It doesn't need to make sense.

And it isn't going to go away. The longer we deny the needs of our soul, that's when we start to feel unwell.

What is your intuition trying to tell you? Where is it trying to take you? How is it showing up? Let's talk about that this week.

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For this week's interview, it's another first: my first fellow podcaster! But Mai-kee Tsang is so much more than just the host of the Quiet Rebels Podcast. She's a podcast guesting strategist and sustainable visibility mentor who helps purpose-driven coaches, copywriters, and online experts expand their reach, grow their businesses, and make a deeper impact on the world.

Mai-kee has so many brilliant insights about not just podcasting, but also leadership, knowing your ideal client as well as you know your own limits, "head trash," and so so much more!

"What's really important about podcasting is that there's a level of intimacy and permission that other mediums don't have. [...] In real life, who do you allow to come that close to your ear, to whisper to you? It's a real privilege for us, to be this close to somebody and to let them know they're really not alone. A lot of barriers dissolve through this medium."

Mai-kee, I can't thank you enough for such an enjoyable conversation. I encourage everyone who tuned in today to go check out her show if you haven't already! Head on over to https://maikeetsang.com/podcast/ where you'll find 70 episodes for your binge-listening pleasure.

Thanks for tuning in! See you next time.

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I've spent a lot of time lately preparing to launch Ready — my grief, loss, and trauma-sensitive certification program for coaches — and that means I've had trauma on my mind even more than usual.

Did you know that 70% of us have a history of trauma, or with a past trauma experience? Yeah. That's a LOT of people! So when I discuss trauma on the show, I know that the majority of my listeners have been through it themselves.

And that brings me to what I want to talk about on this episode. When you think you've healed, what are the trauma triggers to watch out for as you develop as a leader?

Note: this episode has a trigger warning for discussion of trauma and its aftermath.

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If you're a long time listener of the podcast, you know that by the end of all my interviews, I always want to have my guest on again. This week, we've got our first repeat guest: Brandon Love! A lot has happened for Brandon since his first appearance on the show back in February — so much that we had a whole list of things discuss.

And let me just say: we didn't waste any time diving right into the deep end.

"We have made politics in this country taboo. Why have we done that? It boils down to white, cis, male supremacy. If we keep politics taboo, politics stay the way they are — because we're not having the discussions we need to have at the dinner table [...] with friends, and family, and grandma. These discussions need to be had."

I was legit hesitant to release this episode, but important conversations are always worth pushing through the discomfort... and if you're in the leadership space, this conversation is definitely an important one.

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Most of us don't become entrepreneurs unless we've got a little bit of that "work through lunch" hustle in us. But when you feel yourself flagging, you've probably wondered, "Can I just push through and get this done? ...ShouldI?"

Of course, it would be great to offer up a quick, black and white, yes or no response to that question... but there isn't one. Every time you make that call, it's a totally unique situation — and every person is going to respond to it a little differently.

So while I can't give you a yes or no — and really, that would make a pretty short podcast, wouldn't it? — I can give you something better. This week, I'm sharing with you the list of things I take into consideration when I'm trying to answer that age old question: to push through, or not to push through?

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My guest this week is the incredible Laura Slinn, Co-Founder of Avalon Empowerment and board certified trainer of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). Her firsthand experience in the power of working with the unconscious mind served as a catalyst for her spiritual awakening — and one of the many reasons she walked away from a successful career and devoted herself to helping other people achieve extraordinary results.

"At the end of the day, there's really no better feeling than watching somebody be able to create change. Watching a client be able to move past something, like yes, that 'something' will always be there — but they can manage it in an entirely different way."

