The Optimized Mind: Recent Episodes
Dr. Kate Lund
Hosted by Dr. Kate Lund, The Optimized Mind explores medical psychology, mental illness and physical disabilities through engaging with today’s top leaders. Learn more at: https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by her friend Gina Schaefer for this special episode of The Optimized Mind. Gina interviews Dr. Kate to celebrate the conclusion of the podcast’s three-year run and the launch of Dr. Kate’s new book, Step Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting. The conversation reflects on key lessons from over 160 episodes, emphasizing that resilience is a uniquely personal journey shaped by context and experience. The episode explores the challenges of modern parenting, including screen time, mindsets, and navigating differing needs among children and co-parents, while sharing insights that extend beyond parenting into leadership and everyday life.
Gina Schaefer is the Founder and Co-Owner of 13 hardware stores located in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, MD, and their suburbs. She and her team of 300 have helped millions of customers shop right where they live, in their urban communities, despite continuous pressure from bigger, stronger competitors.
Gina is a professional speaker and storyteller, engaging audiences on topics that include competing in a male dominated field, building a strong corporate culture, business succession planning, and all things small business. In her book, Recovery Hardware, Gina chronicles her experiences building a business while learning from non-traditional teachers like folks from the recovery community and returning citizens. She serves as an advocate and spokesperson for causes directly related to raising wages, anti-monopoly legislation and small business development.
She draws her inspiration from fellow entrepreneurs who strive to be creative, think differently and help make a difference. People like Judy Wicks, founder of the White Dog Cafe in Philadelphia who inspired her to use her voice as a force for good; Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig, founders of gourmet food group Zingerman's Community of Businesses in Michigan, from whom Schaefer learned innovative business strategies and Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, who taught her that nonprofit organizations need to think beyond simple charity.
Gina’s guiding principle comes from a treasured quote “I always wondered when somebody would do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody”. She invites you to feel that way too.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, D. Kate sits down with the dynamic and endlessly creative Marley Majcher, also known as The Party Goddess and The Profit Goddess, for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and personal growth.
Marley shares her fascinating journey from a childhood spent selling Shrinky Dinks door-to-door, through restaurant ventures, to building a renowned event planning business catering to celebrity clients. The conversation covers pivotal career moments, mindset hacks for overcoming obstacles, and Marley's relentless drive to create, innovate, and never give up.
Marley Majcher is the dynamic founder and CEO of The Party Goddess!—a nationally acclaimed full-service event planning and catering firm known for crafting everything from celebrity soirées to corporate galas. (The Party Goddess!) With a degree in marketing and entrepreneurship from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, she blends high-end aesthetic finesse with strategic business acumen—an approach she distilled in her business guide, But Are You Making Any Money?. (Amazon)
Marley is a sought-after speaker and media contributor, appearing on platforms such as Fox Business, Entertainment Tonight and MSNBC, where she shares her insights on design, entrepreneurship, and event innovation. (The Party Goddess!) Outside of work, she’s known for a playful ritual of planning an elaborate annual “blowout” party—proof that she not only designs celebrations for others, she lives the spirit of celebration herself. (The Party Goddess!)
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by the founder of Wild Heart Society, Mackenzie Dunham. The discussion focuses on the challenges transgender kids and their families face, the power of parental support, and the tools Mackenzie uses to promote resilience and connection. The episode wraps with practical advice for all of us: lead with curiosity, challenge misinformation, and always accept and affirm kids for who they are.
Founded in 2019 by Mackenzie Dunham, Wild Heart Society has grown to include over 25 compassionate professionals who are dedicated to providing therapy that is grounded in trust and connection. Our expertise includes LGBTQ+ care, family therapy, and child-centered approaches. We’re here to help you find the therapist (and therapy style) that fits you best.
Inspired by Brene Brown’s powerful work, Wild Heart Society is a collective of licensed therapists, interns, and support staff who center their work around creativity, courage, and connection. Wild Heart Society specializes in counseling for youth, families, and individuals of all ages and identities. We help you navigate challenges, affirm your identities, and build stronger, more meaningful relationships—both with yourself and the people you love.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Martina Faulker, a cross-genre author whose work focuses primarily on what it means to be human. Through this powerful episode, Dr. Kate and Martina deep dive into the heart of Martina’s writing process, the themes that underpin the Understanding Series, and the powerful insights she’s gathered along the way. This episode is a masterclass in getting back to basics, building self-connection, and using practical self-help tools to recalibrate and reset your life.
Martina E. Faulkner is a cross-genre author whose work focuses primarily on exploring what it means to be human—both the unique and the universal. She holds a trifecta in the mental health/healing world as a therapist, certified life coach, and Reiki Master Teacher. This distinctive background allows her to draw on her professional and personal experience in her writing, whether fiction, nonfiction, children’s, or poetry.
A self-proclaimed Anglophile, Martina drinks tea daily, loves walks in nature, and enjoys looking at beautiful images from the British Isles while dreaming up her next book. You can read her regular column (‘Unique and Universal’) on Substack, follow her on Instagram and Facebook @martinaefaulkner, or visit martinaefaulkner.com to learn more.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by elite executive coach Carla Fowler, MD, Ph.D. For the last decade, she has been a secret weapon for scores of CEOs, entrepreneurs, and other senior leaders. Dr. Fowler's unique approach combines the latest research from performance science with timeless best practices to help top performers level up and achieve their goals.
Carla Fowler, MD PhD founded THAXA out of a passion for performance science, where the fields of strategy, productivity, and psychology intersect. Since its inception in 2013, THAXA’s scientific approach to individualized coaching has attracted a devoted client base of dozens of executives at firms ranging from Fortune 500 technology companies to venture-backed startups to innovative nonprofits.
Carla’s coaching methods draw upon the multidisciplinary field of performance science to generate the best ideas surrounding strategy, execution, and mindset to assist leaders in their endeavors. Over the past 10 years, she has distilled the key principles of performance into understandable concepts and a method that helps leaders incorporate these ideas into their day-to-day performance, helping them go faster and improving their results. Outside of her coaching, Carla truly enjoys sharing her key performance principles with audiences while engaging in thought-provoking conversations surrounding her passion for performance science.
Carla graduated from Brown University magna cum laude, earned her MD and PhD at the University of Washington, and completed her internship in general surgery at Stanford University.
To learn more about Carla, please visit:
www.thaxa.comlinkedin.com/in/carla-fowlerx.com/DrCarlaFowler
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by author and coach Reah Hagues. Reah shares her remarkable story of becoming a mother at 14 and the transformative journey that led her to holistic mental health, Christian studies, and life coaching. Drawing from her own experiences, education, and passion, Raya discusses her workbooks, coaching style, and unique perspective on parenting and resilience.
Reah (pronounced Ray-uh) is a devoted wife, proud mother of five young adults, and a loving pet owner. A native of North Carolina, she wears many hats—author, entrepreneur, community activist, and passionate advocate for equality. With multiple professional degrees in Christian Studies, Psychology, Life Coaching, and Holistic Mental Health & Wellness Counseling (with a focus on family dynamics), Reah combines academic expertise with lived experience to inspire and empower others. She is the founder of Falolity, LLC and co-owner of Linda’s Cleaning Crew, bringing both vision and dedication to her business ventures. Whether she’s leading in the community, guiding families toward healthier relationships, or championing equality, Reah’s mission is rooted in faith, compassion, and resilience.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Roberta Ravella, Founder of the Joy Experiment. The discussion focuses on the transformative journey from hustle and force to building a life and business rooted in joy, ease, and feminine energy.
Roberta Gill Ravella is the visionary behind The Joy Experiment—a transformative framework designed to help women step out of struggle and into a life and business filled with joy, ease, and flow. Drawing from her decades of experience in sales, marketing, entrepreneurship, and personal development, Roberta helps clients rewrite the rules of success by leading with alignment, worthiness, and purpose.
After years of chasing achievement through hustle and burnout, Roberta asked a powerful question: What if success didn’t have to be so hard? That question sparked the creation of The Joy Experiment, a values-based coaching approach that guides women to reconnect with their core, simplify their path to growth, and build success that feels just as good as it looks.
Roberta works with purpose-driven women entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders who are ready to replace self-doubt with self-trust, confusion with clarity, and pressure with peace. Her message is a refreshing antidote to hustle culture—and a rallying cry for those seeking a more intentional, fulfilling way to grow. When she’s not coaching or speaking, you’ll find Roberta exploring the mindset shifts that turn burnout into balance and teaching others how to lead with joy, not just chase it.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Aaron McNair, spirituality mindset coach. The conversation explores how Aaron integrates mindset and spirituality in his coaching practice, helping clients from all backgrounds optimize their potential. Aaron details practical techniques he uses with clients, such as shifting from negative self-talk, developing morning routines, and choosing words that cultivate positive energy and vibration. He also discusses resilience, emphasizing the importance of "bouncing forward" instead of simply "bouncing back" in the face of adversity.
Aaron McNair is a powerful Spirituality Mindset Coach, Motivational Speaker, and Transformational guide devoted to helping people awaken to who they truly are—resilient, worthy, and unstoppable. He works with individuals ready to break free from emotional and spiritual limitations, master their inner world, and create a life of purpose, peace, and power.
Rooted in deep spiritual wisdom and lived experience, Aaron combines mindset mastery with soul alignment to help others transform from the inside out. His unique coaching approach is built on four foundational pillars: Consistency, Discipline, Motivation, and Mindset—the core principles that empower lasting transformation in every area of life. Raised in the church and trained in Bible college, Aaron has walked a powerful spiritual journey that now fuels his mission to help others rise above fear, break generational patterns, and fully embody who God created them to be.
Through keynote talks, podcast appearances, and transformational coaching, he delivers a message that ignites breakthroughs, elevates consciousness, and leads people back to their truth. Whether on stage or in private sessions, Aaron speaks with a powerful presence, spiritual authority, and a deep love for humanity. His message is clear and life-changing:
Master Your Mind—Master Your Life.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Martina Faulker, a cross-genre author whose work focuses primarily on what it means to be human. The discussion focuses on compassion – what it means, how we access it, and why it’s so fundamental to our human experience.
Martina E. Faulkner is a cross-genre author whose work focuses primarily on exploring what it means to be human—both the unique and the universal. She holds a trifecta in the mental health/healing world as a therapist, certified life coach, and Reiki Master Teacher. This distinctive background allows her to draw on her professional and personal experience in her writing, whether fiction, nonfiction, children’s, or poetry.
A self-proclaimed Anglophile, Martina drinks tea daily, loves walks in nature, and enjoys looking at beautiful images from the British Isles while dreaming up her next book. You can read her regular column (‘Unique and Universal’) on Substack, follow her on Instagram and Facebook (@martinaefaulkner), or visit martinaefaulkner.com to learn more.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Karen Blaine, author, retired hypnotherapist, and self-described "eternal empath." Karen shares her journey of self-discovery—from growing up feeling different and being told she was "too sensitive," to finding community and purpose through writing after significant personal loss. Together, they explore the themes of authenticity, resilience, and the power of self-love, as reflected in Karen’s new book, The Illusion of Perfection.
Karen Blaine is a published author, full-time writer, and retired certified hypnotherapist with a specialization in conversational hypnotherapy. As an intuitive empath, her writing is dedicated to educating, enlightening, and inspiring readers to find their most authentic selves and live their best lives. Karen aims to connect deeply with readers and teach them to dream big and embark on personal journeys that result in lives of love and gratitude.
In her early years, she pursued many creative and artistic activities, such as writing poetry and making music. Now she focuses her creative juices on writing her books, of which she has published four and has written two others!
Karen's book, Who Are You, explores various methods of personality typing, helping us gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. Dreamscapes is her book on dream decoding that explains the subconscious & conscious meanings of common dreams and how they help us to grow and learn. In Subconsciously Speaking Karen writes about how the subconscious can help us understand and gain power by utilizing it more often. And her new book, You Are Not Alone, the focus shifts to the importance of self-love and the comforting realization that we are not alone in our struggles. This book also offers guidance on building resilience in the face of challenges.
Karen is an avid reader, including literature on the human connection. She graduated from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) with a BA in Speech Communications. She has lived in Southern California all of her life. Karen has been married for 40+ years and has raised four wonderful children who have grown into positive, caring, and successful adults.
To learn more about Karen, please visit:
www.eternalempath.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Matthew Price, author of How-To-IQ: A Principled Approach to Making Smarter Decisions in Complex Times. The discussion focuses on the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in decision-making, emphasizing the human factor in organizations. The conversation touches on practical ways to help individuals and organizations recognize and overcome common biases and blind spots both in the workplace and at home. Matthew stresses the need to empower others to make sound decisions, which ultimately supports organizational growth and healthy family dynamics.
Matthew Price is the Founder and Principal of MKP Strategies and the author of How-to IQ: A Principle-Based Approach to Smarter Decisions in Complex Times. With nearly 30 years of experience helping organizations navigate regulatory complexity, Matthew has built his career at the intersection of business strategy and compliance. He’s advised startups and Fortune 500s alike across sectors regulated by the FDA, EPA, OSHA, and beyond—transforming red tape into real opportunity.
At the heart of Matthew’s work is a bold idea: when rules fall short, principles lead. His How-to IQ framework gives leaders the tools to think critically, act decisively, and scale their businesses with clarity—even in chaotic or heavily regulated environments. In his book and consulting work, he helps founders and executives make smarter decisions by focusing less on rigid rule-following and more on values, insight, and accountability.
A trusted advisor, keynote speaker, and educator, Matthew is known for his candor, clarity, and ability to make complex systems actionable. He’s passionate about equipping leaders with the mindset and tools to grow from “one-man army” to sustainable organization—without losing their mission, values, or sanity in the process.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Justine Froelker, a licensed professional counselor turned speaker, author, and corporate trainer. The discussion explores the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of embracing vulnerability and transparency as leaders, and the necessity of integrating human connection into the workplace. Justine and Dr. Kate also delve into their personal passions outside of work, highlighting the meaningful impact of volunteering and creative hobbies like writing children's books and raising butterflies. The engaging discussion provides inspiration for anyone seeking to cultivate courage and authenticity, whether in leadership, entrepreneurship, or everyday life.
Justine Froelker is a nationally recognized speaker, corporate trainer, and author helping organizations build courageous leaders and connected teams through the power of essential human skills. With more than 25 years of experience in mental health, personal development, and professional growth, Justine brings a grounded, no-nonsense approach to well-being, leadership, and resilience that resonates from the boardroom to the break room.
A Licensed Professional Counselor and the creator of Courage is Built Here™, Justine equips teams and leaders with tools for authentic self-awareness, effective communication, and sustainable self-care. For over a decade, she was certified in Dr. Brené Brown’s work on courage and empathy, and she now shares her own curriculum with organizations committed to real, human-centered change.
Known for her mix of grit, grace, and the occasional well-placed curse word where appropriate, Justine helps audiences and clients speak the unspoken, lead with heart, and show up with courage—even when life or work doesn’t go as planned. She’s worked with teams across industries to reduce burnout, foster inclusion, and develop leadership rooted in vulnerability and accountability.
Justine is the author of twelve books, including five Amazon best-sellers, and her latest, Courage Is Built Here, shares her signature leadership framework. She’s delivered two TEDx Talks, and her work has been featured in the YouVersion Bible App, national media, and dozens of podcasts. Whether through in-person or virtual workshops, training, or keynotes, Justine delivers powerful insights that inspire action and lasting change. She lives in St. Louis with her husband and two beloved dogs and in her free time, you’ll find her rescuing baby birds, raising butterflies, and marveling at the magic of nature.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by intuitive consultant, Jenn Cohen. The conversation delves into the nature of intuition, with Jen emphasizing that everyone possesses this innate ability. She explains how cultural expectations and critical thinking often push intuition into the background, but that reconnecting with it is a process of unlearning rather than learning. They discuss how fear and past experiences can block intuition, and Jenn offers insights on how to compassionately address those barriers.
Jenn Cohen has always been captivated by the power of intuition. After a life-changing experience in her 20s, she explored how intuition could shape her life and career. During her 27 years in the entertainment industry, Jenn found that intuitive decisions often led to success. Now an intuitive consultant, she helps individuals and organizations unlock potential, gain clarity, and achieve their goals through practical, intuition-based strategies. Jenn’s work fosters growth, creativity, and purpose in both personal and professional realms.c
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Mel McSherry, International Business & Life Guide. The conversation focuses on the unique intersection of entrepreneurship, personal development, and human design. Mel shares her winding journey from a successful career in fitness, through the challenges of new motherhood and mental health struggles, to her emergence as a business coach and energetic guide for entrepreneurs.
International business & life guide Mel McSherry helps inspired yet overwhelmed entrepreneurs honor their lives and become the architects of their own success.
Mel uses their spiritual gifts, as well as their 14+ years of business building experience, to slash entrepreneurs’ stress and bring their success to life! Using both Human Design in partnership with traditional business development tools, Mel coaches others on how they can connect to what they want, understand how they are designed to create what they want, and implement their strengths and strategies, so every day they are profitable– mentally, emotionally and financially.
As an entrepreneur since 2010, Mel has launched two successful businesses, become a 2x published author, spoken almost 200 times all over the US and overseas, and created a true life by design– all while being the primary caregiver to their 13-year-old son who is autistic.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Martina Faulker, a cross-genre author whose work focuses primarily on what it means to be human. The discussion delves into the realities of "energy" in everyday life, highlighting that everything is, quite literally, energy. Martina breaks down the basics, explaining the difference between active and inactive (or potential) energy, and offers relatable analogies, like tuning a radio to understand frequency and vibration. Dr. Kate and Martina also touch on personal energy management and why awareness of our energy—and how it interacts with others—is key for healthy relationships and personal well-being.
Martina E. Faulkner is a cross-genre author whose work focuses primarily on exploring what it means to be human—both the unique and the universal. She holds a trifecta in the mental health/healing world as a therapist, certified life coach, and Reiki Master Teacher. This distinctive background allows her to draw on her professional and personal experience in her writing, whether fiction, nonfiction, children’s, or poetry.
A self-proclaimed Anglophile, Martina drinks tea daily, loves walks in nature, and enjoys looking at beautiful images from the British Isles while dreaming up her next book. You can read her regular column (‘Unique and Universal’) on Substack, follow her on Instagram and Facebook (@martinaefaulkner), or visit martinaefaulkner.com to learn more.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Karen Bartholomew, Founder of the Pause Method. The conversation focuses on how Karen helps women identify and break free from limiting subconscious patterns. Karen walks listeners through each step of the Pause Method: Pattern Recognition, Acknowledgment, Understanding, Shifting the narrative, and Embracing new possibilities. She explains how these actionable steps create the foundation for lasting change and increased resilience, especially in the face of life’s inevitable challenges.
As Founder of The Pause Method, Karen Bartholomew empowers women and leaders to slow down and unlock their full potential. With over 14 years of experience, Karen’s coaching philosophy encourages intentional reflection and aligned action, enabling her clients to shed false beliefs and achieve sustainable success. Her approach emphasized the power of pausing over constant doing, fostering confident and purposeful leadership. Karen is passionate about women’s empowerment and has inspired countless individuals to break free from old patterns and confidently embrace the next chapter in their lives.
Website: karenbartholomew.com
Instagram: instagram.com/karenbartholomew
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Jim Carlough, an accomplished business strategist, speaker and author. The conversation centers around Jim’s book, “The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership: A Roadmap to Success,” and dives deeply into the six core principles he believes are essential for any leader: integrity, focus, compassion, stability, empathy, and humor.
With over 30 years of leadership experience, Jim Carlough is an accomplished business strategist, speaker, and author. Having successfully driven explosive growth for healthcare organizations—from start-ups to industry leaders — Jim is a trusted expert in building high-performing teams, revitalizing underperforming businesses, and guiding organizations through transformational change.
Jim's core philosophy—leaders aren’t born; they’re developed—challenges the myth of innate leadership. In his book, The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership: A Roadmap to Success, Jim delivers a practical and inspiring guide for leaders at every stage of their journey. His approach focuses on six essential traits that empower individuals to embrace leadership as a skill that can be learned, honed, and mastered through experience, mentorship, and intentional growth.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Diana Anderson, the visionary Co-Founder and CEO of Cylient, a transformative training and consulting company dedicated to evolving leadership through meaningful, purposeful conversations.
Together, Dr. Kate and Dianna explore the concept of untying the knot as a framework for addressing "stuckness" and facilitating meaningful dialogue between leaders and team members. Dianna emphasizes that coaching skills are universal human skills—not just reserved for professional coaches—and explains how these skills can empower individuals and organizations to navigate change more effectively.
Dianna Anderson is the visionary Co-Founder and CEO of Cylient, a transformative training and consulting company dedicated to evolving leadership through meaningful, purposeful conversations. She is a founding member of the International Coaching Federation and held the prestigious Master Certified Coach designation for nearly two decades.
A thought leader in coaching and human development, Dianna co-authored the first comprehensive textbook exploring the return on investment of coaching engagements. Her pioneering work on the creation of coaching cultures helped global and mid-sized companies unlock collaborative potential by instilling “in the moment” coaching as a leadership style and way of life. To date, over 55,000 individuals have evolved their approach to leadership using the signature Untying the Knot methodology Dianna created.
Driven by a profound belief in human potential, Dianna's current mission is to establish Untying the Knot as a global language that bridges divides and empowers people with diverse perspectives to tackle complex challenges collaboratively. Her vision stems from a deep understanding that true progress emerges when people learn together, building the trust necessary to push beyond perceived limitations and realize extraordinary possibilities.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by HeatherAsh Amara, best-selling author, much-beloved guide, philanthropist, and land steward. The conversation centers around HeatherAsh’s latest book, Wild, Willing and Wise: An Interactive Guide for When to Paddle, When to Rest, and When to Jump Naked into the River of Life. She explains how the book draws inspiration from her experience whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon, using the river as a metaphor for navigating life’s challenges—learning when to take action, when to rest, and when to embrace joy and spontaneity.
As a best-selling author, much-beloved guide, philanthropist, and land steward, HeatherAsh Amara (aka Ash) has spent the last three decades weaving together earth-based teachings and practical wisdom for creative, courageous, pragmatic, and compassionate change.
She is the author of nine books, including the bestselling Warrior Goddess Training series and The Seven Secrets of Happy and Healthy Relationships with don Miguel Ruiz Jr.
Her upcoming book Wild, Willing, and Wise, which will be published Summer 2024 with St. Martin’s Essentials, will expand on her three decades of teaching and mentorship and serve as a delightful invitation for those who want to live fully in the world: to be fiercely engaged, wildly creative, failingly experimental, wonderfully confused, seriously delighted, and compassionately vulnerable.
Ash’s new Substack, Out of the Fire, arose from her experience losing much of her 180-acre retreat center to the biggest wildfire in New Mexico history and her ongoing work to restore the land amidst climate change. Each week she brings a journalistic approach to her decades-long spiritual practice in sharing heart-centered wisdom on navigating the rough and often conflicting waters we all live in these days.