Today we're going to talk about her background, and the role it played in starting her business, her views on leadership, and her work in the world. In other words... we're going to geek out about the coaching industry, the intersection of marketing and language, and so much more. Want more from Laura? You can check her out and learn more at https://www.avalonempowerment.com/

Note: this episode has a trigger warning for brief discussion of sexual assault and infertility. If you are struggling with issues in either of these areas, you're not alone.
You can find an infertility support group via Resolve: https://resolve.org/support/find-a-support-group/
RAINN has an abundance of resources for survivors of sexual violence, including a free 24/7 hotline, a mobile app, and so much more: https://www.rainn.org/

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You probably already know that I'm a coach — more specifically, a business coach for women of influence. (that's you, listeners!) But if you've never worked directly with a coach yourself, you might have some curiosity around what it's like.

Enter my special guest today: Amanda Wermers! As the owner and operator of Game Chest in Sioux Falls, Amanda has quickly forged a passionate community of game enthusiasts. She's also a super special client of mine.

Originally, we toyed with the idea of presenting an actual coaching session as a podcast episode, but realized that had the potential to be triggering. So instead, we're going to jam about what it's like to work with me! When you listen to this episode, I want you to get a better sense of what goes on in a coaching session without tapdancing across any ethical lines — or trampling over any boundaries and vulnerabilities.

Be sure to stick around until the end, because we'll wrap up with some hot spot coaching on a specific topic. Enjoy!

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My guest this week is Chris Maxwell, founder and CEO of Maxwell Strategies. He helps organizations both start up, and go through big changes, focusing on finding, building, and keeping momentum on what matters most.

And when it comes to big changes and knowing what matters most, Chris is an expert — especially after the past year and a half. What began as seemingly minor tingling in his legs and feet escalated rapidly to the point where he spent almost four months on a ventilator.

"When I got my diagnosis, the doctor told me 90-95% of people get back to how they were before. So immediately, I had hope. Luckily nobody told me, when I was completely paralyzed, that I had now moved into the 5% of people who get it as bad as I did... so I had hope. Never take someone's hope away. It buoys you through the most challenging times."

Today on the show, Chris will share not just the story of his diagnosis with Guillain-Barré syndrome, but also his road to recovery, and how he stayed positive even when he couldn't blink his own eyes. I'm honored to call Chris my longtime friend, and so excited to share this episode with all of you. Chris, thank you for being my guest this week and thank you as well to everyone listening!

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Everyone's process for making decisions looks different. Two people in the exact same situation might take totally different courses of action — and here's the thing, one of them isn't necessarily "right" and the other "wrong."

There are so many factors that go into how you make decisions. That's why you should never compare yourself to someone else when it comes to how they approach the tough stuff. Your decision making tree is unique to you!

So this week, let's talk about some of the internal and external factors that can shape your decision making tree. This is a concept I cover with a lot of my clients, and I'm super excited to discuss it on the show!

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I've been planning this episode for a while now, and I'm so excited to put it out there for you all to hear! On this episode, I'm going to answer some of the great questions sent in by listeners.

I'll be covering things like:

Moving into a new focus with confidence — not disappointment
The biggest lesson(s) I learned when becoming an entrepreneur
The importance of "tangents" in journaling
Making space for clients when you're having a totally crap week

I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did! I'd love to have another Q&A in the future, so if you have a question, don't be shy! Send a short voice memo to podcast@lisakuzman.com

Special thanks to Amanda, Avolyn, Kaveeta, and Mary for sending such excellent questions — and of course to everyone out there listening. See you all next week!

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Right now, it's easy to feel paralyzed. It's easy to look at all the large, systemic, deep-rooted issues in the world and think, "What the hell can I do? I'm just one person. How can I actually change any of this?"

I know because I've been there. So I want to kick off season 3 by telling you a story that starts with me, sitting on the couch, wrist-deep in some Haagen-Dazs... and ends somewhere I honestly never expected.

If you're listening to this podcast, I already know that you want to create change in the world. The good news? You can start today — even if you're still on the couch.

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We're finishing off season 2 of Serving it HOT with a conversation about a big source of fear for lots of us: money. My guest today, Kim Dansby-Berry, is the perfect person for this conversation. As the founder of Boreal Insurance Brokerage, the education of her clients is at the core of Kim's philosophies. She's had an incredible multi-decade career in the investment and insurance services spectrum.