Ash is an engaging and sought-after speaker who loves rich conversations around both challenging and joyful topics. She is most at home in facing the contradictions of modern life. Spiritual and grounded. Intellectual and embodied. Ash endeavors to invite all to the table to learn and grow. Ash often plants her feet in New Mexico but as a lifelong nomad, she spends most of her time traveling, teaching, and writing in cafes around the world.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Anthony Cudjo (AKA “Coach Cudjo”) founder of Human Optimization 3.0. Dr. Kate and Coach Cudjo dive into unlocking your full potential—mind, body, and spirit. He shared transformative insights on aligning your inner energy, harnessing the power of belief, and practical steps like grounding and daily affirmations to shift your mindset. If you’re ready to level up your health, wealth, and self-awareness, this conversation is the spark you need to create real change from the inside out.
Founder and Head Coach at Human Optimization 3.0 (H3O), Anthony Cudjo (AKA “Coach Cudjo”), is the leading expert in performance by optimizing various aspects of life, including physical, mental, and emotional health. Boasting over three decades of experience in business consulting and executive coaching, he is widely recognized as the “Teacher of Teachers” and “Leader of Leaders” for his work empowering individuals and communities to reach their full potential by achieving harmony in spirit, mind, and body. Coach Cudjo is a graduate of Dale Carnegie and the Landmark Forum, and holds certifications as an Advanced NLP Practitioner, personal trainer, life coach, nutritionist, and metabolic specialist. A former professional athlete, he has also hosted the FitnessRX Show on ESPN radio, where he shared his expertise in health and wellness with a wide audience.
Connect With Anthony:
Website: urh3o.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anthony-cudjo-a2928567
Facebook:Facebook.com/Humanoptimization3.0
Instagram: Instagram.com/Humanoptimization3.0
Youtube: Youtube.com/@Humanoptimization3.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Martina Faulker, a cross-genre author whose work focuses primarily on what it means to be human. The discussion delves into the nuances of resilience, challenging common misconceptions and emphasizing that resilience is not a fixed trait or a simple milestone to achieve. Instead, resilience is framed as an ongoing process and a byproduct of ongoing inner work, self-awareness, and daily choices.
Martina E. Faulkner is a cross-genre author whose work focuses primarily on exploring what it means to be human—both the unique and the universal. She holds a trifecta in the mental health/healing world as a therapist, certified life coach, and Reiki Master Teacher. This distinctive background allows her to draw on her professional and personal experience in her writing, whether fiction, nonfiction, children’s, or poetry.
A self-proclaimed Anglophile, Martina drinks tea daily, loves walks in nature, and enjoys looking at beautiful images from the British Isles while dreaming up her next book. You can read her regular column (‘Unique and Universal’) on Substack, follow her on Instagram and Facebook (@martinaefaulkner), or visit martinaefaulkner.com to learn more.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Debbie Gilmore, Executive Director at the Arrowsmith Program. Debbie shared her powerful personal journey—both as an educator and as a parent—exploring how neuroplasticity can transform lives for students with learning differences. She discussed the groundbreaking cognitive approach of Arrowsmith, the importance of acknowledging challenges, and the real potential for brain change at any age.
Debbie Gilmore is a passionate change-maker and Executive Director at the Arrowsmith Program. She is dedicated to transforming education and learning worldwide. With over 40 years of experience spanning classrooms to administrative roles, she's driving educational reform. Debbie collaborates globally with educators and professionals to help them bring about cognitive enhancement to unlock every human’s potential.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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On today's episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate sat down with Paul Glover, the no BS Leadership and Executive Coach, whose extraordinary journey took him from successful trial attorney to ex-convict and now trusted executive coach. Paul shared powerful lessons on transformation, the value of failure, and the ripple effect of service. If you're ready to face your blind spots, embrace personal responsibility, and take your career—and life—to the next level, you won't want to miss this conversation.
Paul Glover is the No B.S. Executive Leadership Coach, coaching & assisting leaders in organizations with revenue up to one billion dollars. He is also:
- A "recovering” federal trial lawyer,
- An ex-felon,
- A TEDx speaker,
- An approved Vistage and YPO Speaker on leadership in the Post-Pandemic work environment,
- The author of WorkQuake™: Making the Seismic Shift to a Knowledge Economy,
- A Forbes contributor,
- And a Starbucks addict and Chicago Bears fanatic.
Link to Paul’s Ted X:
hwww.youtube.com/watch?v=vsVweR4yXz4
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by cross-genre author Martina Faulkner. The discussion focuses on the power of gratitude and its role as both a feeling and a practical tool. Martina shares insights on authentic versus performative gratitude, highlighting how gratitude is most powerful when it comes from within rather than being externally imposed or demanded. The conversation wraps up with reflections on gratitude as a pathway to shift from stressed, overwhelmed to a more peaceful, heart-centered state.
Martina E. Faulkner is a cross-genre author whose work focuses primarily on exploring what it means to be human—both the unique and the universal. She holds a trifecta in the mental health/healing world as a therapist, certified life coach, and Reiki Master Teacher. This distinctive background allows her to draw on her professional and personal experience in her writing, whether fiction, nonfiction, children’s, or poetry.
A self-proclaimed Anglophile, Martina drinks tea daily, loves walks in nature, and enjoys looking at beautiful images from the British Isles while dreaming up her next book. You can read her regular column (‘Unique and Universal’) on Substack, follow her on Instagram and Facebook (@martinaefaulkner), or visit martinaefaulkner.com to learn more.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate sits down with psychologist, Dr. Jenny Hughes. The conversation explores grief, both in traditional forms and as it relates to lost opportunities and changes brought by trauma. Dr. Hughes illustrates how trauma often manifests through physical sensations and patterns in the body. She introduces brain spotting, a somatic therapeutic approach which helps heal deeply rooted trauma.
Jenny Hughes, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of trauma and PTSD. As a clinician, she practices Brainspotting, EMDR, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Jenny is the author of The PTSD Recovery Workbook and Triggers to Glimmers: A Vicarious Resilience Journal and Workbook.
As a leader in the field of vicarious trauma and resilience, Jenny serves trauma therapists, helpers, and healers as the founder of The BRAVE Trauma Therapist Collective. Jenny helps trauma therapists be human again and become more aware of how to identify and manage vicarious trauma, enhance vicarious resilience, and connect and grow through community.
To learn more about Dr. Jenny, please visit:
www.braveproviders.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Donna Dupont, an award-winning designer, futurist, and the Founder of Purple Compass. The discussion focuses on her unique journey from healthcare to futures and foresight. Donna shares how her early work as a respiratory therapist, especially during the SARS crisis, shaped her interest in large-scale health system planning, public policy, and emergency management. She highlights the importance of anticipating long-term change and system vulnerabilities rather than just responding to emergencies.
Donna Dupont, is an award-winning designer, futurist, and the Founder of Purple Compass. With over 25 years of experience collaborating with leaders in healthcare, public safety, defense, and security, she helps organizations develop future literacy skills to navigate uncertainty and lead change in today’s complex world. Donna integrates theory and practice to enhance anticipatory and adaptive capabilities, strategic intelligence, and agility, driving impactful future policy and strategic planning. A former healthcare professional, provincial policy advisor, and emergency manager, Donna is deeply passionate about applying foresight to strengthen decision-making, mitigate future risks, and enhance preparedness and adaptive capacity. Her work empowers organizations to seize opportunities for innovation, transformation, and resilience.
Donna’s unique approach combines systems thinking and strategic foresight, leveraging both quantitative and qualitative insights to identify patterns and anticipate change over time. Her extensive portfolio includes advancing insights on climate-risk, international development, environmental and civil security, health and human security, and national defense.Recognized for her exceptional achievements, Donna has received seven government awards for excellence in policy, strategy, and partner relations. Her acclaimed futures research, Anticipation in Emergency Management (2020), earned awards from the Canadian Defence and Security Network and the Association of Professional Futurists. Donna holds a Master of Design in Strategic Foresight & Innovation from OCAD University.
To learn more about Donna, please visit:
www.purplecompass.ca
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Dr. Jennifer Gentile for a conversation exploring the evolution of mental health care, innovations in digital health technology, and the challenges of balancing a purposeful career with family life. Dr. Gentile shares her career journey from clinical psychologist at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School to her groundbreaking work in digital mental health.
Dr. Jennifer Gentile is a thought leader and mental healthcare innovator with more than 10 years of experience in telehealth and digital health and is committed to improving access and quality in mental healthcare. In her most recent role as SVP, Clinical Innovation at ieso, a digital mental healthcare company, she collaborated with clinical and academic researchers to improve access, outcomes, and engagement in mental healthcare. As a practicing clinical psychologist since 2008 at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Jennifer maintains a deep understanding of the urgent needs for effective mental healthcare. Jennifer led the clinical efforts to found Amwell’s 50 state teletherapy offering.
Her focus areas are translating data insights into actionable interventions to improve care, using AI and machine learning to improve the quality of therapy, scaling digital and human lead mental health intervention, and oversight of large clinical networks. Jennifer has a frequent guest speaker at national and international industry and academic conferences organized by the Tufts School of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, the American Psychological Association, NODE.Health, the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, World Medical Innovation Forum, and others.
To learn more about Jennifer, please visit:
www.thynk.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by cross-genre author Martina Faulkner. They delve into the complex and universal experience of grief. Martina shares the inspiration and process behind her new book, Understanding Grief, which is part of a larger series exploring foundational human experiences. The conversation highlights how grief is a universal emotion, yet always profoundly unique.
Martina E. Faulkner is a cross-genre author whose work focuses primarily on exploring what it means to be human—both the unique and the universal. She holds a trifecta in the mental health/healing world as a therapist, certified life coach, and Reiki Master Teacher. This distinctive background allows her to draw on her professional and personal experience in her writing, whether fiction, nonfiction, children’s, or poetry.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Sheila Buswell. The discussion focuses on Sheila's journey from the military to entrepreneurship, her creation of an upward mobility device, and the challenge of overcoming imposter syndrome. Central take-aways include the importance of not comparing oneself to others, recognizing and celebrating small wins, and trusting one's intuition. Sheila emphasizes how embracing her individuality and focusing on her strengths led her to solve real-world problems in innovative ways, despite the self-doubt and societal assumptions she faced along the way.
Sheila Buswell is the CEO and Co-Founder of Buswell Biomedical, a group that focuses on achieving physical mobility through technology. In 1997, Sheila joined the army, and in 1998 a generator fell on her foot in Bosnia; 20 years later her Mom fell and broke her hip, and when she saw her mom battling the same problems she had it bothered her profusely. Her mom was in a rehabilitation hospital in Arizona for 3 weeks and went from 110 Pound to 99 pounds; she had to be accompanied for all the activities of daily living like toileting by a healthcare worker. She realized that it had been 20 years since her own accident, and nothing has changed in how people are treated in rehabilitation hospitals.
After receiving a medical discharge in 2001, Sheila moved to Missouri to continue her education, earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 2005 from Missouri University of Science and Technology (then UMR). Sheila also holds an MS in Biomedical Engineering from Saint Louis University.
Sheila developed the concept for the Upward Mobility (UPMO) in 2018 to help improve quality of life at rehabilitation centers. Sheila’s goal today is for people to start thinking of AI as a way to solve problems and a tool at our disposal, instead of fearing it. Sheila is also the author of Is This Seat For Me? which shares the stories of a diverse group of accomplished individuals who struggled with self- doubt and found ways to overcome it.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate speaks with Professor MS Rao about his compelling journey of perseverance and resilience. They delve into Professor Rao's forthcoming memoir, which reflects a slice of his life story, entwined with the challenges he faced, including a brain stroke and other health struggles. Despite these hurdles, Professor Rao has managed to write numerous books and hopes to inspire readers with his message of never giving up.
Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D. is the Father of “Soft Leadership” and the Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India. He is a 21th-century philosopher, an International Leadership Guru with forty-three years of experience, and the author of fifty-three books including the award-winning ‘See the Light in You’ URL:
amazon.com/See-Light-You-Spiritual-Mindfulness
Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D. is a columnist and an author-at-large at Entrepreneur. He has published over 300 papers and articles in prestigious international publications including Leader to Leader, Thunderbird International Business Review, Strategic HR Review, Development and Learning in Organizations, Industrial and Commercial Training, On the Horizon, and Entrepreneur magazine. He is a soldier, entrepreneur, editor, educator, author, explorer, enlightener, thinker, writer, researcher, mentor, motivator, professor, reformer, traveler, blogger, storyteller, volunteer, activist, futurist, analyst, strategist, and coach.
He is a C-Suite advisor and global keynote speaker. He brings a strategic eye and long-range vision given his multifaceted professional experience including military, teaching, training, research, consultancy, and philosophy. He is passionate about serving and making a difference in the lives of others. He trains a new generation of leaders through leadership education and publications. He hopes to build one million students as global leaders by 2030 URL: professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030
He volunteers peace activities, advocates gender equality (#HeForShe), and builds students globally. He invests his time in authoring books and blogging on executive education, learning, and leadership. Most of his work is free of charge on his four blogs including professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com. He is a prolific author and a dynamic, energetic, and inspirational leadership speaker. He can be reached at msrlctrg@gmail.com.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Marie Deveaux, an accomplished leadership coach and founder of High Tides Consulting. Marie shares her journey from working in the education sector to focusing on leadership development and facilitating dialogues in the workplace. She emphasizes the importance of communication in leadership and how her practice aims to instill inclusive leadership in organizations through learning experiences.
Marie Deveaux is a 3rd generation entrepreneur, a life-long wealth builder and perpetual dream-chaser. From creative real estate to social work, Marie has dabbled in a little bit of everything in her own path to self-discovery. She has worked in training, personal development and education for over 10 years. Marie’s passion is helping others find their wave and then exceed even their own expectations.
To learn more about Marie, please visit:
Website:
www.hightidesconsulting.co
Leadership Assessment:
hightidesconsulting.co/podcasts/optimized-mind
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate sits down with Jarid Beck, co-founder of Risk Management Advisors. They dive into Jarid's journey from aspiring stockbroker to entrepreneur in the niche field of captive insurance. Jarid shares the trials and triumphs of building a successful business alongside maintaining a balanced personal life. The conversation highlights the importance of flexibility, resilience, and adapting to unexpected challenges. Additionally, Jarid imparts insights about the evolving nature of success and happiness in business and life, emphasizing continuous growth, purpose, and the significance of meaningful connections.
As director & co-founder of Risk Management Advisors, Jarid specializes in alternative risk management strategies like self-insured plans and captive insurance companies. With expertise spanning industries such as construction, real estate, and finance, he holds the ACI and CRIS designations. A recognized authority on using captives to reduce group medical benefit costs, Jarid's insights are essential for business leaders, CFOs, and HR professionals looking to optimize insurance solutions.
To learn more about Jarid, please visit:
www.riskmanagementadvisors.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by a cross-genre author whose work focuses primarily on what it means to be human. They delve into the topic of karma, discussing its role as a universal law. Martina emphasizes that karma isn't about good or bad, but rather about understanding the consequences of actions and the accountability that comes with them. She shares insightful tools for healing karma and stresses the empowering potential of perspective shifts, which can drive personal growth and resilience.
Martina E. Faulkner is a cross-genre author whose work focuses primarily on exploring what it means to be human—both the unique and the universal. She holds a trifecta in the mental health/healing world as a therapist, certified life coach, and Reiki Master Teacher. This distinctive background allows her to draw on her professional and personal experience in her writing, whether fiction, nonfiction, children’s, or poetry.
A self-proclaimed Anglophile, Martina drinks tea daily, loves walks in nature, and enjoys looking at beautiful images from the British Isles while dreaming up her next book. You can read her regular column Unique and Universal on Substack, follow her on Instagram and Facebook @martinaefaulkner or visit martinaefaulkner.com to learn more.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by executive coach and public speaker Evan Kirstein. Evan shares his journey to becoming an executive coach with a focus on helping those with ADHD to optimize their lives across domains. Through the discussion, Evan highlights strategies to help clients identify their strengths, redefine their narratives, and flourish within their unique contexts. He emphasizes the role of empathy and understanding in nurturing the self and enriching relationships, both in personal and professional settings.
Evan Kirstein is an executive coach, public speaker, and thought leader who is passionate about empowering leaders through neurodiversity and inclusive growth. As the founder of Progressive Growth Coaching, Evan has dedicated over a decade to helping organizations, managers, and teams unlock their full potential by fostering leadership excellence and people-centered development.
Evan’s credentials, including certifications in PCC, CACP, CEC, and Hogan Assessment, highlight his deep expertise in leadership coaching and talent development. He has worked with leaders from globally recognized organizations such as Barclays, Spotify, and Peloton, guiding them through the complexities of effective leadership, team communication, and performance improvement. His coaching is tailored to inspire engagement and drive productivity, helping leaders navigate real-world challenges with clarity and confidence.
A sought-after speaker, Evan’s presentations are dynamic, actionable, and grounded in lived experience. He frequently addresses topics such as creating neurodiverse-friendly workplaces and equipping managers with strategies to build high-performing, inclusive teams. Through his keynotes, workshops, and training sessions, Evan empowers organizations to embrace innovation, foster psychological safety, and drive sustained success.
As an advocate for ADHD awareness and neurodiversity, Evan draws from his own journey to inspire others. His authenticity, humor, and relatability resonate with audiences, creating a memorable and motivational experience. Evan’s mission is to help others recognize that neurodiversity is not a limitation but a source of strength and creativity.
To learn more about Evan, please visit:
www.progressivegrowthcoaching.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Christiane Constantineau. The discussion focuses on navigating personal and professional challenges, particularly in the face of a cancer diagnosis. Central take-aways include the importance of breaking down overwhelming obstacles into manageable steps, maintaining focus on personal values, and prioritizing self-care.
Christiane Constantineau is a Canadian-based C-Level Executive, CFO-to-hire, Cash flow expert, and Entrepreneur known for her unwavering integrity, outspoken nature, and client-centered approach, which have earned her the reputation of a strategic leader.
Christiane is a woman of action, unafraid to tackle any challenge, whether it's walking down a 12-story building, facing the street, or walking on the edge of the CN Tower. Nothing could have prepared her for the Stage 3C breast cancer diagnosis she received in 2019, just months before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For Christiane, helping others is an end in itself. She recognizes the need for entrepreneurs to stop and create a strategic plan to protect their businesses from collapsing or suffering significant setbacks. She wrote the book - Cancer Sucks...: The Journey of an Entrepreneur and Her Fight Against Cancer While Running Her Business and published it in 2023.
Her book focuses specifically on entrepreneurs, but is also relevant to anyone battling a long-term, chronic illness that requires months or more of healing. It shares her personal story and proposes a strategy that combines business management with healing.
In 2023, Christiane made the decision to sell her business to her favorite employee, her youngest son. Despite this transition, she remains actively engaged with clients from around the world, serving as a CFO or finance director with one foot in Canada and the other in the global business landscape.
www.amazon.com/Cancer-Sucks-Journey-Entrepreneur-Business-ebook
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Dr. Lucette Beal. The discussion focuses on mindset transformation and personal empowerment. Central take-aways include the importance of developing a positive mindset through consistent appreciation practices, understanding and flipping negative mental scripts, and living from the inside out to unlock personal potential.
Dr. Lucette, a veterinarian with over three decades of experience, has seamlessly transitioned her passion for healing from the animal kingdom to the human realm. Inspired by the resilience she witnessed in animals and empowered by her own journey of overcoming adversity, including navigating divorce, cancer, and financial hardship, Dr. Lucette founded a consulting company dedicated to personal transformation. Drawing upon her deep understanding of health, well-being, and the human-animal bond, she developed the Reverse, Reframe, Rebuild program, empowering individuals to identify and dismantle limiting beliefs, reframe challenges as opportunities for growth, and cultivate a mindset of resilience, confidence, and self-trust. Dr. Lucette emphasizes living from within, encouraging clients to prioritize self-trust, make decisions aligned with their authentic selves, and develop a strong sense of personal agency. By seamlessly integrating her medical expertise with powerful coaching techniques, she guides clients to improve their mindset, reduce stress, and create a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. Dr. Lucette is a mindset expert, coach, international speaker and best selling author.
Free Appreciation Journal:
www.drlucette.net/appreciationlist
Vision Mapping Guide
Downloadable PDF with guidance on how to
https://bit.ly/drlucettevision
The Reframe Game Worksheet
https://www.drlucette.net/reframegamefreebie
Healing Workshop
https://www.drlucette.net/healingworkshop
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by podcast host and speaker Jason Shupp. The discussion focuses on Jason's eclectic career path and the resilience built through his diverse experiences. Central take-aways include the importance of being present, managing stress through both high-adrenaline hobbies and meditation, and finding success in well-being and contentment.
Jason Shupp is a podcast host, speaker, and empathic collaborator. Jason’s early professional life was quite diverse (EMT in Colorado, white water raft guide, snowmobile tour guide, martial arts instructor, and high works rigger) before entering the family business in the third generation. After nearly two decades of leading a legacy business, a strategic partnership allowed for his further pursuit into multi-media and creative projects. He leverages these platforms to share context and nuance to foster a deeper understanding of individuals and ideas. Jason spends the rest of his time as a devoted husband and father, pursuing wellness, travel, and rigorous outdoor play.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Kate talks with Kaneshi Hart. The discussion focuses on Kaneshi's journey from the corporate world to becoming a successful podcast host and speaker. Central take-aways include the importance of building robust systems, the power of authenticity in achieving success, and practical strategies to overcome fear and enhance resilience. Kaneshi emphasizes the significance of client retention, having a solid client onboarding process, and the value of continual personal and professional development. Additionally, she shares her insights on maintaining optimism and gratitude as foundational principles for a resilient lifestyle.
Playing collegiate Division I basketball at the University of Memphis on full athletic and partial academic scholarships, Kaneshi had many advantages as she stepped into the world of working. Her success on the court followed her into the corporate world where she quickly moved into high levels of leadership within the companies where she worked, managing hundreds of employees and responsible for millions of dollars in revenue. But setbacks sabotaged that success.
In the span of a few short years later in Kaneshi's career, she was laid off three times while dealing with a toxic personal relationship and a toxic leader at her job. These life ambushes shattered Kaneshi’s confidence and left her feeling fearful about whether life would ever get back on track.
Today, by the grace of God, Kaneshi is a business owner, the founder and host of Build a Better Business Podcast, a speaker, and educator. She’s known the fears that can be debilitating when facing different life situations and she feels called to teach others how to forge through those fears, as she has, to create the future they want to see.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
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In this captivating episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate welcomes Kyle McDowell, an inspiring and seasoned leader. Kyle shares the transformative power of his book, "Begin with We," and the profound impact of the 10 “We” principles on organizational culture and beyond.
Kyle reflects on the journey that led him to notice an increasing sense of apathy despite advancing in his career. Realizing the need for a cultural reset within his organization, Kyle developed the 10 We principles, which became a manifesto for positive change. He recounts the initial skepticism from his team and how consistency in living these principles eventually won people over, even transforming personal lives as highlighted by an attendee who mentioned how the principles changed his parenting approach.
The episode delves into the importance of authenticity and consistency, both inside and outside of the workplace. Kyle emphasizes that his principles dictate how people treat one another and ensure high functioning behind the scenes, leading to greater success and fulfillment in professional environments.