So when I tell you she knows money? She KNOWS money. And beyond that, she knows how money is different for women — and for women of color.

"I never would have gotten as far as I did had I not had people who championed me. Who talked about me in a way that led to promotions. Be that person for someone else! Reach back. Pull somebody else along. If we all did that, the increase that we would see on the number of women on boards, the number of women in C suites, the number of higher level management women — that would change, if we all reached back."

If this conversation resonated with you, I encourage you to check out her Online Financial Literacy Course, Sisters Talking Money. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn. Kim, thanks so much for being on the show!

And that's a wrap on Season 2! Never fear, I'll be back soon with a brand new season of Serving it HOT. Until then, you can join the Serving it HOT group on Facebook, or follow me over on Instagram.

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Shoutout to one of my all-time favorite clients, Miss Mary, for inspiring this episode with a seemingly simple question: how do I stay positive and manage the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship?

I admit, I had to sit with this one for a little while and really think about it. Eventually, I came up with this list of 5 different things I do to keep that positive frame of mind.

Spoiler alert: these aren't hacks or shortcuts. But if you've enjoyed the sort of deep work we've been discussing lately on the interviews, you're definitely going to want to tune in.

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I've got an important question for any of my listeners who are feeling extra stressed, trapped, or wound up these days. (probably more than a few of you!)

When's the last time you paid attention to your breathing?

My guest this week is Jenn Mansell, certified breathwork facilitator and somatic coach, and she is all about helping people get out of their heads to develop self-nurturing practices. The best part is, you don't need expensive equipment or a plane ticket to the mountains of Tibet. It all starts with your breath.

"[Breathwork] meets you where you're at. The people who created this process understood that the body knows how to heal itself. The body, when given the space, the breath, the presence, the surrender, it will take care of the rest. It will show you the block. If you pull yourself back enough from that wall to let there be space — which is really uncomfortable! — it will be revealed."

Jenn, thank you so much for sharing your story with all of us! Our conversation was filled with so much deep insight, and I can't wait for all my listeners to hear it. Want more from Jenn? Check her out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlmansell/?hl=en

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There are plenty of moments, as leaders, where we're tempted to crowd-source a decision from our committee of peers. Maybe you need some validation that it's OK to move forward with something risky. Maybe you don't fully trust your intuition, or maybe you're just well and truly stuck on making a decision! With this episode, I'm urging you to take a closer look at your committee of peers, and their role in your business.

Who's in your committee of peers?
When and why do you seek them out?
And... are they actually helping you?

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I hope you're ready, because on this week's interview, we're getting deep — and I mean DEEP. My guest, Asha Suppiah, is an award-winning serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and money mindset expert who helps her fellow women bust through their money blocks. (in other words: rake in the dolla dolla bills!)

Asha knows all about money blocks, firsthand. She's had a long journey of ups and downs, starting at age 12 when she applied for her first patent. (Yes, really!) But then, seemingly overnight, she went from having investors clamoring to work with her, to everything... just... falling apart.

"95% of what we do is controlled by our subconscious mind. [...] You need to take a look at how you see yourself, how you see the world. If you, inside, don't feel good enough, it's going to come for you."

Asha, thanks so much for bringing your mix of both "science and woo" to the show today. Want more from Asha? Check her out at ashasuppiah.com and become unstoppable.

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We've all heard the age-old saying "Timing is everything." Those 3 little words can be applied to comedy, relationships, and yes, even your business. But it's way too easy to get in our heads about the timing of things.

How do you know when you're trying to speed things along by taking an ill-advised shortcut? On the flip side, how do you know when you're needlessly delaying something that just needs to get DONE already?

Well, step one? Listen to this episode!