As a former Fortune 10 executive who led tens of thousands of employees around the globe, turned bestselling author, inspirational speaker, and leadership coach, I'm fueled by a passion for principle-based leadership and the transformative power of WE. My WSJ and USA Today bestselling book, "Begin With WE - 10 Principles for Building and Sustaining a Culture of Excellence" lays the foundation for a collaborative and inclusive approach to leadership, grounded in ten guiding principles known as The 10 WEs.
To learn more about Kyle, please visit:
www.kylemcdowellinc.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by franchise consultant and coach Adam Goldman to delve into the intricacies of franchising, his professional journey, and the lessons learned along the way.
Chapters:
- Franchising Insights
- Exploring Franchise Types
- Optimism and Resilience
- The Importance of Trust in Franchising
- Handling Rejection and Teaching Children This Important Lesson
The nation’s top franchise coach and consultant, Adam Goldman, knows that even with well-paying jobs, there is one major problem in Corporate America: you can't pursue your own dreams while working for someone else. Franchising has allowed Adam, a father of three, to achieve his dreams.
Over the past 9 years, Adam has helped hundreds of people to change their lives through franchise business ownership. He helps others find the right franchise for them and goes on to match them with the right opportunity in their area.
During his 20-year career as a business investor and franchise consultant, Adam has founded three successful companies on two continents. These include an IT company in Poland and a real estate investment company in Texas. Most recently, he grew the Vanguard Cleaning Area Developer concept in Houston into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, generating over 30 franchisees and 300 customers, which he has now sold.
In his latest book, The Franchisee Lifestyle, Adam interviews existing franchisees from diverse backgrounds about their journeys into independence. Demystifying the world of franchising, Adam’s book provides invaluable insights into the key factors that can make or break a franchise deal, helping readers avoid potential pitfalls and make informed decisions, as well as the unique benefits and opportunities of being part of a well-established brand.
To learn more about Adam, please visit:
http://franchiseadam.com
http://Franchisecoach.net
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate welcomes Professor MS Rao back to the show. The two delve deeply into the evolution and development of soft leadership. Professor Rao explains how he blended principles from his PhD in soft skills with leadership theories to create a new leadership style. He highlights the importance of people skills, emotional intelligence, and collaboration while emphasizing that leaders must still maintain task orientation. Drawing on examples of renowned figures like Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, and Elon Musk, Professor Rao underscores that effective leadership can come in many forms, with both soft and hard attributes.
Chapters:
- The Evolution of Soft Leadership
- Key Influences and Inspirations
- Emphasis on Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
- Importance of Balancing Hard and Soft Leadership
- Professor Rao's Contributions to Leadership Literature
Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D. is the Father of “Soft Leadership” and the Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India. He is a 21th-century philosopher, an International Leadership Guru with forty-three years of experience, and the author of fifty-three books including the award-winning ‘See the Light in You’ URL: https://www.amazon.com/See-Light-You-Spiritual-Mindfulness/dp/1949003132.
He is a columnist and an author-at-large at Entrepreneur. He has published over 300 papers and articles in prestigious international publications including Leader to Leader, Thunderbird International Business Review, Strategic HR Review, Development and Learning in Organizations, Industrial and Commercial Training, On the Horizon, and Entrepreneur magazine. He is a soldier, entrepreneur, editor, educator, author, explorer, enlightener, thinker, writer, researcher, mentor, motivator, professor, reformer, traveler, blogger, storyteller, volunteer, activist, futurist, analyst, strategist, and coach. He is a C-Suite advisor and global keynote speaker. He brings a strategic eye and long-range vision given his multifaceted professional experience including military, teaching, training, research, consultancy, and philosophy. He is passionate about serving and making a difference in the lives of others. He trains a new generation of leaders through leadership education and publications. He hopes to build one million students as global leaders by 2030 URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.html.
Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D. volunteers peace activities, advocates gender equality (#HeForShe), and builds students globally. He invests his time in authoring books and blogging on executive education, learning, and leadership. Most of his work is free of charge on his four blogs including http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com. He is a prolific author and a dynamic, energetic, and inspirational leadership speaker. He can be reached at msrlctrg@gmail.com.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
In this engaging episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate sits down with Brian Morgan, a dedicated field sound mixer, business owner and endurance athlete, to delve into the parallels between ultra marathons, parenting, personal growth, and resilience. Together, they explore the many lessons learned from pushing physical boundaries and how this relates to nurturing resilient children.
Chapters:
- Navigating Life's Challenges
- Parenting with Perseverance
- Encouraging Risk-Taking in Kids
- Personal Development through Adversity
- Endurance Racing Insights
- Evolving Life Paths
- Lessons from Spartan Races
- Importance of Family and Personal Growth
Brian Morgan is a dedicated field sound mixer and business owner who has made a significant impact in the Tampa film industry. Brian established his own sound production business in 2019 in Tampa, Florida and continues to travel the country making tv shows and commercials.
He stays busy with his wife and 2 kids while also pursuing his passion for ultra distance racing. His commitment to his wife and 2 kids and his relentless pursuit of athletic challenges exemplify his belief in the power of perseverance.
Brian views his racing challenges not only as a personal challenge but also as a way to connect with the local community and inspire others to pursue their own athletic goals. Connect with Brian Morgan
Follow Brian on social media:
FloridaSoundGuy
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund
Innovative Speech Language Pathologist Courtney Byrd joins Dr. Kate this week on The Optimized Mind.
Dr. Byrd, an esteemed speech language pathologist who brings a wealth of experience and insight into the conversation. This episode dives deep into Byrd's 20-year journey in developing an innovative alternative treatment for stuttering, sparked by a poignant early experience during her college years. Byrd recounts how working with a teenage boy who stuttered left a lasting imprint on her career and motivated her to find more effective solutions.
Tune in to this enlightening episode filled with insightful discussions, practical takeaways, and inspiring stories that highlight the critical intersection of communication, resilience, and understanding in the journey of those who stutter.
Chapters:
- Experience inspired developing alternative speech therapy approaches.
- Stuttering impact unrelated to frequency; focus on communication.
- Rethinking stuttering treatment: Acceptance over fluency pursuit.
- Advocacy and education are crucial for stuttering.
- Inspired by resilient stutterers' stories and journeys.
Son's challenges inspire courage and resilience.
Courtney Byrd is a Full Professor, Associate Chair, and Graduate Advisor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin, where she also serves as Founding and Executive Director of the newly established Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research, which has three core branches each of which she also founded and directs, including the Michael and Tami Lang Stuttering Institute, the Dealey Family Foundation Stuttering Clinic, and the Dr. Jennifer and Emanuel Bodner Developmental Stuttering Lab. She has over 100 peer-reviewed publications, and has dedicated her life's work to advancing understanding of the etiology across culturally and linguistically diverse populations, as well as improving treatment and training practices to better serve people who stutter.
Connect with Dr. Courtney Byrd:
- Website: blankcenterforstuttering.org
- Instagram: BlankCenter.Stuttering
- Email: stuttering@austin.utexas.edu
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with child life specialist and founder of Child Life On-Call Katie Taylor. The discussion focuses on the role of child life specialists in children’s hospitals. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include the impact of trauma and hospitalization on children and ways to ease this stress for kids and parents; the evolution of Child Life On-Call – an app to support parents and empower them as they care for their hospitalized children, the importance of helping kids cope through hospitalization and the power of therapy dogs in hospitals.
Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform revolutionizing pediatric healthcare by putting parents at the center of the medical journey. With over 14 years of experience as a certified child life specialist, Katie has made significant contributions to the field of child life and the families she’s served with over a decade of working at the bedside. She is an accomplished author, engaging child life and entrepreneurship speaker, and the Child Life On Call Podcast host. Katie's work emphasizes the vital role of child life services in supporting caregivers and enhancing children's medical journeys.
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with franchise expert Ewell Smith. The discussion focuses on Ewell’s book – Your First Franchise Roadmap, and the many possibilities for building a successful franchise. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include the many paths for success in franchising and in life, the importance of mindset and goodness of fit as a successful franchise owner, and the power of relationships.
Ewell Smith is the host of the CloseTheDeal.com Podcast, featuring special episodes of Your First Franchise, where he interviews franchisors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. He’s also the author of Your First Franchise Roadmap. As a seasoned franchise consultant, Ewell specializes in helping career professionals, corporate refugees, and veterans find their ideal franchise opportunities. With a strong background in executive leadership, Ewell previously served as Executive Director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board, the Gulf Seafood Institute, and the Carolina Loggers Association, representing thousands of entrepreneurs over 17 years. He also created and emceed the Great American Seafood Cook-Off, a televised event featured on Food Network and PBS. Through his diverse experiences and commitment to empowering others through franchising, Ewell continues to support entrepreneurs on their path to success.
To learn more about Ewell, please visit:
www.yourfirstfranchise.com
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with successful trader and author Anmol Singh. The discussion focuses on Anmol’s path to learning about the markets and developing a passion for trading which has evolved into a successful business. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include the importance of managing mindset in trading and in life, the difference between knowing and doing and the importance of putting knowledge into action. Anmol highlights the core principles in his book – Prepping for Success throughout which focuses on optimizing mindset.
The stock market is an emotional rollercoaster. The difference between profit and loss comes down to your understanding of how to make logical and fast decisions based on constantly changing data. This is where Anmol Singh comes in. He was born in Delhi, India and grew up as a patient and persistent individual. After completing his high school education, he went to Brunel University London with the strong determination to become something great. He started trading in his dorm and saved enough money to legally start multiple franchises and move to America.
At the young age of 22, Anmol Singh was able to establish himself as a successful Trader and has been featured in major media outlets including Business Insider, Forbes, and International Business Times. Today, he and his team at Live Traders show people how to execute trades, review different scenarios, and most importantly, how to control your emotions when high stakes are on the line.
To learn more about Anmol, please visit:
www.goanmol.net
www.livetraders.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Cary Sparrow, founder and CEO of Wagescape, a company focused on labor market trends. The discussion focuses on Cary’s rich experiential history and career path which led him to starting Wagescape. Central themes which emerge through this powerful conversation include transparency in the labor market, the value of experiential learning in work and in life, the ways in which access to the right information leads to organizational resilience, and the power of perspective.
Cary helps HR professionals and consulting firms to predict the future of pay. He is also a former US Navy officer who served on several nuclear submarines. 35+ years (combined) of engineering, military, consulting, technology and operations leadership in achieving organizational growth makes him a guest of value to HR leaders and other decision-makers wanting to navigate the labor market, in today's rapidly-growing access to remote work and digital promptness.
To learn more about Cary Sparrow, please visit:
www.wagescape.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with entrepreneur Akash Rupareliaa. The discussion focuses on the ways in which Akash and his team serve others by helping entrepreneurs build their businesses and gain visibility in a way which helps them to create a massive impact for those they work with. Central themes which emerge through this powerful conversation include the importance of a service mindset and living in your zone of genius, lessons learned while living as a monk, the connection between purpose and success and the power of the subconscious mind.
Akash’s journey is a masterclass in transformation, resilience, and purpose. He took the unexpected route from being a party boy to a monk, ultimately channeling his deepest heartbreak into the creation of a thriving social media empire that now generates millions. Along the way, he learned the true meaning of confidence, and now he is on a mission to make spirituality and deeper thinking not just accessible, but undeniably cool. His remarkable achievements speak for themselves: Built a successful social media agency worth millions.
Dropped out of a top global university to pursue a life of purpose and empowered countless individuals to elevate their lives through spiritual and entrepreneurial insights. Blended ancient wisdom with modern success, showing that inner growth is the true foundation of business triumph.
He is also an Ambassador & Trustee to FoodforallUK, distributing 100,000+ warm meals to homeless people in the UK and refugees around the world, including places like Syria and Ukraine. His unconventional journey demystifies spirituality and success, blending them into a powerful force for personal and professional growth. Book Akash for an electrifying discussion on turning life’s challenges into triumph, building confidence, and making the world think deeper—while elevating their own lives and businesses.
To learn more about Akash Rupareliaa, please visit:
www.simplexmedia.co.uk
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with researcher and author Professor MS Rao. The discussion focuses on Professor Rao’s most recent book See the Light In You, along with his more general ideas on resilience and overcoming challenges. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include the power of perseverance, the ways in which spirituality relates to well-being, the reality that happiness lies within and the importance of living in the moment.
Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D. is the Father of “Soft Leadership” and the Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India. He is a 21th-century philosopher, an International Leadership Guru with forty-three years of experience, and the author of fifty-three books including the award-winning ‘See the Light in You’ URL: https://www.amazon.com/See-Light-You-Spiritual-Mindfulness/dp/1949003132.
He is a columnist and an author-at-large at Entrepreneur. He has published over 300 papers and articles in prestigious international publications including Leader to Leader, Thunderbird International Business Review, Strategic HR Review, Development and Learning in Organizations, Industrial and Commercial Training, On the Horizon, and Entrepreneur magazine. He is a soldier, entrepreneur, editor, educator, author, explorer, enlightener, thinker, writer, researcher, mentor, motivator, professor, reformer, traveler, blogger, storyteller, volunteer, activist, futurist, analyst, strategist, and coach.
He is a C-Suite advisor and global keynote speaker. He brings a strategic eye and long-range vision given his multifaceted professional experience including military, teaching, training, research, consultancy, and philosophy. He is passionate about serving and making a difference in the lives of others. He trains a new generation of leaders through leadership education and publications. He hopes to build one million students as global leaders by 2030 URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.html.
He volunteers peace activities, advocates gender equality (#HeForShe), and builds students globally. He invests his time in authoring books and blogging on executive education, learning, and leadership. Most of his work is free of charge on his four blogs including http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com. He is a prolific author and a dynamic, energetic, and inspirational leadership speaker. He can be reached at msrlctrg@gmail.com.
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with executive and leadership coach Luann Horobin. The discussion focuses on Luann’s path to coaching from a career in healthcare. Central themes which emerge through this powerful conversation include the ways in which difficult experiences can lead to breakthroughs for people wanting to change, the power of the subconscious mind, overcoming limiting beliefs and the ways we can do that.
Luann is a native Albertan, one of 1600 ICF Master Coaches, Executive and Leadership Coach, Career Accelerator, and Transformational Consultant. Work ethic and community were key values, instilled in early childhood from the farm, that have been lifelong guiding principles. Yet when facing life and career transitions, a pivotal point was learning how to get what and where one wants. That's not about working harder, with less stress.
As an avid learner, books, programs and learning from others were staples in life, but gave modest results, compared to mindset., Luann guides executives, business leaders and high performers to use mindset to achieve new ambitions, much quicker. In mere hours., Mindset methods can save years of stress, trial, and error.
Luann’s deep dive into the neuroscience of transformation, led to her custom formula of career and transformation coaching for life-altering breakthroughs in leadership presence, relatability, relationships, and meaningful work beyond one’s upper limits. New mindset programs bring ambitions to life, to be your best self, make better decisions, and put the zest in life, without stress.
Outside of work Luann loves being a mom, dog grandma, pickleball, dancing, running, nature, walking, family and friends.
To learn more about Luann, please visit:
www.linkedin.com/in/luannhorobin
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with trust expert and author Dr. Darryl Stickel. The discussion focuses on Darryl’s path to building a business focused on building trust. Central themes which emerge through this powerful conversation include overcoming early challenges and setbacks and how this often fosters empathy and an understanding of others, how people learn to trust and why this is so important, how to help our kids build trust and the relationship between resilience and trust.
Darryl is one of the world’s leading experts on trust. He helps high-level and executive leaders cultivate true growth and productivity in their businesses through an action-based practice of modeling vulnerability in order to improve communication and employee investment in their business. Darryl teaches leaders how to find and use their most powerful tool that is always in their control: how to effectively build trust in their relationships. Darryl is an unshakable force of positivity and brings the best out of people.
His personal trials have strengthened his resolve and character to be a positive force for Trust. He believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together.
Described as a “Trust Savant” his ability to see clearly into trust problems, diagnose them and create a path to move forward for individuals, teams and organizations is remarkable. His Trust model is both simple and insightful. His practical experience and deep knowledge of trust make him a powerful thought partner and ally for individuals at the highest level of organizations.
To learn more about Darryl, please visit:
www.trustunlimited.com
Darryl@trustunlimited.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Lindsey Mazza, attorney turned coach, speaker and disability advocate. The discussion focuses on Lindsey’s transition from law to coaching and speaking. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include the idea of disability as a superpower and why the process of integrating difference into sense of self and identity over time is so important, vulnerability and the power of authentic connection, the importance of exposing kids to the idea of appreciating and embracing individual difference and the unique lens of disability.
Lindsey is an entrepreneurial lawyer turned leadership catalyst and keynote speaker. She knows all about what the power of self- advocacy can do to transform your calling and your future. Having been born with a physical disability that has affected all aspects of her life, she has tapped into the power of her own voice to change her narrative so that others can step into their true purpose. After dedicating a life to serve others through advocacy, Lindsey is now taking her story to center stage where her calling has led to a desire to impact as many people as possible through her own resilience, passion and intuition. If you are looking to make an unexpected personal breakthrough or step into the spotlight of your own life, Lindsey’s words will leave a prominent lasting impression.
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with mindset coach and speaker Susan Lazar Hart. The discussion focuses on how Susan’s path to coaching evolved over time through a vast array of experiences. Central themes which emerge through the conversation include the benefits and power of multiple experiences in shaping who we become, the power of congruent living in helping people to carve their authentic path, the importance of cultivating self-awareness in mind and body, the power of flexible thinking and the idea of living in the question.
Susan Lazar Hart has always had a different way of seeing the world, which is a catalyst that sparks curiosity and fosters sustainable change for her clients. As a transformational mindset coach and speaker, she has worked with thousands of women worldwide to change their thoughts, beliefs, and habits so they create a congruent life full of possibilities.
Susan founded the Congruent Living Method and Academy and is the author of her newest book, “Breaking Free: Your Unique Path to Fearless Living.” By integrating breakthrough coaching tools, spiritual principles, and accountability, Susan empowers women in midlife to create the life they’ve always longed for!
To learn more about Susan, please visit:
www.susanlazarhart.com
Link to her book - Breaking Free:
https://www.amazon.ca/Breaking-Free-Unique-Fearless-Living
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with healthcare advocate and liver transplant survivor Dan Bonner. The discussion focuses on Dan’s journey from first getting sick through his liver transplant and beyond. Central themes which emerge through this powerful conversation include making sense of life- threatening illness, the physical and emotional experience of transplant and recovery, the complexities of navigating the medical system, the spiritual aspects of the transplant experience, and the complex and powerful connection with donor families.
Dan Bonner is currently 51 and living at the New Jersey Shore. He was diagnosed with a chronic illness at the age of 24 and a debilitating liver disease at age 29. While Dan was not in immediate danger, the liver disease would progress, and he would one day need a liver transplant to survive. On March 12, 2005, Dan received that life-saving liver transplant, which gave him a second chance to fulfill his life’s dreams. Approximately 16 months after his transplant, Dan married the love of his life, Sue, and the two began a new journey together.
In 2011, Dan self-published a book;Gifted: An Extraordinary Journey Through Illness and Liver Transplantation. Sharing the story of his medical journey leading up to and receiving his transplant. Then, after retiring from a corporate career in February of 2024, Dan embarked on starting his own business, Aegis Health Advocacy, to be a patient advocate that empowers patients, guides healthcare clinicians, and interacts with corporations and government agencies to promote a compassionate healthcare experience for all patients. In addition to running his business, Dan is a powerful keynote speaker that uses humor and empathy to engage others in promoting.
With a mission to help patients on their medical journeys “one person at a time,” Dan has transitioned from a survivor to a professional advocate who is passionate about improving patient outcomes. He leverages his unique insights to educate healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical companies, and patient advocacy groups, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to patient care. Dan’s work extends beyond one-on-one advocacy; he is also an engaging keynote speaker and consultant who collaborates with medical organizations to develop protocols that prioritize the patient experience.
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with entrepreneur and researcher Dr. John Lewis. The discussion focuses on Dr. Lewis’ recent research findings on the benefits of polysaccharides on health and well-being with emphasis on the benefits for those with neurodegenerative conditions. Central themes which emerge through the conversation focus on the ways in which rebalancing the immune system can boost cognitive function and the innate power of the human body to heal itself when given the proper fuel.
John E. Lewis, Ph.D. is the Founder and President of Dr Lewis Nutrition and past full-time and current Voluntary Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He is a Diplomate, Faculty Member, and Advisor of the Medical Wellness Association. He has been the principal investigator of over 30 different studies in his research career, focusing on evaluating the effects of nutrition, dietary supplementation, and exercise on various aspects of human health. Dr. Lewis has been an invited national and international lecturer at conferences and as a guest on television shows, where he discusses not only the findings of his research, but provides guidance and recommendations as a health expert. He has over 180 peer-reviewed publications in some of the world’s leading scientific journals. A seminal publication from his Alzheimer’s study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, not only spurred him to leave academics and pursue a science-based business career, but also enabled him to be selected for a widely-acclaimed TEDxMiami talk about how dietary supplementation can improve brain health. Dr. Lewis embodies the model of health by eating a whole-food, plant- based diet for over 26 years, taking certain key dietary supplements, and through a rigorous, daily exercise training program. John has a passion for educating others about the value of nutrition, exercise, and health, and he will continue to study the application of clinical nutrition for the benefit of mankind.
To learn more about Dr. John, please visit:
www.drjohnlewisnutrition.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with personal development coach Peggy Van De Plassche. The discussion focuses on the power of microdosing in stress, anxiety and mood management, performance and productivity. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include Peggy’s 90-day plan for integrating microdosing into one’s lifestyle in a safe and effective way, the importance of calming the nervous system, and moving out of fight or flight as a catalyst for changing mindset.
After spending over 20 years in the financial services and technology industries, Peggy Van de Plassche pivoted her activities to help entrepreneurs and corporate executives level up their well-being and performance through the use of psilocybin and alternative modalities; The Microdose Diet - a 90 Day Plan for Success and Happiness.
For many, top performance comes at the expense of mental well-being. Depression, anxiety, and stress are widespread among entrepreneurs and corporate executives. We’re not conditioned to think of mental wellness as a critical part of high performance, however it is the number one component that prevents top performers from reaching their peak potential. Peggy has experienced the highs and lows of the corporate world and is now helping countless professionals access their best self in the most effortless way.
Using her comprehensive background as a banker and venture capitalist, combined with her extensive experience with the medicinal powers of psilocybin, Peggy brings credibility and connection with the most skeptical crowds of all genders, ages, and occupations.
Success doesn’t depend on how many hours you put into the office. Thanks to The Microdose Diet, entrepreneurs and executives experience greater levels of success and happiness, giving them the keys to increased life satisfaction. With The Microdose Diet, Peggy’s facilitates growth that will exponentially increase productivity and performance in a healthy, balanced way, accessing an entirely new level of your life.
To learn more about Peggy, please visit:
www.themicrodosediet.com
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with personal development coach and educator Megan Hanewald. The discussion focuses on Megan’s path into the coaching and education space and how she built on this passion to help others maximize their own potential in sports and in life. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include the idea that it is never too late to become an athlete, the importance of following your passion in sports and life, the ways that lessons from sports can transfer across domains, the importance of believing that you can … whatever can means to you, the importance of authenticity and vulnerability and the power of focusing on the process not just the outcome in sports and life.
Megan has been in the coaching and teaching space for 28 years, with the past 14 years being dedicated solely to coaching and training adults. Megan started her career as an independent school-teacher and coach, hopped into the corporate world for nearly a decade and returned to her passion of coaching full time in 2018. As the founder of the program "Thrive Through Midlife", a holistic group coaching program that optimizes fitness and nutrition for women as they approach and navigate menopause, Megan is dedicated to helping women understand their body's changes and shift their actions and thoughts to serve their bodies during this time. Megan is a competitive rower and triathlete in Chattanooga, TN and has a daughter in the 8th grade.
To learn more about Megan, please visit:
www.meganhanewald.com
www.thrivethroughmidlife.co
@coachmeg 73
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with mindfulness architect Holly McNeill. The discussion focuses on Holly’s evolution from exhausted and burned out to thriving within the context of life and business. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include the reality that we are not our emotions, thoughts and feelings, the ways in which the P.E.R.L.O.V.E Formula helps people to create clarity, peace and ultimately positive change.
Holly is a seasoned architect with 26 years of experience managing global projects, including billion-dollar hospitals. Alongside her career, she embarked on a 20-year transformative spiritual journey into how the mind works, studying neuroscience, psychology, spirituality, and Buddhism. This journey led to the creation of the P.E.R.L.O.V.E. Formula, a set of mindfulness practices that teaches people to pay attention to the hidden influences of the body and mind from moment to moment, helping them unravel destructive thoughts and patterns and make room for positive change. Now known as the Mindfulness Architect, Holly shares the power of Paying Attention, helping individuals break free from autopilot living to create a life of clarity, peace, and joy.
To learn more about Holly, please visit:
hollymcneill.com
facebook.com/groups/mindfulnessblueprints
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate welcomes author and professional speaker Gina Schaefer back to celebrate the launch of the show’s third year. The discussion focuses on Gina’s shift into the professional speaking world after transitioning out of The Hardware Business she built over the past 20 years. Central themes which emerge through the conversation include the power of speaking for impact, the importance of never underestimating our potential or possibility, and of trusting yourself to take that first step forward, the power of curiosity and authentic human connection in business and in life.
Gina Schaefer is the author of Recovery Hardware, a powerful memoir that highlights her journey of transforming communities and creating inclusive workplaces. As a dynamic keynote speaker, she captivates audiences with her compelling stories, actionable insights, and unwavering passion for positive change. Gina's mission is to empower others to build thriving businesses and vibrant communities, making her a sought-after speaker and thought leader.
To learn more about Gina, please visit:
www.ginaschaefer.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with emergency management expert, Patrick Hardy. The discussion focuses on Patrick’s path into emergency management and disaster preparedness and how this has evolved into a passion and thriving business. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include the power of grit and perseverance, the importance of maintaining a sense of control and self-efficacy when disaster hits, the importance of eliminating dependencies in a disaster, and how to empower people to take action in a disaster.
When disaster and disruption strike there are few voices in the world as knowledgeable as Patrick Hardy. Whether you’re reading his book Design Any Disaster: The Revolutionary Blueprint to Master Your Next Crisis or Emergency, or seeing his talks live, Patrick’s wealth of experience proves that he is the man with the plan to help you navigate and prevent disruptions. Not only is he a graduate of FEMA’s Advanced Academy, but Patrick has gone on to gain numerous certifications such as FEMA’s Master of Exercise®, Certified Emergency Manager®, Certified Risk Manager®, and Master Business Continuity Professional®.
Drawing from his deep expertise in disaster preparedness and response, Patrick Hardy equips audiences with practical strategies to break the Crisis Creation Chain, educating people on how to eliminate disasters by turning disruptions into opportunities.
Patrick actively collaborates across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to empower individuals to bolster their resilience and prevent minor disruptions from escalating into full-blown disasters. Having successfully led, managed, and advised teams around the globe through the greatest natural, technological, and security emergencies an organization or community can face, Patrick understands how proper leadership based on simple core principles can prevent a disaster from ever happening at all.
His first book: Design Any Disaster: The Revolutionary Blueprint to Master Your Next Crisis or Emergency was released late Spring 2023.
To learn more about Patrick, please visit:
disasterpatrick.com
@disasterpatrick
www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Dr. Don Wood, founder of The Inspired Performance Institute. The discussion focuses on Dr. Don’s path to developing a ground-breaking program to help people clear trauma, calm the mind and body and move towards potential. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include the importance of fixing the problem (unresolved trauma) and not just treating the symptoms (anxiety, depression, inflammation, etc). The ways in which it is possible to reset how the mind deals with trauma and why this is so important in unlocking one’s ability to maximize performance and potential across domains, and the power in the mind’s ability to default to strengths and focus on healing and not danger.
Don Wood, a PhD in clinical counseling, author and the founder of Inspired Performance Institute, helps people reframe their trauma and get their lives to a place of high performance.
After spending years researching how trauma affects our minds and our lives, Dr. Wood found that events and experiences throughout our lifetime continue to play a role in how we experience life in the present.
www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with entrepreneur and Mom, Shannon Addison. The discussion focuses on the evolution of Shannon’s brand – My Crumby World. Central themes which emerge through this powerful conversation include – the importance of empowering girls towards kindness to combat bullying and mean girl behavior, the far reaching implications of bullying on the self-esteem and self-concept of girls, the importance of teaching girls to embrace and appreciate individual difference, the impact of social media on girls, the importance of creating connection with our kids through activities, and helping girls to embrace the importance of failing as part of the process of learning.
Author Shannon Addison doesn’t consider herself a writer; she thinks of herself as someone who enjoys writing and has been doing so for most of her life. She finds inspiration for her writing through journaling, which she believes allows her to explore ideas without feeling constrained. Her love for journaling has inspired her to combine stories with journaling in her Breadcrumbz Presents format. Shannon believes that encouraging young girls to start journaling will help them express their feelings, address difficult questions, and receive positive messaging. Shannon's first story idea came from personal experience. While having lunch with her daughter at her school, she observed the interaction between girls at the next table and how easily and quietly they manipulated and bullied others without being noticed. This behavior was troubling and familiar to Shannon, prompting her to reflect on her own experiences at that age. She realized that little has changed in how young girls treat each other, and with today’s access to cell phones and social media, they have even more capable tools to inflict harm. This inspired Shannon to prepare girls for such conflicts and help them navigate them through better communication with parents and peers.
Shannon hopes that her books’ stories and problem-solving packets enable young girls to deal with friendship, feelings, conflicts, and failures, empowering them in the process. Her aim is for young readers to relate to the characters in her stories, accept themselves and others, and find their true inner strength, kindness, and generosity of spirit. “My Crumby Guide to Baking and Friendship Making” is the second book in the Breadcrumbz Presents collection. The first book, “My Crumby Guide to Failing,” is currently available on Amazon.
@mycrumbyworld
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and the founder of Best Seller Publishing Rob Kosberg. The discussion focuses on the evolution of Rob’s business, along with his new book Write with AI. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include the advent of AI and how this can serve a powerful tool for authors if used in the correct ways, the difference between AI generated and AI assisted content, the power of book funnels in helping authors to build a business beyond their book, and the importance of integrating purpose and meaning across the domains of our lives.
Rob Kosberg is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and the founder of Best Seller Publishing. Rob’s Publish. Promote. Profit.™ book and system have been used by tens of thousands of authors in dozens of countries. Simply put, Rob helps entrepreneurs become the go-to authority in their market by writing, launching and profiting with a best-selling book.
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with artist and author, Harvey Herman. The discussion focuses on a journey through Harvey’s amazing life within the context of his recently published memoir, It’s Time to Repot. Central themes which emerge through this powerful conversation include – The importance of family, acting without being held back by fear, failure or risk, the secret of staying young - passion, purpose, meaning in life, the importance of embracing individual difference and the power in following your dreams.
Harvey has been an artist as far back as he can remember. Even during his career in advertising, he never gave up on his painting. He was the Creative Director for four agencies, before starting his own. His Agency, Herman & Rosner, won many awards, and Harvey was named one of the Top 100 Creative people in that industry. Harvey has directed hundreds of commercials for children. He also directed a children’s television series for ABC...LIttle Vic, that was nominated for an Emmy. He continued to paint, but like so many people, he married and raised three children, so painting took a back seat to his career.
Harvey and his wife Elaine have moved to The Hamptons.
Harvey is finally painting full time. Since Harvey loved to work with children, when his 5 grandchildren came along, he taught each of them to paint. He set up a studio and every weekend painting became their first activity. One of his grandchildren has gone on to Art and Design High School, another The School of Visual Arts, and a third is studying to be a fashion designer. Harvey now shows and sells his work in his new Studio in Hampton Bays. He has been on the covers of Dan’s Papers twice. And, he has been featured in two shows on the
East End. Harvey also teaches painting to kids ages 7-11 years-old at the Hampton Bays Library.
To learn more about Harvey, please visit:
www.harveyhermanartist.com
www.amazon.com/Its-time-repot-Harvey-Herman
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Therman Trotman entrepreneur and Founder of The SharePoint Helpdesk. The discussion focuses on the ways in which SharePoint can streamline productivity for individuals and businesses – optimizing performance for both. Central themes which emerge through the conversation include an overview of SharePoint and how it works; the benefits of SharePoint in optimizing workflow; the importance of understanding people and business strategy as a business owner and focusing on people first using technology as a support; fostering meaning and purpose in business; the value of leaning into your own context and the importance of embracing difference across domains.
Therman Trotman is the Founder of The SharePoint Helpdesk and brings decades of SharePoint expertise from both public and private sectors. With over 20 years of IT experience, he excels at demystifying technology without the typical "IT guy" vibe. He specializes in maximizing Microsoft's SharePoint and helps professionals harness its power.
In 2022, after transitioning to full-time independence, Therman received a call from a friend drowning in “spreadsheet chaos.” Over six months, Therman collaborated closely, crafting tailored solutions within the Microsoft 365 suite, liberating his friend from spreadsheet overload and birthing The SharePoint Helpdesk. Therman's passion transforms mundane tasks into thrilling endeavors. As a veteran, entrepreneur, family man, and host of the SharePoint Helpdesk Podcast, he's not just about IT solutions—he's about empowering people.
To learns more about Therman, visit:
bio.site/sphd
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Global Performance Coach, Michelle Cleere, Ph.D. The discussion focuses on the non-linear path towards growth and potential. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include – the importance of taking the first step forward, how we can apply the principles of sports performance across domains, the importance of recognizing small successes along the way and seeing progress as an evolving process, the intersection of expectation management and goal setting, navigating fear of failure, the importance of focusing on what you can control and what you can do, as opposed to what you can’t do, the importance of reflection and awareness in creating a strong performance mindset and the power of aligning mind and body.
Dr. Michelle Cleere helps top athletes, musicians, and executives all over the world to unlock the power of the mind and develop the mental skills to be the best.
MIND EXPERT
Prior to becoming an elite performance expert, Dr. Michelle spent most of her life struggling with her own performance hurdles. Once she was able to overcome them, she developed her own systems and research-based methods for supporting others in their journey.
It is her passion, mission and promise that she continues to help prevent others from experiencing the same painful battles.
Her academic background includes a PhD in Clinical Psychology and a Masters in Sport Psychology, allowing her to help clients deal with performance anxiety, gain more confidence, and build resilience. As many clients attest, their experience with Dr. Michelle is exactly what they needed and more than they expected – it was life changing.
AUTHOR, ATHLETE, AND PROFESSOR
Dr. Michelle is also a best-selling author, athlete, international speaker and college professor. Dr. Michelle’s bestseller line, Beating the Demons, helps clients develop practical skills to gain more control over competitive environments and mitigate the interruption in play to overcome intense odds and defeat adversity. She has been involved in many different sports and understands the stress and demands to perform at the top. As a 15-year USAT Coach, she developed simple and effective tools to mentally train her athletes, and they are used by coaches, teachers and leaders around the world. She is a professor at John F. Kennedy University where she teaches her students to use the mind as an ally to improve performance.
To learn more about Dr. Michelle, visit:
www.drmichellecleere.com
www.beatingthefear.com
drmichelle@drmichellecleere.com
www.facebook.com/drcleere
www.instagram.com/drcleere
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Sue Willoughby, Equus Coach and founder of Willoughby Coaching. The discussion focuses on Sue's lifelong love of horses and the powerful impact of horses within the coaching relationship. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include the power of the human animal bond, equine assisted coaching and how it helps people build awareness and trust. Sue provides a comprehensive overview of Equus Coaching illustrating the healing which is possible within the context of this work; the ways in which horses act as a catalyst for change.
Sue Willoughby is the Founder of Willoughby Coaching, where women over 40 confront their personal obstacles and change the trajectory of their lives with the power of Equus Coaching. Equus coaching helps you discover the profound impact of non-verbal communication and self-awareness as you engage with horses, gaining insights into your leadership, communication style, and personal growth.
Raised by a single alcoholic parent, Sue struggled with low self-esteem and learned from an early age to be self-sufficient and embrace discomfort. She came out at the age of 17 and struggled to find her place in the gay community, attempted suicide at 19, and was on a path of living hard and playing harder.
Her life dramatically improved when she met a new partner in the early 90s and moved across the country with her. After this move, Sue returned to school, started a new career, and became a homeowner and real estate investor.
Sue found coaching through her lifelong love of horses. They were always there to support her through some of the darkest and most difficult times of her life and she now finds fulfillment in being the coach she wished she had in those challenging times of her life.
Sue regularly practices what she preaches by getting out of her comfort zone; she’s been a Nightclub DJ, a standup comic, an actor, a private pilot, and a Roller Derby referee, just to name a few! Sue resides outside the Seattle area with a horse named Moose, 2 mini-longhaired Dachshunds, Benny and Buddy, and a VW Bus called Arlo.
To learns more about Sue, visit:
www.willoughbycoaching.com
@sue_willoughby
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Michele Phillips, happiness expert and author. The discussion focuses on the science of happiness with emphasis on Michele’s book, The Happiness Habit and how she has brought the wisdom shared in the book to corporate leaders across domains, the intersection of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being; the importance of integrating small habits into day to day life to optimize function; the link between emotional intelligence and happiness and navigating the reality of challenge and the power of intentional engagement and social support.
Michele Phillips is the founder of Key Performance who specializes in increasing happiness and individual performance in the workplace. By utilizing the latest findings of neuroscience, habits, and positive psychology, Michele shares the formula for happiness and success in an enjoyable and enthusiastic manner.
Michele’s boundless energy will instantly grab you, and her can-do attitude is delightfully infectious. Even better, her message is so practical that it can be applied and utilized immediately.
Michele’s professional experience spans more than 20 years facilitating engaging workshops, coaching programs, and keynote presentations with Fortune 500 & 100 companies around the globe, including TAG Heuer, PGA Golf Properties, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Barclay’s Capital, The New York State Bridge Authority and COACH leather, just to name a few.
She is the author of Happiness is a Habit – Simple Daily Rituals That Increase Energy, Improve Well-Being, and Add Joy to Every Day, cited in the top five most popular self-help books on Amazon in August 2017. (Cedar Fort
Publishing 2013).
Michele holds numerous certifications and has trained thousands of leaders and individual contributors in the science of habits, emotional intelligence, and leadership. Michele holds a M.A in Organizational Development from Fordham University and is a certified practitioner in the field of Positive Psychology.
To learn more about Michele Phillips, visit:
www.key2unlock.com
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Dr. Jessie Hehmeyer, functional medicine expert and physician founder of Well Empowered. The discussion focuses on the power of functional medicine in guiding people to resolve health challenges, while allowing them to maximize potential and thrive; the importance of caring for yourself from a place of self-love, integrating wellness habits into a sustainable lifestyle and finally the importance of creating a 5-year wellness vision looking at what it looks like to thrive within your own unique context.
Dr. Jessie Hehmeyer is the physician founder of Well Empowered. She created Well Empowered with one commitment in mind, providing you the foundation of health and vitality that allows you to fully bring your gift to the world. How does Dr. H. live true to this? By taking the root cause, natural medicine approach, fueled by loving devotion and science. In working one on one and with groups, Dr. H. balances science and heart giving you information, inspiration and strategies needed to produce transformative health outcomes.
Dr. H. earned a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States, a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine from National University of Health Sciences, and a Bachelor of Arts from UCLA.
Prior to attending graduate school, Dr. H. established herself as an expert in the fitness industry as a Certified Yoga Instructor and Master Level Certified SuperSlow High-Intensity Strength Trainer. In her spare time, you will find her hiking with my husband, hitting the weights at CWSS, or preparing a beautiful, healthy meal for loved ones.
To learn more about Dr. Jessie Hehmeyer, visit:
www.wellempowered.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Scott Mautz, CEO/Founder of Profound Performance™, a keynote, workshop, and training company that helps business leaders become even better, more inspired versions of themselves. The discussion focuses on Scott’s book The Mentally Strong Leader and the leadership principles laid out in the book. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include an exploration of the concept of mental strength which is the ability to regulate thoughts, behaviors and actions in the face of adversity; the ability to manage internally to lead better externally; six mental muscles which make up mental strength (fortitude, boldness, confidence, decision-making, goal focused, messaging). These mental muscles are explored in depth in theory and application emphasizing how they come together to foster strong leadership. Dr. Kate and Scott also discuss the power of habit building science, among many other important aspects of mental strength.
Scott Mautz is CEO/Founder of Profound Performance™, a keynote, workshop, and training company that helps business leaders become even better, more inspired versions of themselves. He’s a former senior executive of Procter & Gamble, where he successfully ran several of the company’s largest multi-billion-dollar businesses. He’s an award-winning, bestselling author, popular course instructor on LinkedIn Learning, and faculty at Indiana University’s School of Business for Executive Education. His latest book is The Mentally Strong Leader: Build the Habits to Productively Regulate Your Emotions, Thoughts, and Behaviors.
Scott is a speaker and trainer commonly described as “riveting” (despite his daughter’s utter disbelief of that description). His one-of-a-kind blend of business experience, research, storytelling, tools, sprinkles of humor, and hi-octane delivery opens hearts & minds.
To learn more about Scott, visit:
www.scottmautz.com
www.scottmautz.com/mentallystronggift
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Marijke Kershaw, certified personal performance coach and facilitator. The discussion focuses on Marijke’s career path from the grocery and food industry to HR and talent development with a focus on corporate well-being. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include the importance of using strengths to flourish in work and beyond, organizational well-being, how behaviors in the workplace can impact culture and productivity, the evolving process of change and fostering a culture of total well-being through a holistic view of workplace well-being. Dr. Kate and Marijke also explore in depth the importance of everyday actions and seeing well-being as a skill which can be fostered and developed over time.
With over 10 years of experience, Marijke is a certified personal performance coach and facilitator. She has led the design and delivery of learning and development programs and has worked extensively across Banking and Financial Services, FMCG, Technology, Consulting and Manufacturing industries. Marijke also has ten years experience working in sales and marketing for major multinational FMCG organizations and held senior leadership positions in H.J.Heinz, UK.
More about Marijke Kershaw:
www.thetalententerprise.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Doug Noll, peacemaker and award-winning author. The discussion focuses on Doug’s inspiring story with emphasis on his transition from a trial attorney to peacemaker and expert in the concept of affect labeling. Central themes which emerge through this powerful discussion include the neuroscience of peace and conflict; the power of affect labeling or listening to emotions and not words to calm people quickly and effectively, the power of teaching these skills in prisons and across domains and the differences between emotional intelligence and emotional competence. The discussion also focuses on Doug’s book Deescalate which takes a deep dive into the concept and application of affect labeling.
Doug Noll was born partially deaf, nearly blind, crippled, and super smart. (All buzzkills for the girls in his early years.) However, he went on to graduate from Dartmouth College, earned his law degree, and became a ferocious civil trial lawyer for 22 years. Then, Doug went back to school to become a peacemaker. Since he left his lucrative law practice in 2000, Doug has devoted his life to understanding human conflict. His groundbreaking work in de-escalating anger in potentially violent confrontations has transformed the lives of thousands.
Doug is an award-winning author of four books. His latest, De-Escalate, was published in September of 2017 and is now available in four languages and in its second printing. Doug’s work carries him from international training to helping people resolve deep interpersonal and ideological conflicts. He is the co-founder of Prison of Peace, in which he has spent the last 12 years teaching murderers in maximum-security prisons to be peacemakers and mediators. In 2012, Doug was honored by California Lawyer Magazine as California Attorney of the Year.
www.dougnoll.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Jocelyn Sandstrom, a certified teacher and practitioner of Advanced Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Neurological Repatterning, Ericksonian Hypnosis and a Millennium Method™. The discussion focuses on Jocelyn’s integrated approach to healing and helping people shatter their limiting beliefs and reach their potential. Central themes which emerge through this powerful discussion include the ways in which we can break through limiting beliefs, the power of inner-knowing and living in possibility with focus and intention. Jocelyn stresses that there is no one size fits all in any of this and that connecting with our inner-knowing and shifting our perspective of what’s possible is at the core of unlocking potential.
Growing up in Hawaii, Jocelyn has lived and worked in 12 different countries. This experience has allowed her to realize that even though we may speak different languages or have different traditions, at our core, we are all the same. She has used this knowledge to help and support clients around the world in creating next-level success not just in their careers but in their personal lives as well.
Since 2010, she has been providing Quantum Energy Sessions and teaching Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Neurological Repatterning, and the Millennium Method to clients globally. In 2022, she founded Wellness and Metaphysical, a community-driven platform that promotes a higher level of consciousness through expos and retreats.
Jocelyn's mindset and energy work have propelled her career, allowing her to work with leading global luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Christian Louboutin, and Yves Saint Laurent, among others. She has been featured on the covers of Elle, Marie Claire, Esquire, Harper's Bazaar, and more. Alongside her husband, she has hosted two travel shows and appeared in various feature and short films. Now, she is focused on sharing her knowledge and experience through coaching and mentoring to help others turn their dreams into reality.
Jocelyn specializes in helping clients release deep-rooted issues from their past that are holding them back. She supports clients in building not just success but also fulfillment at the same time because success without fulfillment is empty, leading to burnout and anxiety. She supports her clients to discover their authentic truth and share that with the world, magnetizing their energy to start attracting people and opportunities out of the blue, enabling them to fall in love with themselves and their life while creating more success than ever before!
Jocelyn is the host of The Quantum Leap Podcast
@jocelynlukosandstrom
www.jocelynsandstrom.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with psychologist and coach Elle Sullivan. The discussion focuses on helping women to maximize potential through life transitions. Themes which emerge throughout this engaging discussion include – helping women to manage through key decision points in their lives with courage and confidence, harnessing inner strength, the ways in which problematic thoughts can masquerade as values, empowering women to see possibility beyond challenge, the keys to managing self-sabotaging behaviors and helping women to find meaning and purpose across the domains of their lives.