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Quick show of hands: who secretly dreams of having their own TED Talk? I know my hand is up! But while most of us love the idea of giving a TED Talk, we don't always think about the work that goes into making it happen.

On this week's interview, Sarah Werner's here to share exactly that. A professional writer and podcaster, Sarah loves to help other creators find confidence and success. Last July, she gave her TEDx Talk, "When You Can't Help Everyone."

Watching her speak, you'd never guess just how tumultuous her journey had been up to that point. We're talking: submitting 7 different topics, rewriting up to the day of the talk, and straight up walking off stage during dress rehearsal. Whew.

"It was probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. The most grueling thing. And part of that was because I was pushing myself towards a presumption, a truth that... wasn't true! It was terrifying."

Sarah, thank you so much for everything you shared today! I know your story is going to resonate with a lot of my listeners out there. If you want more from Sarah, visit her website — https://www.sarahwerner.com/ — or find her on Twitter and Instagram.

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No matter what type of leader you are, I'm willing to bet you've had your fair share of moments that felt impossible. I know I have! Sometimes, our responsibilities just feel too big and overwhelming.

For this week's teaching episode, I'll share my own 5-step process for handling those moments. So if you've got phrases like "I can't handle this" (or, if you're me, "I can't f*cking do this") running through your head, this episode is for you.

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My guest this week, Vaney Hariri, is a culture consultant with Think 3D Solutions where he helps businesses create customized solutions to address issues such as attrition, low engagement, and generational gaps. He's also an extremely active leader in his community. In fact, I was drawn to speak with Vaney after a raw, emotional, and 100% authentic appearance he made on Facebook live.

I'm honored that Vaney brought that authenticity to our conversation, where we discussed integrity and accountability in leadership, trauma and exhaustion, the importance of keeping the oaths you take, and the "might as well be" racists — among many other things.

"There's a lot of people who are one thought away from being successful. Or from changing the way they treat people. When my thoughts have to be spent on how you feel about how I feel... or spent on what's going to happen to me at this routine traffic stop, or if these people think I'm going to steal... those things underpin a lack of the most basic expectation for a human in this country — an expectation for equality, justice. To not have to do that? Is, without a doubt, a privilege."

Vaney, thank you so much for taking the time to come on the show and share yourself and your wisdom with all of us.

Want more from Vaney? Check him out at https://letsthink3d.com/ or https://flyovercountryus.com/

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Listen: I'm sure you already know that us white people have a lot of work to do right now. It's not enough to not be racist — we have to do the work to be anti racist, and to actively dismantle racism. Does talking about this make me uncomfortable as f*ck? YES.

But I'm not going to let that stop me. This is me, showing up imperfectly — but honestly — to share the work I've been doing to to educate myself on how to dismantle racism.

So hey, my fellow white leaders and coaches? We're going there. White fragility, discomfort, resistance, and what the f*ck to do next.

You can view the full list of resources and terminology here: https://www.lisakuzman.com/podcast-archive/season-2-episode-11-showing-up-shutting-up-and-self-education-white-fragility-edition

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I can't wait for you to listen to this interview with Shannel Rivera, founder of BeautyandHustle. Focused on empowering women, BeautyandHustle began as one of the top 100 most engaged FB groups. Today, the BeautyandHustle programs help women work smarter and become more profitable while also finding more balance in life.

Shannel and I have more in common than just our love of coaching, and it was such a joy to have this conversation with her. We talked about everything from fertility struggles, to femininity and social conditioning, to ego, success, and servant leadership.

"Being a leader is 1000% about everybody else. Once you understand that being a leader isn't about you, and that your ego doesn't belong there, it's a really freeing place for you to be. You'll understand that you are simply a vessel of information and knowledge, and your goal is to help these people. Even if they're angry or upset or something doesn't work right, it isn't about you — it's about them."

Thanks for tuning in today! Be sure to check out the BeautyandHustle website to learn more about their coaching programs.

Serving it HOT: Recent Episodes

Lisa Kuzman