Dr. Elle is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the founder of Intown Therapy, a private practice located in midtown Atlanta. The practice serves clients in both Georgia and New York. She is also the co-founder of The Boldest Me, a transformative personal development coaching service for women, and co-founder of Mind Money Divorce, a boutique coaching firm for women navigating the emotional, financial, and logistical aspects of divorce. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Elle has cultivated a unique therapeutic approach that combines traditional psychotherapy with breakthrough work on the inner critic.
www.intowntherapy.com
www.theboldestme.com
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Vena Sterling, attorney, business strategist and coach. The discussion focuses on Vena’s journey from attorney to business strategist and coach. Primary themes which emerge through this engaging discussion include empowering female entrepreneurs to maximize their potential as business owners and as people, the importance of working smarter, not harder, how it is possible to create a businesses that can operate independent of the owner, scaling a business, and the ways in which it is possible to find meaning and purpose outside of one’s identity as a business owner.
Vena Sterling is an attorney, business broker, and founder of Sterling Scale Solutions, a consulting firm that empowers seven-figure women business owners with the strategy, systems, and SOPs to scale their business while creating time and money freedom.
Vena is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School with 20+ years serving business leaders. As a business broker, Vena helps women business owners navigate the complex process of selling a business. Her legal and business expertise, combined with her passion for helping women succeed, makes her an invaluable asset to any woman business owner looking to sell a company.
Vena is a wellness advocate and trained meditation teacher who incorporates mindfulness into her work. Her favorite things include hanging out with her twin boys, exploring new destinations, and making the best green smoothies.
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with founder and CEO of Akramoff LLC , Glen Akramoff. The discussion focuses on fostering wellness in the workplace, helping employees find purpose at work and connecting this purpose to the organization where they work, cultivating authenticity in the workplace, the importance of kindness and human connection between leaders and employees, the value in empowering employees in solving workplace challenges; the value of applying these principles and ideas in schools to help kids flourish and the power in stepping away to create space flourish and help others do the same.
Glenn Akramoff is the founder and CEO of Akramoff LLC. His expertise is rehabilitating and revitalizing municipal government workplaces and has developed a program that will improve any organization by returning humanity to the center of focus. Glenn’s life experiences and core values are the center of his purpose. Having worked from seasonal maintenance to City Manager and now consultant and business owner over a 30-year career, he’s observed a connection between fulfillment at work and happiness at home. He has an intense desire to improve the lives of everyone he works with. Glenn creates environments that are innovative, inclusive, growing, and rich in communication and respect. His Human Centered program empowers teams and leaders to overcome and succeed together.
To learn more, visit:
www.akramoff.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with intuitive energy worker, author and researcher Rae Leonard. The discussion focuses on the power of intuition and how this has guided Rae over time, Rae’s journey through addiction and back, the ways in which Rae uses her life experiences and strengths to help guide others in her work, meditation and finally the power of frequency coaching/balancing in helping people to quiet their minds to achieve breakthroughs across domains.
Rae Leonard is an intuitive, energy worker, author, and researcher and is skilled in a number of alternative healing modalities. Her latest book is HIGH SOBRIETY: A trip Out Of The Bottle And Into Your Intuition, a wild read where she shares her rocky road of addiction with a wry gleam. Her story moves from fleeting glimpses of her past, to a transformation of a life now filled with limitless self love, jubilant health, and boundless joy.
In her intuitive practice, Rae combines her innate gifts with “Healy”, a frequency device that sees divine beings in their most exalted state of health, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, in their highest state of consciousness. Healy technology delivers energetic adjustments which bring her clients effortlessly into that matching bioenergetic state by communicating to the quantum field, the information field in the unseen realm, that is just waiting for us to tap in. As Albert Einstein said, “Match the frequency of the reality that you want and you can not help but get that reality. This is not philosophy, this is physics.”
Rae works with The Holistic Health Community in Stone Ridge, New York, where alternative health practitioners offer a wide range of services at no charge to the community. She feels it is a model for a new paradigm of health care that addresses body, mind and spirit and that favors the least invasive modalities whenever possible!
Rae reminds us that we are not victims in this life. We are Divine Angelic Infinite Beings who can decide to change our lives at any moment. Rock bottom is simply when you quit digging.
To learn more about Rae, visit:
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/High-Sobriety-trip-bottle-intuition/dp/1959555820/ref=sr_1_1?crid=272E8W3YNS80N&keywords=high+sobriety+book+rae+leonard&qid=1700416053&sprefix=rae+leonard,aps,83&sr=8-1
Website:
www.raeleonard.me
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Katrina Foe, a board certified holistic nutritionist who specializes in working with cancer patients. The discussion focuses on the ways in which it is possible for people to support their bodies in a way which maximizes health and eradicates disease, the power of integrative care, and the idea that there is not one size fits all in medicine. We also discuss Katrina’s international best-selling book – Nutritional Pilates which focuses on helping people to better understand their bodies, optimizing their health and wellness along the way.
Katrina Foe became a functional practitioner after getting her own breast cancer into remission 100% naturally. She is board certified in holistic nutrition and has been in the health field since she opened her Pilates studio at the age of 24. She also homeschooled her 7 children while writing her international best seller, Nutritional Pilates!
To learn more about Katrina, visit:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/nutritional.pilates
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/katrinafoe/
Website:
www.CancerFreedom.com
For my free ebook The Roadmap to Prevent Cancer Recurrence
https://www.cancerfreedom.com/roadmap-opt-in
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with personal development coach, Tanya Cole-Lesnick. The discussion focuses on Tanya’s work helping people clear their energetic clutter so they can maximize potential and thrive. Central themes which emerge through this engaging conversation include – the power of therapy, both individual and group work, highlighting how group work can be a catalyst for personal growth and understanding, the importance of connecting to ourselves, identifying and working through limiting beliefs and behaviors which can hold us people back, the evolution of the concept of energetic clutter, the power and importance of finding joy in daily life.
Tanya Cole-Lesnick is a psychotherapist turned personal development coach with three decades of professional experience helping people to pursue lives that honor their truest selves, are clear of energetic clutter, and that they are genuinely excited to be living.
She does this by helping her clients to identify the limiting beliefs and behavioral patterns that take up mental space and demand energy but don’t help to move the needle towards growth, meaning, or how they want to feel.
This is what Tanya calls energetic clutter.
From there she helps her clients to heal faulty narratives and change the habits that don’t serve them so that they are living in alignment inside and out.
Tanya’s work revolves around a combination of group and individual coaching and retreats, as she believes that the sharing of inner worlds and being human together in safe spaces—collectively and individually—is an incredibly powerful method for lasting transformation.
Energetic Clutter:
www.clearingenergeticclutter.com
Energetic Clutter Explained:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5Ks8oX2Me0
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with personal development expert, Dave Conway. The discussion focuses on how it is possible to transform thoughts into reality to drive success; the ways in which our programming impacts our results in life and how it is possible to shift our programming to boost results; and the importance of setting big goals as a catalyst for achieving more in life, among many other enlightening ideas. Dave shares the message that having something to change your life for and being fully, emotionally invested in that thing is central in the process of change. Dave also notes that the ability to accept extraordinary ideas and goals carries tremendous power and is at the center of ability to change.
Dave Conway is the best-kept secret of the personal development industry. Having coached over 25,000 entrepreneurs and coaches worldwide, he is considered one of the world’s best Mindset Mentors working today. As the founder of Conway Consulting, Dave helps people discover the power within their minds to turn that power into results unlike any they’ve ever experienced. All of this, and much more, has been made possible through the study and practice of manifestation.
Dave spent his early career as a carpenter, making $5,000 a month in income until he was introduced to the concept of manifestation, and once he witnessed its true power, he was hooked. Dave then decided to follow this calling and began working with Bob Proctor at the Proctor Gallagher Institute. At this time, he became the world’s second-highest-performing sales consultant. After leaving PGI, Dave started Conway Consulting, where he continued to serve and mentor entrepreneurs and coaches all over the world, permanently leaving behind his carpentry career and furthering his income from $5k to over $550,000 per month.
Dave credits his success to a genuine desire to empower people and show them how powerful they really are. As a regular contributor to Forbes.com and Entrepreneur.com, he is known for his action-oriented approach to mindset coaching that produces lasting and life-changing results. Dave understands the mindset as well as the skillset it takes for an entrepreneur to succeed.
To learn more about Dave, visit:
www.conwayconsulting.com
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Christy Pretzinger, owner and CEO of WG Content. The discussion focuses on Christy’s vision of effective leadership. Central themes which emerge through this fascinating discussion include – The importance of awareness and understanding our own motivations and behavioral tendencies and how this impacts our effectiveness at work; the importance of fostering health and wellness inside and outside of our business lives to maximize potential; the power of meditation and the ways in which kindness fosters well-being at work and beyond. Christy also talks about her upcoming book which outlines the strategies for creating an environment where people can thrive. Some of these principles include flexibility, passion and integrity in leadership, and the importance of boundaries, among many others. Dr. Kate and Christy further explore how to instill these ideas in our children and the power in doing this.
As the owner and CEO of WG Content, Christy Pretzinger transformed the landscape of healthcare content creation. She has built an industry-leading company that delivers superior content strategy and creation to healthcare brands across the country. Along the way, she also changed what it means to work at a growing organization. She’s a popular guest speaker for both organizations and podcasts, always ready to guide audiences on how to grow leaders and build an employee-centric workplace.
Christy has always been intentional about building her business based on kindness. That approach has proven to be good for people — and the bottom line.
Over time, Christy discovered her true calling: to create a workplace that nurtures personal and professional growth, resulting in an environment where people can thrive. She’s been featured on numerous podcasts, including From Founder to CEO, The Insight Interviews, Lead Like a Woman, Perky Caller Radio Show, Smart Business Revolution and Blossom Your Awesome.
See for yourself how Christy is reinventing the way people look at work. It all starts by building on a foundation of kindness.
To learn more about Christy,visit:
www.wgcontent.com
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with author Randy Scobey. The discussion focuses on Randy’s journey to embrace his identity as a gay man and find true belonging. Dr. Kate and Randy explore, through this powerful conversation, the ways in which religion and early life experiences influenced his sense of self and identity. They also take a deep dive into Randy’s upcoming memoir which helped him to discover his true self and is sure to help many people.
As featured in the award-winning documentaries Pray Away and For They Know Not What They Do, Randy’s story reveals the struggle of coming to terms with being a gay man of faith. In his former career, Randy served as the last Executive Vice President of Exodus International. In his executive role, Randy contributed to several books, was featured in The Los Angeles Times, and was interviewed by worldwide media outlets as a lead spokesperson for the organization he would eventually help shut down.
Since (re)embracing his life and his truth, Randy works passionately against the toxic ideology that underlies conversion therapy—especially in its “pastoral” form of exgay ministry—further proving that the abuse must end. Ultimately, his extraordinary story proves that the proverbial “stained glass closet” is no match for authentic love. Today, Randy lives with his husband Dan, their daughter, and two fur babies in the suburbs of Orlando.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Laine Karwoski, an elite rower and runner. The discussion focuses on Laine’s evolution as an athlete, the lessons learned through rowing and running at an elite level and how this informs her work and perspective today. The conversation also touches on Laine’s passion for fitness and the multiple ways she integrates and shares this every day. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include – fostering fitness in kids, the importance of recovery, the importance of balance in optimizing fitness and boosting health and wellness, nutrition for peak performance and the importance of human connection as a coach in helping people to integrate activity as a lifestyle.
Laine Karwoski is an elite rower and runner from Grosse Pointe, MI. She rowed for Detroit Boat Club from 2007-2011 racing all over the US. Laine was recruited to row D1 at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Throughout her 4 years, she medaled at Big10s and competed in multiple NCAA Championships. She earned the University of Wisconsin - Madison Student Athlete 2015 Performance Excellence Award. Since competing in rowing she has raced two marathons - the 2016 Chicago Marathon and the 2019 Boston Marathon. She now rows professionally and leads workouts on the waterways all around the world for Hydrow, a connected fitness rowing company. Laine also works as a Pro on Tagalong with a Pro where she creates customized training plans, 1:1 workouts, and 1:1 customized form/guidance sessions.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Dr. Nicolette Richer, DSocSci, is a serial entrepreneur, author, plant-based whole food endurance athlete, Chronic Disease Reversal Specialist, podcast host, speaker, and a lululemon ambassador. Nicolette is the CEO and Founder of Richer Health Consulting, Green Mustache Organic Cafes, and Sea to Sky Thrivers Society—a group of companies and a charity that's committed to giving back and transforming lives.
The discussion focuses on food as medicine, metabolic nutrition and detoxification, the direct connection between food and health – physical and mental, the prevalence of chronic conditions and how this impacts function and productivity across domains, the challenges of integrating the idea of food as medicine, the limitations of prescription medications in treating disease; healing from the inside out with food, the link between nutrition and optimized mental health, helping people get in touch with their WHY for making a lifestyle change.
Dr. Nicolette Richer, DSocSci, is a serial entrepreneur, author, plant-based whole food endurance athlete, Chronic Disease Reversal Specialist, podcast host, speaker, and a lululemon ambassador. Nicolette is the CEO and Founder of Richer Health Consulting, Green Moustache Organic Cafes, and Sea to Sky Thrivers Society—a group of companies and a charity that's committed to giving back and transforming lives.
A savvy wellness expert, Nicolette has created a multitude of services and programs to reach her mission of teaching 22 million people how to eradicate their chronic diseases using food as medicine by 2030. Over the past 18 years, she’s helped thousands of people reverse their diagnosed chronic diseases using metabolic nutrition, detoxification, and cellular regeneration. With 25+ years as an international speaker, including a TEDx talk and successful Dragons’ Den appearance, named a Force for Good by Tony Robbins, and years researching the connection between the microbiome, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, mental health, infertility, CF, cancer, autoimmune illnesses, and more, Nicolette is equipped and ready to help you achieve optimal health.
To learn more about Dr.Nicolette, visit:
www.nicolettericher.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Jonathan George, CEO of Unleash Your Rockstar, a personal brand agency which stands as a visionary leader in the personal branding space. The discussion focuses on Jonathan’s evolution in the music world in Los Angeles, successful coaching career and recently released book – Unleash Your Rockstar. Central themes which emerge during this powerful conversation include – the importance of authentic relationships and living your authentic truth, the power of a personal brand, the difference between “doing and being,” the importance of sharing personal stories, building belief in self from the inside out and living in that space with purpose and passion.
Jonathan George, the CEO of Unleash Your Rockstar® | Personal Brand Agency, stands as a visionary leader in personal branding. With a roster of celebrity clients boasting over 150 million online followers, he has earned the title of “The Human Hitmaker.” Driven by a passion for Millennials and Gen Z, he consults globally with Fortune 500 companies, CEOs, and educational institutions, rapidly transforming individuals for personal and professional success. Through innovative methods, people break through self-doubt, find unwavering clarity, and master their mental well-being as they carve their paths to success in an overly stimulated world.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Robert Khoury, a successful business leader and author who has worked across domains. The discussion focuses on Robert’s recently released book Intern Management: Principles for Designing an Exceptional Internship and his approach for helping interns to thrive. A central theme which emerges through this thought-provoking discussion includes – Building successful internships and how these experiences foster potential and a sense of self belief and direction. Robert clearly outlines nine principles of a successful internship as part of the discussion, noting that dignity and an ability to connect with interns on a human level is at the core of his philosophy.
Robert Khoury is co-founder and CEO of Agile Rainmakers, a high impact business development advisory and consulting firm based in Chicago. His 20+ year career in the financial industry has seen him in many roles – an equity derivatives trader, portfolio manager, corporate strategist, chief operating officer, recruiter, hedge fund executive and private equity investor. Rob earned a BSE in electrical engineering at Princeton University and his MBA in finance and international business from Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. He takes great pleasure in supporting both Princeton and Duke. He is past president of Chicago’s Princeton Club and has won awards from both universities for his service. He is also a very active fundraiser for Providence Country Day School, the high school he attended in Rhode Island where Rob was born and raised. Rob led personal and professional development seminars for Landmark Worldwide for several years. He enjoys volunteering, philanthropy and family vacations and lives with his wife Mary, a freshwater ecologist and his two children in Chicago.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of the Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with transition mentor Wendy Cole. The discussion focuses on Wendy’s realization at an early age that she was in fact a girl. Wendy describes in depth the evolution of this early. Knowing and what it has meant to her for over 40 years until she started her own transition. Wendy speaks eloquently about the power of living an authentic life throughout this powerful conversation.
As a Transition Mentor, Wendy Cole helps her clients identify, explore, and eliminate the stress of facing life’s changes. Since 2017, Wendy has guided others to learn to embrace change. Her life experiences are the tools she uses. She believes in the mind’s powers; she practices mindfulness, shifting her beliefs and energy to support herself going forward, making profound changes in her life, health, and finding joy in being.
This is the starting point of every Transitional Change. You KNOW who you truly are, in every aspect. But the outside is what matters. That is what people see. And taking that first transitional step is TERRIFYING. It’s the stress. Stress of the journey, stress of the mental weight, stress of worrying about the outside world. The physical transitional change is the easiest part. It’s getting through the mental aspects that hold us back. Applies to everyone...
Knowing from childhood she was a girl, Wendy yielded to familial and societal expectations to fit in. At age 67, Wendy changed her life with her transition. Beginning in January 2015 she focused internally: accepting who she really was, confronting fears, doubts, and anxieties that held her back for decades. She took the leap of faith to find freedom and joy in being herself. By July 2015, Wendy was living as a woman. She had her long-awaited surgery at NYU Medical in 2017. Wendy knows by focusing inwardly to find freedom and joy will benefit the rest of your life.
To connect with Wendy: https://MeetWendyCole.com
Website:https://wendycolegtm.net
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wcole212/@wcole212
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendycolegtm
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wendycole8326
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-cole-gtm/
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Dr. Jonathan Marion, coach, consultant, and speaker. The discussion focuses on Dr. Marion’s unique coaching model and how this aspect of his life and career have evolved over time. Dr. Marion shares the importance of knowing who we want to be in the world at any given moment and knowing where we are starting from as both inform our ability to change. Dr. Kate and Dr. Marion take a deep dive into the “how” of moving forward through exploration of what has worked in the past and applying those lessons. Dr. Marion also highlights the power of “why” and the importance of flexibility in thinking in seeking change.
Dr. Jonathan Marion believes that when we LIVE, CONNECT, & COMMUNICATE authentically, we send out ripples… which send out ripples… which make the world a more caring and connected place, one ripple at a time. Having seen this dynamic over 20+ years as an award-winning cultural anthropology professor and author, Jonathan feels that how we show up is the key to living deeply meaningful and fulfilling lives, and now works as a transformational life coach to be a catalyst for exactly such transformations.
As a coach, consultant, and speaker, Jonathan draws on decades of experience teaching diverse audiences and is trained in Emotional Intelligence, Group Coaching, Positive Psychology Coaching, Clear Beliefs Coaching, and Body-oriented Coaching. Overlapping his coaching and academic work in powerful and unexpected ways, Jonathan is also passionate about and has worked as a photographer and partnered dance instructor, now primarily focusing on Brazilian zouk.
Bringing all of this together, Jonathan is passionate about supporting clients and audiences in transcending external accomplishments as measures of success to live truly aligned, rewarding, and meaningful lives.
To Learn more about Dr.Jonathan, visit:
www.stepsalongtheway.global
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Rhonda Farrah, a lifestyle empowerment coach. The discussion focuses on the importance of fixing your own reflection first. Rhonda shares her approach for helping people change from the inside out and find opportunity in challenge, no matter how big or small. Central themes which emerge throughout include -- the power of surrender; finding gifts and blessings in challenge; taking responsibility for your choices; the reasons why we need to fix our reflection first and the powerful impact this has. Finally, Rhonda shares a powerful formula for living an empowered life.
In more than 25 years as a practicing Educational Counselor and Psychotherapist, Rhonda M. Farrah, MA, DRWA has consulted with clients and companies in a variety of industries and environments. Rhonda has applied her experience and education as a coach, author, speaker, and teacher specializing in Health and Wellness Empowerment in all aspects of Life.
As a speaker, Rhonda has proved to be a highly articulate and effective communicator, recognized for her creativity; and a visionary who sees “the big picture”. Her imaginative flair has served others, and earned her recognition as a resource person, problem solver, and creative leader. Rhonda is blessed in that she excels in developing and presenting seminars and classes based on a balanced lifestyle; all including her key areas of experience ranging from Human Dynamics & Development, Motivation, to Spiritual Awareness & Development.
As a practicing LIFEstyle Empowerment Coach, Rhonda assists individuals in Empowering themselves, as well as those that surround them, thus actualizing their health and wellness goals and objectives on both personal and professional levels. Rhonda has a demonstrated talent for motivating, encouraging, and leading individuals in a positive direction for betterment and Empowerment. Rhonda’s creative endeavors are dedicated to individual Empowerment and the conscious evolution of humankind, that we may align perfectly with our Creator, fulfilling our purpose while enjoying its process…All culminating in a Collective Consciousness for the Highest and Best GOOD of ALL concerned!
To learn more about Rhonda, visit:
www.helpmerhondanow.com
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Liam Naden, transformative teacher, speaker, and author. The discussion focuses on Liam’s self-developed coaching model which helped him to rebuild his life after losing everything. Themes which emerge throughout the discussion include understanding how the brain works, and using each part of the brain as it was designed, the power of letting go of resistance in trying to solve problems; focusing on what is; an explanation of the four-part brain rebalancing model developed by Liam and the power of the creative brain.
“If you really want to succeed in your life you have to Let Yourself Off the Hook!
Stop trying to solve your problems, achieve your goals and manage your life through force and struggle.
This is the message of Liam Naden, a transformative teacher, speaker, and author who helps successful people overcome their negative limitations and find fast and practical solutions to their problems. He guides them in resetting their brain and thinking creatively instead of getting stuck in their fear-based fight-or-flight mode.
Using a unique science-based method to reset and realign the brain, Liam shows you how to unlock your natural creativity and problem-solving ability,
enabling you to discover and live a truly rewarding and fulfilling life.
Liam’s only journey has taken him from the successes of being a serial entrepreneur as owner of more than 18 businesses and multi-millionaire - to losing everything and becoming homeless in his mid 40s. It was only as he rebuilt his life and wealth in a much more satisfying way that he realized the missing link to true success: the correct functioning of the human brain.
He is now the host of the Let Yourself Off the Hook podcast, a best-selling author and creator of Brain Rebalancing - a process which gets the four parts of the brain working they way they should - and bringing you the success you should have.
Through his coaching programs and guest appearances he now teaches individuals from around the world to understand that there’s a more natural way to solve problems in all areas of life. It aligns with the brain’s ability to find creative solutions to challenges rather than attempting to fight against them. When you adopt this mindset, you achieve true and lasting success much more quickly and without the limitations of struggle and stress.
As Liam will show you, “True success only happens when you give up the struggle and Let Yourself Off the Hook!”.
To learn more about Liam,visit:
www.liamnaden.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Nick Karwoski, an entrepreneur and former professional athlete. The discussion focuses on Nick’s inspiring story which emphasizes how he evolved as a professional athlete over time. Key themes which emerge throughout this powerful discussion include – mindset and performance, overcoming challenge and moving through set-backs, maximizing potential in sport and in life, Life, connecting with others through fitness and lessons in entrepreneurship.
Nick Karwoski is an entrepreneur and former professional athlete. As a 3x All American Track and Field athlete at Dickinson College in the Steeplechase and 5000m, he helped lead his team to their first ever Triple Crown title (XC, Indoor, Outdoor T+F) before going to work at NBC and receiving $300K from Mark Cuban on ABC’s Shark Tank. After that venture, he decided to give his athletic career another attempt and became the 9th ranked American Triathlete in 2016. After failing to qualify for Rio, Nick came up with the idea of Tagalong, a platform for amateur athletes to work with professional athletes who share their skills and expertise. From there, Nick joined Hydrow in 2018 as an early employee and an on screen athlete, leading on water workouts. After 5+ years building Hydrow, Nick left to continue building Tagalong and other ventures.
To learn more about Nick, visit:
@Tagalongwithapro@nickkarwoski
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Ken Eslick, Co - Founder and CEO of The Leaders Lab an Executive Leadership Recruiting Firm and is the host of "The Leaders Lab Podcast," a weekly show that delves into the world of leadership and personal development. The discussion focuses on the challenges Ken faced in his early life and how these became a catalyst for personal growth and becoming a successful entrepreneur. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include the ways in which challenge often fosters growth, beating addiction and navigating life without alcohol, the evolution of Ken’s business The Leader’s Lab, the power of personal development and the importance of taking the first step forward when seeking change.
Ken Eslick is the Co - Founder and CEO of The Leaders Lab an Executive Leadership Recruiting Firm and is the host of "The Leaders Lab Podcast," a weekly show that delves into the world of leadership and personal development. As a Tony Robbins Trainer and President/Founder of The Leaders Lab, Ken shares actionable advice and lessons from great leaders across all walks of life.
Ken is an expert in leadership and team building, with extensive experience leading teams as large as 1000 in both public and private companies. As a C-Suite Coach & Talent Acquisition Specialist, Ken has had a successful F500 exit and has placed over 500 executives.
Ken is a father of 2, grandfather of 3, and resides in New York City. He has been married to his high school sweetheart Shannon for 35 years. In addition, Ken is in recovery and is passionate about sharing his story of strength and hope with others. With his experience and expertise, Ken is the ultimate guide to your leadership journey. Tune in to "The Leaders Lab Podcast" for a fresh take on personal growth and development.
To learn more about Ken, visit:
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keneslick/
You can reach him at:
Email: ken@theleaderslab.co
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with John Lewis, past full-time and current Voluntary Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the Founder and President of Dr Lewis Nutrition™. The discussion focuses on Dr. Lewis’ work in nutritional research, with emphasis on the power of polysaccharides in optimizing human health. Dr. Kate and Dr. Lewis dive into the ways in which polysaccharides modulate the immune response, serving as a protective factor in overall health and wellness. Dr. Lewis describes his groundbreaking research on the power of polysaccharides in combating Alzheimer’s Disease and a range of other neuro-degenerative conditions.
John E. Lewis, Ph.D. is the Founder and President of Dr Lewis Nutrition and past full-time and current Voluntary Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He is a Diplomate, Faculty Member, and Advisor of the Medical Wellness Association. He has been the principal investigator of over 30 different studies in his research career, focusing on evaluating the effects of nutrition, dietary supplementation, and exercise on various aspects of human health.
Dr. Lewis has been an invited national and international lecturer at conferences and as a guest on television shows, where he discusses not only the findings of his research, but to provide guidance and recommendations as a health expert. He has over 180 peer-reviewed publications in some of the world’s leading scientific journals. A seminal publication from his Alzheimer’s study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, not only spurred him to leave academics and pursue a science-based business career, but also enabled him to be selected for a widely-acclaimed TEDxMiami talk about how dietary supplementation can improve brain health. Dr. Lewis embodies the model of health by eating a whole-food, plant- based diet for over 26 years, taking certain key dietary supplements, and through a rigorous, daily exercise training program. John has a passion for educating others about the value of nutrition, exercise, and health, and he will continue to study the application of clinical nutrition for the benefit of mankind.
To learn more about Dr. John E. Lewis, visit:
https://www.DrLewisNutrition.com
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Ryan Quirk, author of An 18 Year-Old’s Guide to Self-Mastery: How to Master Your Life from the Inside Out. The discussion takes a deep dive into Ryan’s book, focusing on his ideas and teachings related to self-mastery. Ryan talks candidly about some of his past struggles which were, in many ways, a catalyst for his journey towards self-mastery and ultimately his book. Central themes which emerge through this powerful discussion include defining self-mastery through a four-pillar system outlined in the book which includes the mental-emotional-physical and spiritual domains. Dr. Kate and Ryan take a close look at how mastering these pillars leads us to a life of love and joy, along with the importance of learning to quiet the mind, finding power within, the perils of self-criticism and the idea that change does not have to be complicated.
Ryan Quirk is a 19-year-old author, motivational coach, and speaker. His book, An 18-Year-Olds Guide to Self-Mastery: How to Master Your Life from the Inside Out was recently published. Ryan’s goal is to help the younger generation develop the skills necessary to live happy and fulfilled lives.
To learn more about Ryan,visit:
rqselfmastery.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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This week, Dr. Kate talks with Mandy DiMarzo, life-long athlete and creator of Burn by Mandy. The discussion focuses on Mandy’s story as a life-long athlete, along with her path to building a thriving fitness community. Dr. Kate and Mandy dig deep into the power of movement and the ways we can make exercise opportunities accessible to everybody, while helping people to define their best within their own unique context. Dr. Kate and Mandy also discuss the power of routine and the power of why and the reasons why it is important to focus on progress not perfection in exercise and in life.
Mandy DiMarzo is an athletic powerhouse from New York. She’s been a passionate athlete her whole life. As a former division one soccer player who later transitioned into distance running and triathlons to keep her competitive juices flowing, she knows a thing or two about pushing the body’s limits.
After enduring countless overuse injuries, as well as overcoming an eating disorder, Mandy made a conscious decision to stop striving for the unattainable and unhealthy, and instead shifted her focus to embracing her body and inner strength by giving both the love and nourishment they deserved.
Her extensive athletic background propelled her to create BURN, a challenging 45-minute HIIT-style workout that strengthens, sculpts, and leans out your entire body. She wanted to create an efficient, challenging, exhausting full-body workout that condensed as many of her favorite workout movements as possible into one. She structured BURN so that she would continue to challenge her entire body without hitting any lull or plateau.
In BURN, her main goals were to continually strengthen and lean out her muscles, include spurts of cardio throughout to hold an elevated working heart rate, and focus on invaluable core work. These all work in conjunction to maintain a strong physique while also avoiding boredom and prevention of injury from overuse doing the same continuous motion that most workouts tend to do.
To learn more about Mandy, visit:
Facebook: facebook/burnbymandy
Linkedin: LinkedIn/mandydimarzo
Instagram: Instagram/burnbymandy
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Chuck Garcia, founder of Climb Leadership, executive coach, and best-selling author. The discussion focuses on Chuck’s upcoming book, The Moment that Defines Your Life: Integrating Emotional Intelligence and Stoicism when your Life, Career and Family are on the Line. Dr. Kate and Chuck explore the many messages related to emotional intelligence and stoicism embedded in the book throughout this powerful conversation. Central themes include defining emotional intelligence and stoicism, along with the concept of a mental fortress and discussing why these are vital ideas in defining success and well-being; finding purpose and meaning in work by giving back and fostering success in others; the power in having the freedom to follow your own path and emotional intelligence in parenting. Chuck also shares powerful life-defining experiences which inform his life and work.
Chuck Garcia is the founder of Climb Leadership International and he coaches executives on leadership development, public speaking, and emotional intelligence. His clients include the world’s largest financial institutions including Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, and Bloomberg. Chuck is a professional speaker and has given keynotes in over 20 countries. He is an Amazon best-selling author, talk radio host and teaches leadership communication and Emotional Intelligence at Columbia University’s Graduate School.
A 25-year veteran of Wall Street, Chuck spent 14 years in sales and marketing at Bloomberg in a variety of leadership positions. He was Director of Business Development at BlackRock Solutions, an arm of the world’s largest investment manager, and was a Managing Director at Citadel, a prestigious alternative investment manager. Chuck is also a mountaineer and has climbed some of the world’s tallest peaks including Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Elbrus, the Matterhorn, as well as mountains in Alaska and the Andes.
To learn more about Chuck, visit:
www.chuckgarcia.com
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with KL Wells, business and executive coach, podcast host and founder of VoicesInCourage. The discussion focuses on KL’s history navigating early challenges and how these experiences inform her outlook and approach today. In building a resilient foundation in her early years, KL recognized what brought her joy and fulfillment. From there she developed a focus on service and caring for others, learning in the process what living an inspired life means to her. Other themes which emerge throughout this powerful conversation include thriving in the midst of chaos, the power of a morning routine, the importance of authentic human connection in work and life, the ways in which self-compassion is at the core of resilient parenting and finally the importance of asking for help.
KL Wells is the daughter, wife, mother and sister of an addict, it’s part of her own DNA. Her mission for helping families and parents of addicted loved ones has inspired her to launch VoicesInCourage, which is an emerging community that provides instrumental resources for individuals who need to heal, connect and grow during some of the most challenging times in their lives. Her desire to elevate those courageous voices will be a big part of her professional evolution in the coming years.
In addition, for 30+ years, KL has built an executive coaching and consulting business that has collaborated with hundreds of non-profit organizations and companies by effectively leading initiatives with CEOs, senior executives, board directors, trustees and philanthropists that have attracted hundreds of millions of dollars to ignite organizational and community-wide change.
Today she spends hundreds of hours annually, facilitating powerful productive conversations, that help her clients grow as powerful leaders creating successful companies.
KL is a community leader, influential speaker and family advocate who now resides in Eugene, OR. She was raised both in the Washington, D.C. area and on a 20,000-acre Montana cattle ranch just north of Yellowstone National Park. As the daughter of an Episcopalian minister, she grew up surrounded by three generations of successful entrepreneurs, and cowboys.
To learn more about KL, Visit:
www.voicesincourage.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Brian Shaw, a health educator specializing in diabetes self-management education and goal-setting. The discussion focuses on helping patients live healthy lives to maximize potential, diabetes education and care as a way of maximizing lifestyle, health behavior change in diabetes, trust in the therapeutic relationship, the importance of connecting with patients on a human level in fostering health behavior change, the power of modeling healthy lifestyles and behaviors for children, self-care and the importance of believing that change is possible.
Brian Shaw is a Health Educator, specializing in Diabetes Self-Management Education and goal-setting around chronic conditions at Sacramento Native American Health Center in Sacramento, California. He started his Health Education journey in 1991 at the UC Santa Barbara Student Health Services, where he helped fellow students understand and treat common illnesses like colds and flu. During his career evolution, he has worked in HIV testing, smoking cessation, STD prevention, and teen pregnancy prevention & puberty education. In 2008 he earned a Masters Degree in Public Health from San Jose State University, and has since earned several professional Health Education certifications. His greatest passion is helping patients reach those “a-ha moments” of self-realization that they have the power and ability to improve their health with the right tools, guidance, and understanding of their condition. When he is not working, Brian enjoys swimming, running, music, and living the life he promotes.
To learn more about Brian Shaw, visit:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzQqTwPo8emwQdthkpW5jG5uFqUCMTHTC
Email:
brsedu@aol.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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This week, Dr. Kate talks with Marija Parente, a total access coach who works with people to access and live an authentic life. The discussion focuses on the ways in which Marija helps those she works with understand who they really are, while seeking a sense of meaning, purpose and belonging. Dr. Kate and Marija explore the ways in which early childhood experiences can influence one’s sense of self and ability to live authentically with freedom to express without barriers or expectations. Dr. Kate and Marija also consider the idea that when we know our true selves, we are naturally limitless, we create with ease and grace and our expression is magnetic and bright and people are drawn to it.
Naturally curious and passionate, I left my home country of Montenegro at 17 to complete my High School in the USA, and continued education in New York City receiving a BA in Film and Media Studies from Hunter College, and an MA in Liberal Arts (focusing on Film and Psychology) from CUNY Graduate Center.
While passion drove my choices, my creativity supported making things happen. My love of music, art, acting and writing gave me immense joy. I was also looking for ways to be true to myself in the world that is filled with so many expectations on how to be. I wanted answers, not just for myself but for all the souls who don’t want to conform because they know that what is within them is incomparable to what is outside, pulling.
My Purpose in life became clear: to support individuals to unleash their true expression and be free to create life and art according to their vision. I studied human behavior, motivation and spirituality and am certified as a Radical Result Coach, a Family Constellation and the Awareness Process Facilitator, and Reiki Master.
My education and training enable me to support individuals to break free from the existing paradigm of compromise, self-censorship and restraint, and just “go for it” in a way that is natural and effortless.
Having integrated all my expertise and experience, I am the Total Access™️ Coach who enables others to strip away their self-created barriers, blocks and limitations that bury the truth of who they really are, their authentic selves. Why? Because when we know our true selves, we are naturally limitless, we create with ease and grace and our expression is magnetic and bright and people are drawn to it.
Married, and raising our two sons in New York City, I am intent on igniting a movement of growing awareness, joy and inner peace that begins with one individual at the time that is free, expressive and tapped into their innate creativity.
To learn more about Marija, visit:
Website:
www.marijaparente.com
YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@MarijaParente
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/marijaparente/
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marijaparente/
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Alice Penn, an international speaker, and Executive Coach specializing in transition.
The discussion focuses on Alice’s journey from clinical medicine to financial consulting to finding her passion as an executive coach helping people to excel through change. Central themes discussed include the neuroscience of change, power of neuroplasticity, conquering self-limiting beliefs rooted in the past, and how to build a life defined by overall well-being.
Dr Alice Penn is an international speaker, and Executive Coach specializing in transition.
Using her neuroscience expertise and real-life experience, Alice helps high performing achievers amplify their excellence and be at their best in their work.
A sought-after medical doctor to C-suite executives in London for 10 years she then went on to accomplish what many said was impossible: with a desire to step into her full potential she pivoted successfully from clinical medicine into Corporate Finance consulting at one of the "Big 4" firms in London.
Now a keynote speaker, and coach, Dr Alice is a master in the art and science of change. Alice is a fully accredited Professional level NeuroplasticianTM and Brain Based coach and has successfully navigated change in her personal and professional life. She knows what it takes to level-up!
Dr Alice works with executives and high- level entrepreneurs to make more impact, excel through transition, find more purpose, and have the professional life of their dreams.
To learn more about Alice, visit:
Website: alicepennmd.com
Instagram: @alicepenn_md
LinkedIn: Alice Penn MD
Email: Alice@alicepennmd.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Christina Roberts triathlete and coach who works with athletes to achieve their best. The discussion focuses on Christina’s path to becoming a triathlete and most recently competing in her first Iron Man Distance race. Dr. Kate and Christina touch on multiple aspects of peak athletic performance throughout this powerful conversation including visualization, understanding, and achieving flow state, the value of focus on the experience and not just the outcome, trust, and the power of belief to name a few.
Christina M. Roberts, MS, MA, RYT-200 is a healthcare leadership professional, an endurance coach, and a mental conditioning coach.
As the owner of EnFlyte, Christina works with athletes of all ages and sports; from amateur to professional on elevating their performance using mental techniques such as goal setting, pre-performance routine development, visualization, and relaxation.
As an endurance coach with Mission Multisport, Christina trains athletes in the sport of long-distance running and triathlon (swim, bike, run).
She earned her Master of Arts in Sport Psychology from National University’s John F. Kennedy Sport Psychology Program, her Master of Science in Health Care Administration from King's College, and numerous coaching and yoga certifications from various organizations. She is a certified Communications Coach through the Academy of Communication in Healthcare (ACH) and is a candidate for the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) exam from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP).
To learn more about Christina, visit:
Website: www.enflyte.com
Email: info@enflyte.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enflyte
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enflyte_1/
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Lois McGuire educator and author.
The discussion focuses on Lois’ book series Don’t Be That Kid which teaches kids core values needed to succeed in school and in life. Dr. Kate and Lois take a deep dive into ideas related to honesty, respect, sportsmanship, sharing, bullying, telling the truth, the importance of self-reflection and so much more.
Lois McGuire has 35 years of teaching and leadership experience in the field of education. She began her career as a 4th and 5th grade teacher and retired as the Superintendent of Schools of a highly acclaimed K –12 school district in New Jersey.
Lois has a strong record of accomplishment in the areas of instructional supervision, curriculum development/direction, personnel issues at all levels, public relations, budgeting, facilities and grant writing. She received many honors as an educator including being awarded seven Best Practices Awards by the New Jersey Department of Education, nine Awards of Excellence from New Jersey School Boards and the New Jersey Coalition of Educational Leaders Award for Outstanding Service and Leadership. She was selected to join New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean at the Governor’s Conference in Cincinnati to discuss youth-at-risk. She has been a consultant to the U.S. Department of Education and the N.J. Department of Education on such topics as parent involvement in the schools, career development for children, character education, positive communication skills and strategic planning.
Lois earned her Doctorate in Education from Rutgers University. She was an adjunct professor at Rutgers, Bloomfield College and St. Peter’s College where she taught courses in the areas of education, psychology and human relations.
Lois presently lives in Florida with her husband, Jim. She wrote “Don’t Be That KID! At School”, the “Don’t Be That KID! At School Resource Guide”, and “Don’t Be That KID! At Home” to help educators, parents and grandparents guide children through the maze of building essential positive character traits.
To learn mor about Lois, visit:
E-Mail: lois@dontbethatkid.net
Website: www.dontbethatkid.net
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lois-mcguire
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dontbethatkid/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/loismcguireauthor
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Julia Thornton, a mental performance coach and performance psychology consultant based in Portland, Oregon.
The discussion focuses on the ways in which Julia works with performers across domains to maximize their potential. The discussion focuses on the evolution of her practice in performance coaching. Dr. Kate and Julia take a deep dive into performance anxiety, self-talk, personal values, perfectionism and maintaining wellness mentally, physically and spiritually, among many others.
Julia Thornton is a mental performance coach and performance psychology consultant based in Portland, Oregon. Her unique experience combines creative practice with the scientific study of performance psychology. Julia holds a Master of Science from the University of Edinburgh in Performance Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oregon in Anthropology and Music. She is currently in the process of receiving her CMPC certification through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Her current roster of clients includes athletes, musicians, actors, writers, public speakers, sports teams, and arts organizations. Julia also has extensive experience as a creative leader, music director, and conductor with a specialty in vocal performance coaching and storytelling. She previously served as the Resident Music Consultant for Seattle Repertory Theatre and has worked as a music director, conductor, and pianist at major regional theaters across the country.
To learn more about Julia, visit:
www.jtperformanceconsulting.com@jtperformanceconsulting
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Christina Woods, a Licensed Rapid Transformational Therapist, Clinical Hypno-therapist, Empowerment Coach and Reiki Master.
The discussion focuses on Christina’s journey from a 30-year corporate career to where she is now. Themes of the discussion include understanding our subconscious in a way that can shift the trajectory of our lives across domains. The focus here is on understanding how we can untangle experiences rooted in our subconscious in a powerful way in order to facilitate change from the inside out. Christina and Dr. Kate take a deep dive into understanding the root of what hypnosis is, dispelling some of the common myths we often hear about the practice.
Christina is a licensed Rapid Transformational Therapist®, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Empowerment Coach, and Reiki Master. She combines her background in corporate leadership along with her life experiences in dealing with trauma and abandonment to empower other women to trust their intuition and set themselves free of self-doubt.
As the CEO and Founder of Wise Woods Hypnotherapy and Coaching, Christina has extensive experience working on complex challenges and pulling potential out of others so that they can become self-reliant individuals. Through this deep hypnotherapy and coaching work, she empowers women to shed old programming, so they can live the life they deserve. She has been honing her intuition and spiritual energy practice throughout her entire life, and it is this experience, knowledge, and wisdom that she brings to every client during each session.
Christina wants everyone to stop looking outside for what they need and instead look inside themselves. She helps her clients step into their true authentic self, free of self-sabotaging behavior, so they can live a life full of deep meaning, and potential.
To Learn more about Christina, visit:
www.wisewoods.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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Kristen Brown is a Self-Worth Recovery and Relationship Healing Coach, Speaker, and International #1 Best Selling Author of the book, The Recovering People Pleaser – A Spiritual Guide to Reclaim Your True Worth and Attract the Love You Deserve. She is also the host of the popular podcast, The Sweet Empowerment Podcast – Reclaiming your personal power!
Kristen’s inspired mission is to bring awareness and healing to the underlying causes of dysfunctional relationship patterns to experience Real Love connections. Her motto is: If you don’t change the way you show up to relationships, your relationships won’t change.
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate welcomes Kristen Brown, author of the recently released – The Recovering People Pleaser back to the show. The discussion focuses on resilient parenting and how one can optimize parenting in a way which brings out the best in our kids and ourselves. A central theme which emerges throughout this powerful discussion is that there is no one size fits all in parenting and that flexibility and authenticity are vital in connecting with kids through all stages of their lives. Other themes of this powerful conversation include the importance of self-care for parents, the ways in which parents can manage emotions and tolerate frustration to optimize their parenting, adaptability in parenting, the power of forgiveness and the fact that there is no instant gratification in parenting.
To learn more about Kristen, visit:
www.kristenbrown.org
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Lindsay Shoop, Olympic rower, coach, author, speaker, and lifelong athlete.
The discussion focuses on Lindsay’s book, Better Great Than Never: Believing It's Possible Is Where Champions Begin in which she chronicles her rise as a top US Women’s Rower and the many lessons learned along the way. Some key themes discussed throughout include the ways in which her book serves as a blueprint for young athletes who want to maximize their potential on the water and off. Dr. Kate and Lindsay take a deep dive into the ways in which rowing is a “great equalizer,” which fosters self-discovery and confidence from the inside out. Additional topics explored include the power and importance of patience, the importance of connection and finding balance mentally and physically in sport and life.
Lindsay Shoop is a coach, author, speaker, and lifelong athlete. She is an Olympic Gold Medalist, a three-time World Champion, a five-time World Cup medalist, and has twice been inducted into the National Rowing Hall of Fame. She holds a master’s degree in exercise physiology and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Positive Coaching Alliance Trainer.
As an athlete, Shoop began her rowing career as a walk-on at the University of Virginia during the spring semester of her third year. Following her time at the University, she went on to row with the US National Team for nearly seven years; after which, she subsequently and serendipitously fell into and fell in love with coaching.
As a coach, Lindsay leads camps, clinics, webinars, and workshops for coaches, athletes, and teams of all types. Over the years, she has worked with every level of athlete including middle and high school, college, masters, pre-elite, and elite.
Parallel to her coaching, Lindsay is a speaker and sports advocate who presents for major corporations, academic institutions, sports conferences, and national and international non-profit agencies.
Lindsay’s advocacy extends beyond speaking and into writing as she has published several articles on rowing and health and is the author of Better Great Than Never, which chronicles her life-changing journey from ultimate defeat to Olympic gold.
When she is not coaching or writing, Lindsay’s passion for storytelling shines through race commentary as she has covered events for NBC Olympics, ESPN, ACC Network, NCAA, and USRowing to name a few.
Through all she does, Lindsay uses her voice to inspire and to improve the lives of others through her passion for storytelling and the sport of rowing.
To learn more about Lindsay Dare Shoop,visit:
@LindsayDareShoop
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Guillaume Wiatr, creator of the Strategic Narrative and founder of MetaHelm, a company which guides CEO’s, founders and leadership teams to gain focus and traction in their businesses. Dr. Kate and Guillaume take a deep dive into the ideas inherent in the Strategic Narrative and how this drives business success.
Themes woven throughout the discussion include the power of authenticity and organizational alignment; the importance of guiding business leaders to understand what drives success from the inside out; the importance of decluttering and how this is a catalyst for creating powerful systems. The discussion concluded with a look at the power of gratitude, music and exercise in finding balance in life and work.
Guillaume is the author of Strategic Narrative: A Simple Method That Business Leaders Can Use to Make Everyone Understand Their Business, Get Behind it and Believe In It.
His company, MetaHelm, guides CEOs, founders, and business owners to align teams and accelerate innovation adoption.
A former big-firm strategy consultant, Guillaume has founded four ventures. He is sought after by senior executives of companies like Alaska Airlines, the Gates Foundation, Generations For Peace, AIG, L’Oréal, Spencer Stuart, GAP, Google, Microsoft, and the US and French governments.
After helping to save a 20M euros venture during the dot-com boom, Guillaume went on a mission to turn every company into a source of inspiration that few can resist.
Guillaume teaches and mentors entrepreneurs at startup incubators, EMLyon international business school, and the University of Washington Master of Science in Entrepreneurship, ranked #3 in the US.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Dr. Jordan Wright, a clinical and developmental psychologist with an expertise in psychological assessment. The discussion focuses on Dr. Wright’s unique path to realizing his own potential, the importance of access to psychological assessment in helping kids understand how their brain works, allows them to realize their unique strengths. Dr. Kate and Dr. Wright also dig into the idea of neurodiversity as diversity in action, along with his work at Parallel Learning, a company dedicated to providing access to assessment for kids who learn and think differently. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Wright highlights the importance of helping parents to see what is possible for a child in the long run, despite more immediate challenges.
Dr. A. Jordan Wright is a clinical and developmental psychologist who serves as Chief Clinical Officer at Parallel Learning, as well as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Psychology at New York University, where he directs the PhD program and the Center for Counseling and Community Wellbeing. He received a Master’s in Psychology in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. He specializes in psychological testing and assessment, having authored multiple widely used textbooks on the subject, including Conducting Psychological Assessment: A Guide for Practitioners and the Handbook of Psychological Assessment, Sixth Edition. Dr. Jordan also works extensively in social justice within the field of psychology and is currently completing a book on incorporating culture into psychological assessment.
To learn more about Dr. A. Jordan Wright, visit:
www.parallellearning.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Josselyne Herman-Saccio, transformative coach, who for the past 30 years has worked with individuals and organizations to fulfill dreams and realize possibility. The discussion focuses on how people can live their dreams now, as opposed to chasing them. Dr. Kate and Josselyne dive deep into the concept of being unmessable with, an idea Josselyne developed, enabling people to create and live their dreams right now without reacting to the things happening around them.
Josselyne Herman-Saccio (SAY Joss-Lynn Herman SAHHCHEEO) is a master coach in the Art Of Being Unmessable With no matter what life throws at you.
She has spent over 30 years as an entrepreneur, author, coach, leader and designer of transformative programs. Her mission is to empower people to live the life of their dreams NOW, versus someday and develop themselves to be “unmessable with” in the process.
A former pop singer and songwriter, Josselyne and her group recorded the hit That's What Love Can Do which was the Billboard #1 song in America. She works as a personal manager for actors, writers, directors and recording artists, and has worked as a marketing and branding expert, entertainment producer and casting director. She has produced hundreds of commercials, television shows as well as feature films including Anne B. Real which won dozens of film festival awards and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Feature under $500K and for the PRISM award honoring the Art Of Making A Difference.
Josselyne has raised close to $90 million dollars for various non-profits and in 2001 produced the first annual live benefit gala for FAMILIES OF FREEDOM, a scholarship fund to benefit the children affected by 9/11 and was named NEW YORKER OF THE WEEK.
She is also founder of the non-profit organization UNITED GLOBAL SHIFT that is committed to shifting what is possible for humanity by shifting from fear, survival and scarcity to possibility, partnership and peace. She leads programs around the world to cultivate and empower leadership and source sustainable results.
She is the author of several books including Peace Promises: 30 Days to a more peaceful life , THE PROMISE EFFECT: How to create a life that wasn't going to happen anyway with Susan Woldman Elfer and SO YOU WANNA BE A NEW YORK ACTOR: .The New York Actors Guide to The Career of Their Dreams While Paying the Rent
To learn move about Josselyne, visit:
www.theartofbeingunmessablewith.comwww.giftfromjoss.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this Episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Kyle Mitchell, a mental health advocate, international speaker, author and social media influencer. The discussion focuses on Kyle’s journey through his own social anxiety as a child and adolescent and how his own experiences have fueled his mission to help kids and adolescents to conquer their social anxiety before it becomes debilitating. Dr. Kate and Kyle dig into specific coping mechanisms that one can use to move through and beyond anxiety – social or otherwise. Kyle connects with his audiences in a powerful and relatable way which sparks hope and momentum in those who are struggling.
Kyle Mitchell is a mental health advocate, international/TEDx speaker, author, and social media influencer (Social Anxiety Kyle) who is passionate about solving the problems associated with poor mental health in the world and the impact they have on our communities, especially teens and youth. Having struggled and conquered his own social anxiety after a 10-year battle, he has found his calling and purpose to impact the lives of others on a global scale. Kyle’s mission is to help 1 million teens go from socially anxious to socially confident, collaborating with teens, educators, parents, nonprofits, and other organizations to change the narrative and stigma that currently exists.
To Learn more about Kyle, visit:
www.socialanxietykyle.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate brings Gina Schaefer back for the one-year anniversary of the show. This is particularly special as Gina was Dr. Kate’s very first interview on the podcast.
The discussion focuses on Gina’s next chapter after retiring from two decades at the helm of 13 hardware stores in the greater Washington, DC area. Dr, Kate and Gina take a deep dive into the lessons learned through building a successful hardware business focused on human potential and doing good in the community. The conversation also focused on Gina’s plans moving forward and the ways in which she will continue to focus on fostering human potential and giving back in a meaningful way.
Gina Schaefer is the Founder and Co-Owner of 13 hardware stores located in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, MD, and their suburbs. She and her team of 300 have helped millions of customers shop right where they live, in their urban communities, despite continuous pressure from bigger, stronger competitors.
Gina is a professional speaker and storyteller, engaging audiences on topics that include competing in a male dominated field, building a strong corporate culture, business succession planning, and all things small business.
In her book, Recovery Hardware, Gina chronicles her experiences building a business while learning from non-traditional teachers like folks from the recovery community and returning citizens. She serves as an advocate and spokesperson for causes directly related to raising wages, anti-monopoly legislation and small business development.
She draws her inspiration from fellow entrepreneurs who strive to be creative, think differently and help make a difference. People like Judy Wicks, founder of the White Dog Cafe in Philadelphia who inspired her to use her voice as a force for good; Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig, founders of gourmet food group Zingerman's Community of Businesses in Michigan, from whom Schaefer learned innovative business strategies and Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, who taught her that nonprofit organizations need to think beyond simple charity.
Gina serves as board chair for the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and is a member of CCA Global Partners’ Board of Directors. She spent 9 years on the corporate board of Ace Hardware and 12 with the House of Ruth. She relaxes by making greeting cards (she's a big believer in the power of the written note), kayaking, traveling, and reading.
Gina’s guiding principle comes from a treasured quote “I always wondered when somebody would do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody”.
To learn more about Gina, visit:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-schaefer-56380a8/@recoveryhardware
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Lisa J. Smith, entrepreneur and founder of Smith Co., a sales consulting company focused on modern midsize B2B businesses. The discussion focuses on the elements of successful sales consulting, with emphasis on mindset and a strong social-emotional foundation. Dr. Kate and Lisa also take a deep dive into the nuances of successful entrepreneurship and the lessons learning through starting a company during COVID-19.
“Lisa J. Smith is the CEO and founder of SMITH co., a sales consulting firm focused on modern midsize B2B businesses. She launched the company in June 2020 as a “COVIDpreneur.” Despite the turbulent economic landscape, she reached six figures in her first year. Having spent 30 years selling B2B services in every economic environment imaginable, Lisa has gained a multitude of diverse experiences. She deeply understands her client’s challenges because she’s been there. SMITH co is in the business of revealing and removing sales obstacles. We believe that shifting your mindset using simple, repeatable processes is the most effective way to increase your revenue and transform your business.”
To learn more about Lisa, visit:
www.smithcous.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Maria Baltazzi, an Emmy-winning TV producer, wellbeing teacher, world traveler, and luxury travel designer specializing in transformative adventures.
The discussion focuses on Maria’s unique perspective on the idea of conscious living and her own path to living consciously as a way to preserve her own sense of well-being. The discussion also focused on Maria’s upcoming book – Take a Shot at Happiness – How to Write, Direct and Produce the Life you Want. The book provides invaluable insight into the idea of how we can all create happiness within our own unique context.
Maria Baltazzi is a Happiness Explorer. Her calling is to help you become happier and live more consciously. Maria's experience as an Emmy-winning TV producer, wellbeing teacher, world traveler, and luxury travel designer specializing in transformative adventures has given her a unique lens into conscious living.
Like all of us, Maria has faced challenges personally and professionally. Instead of letting life setbacks defeat her, Maria was inspired to embark on a life-changing journey where she realized eight Happiness Essentials that create a happier, more fulfilling life. Now, Maria helps you discover your path to happiness in a fun, creative way that combines journaling and phone photography.
Maria holds an MFA in film from ArtCenter College of Design and a PhD in Conscious-Centered Living from the University of Sedona. Additional studies include Mindfulness Meditation Teaching Training with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, Primordial Sound Meditation Teacher Training from The Chopra Center, Happiness Studies with Tal Ben-Shahar, Positive Neuroplasticity Training with Rick Hanson, Spiritual Psychology with Ron and Mary Hulnick at the University of Santa Monica, Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, the Science of Happiness at the University of Berkley, and an Inner MBA from MindfulNYU.
In her own happiness journey, Maria finds joy in giving back. She has walked over 7500 miles to raise funds for charity, including marathons on all seven continents, and is still going. Maria's adventurous life has also involved climbing the 15,000-foot trail to Machu Picchu, leading African safaris, making pilgrimages along the Camino de Santiago, summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro twice, and trekking to Everest Base Camp.
Maria has developed and produced shows throughout the world. She was one of
the original supervising producers of the TV mega hit, Survivor.
To learn more about Maria, visit:
@mariabaltazziwww.mariabaltazzi.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Dr. Brian Davidson, founder of MindVue, a mental performance company that measures and builds mindset skills to optimize performance and enhance mental wellness.
The discussion is a continuation of episode #1 taking a deeper dive into the ways in which we can foster a positive mindset, a sense of resilience and grit, allowing people to maximize potential across domains. Dr. Kate and Dr. Davidson once again examine the nuances of these issues with a keen focus on the importance of a strong locus of control, along with the multiple other variables impacting the development of mindset over time.
Dr. Brian Davidson is the founder and president of MindVue. As chief architect of the MindVue Profile assessment and MindVue's learning solutions, Brian applies his work in measuring and developing mindsets to support businesses, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, sports teams, and the military in maximizing human performance. Driven to build hope, grit, and resilience across the globe, he has had the privilege to work with leading organizations such as Johnson & Johnson, the San Antonio Spurs, Workday, and the United States Military Academy (West Point). As a passionate educator, he has helped teach people the importance of mindset skills and has guest lectured at educational institutions throughout the world such as the University of Pennsylvania, University of Florida, University of Kansas, in addition to helping tens of thousands of students across India.
Brian is a frequent writer on the topics of mindsets, mental wellness, and performance optimization and is a contributing author for Routledge's forthcoming (2024) Multidisciplinary Handbook of Character Development as well as a reviewer for the Journal of Character and Leadership Development. Brian graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Iowa with High Distinction and Honors, earning a degree in psychology and a teaching endorsement in secondary education. He holds a master's degree in counseling psychology and a doctorate (with Honors) in educational leadership and policy studies, both from the University of Kansas, where he has also served as a senior research consultant and adjunct professor.
To learn more about Brian,visit:
www.mindvue.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Dr. Brian Davidson, founder of MindVue, a mental performance company that measures and builds mindset skills to optimize performance and enhance mental wellness. The discussion focuses on the ways in which we can foster a positive mindset, a sense of resilience and grit which allows people to maximize potential across domains. Dr. Kate and Dr. Davidson take a deep dive into the nuances of these issues with emphasis on the importance of a strong locus of control, along with the multiple variables impacting the development of mindset over time.
Dr. Brian Davidson is the founder and president of MindVue. As chief architect of the MindVue Profile assessment and MindVue's learning solutions, Brian applies his work in measuring and developing mindsets to support businesses, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, sports teams, and the military in maximizing human performance. Driven to build hope, grit, and resilience across the globe, he has had the privilege to work with leading organizations such as Johnson & Johnson, the San Antonio Spurs, Workday, and the United States Military Academy (West Point). As a passionate educator, he has helped teach people the importance of mindset skills and has guest lectured at educational institutions throughout the world such as the University of Pennsylvania, University of Florida, University of Kansas, in addition to helping tens of thousands of students across India.
Brian is a frequent writer on the topics of mindsets, mental wellness, and performance optimization and is a contributing author for Routledge's forthcoming (2024) Multidisciplinary Handbook of Character Development as well as a reviewer for the Journal of Character and Leadership Development. Brian graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Iowa with High Distinction and Honors, earning a degree in psychology and a teaching endorsement in secondary education. He holds a master's degree in counseling psychology and a doctorate (with Honors) in educational leadership and policy studies, both from the University of Kansas, where he has also served as a senior research consultant and adjunct professor.
To learn more about Brian, visit:
www.mindvue.com
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks to Elliot Kallen, entrepreneur, author and founder of Prosperity Financial, which he has run for the past 30 years. The discussion focuses on Elliot’s recent book – Driven – which he co-authored with fellow entrepreneur Adam Torres (episode 43) in which they explore the many paths to entrepreneurship. Dr. Kate and Elliot explore the variables related to successful entrepreneurship through an authentic and human lens. They take a deep dive into the charity, A Brighter Day, which Elliot created following the tragic loss of his son to suicide in 2015. The idea of how we can all live our best lives, now, while making a difference and giving back is woven throughout this inspiring conversation.
Elliot H Kallen is a leader who brings over 30 years of passion and robust entrepreneurial business ownership experience to his elite Financial Planning & Advising practice. He has built international organizations, been a CEO of two other companies before forming Prosperity Financial Group, Inc. and is a frequent keynote speaker to charities, podcasts and radio shows on motivation, leadership, charitable work, marketing, and various financial subjects.
Elliot holds a BA degree in both Accounting and Economics from Rutgers University in New Jersey and has served on various Boards, as an active member and/or President, including The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Diablo Valley, the American Cancer Society of Contra Costa County & Congregation B’nai Shalom, where he has been actively involved in raising millions of dollars for these organizations. As President of Prosperity Financial Group, a top-tier Financial Advisory Firm, and Partner in Prosperity Wealth Management, he has led his organizations to be actively involved with many charities as this has been a lifelong theme.
Elliot is also President of A Brighter Day Charity, the 501c(3) he began following the suicide of his youngest son, Jake, in 2015. This charity unites stress and depression resources with teens and their parents with the goal of stopping teen suicide. The resources of A Brighter Day have touched thousands of families and are having a major impact on the lives of our teens and parents.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Christina Jordan – Mom, healthcare philanthropist and Tedx Speaker. The discussion focuses on Christina’s vision of what it means to raise our own human capital and how she has done this in her own life to be at her best across domains. The power of sharing our stories, embracing the human experience and connecting on a deep level with ourselves and others are ideas woven through this powerful conversation.
Christina Jordan has 20+ years of experience in healthcare philanthropy. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in individual gift fundraising utilizing her invaluable interpersonal skills to build networks and raise millions of dollars for causes she is most passionate about. She is the Founder of “Be Brave Today”, as well as a board member of many non-profits to share with others her expertise in raising money for causes that help those less fortunate. Christina resides in Southern California with her two sons Blake (13) and Chase(17) and is an avid “Boy Mom,” running her boys from sport to sport. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University, Chico. That which gives her incredible joy and fills her soul is helping others, including her two sons, build their own personal capital, what she calls “human capital,” to excel in life by following the passion that fuels their soul.
To learn more about Christina, visit:
www.christinabjordan.com
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Rachelle Babler, a TEDx speaker, #1 International Best-Selling Co-Author, and Entrepreneur & Advocate. The discussion focuses on the evolution of Rachelle’s eclectic career and the lessons learned through her journey. Dr. Kate and Rachelle dig into the power of listening to our intuition as a guide and integrating daily meditation as a way to quiet our minds and find power within.
Rachelle Babler is a TEDx speaker, #1 International Best-Selling Co-Author, and Entrepreneur & Advocate who grew up in Southern California.
She has had an eclectic background of careers: Paramedic turned Forensic Analyst turned Entrepreneur. After being diagnosed with a rare brain tumor and diving into personal development work, she quit her job cold turkey to pursue her “why” and discovered what that was during a global pandemic.
She is a storytelling strategist supporting clients who want to amplify their voice, message and brand through various media platforms such as the TEDx stage and through music.
She is grateful she took a leap to create a purpose-driven business and to show her two children, Austin and Camryn, that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
To learn more about Rachelle, visit:
www.rachellebabler.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Robin Osborn, business coach and brain tumor survivor. The discussion focuses on Robin’s journey through and beyond her life saving brain surgery to remove a baseball size tumor and the lessons learned through this difficult experience. Robin shares how her depth of experience in everything she does has grown in that she is more present and more connected to the people around her. The impact of this experience has been profound for Robin and her family across domains. Robin’s story is powerful and a clear reminder of the strength of the human spirit.
Robin Osborn is an executive coach and business consultant who was recently given a second chance at life after undergoing emergency surgery to remove a baseball-sized tumor from her brain. Remarkably, the tumor was benign but her recovery was no small feat– it took Robin a year to walk one mile. The same tools she uses to inspire transformation in her clients helped her achieve miraculous results in her own recovery! Robin’s passion for exceeding expectations has allowed her to help hundreds break through their personal and professional goals and, through this work, her own practice continues to develop.
Robin has nearly a decade of experience championing companies from good to great, while giving leaders a simple yet powerful tool to consistently transcend their goal: “The Frustration to Freedom Framework.” This framework combines all of Robin’s financial, operational, and leadership expertise and it is with this that she leads C-Suite executives and their teams to excellence by helping them build confidence, conquer team issues, gain clarity, and deliver real results.
Prior to coaching and consulting, Robin was at the helm of her family business for 33 years in Southern California. She took over for her father at the age of 21, managing over 40 employees, with an employee retention record of over 28 years. With big shoes to fill and the company facing adversities, Robin found and implemented the operational tools that doubled the company’s revenue in only 18 months. This experience gave Robin an intuitive understanding of both the employees’ and customers’ needs and catapulted her into the career she has today.
To learn more about Robin, visit:
www.robinosborn.comlinkedin.com/in/robinosborn
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with entrepreneur and CEO of Giant Leaps Learning, Michael Trezza. The discussion focuses on the work of Giant Leaps Learning in helping kids to develop social emotional learning and leadership skills to prepare them for an increasingly complex world. Lessons on discourse, connection and giving a sense of agency back to kids are at the heart of this fascinating discussion.
Michael is a 20+ year technology entrepreneur and CEO with a formal education in fine art and painting. His experience and love for tech, psychology, nature, art & music shaped his unique perspective on work and life. Becoming a father opened his eyes to the shortcomings of traditional education to prepare a new generation for what he sees as a rapidly changing world and he discovered his why. Michael's mission is to inspire and engage people to become curious, capable, passionate, purposeful, and globally aware leaders, and to find true success in all aspects of their lives.
To learn more about Michael, visit:
www.giantleapslearning.com
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Chris Felton, entrepreneur and author of Think and Grow You. The discussion focuses on Chris’ own personal development journey which led him to writing Think and Grow You, along with the central lessons outlined through the book.
Dr. Kate and Chris talk through numerous important ideas such as engaging in the idea of change, the work of change and “humbling down” in order to move forward during this episode. Chris shares invaluable insight based on experience on the ways in which we can shift limiting beliefs and the steps we can take to create intentional change.
Chris is an Amazon best-selling author, a 7-figure entrepreneur, and the Founder and Principal of his own financial services firm which he started in 1999.
He has helped tens of thousands of people, internationally, to overcome their resistance to change and to create more success, peace and impact in their lives.
Chris speaks from his own experience of being on the edge of financial ruin, business failure, and divorce. He shares the secrets that allowed him to avert the potential disaster and transform all areas of his life. Chris leads and trains hundreds of agents across the US and has helped over 17,000 people become more financially literate and experience financial relief.
With his latest book and speaking series “Think and Grow You”, Chris is focused on helping driven entrepreneurs break through plateaus in their growth by learning how to get out of their own way and take their success, peace, and impact to the next level.
To Learn more about Chris, visit:
www.chrisfelton.me
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Michelle Mays, author of The Betrayal Bind. The discussion focuses on Michelle’s book and work on helping people move through and beyond sexual betrayal. Ideas of hope and vision are touched on within the context of the ways in which one can become the hero of their own betrayal story. The theme of how it is possible to stay grounded and connected to self when faced with challenge is woven throughout this powerful discussion.
Michelle Mays is a Licensed Professional Counselor and expert in treating sexual betrayal and trauma. She’s also the author of the new book The Betrayal Bind: How to Heal When the Person You Love the Most Has Hurt You the Worst. Michelle has created a new treatment model to address the devastating dilemma that betrayed partners face when their significant other is unsafe to connect to, yet connection is the key to healing.
To learn more about Michelle, visit:
www.MichelleMays.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks to Adam Torres, entrepreneur, author and co-founder of Mission Matters, a media, PR, marketing and book publishing agency. The discussion focuses on Adam’s recent book – Driven which he co-authored with fellow entrepreneur Elliot Kallen.
The discussion also focuses, more broadly, on numerous central themes including the importance of mission and authenticity in life and in work, the value of mentorship, the importance of understanding how to monetize ideas, the power of gratitude, and the evolving nature of happiness.
Adam Torres is Host of the Mission Matters series of shows, ranked in the top 5% out of 2,617,524 podcasts globally.* As Co-Founder of Mission Matters, a media, PR, marketing and book publishing agency, Adam is dedicated to amplifying the voices of entrepreneurs, entertainers, executives and experts. An international speaker and author of multiple books on business and investing, his advice is featured regularly in major media outlets such as Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, Fox Business, and CBS to name a few.
Prior to establishing Mission Matters, in Adam's 14+ years in the financial services industry, he amassed a roster of clientele including 1,000+ business owners, and 3,000+ high net worth families. Before his exit, Adam was responsible for the relationship management of over 400 families with a cumulative net worth exceeding $500 million dollars.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Janie Reade (JR) about her book More of Everything. The discussion focuses on JR’s experience parenting a child Joey with extreme special needs, and how this evolved over time as Joey’s needs changed and her own needs changed. The discussion emphasizes JR’s relationship with Joey and how she worked to maximize her relationship with him over time. JR provides glimpses into what it was like parenting Joey’s two neurotypical siblings as she parented Joey, highlighting the lessons learned by the entire family. This is a powerful and authentic discussion rooted in a mother’s love for her son and her desire to maximize his potential within his own very unique context.
Janie Reade is the pen name of a mother of three adult sons, one with a severe neurodevelopmental disorder. JR has a PhD in Human Genetics, but devoted her parenting years to her family, including her nonverbal and self-injurious son Joey, diagnosed with Syngap1-related Intellectual Disability. Her oldest and youngest sons are both high-performance athletes and happy with academic challenges. For two decades of intense parenting, her goal was to encourage all three to develop to the best of their potential. Now a parent coach, certified by The Parent Coaching Institute, MORE OF EVERYTHING is her memoir of accepting Joey, herself, and their unusual mother-child relationship.
As a Parent Coach, JR works with parents who have children at all ages and stages, including those who are typically developing and those dealing with developmental obstacles. She works with parents who prioritize their relationship with their child, even if it is not currently going well.
Through the Syngap Research Fund JR helps parents understand genetic reports for their children with neurodevelopmental disorders. In meetings with academic and industry scientists she helps accelerate the research and development of treatments for Syngap1 disorders. JR lives in Seattle and speaks English and Joey Sign Language.
Email: connect@janiereade.com
Janiereade.com
Buy JR’s book on Amazon
JR’s book launch webinar
Interview on a Rare Disease Podcast, Once Upon A Gene #184
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Rob Stolker, a passionate father who developed the first ever certified headgear for girls’ lacrosse.
Creating the headgear was just the beginning. Rob’s passionate mission is to ensure all girls have access to and wear protective headgear so they can create safer athletic experiences and pave the way for future generations. Having met families who have suffered, the impact will be game-changing. Rob is proof that passion outsmarts knowledge.
The discussion focuses on the origin of Rob’s idea, along with his grit and passion in making it a reality that all girls playing lacrosse will one day play with their heads protected.
Rob Stolker began his career in day trading, continued into real estate development, eventually started a successful solar panel installation company and now owns 3 Mexican restaurants. However, inventing the first ever certified girls' lacrosse headgear for his four amazing, athletic daughters has been his life's most important achievement.
Creating the headgear was just the beginning. Rob’s passionate mission is to ensure all girls have access to and wear protective headgear so they can create safer athletic experiences and pave the way for future generations. Having met families who have suffered, the impact will be game-changing. Rob is proof that passion outsmarts knowledge.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Glodean Champion, an experienced coach, consultant, and educator who works with individuals and organizations to get to the root cause of culturally based challenges by transforming beliefs, behaviors, and assumptions. The discussion focuses on the ways in which Glodean believes she can make the greatest impact in the world. The theme of continuous improvement and the idea of creating a culture of care to benefit all is woven throughout this powerful discussion in an authentic and accessible way.
Glodean is a 2x TEDx Speaker and Keynote Speaker who pulls from her mother's influence —
her first authentic leader – to create stories about life, leadership, and acceptance that connect with people. She is a master storyteller whose thought-provoking ideas about "difference" force people to re-examine and often shift their perspectives and belief systems. Her approach to
Everything she does is with honesty, authenticity, and vulnerability and the intent to leave people better than she found them.
With over 20 years of experience as a Lean Six Sigma leader, DEI disrupter, and master educator, Glodean specializes in continuous improvement: of self, in leaders, teams, processes, and organizations. She is a Six Sigma Black Belt with certifications in Laser Coaching, Extreme Leadership, DEI Leadership, DEI Strategies, and Leadership Development,After 15+ years of leading or participating in DEI initiatives, she realized most of them failed because they weren’t designed to be operationalized into the DNA of the organization with measures and KPIs for continuous improvement. Instead, they unintentionally created shame, blame, and anger. They also missed the opportunity to improve communication, embrace accountability, and inspire self awareness - the root causes of most failed business initiatives. This led Glodean to develop her groundbreaking Kaizen Your Culture organizational program and Lean into Love keynotes, which integrate Lean Six Sigma and DEI principles and methodologies built upon a L.O.V.E. framework:
- Listen with the intent to learn,
- Open-mindedly with
- Vulnerability and Empathy.
- ORGANIZATIONS HIRE GLODEAN TO: Deliver thought-provoking, inspiring, and engaging keynote speeches.
- Teach and implement Kaizen Your Culture and Lean into Love to operationalize DEI and continuous improvement
- Inspire and increase innovation, productivity, and employee retention and engagement.
- Provide transformational leadership development
To Learn more about Glodean, visit:
www.glodeanchampion.com
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with author and relationship recovery expert Christy Neal. The discussion focuses on Christy’s journey through adultery to becoming the voice of hope and healing she so desperately needed in her most difficult moments. Dr. Kate and Christy also touch on Christy’s book – Don’t Ever Tell and talk about the ways in which this has been so valuable for others in healing following adultery. The message that we must accept responsibility for our choices and choose how we will move through and beyond challenge, heartache and hurt is woven throughout the discussion.
As the Author of Don't Ever Tell and the Podcast Host of Everyone Has A Voice, Christy Neal has trail blazed a path for hope and healing after adultery. Now a Relationship Recovery Expert, She empowers women stuck in shame and guilt to forgive themselves and press on to a life filled with purpose and unshakable confidence. Christy chose to become the voice of hope she desperately needed, but never found over a decade ago after her own affair.
To learn more about Christy Neal, visit:
www.choosedifferent.org
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr.Kate talks with Marli Williams, an international keynote speaker, play activist, and joy instigator.The discussion focuses on Marli’s evolution as a successful entrepreneur and business owner who helps countless people recognize and reach their full potential across domains.Ideas of belief in self and possibility are embedded throughout the conversation in a human and accessible way. Dr. Kate and Marli also uncover the challenges inherent in entrepreneurship, along with the strategies Marli uses to maintain her own resilient mindset.
Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, play activist, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be.
Now Marli helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations.
Marli is also the founder and director of Camp YES!™, a transformational summer camp experience for women. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!)
To learn more about Marli’s work go to:
www.marliwilliams.com or www.camp-yes.com
follow Marli on Instagram:
@marliwilliams
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Dr. Chris McCurry a well-known child psychologist of 30 years in Seattle. The discussion focuses on the evolution of Dr. Chris’ career and the lessons embedded within this journey. Dr. Kate and Dr. Chris cover topics related to resilience, coping and the impact of COVID-19 on kids and families over the past several years. Dr. Chris makes an important distinction between conditions and problems and how sometimes accepting what is can be a powerful catalyst in moving through and beyond challenging situations.
Chris McCurry, Ph.D. is a now-retired clinical child psychologist in Seattle, Washington. He received a masters in developmental psychology from San Francisco State University and his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno, where he studied with acceptance and commitment therapy cofounder Steve Hayes.
Chris has published several books, including Parenting your anxious child with mindfulness and acceptance (New Harbinger, 2009), Working with parents of anxious children (W.W. Norton, 2015), and The mindfulness and acceptance workbook for teen anxiety, with Sheri Turrell and Mary Bell (New Harbinger, 2018). Over the years he has given close to a hundred workshops and lectures to professional and lay audiences, nationally and internationally.
To learn more about Chris, visit:
www.chrismccurrychildpsychologist.com
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Kristen Brown, author of the recently released – The Recovering People Pleaser – A Spiritual Guide to Reclaim Your True Worth and Attract the Love You Deserve. The discussion focuses on Kristen’s life experiences rooted in people pleasing tendencies and how she has shifted gears to heal herself and how she helps others to avoid the same level of suffering she experienced for so many years.
Kristen Brown is a Self-Worth Recovery and Relationship Healing Coach, Speaker, and International #1 Best Selling Author of the book, The Recovering People Pleaser – A Spiritual Guide to Reclaim Your True Worth and Attract the Love You Deserve. She is also the host of the popular podcast, The Sweet Empowerment Podcast – Reclaiming your personal power!
Kristen’s inspired mission is to bring awareness and healing to the underlying causes of dysfunctional relationship patterns to experience Real Love connections. Her motto is: If you don’t change the way you show up to relationships, your relationships won’t change.
Learn more about Kristen, visit:
www.kristenbrown.org
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Dr. Jim Loehr -- co-founder of the Human Performance Institute, a world-renowned performance psychologist and author of 18 books including his most recent, Wise Decisions: A Science-Based Approach to Making Better Choices.
The discussion focuses on Dr. Loehr’s most recent book Wise Decisions, taking a deep dive into the ways in which we make decisions in our lives and how we pass this important skill onto our children. The discussion also focuses on Dr. Loehr’s ground-breaking work in performance psychology working with some of the world’s best tennis players. The depth of Dr. Loehr’s iconic work is evident through this fascinating and powerful discussion.
Dr. Jim Loehr is a co-founder of the Human Performance Institute, a world-renowned performance psychologist and author of 18 books including his most recent, Wise Decisions: A Science-Based Approach to Making Better Choices. He also co-authored the national bestseller The Power of Full Engagement.
Dr. Loehr's ground-breaking, science-based energy management training system has achieved world-wide recognition and has been chronicled in leading national publications including the Harvard Business Review, Business Week, Fortune, Newsweek, Time, US News and World Report, Success, Fast Company and Omni. He has appeared on NBC's Today Show, ABC's Nightline, The CBS Evening News, The CBS Morning News, and the Oprah Winfrey Show.
From his more than 35 years of experience and applied research, Dr. Loehr believes the single most important factor in successful achievement, personal fulfillment and life satisfaction is the strength of one's character. He strongly contends that character strength can be built in the same way that muscle strength is built through energy investment.
Dr. Loehr has been inducted into three Hall of Fames, was a pioneer in the application of psychology to human performance, has received numerous sport science and coaching awards and has lectured world-wide on his performance technology. Dr. Loehr is currently applying his insights regarding character to youth.
He possesses a masters and doctorate in psychology and is a full member of the American Psychological Association.
The Human Performance lnstitute's training is the result of decades of proprietary research and working with elite performers. The institute's training draws on the sciences of performance psychology, exercise physiology and nutrition to create lifelong behavior change. By training to expand and manage energy levels both personally and professionally, performers ignite their full potential in high stress arenas.
To learn more about Jim, visit:
www.jim-loehr.com
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www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Dr. Kien Vuu, triple board-certified physician and author of the ground-breaking book, Thrive State. The discussion focuses how we can maximize our wellness and performance by emphasizing the fundamental building blocks of health in our lives which in turn allow us to thrive. Dr. Vuu provides valuable insights into the importance of awareness and knowing who we really are and who we want to be in the world and how this translates into our ability to enter the Thrive State.
Dr. Kien Vuu, or “Doctor V,” exemplifies resilience, having survived as an infant refugee on a challenging journey to America. Overcoming diabetes and high blood pressure, Doctor V now champions optimal health, happiness, and human potential.
An assistant professor at UCLA, Doctor V is triple-board certified, earning board certification from the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. Founder of VuuMD Performance and Longevity, Doctor V advises athletes, executives, celebrities, and organizations towards longevity and peak performance.
Doctor V is also a media expert, keynote speaker, and workshop facilitator at prominent events, including engagements with Whole Foods, Bank of America, and JP Morgan. He has also appeared on platforms like ABC News, TEDx, The Doctors, and Access Hollywood, empowering others to activate the biology of longevity and human potential within themselves.
To Learn More about Dr.Vuu, Visit:
https://kienvuu.com
https://www.amazon.com/Thrive-State-2nd-Blueprint-Performance/dp/1949680452/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?crid=3FUDAJV2V443&keywords=thrive+state+kien+vuu&qid=1684025085&sprefix=Thrive+State%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-1-fkmr0
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Nikki Nash -- author, motivational speaker, podcast host and enrollment expert. Described as a “marketing genius” by clients and peers, Nikki uses 15+ years of experience to help service-based businesses to attract their dream clients.
The discussion focuses on how Nikki has carved her own path in business and in life and how she helps others to do the same. Nikki shares ideas on the ways in which mindset, particularly being clear on what you want, believing in possibility and managing thoughts are the key ingredients in achieving success in business and in life.
Nikki Nash is a Hay House author, motivational speaker, podcast host, and client enrollment expert. Referred to as a “marketing genius” by clients and peers, Nikki uses her 15+ years of experience to help service based businesses attract and retain their dream clients.
Nikki’s methodologies and frameworks have helped clients fill group programs, triple their revenue, double their profits, and so much more. She believes that entrepreneurship can be a vehicle for generational wealth and strives to help close the gender and racial wealth gap in America.
Prior to full-time entrepreneurship, Nikki served as Head of Marketing at tech startup Rest Devices, Senior Marketing Manager at Intel Corporation where she won the Marketing Excellence Award, Brand Management MBA Intern at The Coca-Cola Company, and Media Planner + Buyer at advertising agency Starcom-MediaVest on the Kraft Foods Account. Nikki has also worked for brands such as InStyle, Travel + Leisure, and Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy.
To learn more about Nikki visit:
|www.nikkinash.co
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Ken Goldberg, a registered financial advisor and an expert in behavioral finance and the herding behavior of crowds. The discussion focuses on Ken’s extensive background and experience in finance and more broadly his vast array of life experience and keen perspectives across domains. Dr. Kate and Ken also connect on parenting, podcasting and a shared love of dogs.
This is a fun, easy-going conversation rooted in what it means to be human.
About Our Guest
Ken Goldberg is a 38-year investment warrior from Wall Street firms to the Chicago Options Trading Floor. Ken has been a CNBC guest, started and sold 3 hedge funds, has been a World Cup Trading Championship winner, and was the most-read contributor at The Street.com.
You can connect with Ken Goldberg and his work at www.dsetrading.com for private portfolio coaching, a real-time Twitter feed, and twice-weekly market videos.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with healer, coach and author Sarah Willoughby. The conversation focuses on Sarah's journey through secondary infertility and the lessons learned from this grueling experience. Dr. Kate and Sarah explore these lessons through a discussion of Sarah's book -- Infertility Saved my Life. This powerful discussion illustrates the power of tapping into the wisdom of the body, and learning how to connect with oneself on a deeper level.
Sarah Willoughby is Transformation Coach, Bestselling Author, Speaker, Reiki Practitioner and Infertility Coach passionate about empowering people to heal, love themselves, achieve more, and transform their lives from the inside out. Drawing on her multinational HR coaching experience, transformative life story and healing abilities, Sarah guides her clients to reconnect with themselves, find the answers that lie deep inside, and face their fears so they can live their best life. Sarah secured a New York publishing contract with Morgan James publishing for her newly released book ‘Infertility Saved My Life’ and is a co-author for the international bestseller Business, Life and the Universe, Volume 3. Her inspiring articles on life, spirituality, and infertility have reached millions of people worldwide over the past ten years. Sarah regularly shares her wisdom on global speaking panels, podcasts, internet TV and radio. Voted as one of the top 175 women B2B Thought Leaders you should follow in 2023 by Thinkers360, she has also ranked as the 8th Thought Leader in Health and Wellness and her book as one of the top 50 to read this year. Sarah emigrated from the UK to Australia in 2009 to begin a heart-centered life and business after recovering from ICU and being blessed with a second chance. Here she loves spending time in nature with her three beautiful children who are her greatest teachers.
To learn more about Sarah, visit:
www.sarahwilloughby.com.au
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with top women’s tennis player Gigi Fernandez. Considered to be one of the best doubles players of all time, she is a Hall of Famer, winner of 17 Grand Slam doubles titles with various partners and 2 Olympic Gold Medals with Mary Joe Fernandez. The discussion focuses on Gigi’s successful tennis career, along with ideas on managing mindset in tennis and in life, meditation as a superpower for maximizing potential, the importance of never giving up and persevering through challenge. This is a powerful and informative conversation offering strategies listeners can use to live fully.
Gigi Fernandez is considered to be one of the best doubles players of all time. She is a Hall of Famer, winner of 17 Grand Slam doubles titles with various partners and 2 Olympic Gold Medals with Mary Joe Fernandez. In 2000, Gigi was named Puerto Rican Athlete of the Century. In 2011, she started coaching recreational players. Gigi is the founder and creator of The Gigi Method and Gigi Fernandez Tennis. Gigi now spends her time coaching adult players how to excel at doubles. She travels the country doing clinics and camps and host The Gigi Method Tennis Camps for enthusiasts that want more in-depth instruction from Gigi. She also partners with other Legends of the game doing Legends camps and brings groups to Wimbledon and the Laver Cup. She is mom to 14 year-old twins Karson and Madison and lives in Tampa FL.
To learn more about Gigi, visit:
www.gigifernandeztennis.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks to Kelley O'Keeffe, founder of Empowered Engagement, a company focused on empowering women who have chosen to pivot and leave the corporate world to start a new chapter, while maintaining a strong professional identity. The conversation focuses on ideas related to how women can flourish professionally and personally as they move towards their potential.
Kelley O'Keeffe is an Entrepreneur focused on helping women empower themselves economically. Data shows that when women thrive economically as entrepreneurs rise as leaders in business, this results in our communities thriving both economically and from a social responsibility perspective. Kelley' background includes working for technology firms IBM, Gartner and leading nearly 15% of her company’s total annual revenue as leader of a 300 person global sales team.
Along that journey Kelley worked to improve her income by 10x in 12 years, earned a Master's in Business Administration, was ranked the #1 performing woman in her company as a revenue generator twice in her career, and worked with leaders ranging from F500 CEOs to Managers of small companies. Kelley is now founder and CEO of Empowered Engagement and resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband.
To learn more about Kelley, visit:
www.empoweredengagement.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/
In this week's episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Dr. Julie Stamm author of The Brain on Youth Sports: The Science, The Myths and The Future – a book which empowers parents to make informed decisions about sports participation.
Dr. Stamm brings a unique perspective on the issues of repeated head impacts in sports. She is a scientist who spent years researching concussions, and the consequences of repetitive brain trauma in youth. In addition to her vast expertise in this domain, Dr. Stamm is an accomplished athlete herself having competed in sports throughout her life.
This is a dynamic and important conversation looking at the ways in which parents and coaches can protect the brains of young athletes. Dr. Kate and Dr. Stamm take a deep dive through the discussion on specific strategies that can be implemented to prevent head injury in youth sports, without taking away from the experience of the sport and why this is so vital.
Dr. Julie Stamm is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She brings a unique perspective on the issues of repetitive head impacts in youth sports as a scientist and expert in the field, an anatomist with knowledge of childhood development, and an athletic trainer who has provided medical care for athletes in a variety of sports. As an avid sports fan and a three-sport high school athlete from a small town in Wisconsin, she values the importance of sports participation for children. She earned her doctorate in anatomy and neurobiology from the Boston University School of Medicine and conducted research at the Boston University Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center and the Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Bill Murphy, author of Thriving in the Storm: Nine Principles to Help You Overcome Any Adversity. The discussion focuses on Bill's journey through childhood trauma and subsequent challenge and how he has shifted the direction of his life and moved towards his potential across domains. Bill shares his experience of moving through and beyond challenge in a real and authentic way, illustrating both the fragility and the possibility within the human experience.
Bill Murphy:
Bill Murphy is a nationally recognized mortgage originator who has been a top producer for over 25 years. Since 2017, he has served as a business coach for the Fairway Ignite program. From 1993 to 1998, he worked as a juvenile counselor for the Worcester Department of Youth Services.
He is a marathoner, ultramarathoner, and Ironman finisher and has a second-degree black belt in Krav Maga. He has raised over $500,000 for the Make-A-Wish-Foundation, and actively supports several charities, including Fairway Cares, The American Warrior Initiative, and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. He is the founder of the nonprofit Thrive Foundation. Murphy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Worcester State University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Framingham State University.
To learn more about Bill, visit:
www.thrivinginthestorm.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with entrepreneur and founder of Your Words Have Power, Wendy Corner. The conversation focuses on Wendy's evolution from a speech pathologist to a successful business owner and speaking coach helping others to hone and deliver impactful and powerful messages across the world. The discussion is authentic and raw offering insight and wisdom to those wanting to carve a new path in speaking or otherwise.
Meet Wendy Corner…
The Founder and Creator of Your Words Have Power, a platform for speakers to share their messages and stories to inspire people to live their lives fully.
She’s on a mission to help countless Speakers to step onto stages across the world and share their messages and stories to change lives.
Wendy migrated from Scotland, to Perth, Western Australia. She works with international clients who -- Have a burning desire to be a Speaker from the stage to inspire, motivate or sell a product/service; Harbour a goal to do a TEDx talk & wider stages and experience the visibility and credibility being on the red circle brings; Are seeking to launch their career as a prolific professional speaker.
TEDx trainer at University of Western Australia for 5 years.
30 years as a Speech Pathologist.
She works holistically using her proprietary framework to support speakers to communicate using body, mind and spirit to connect at a deep level with their audience.
To learn more about Wendy, visit:
Wendy@whp.eventsTo Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/
In this episode of The Optimized Mind Podcast, Dr. Kate talks with Sales and Leadership Coach, Author, Podcast Host, Father and Husband – Casey Jacox.
With over 25 years of business experience, Casey's leadership helps companies emphasize building relationships, not just transactional business deals. As I mentioned, he's a father, a husband, a coach, a podcaster, a speaker, and a business leader who is the same person in and out of work. Over his entire career, adversity has always made him stronger.
Through the conversation Dr. Kate and Casey focus on Casey’s path from an accomplished high school and college athlete to a successful career in corporate sales and how he transitioned out that space to write his debut non-fiction book, "WIN the RELATIONSHIP – Not the DEAL." which is helping shape how teams build relationships with their customers and improve cultures internally for teams.
The discussion takes a deep dive into ideas and insights related to personal development, living a growth mindset and the ways in which adversity has made Casey stronger.
This is a truly robust conversation full of insight and awareness which will benefit so many.
Casey Jacox, Winning The Relationship, LLC – Sales & Leadership Coach. With over 25 years of business experience, Casey's leadership helps companies emphasize building relationships, not just transactional business deals. He's a father, a husband, a coach, a podcaster, a speaker, and a business leader who is the same person in and out of work. Over his entire career, adversity has always made him stronger.
Casey always leans in on curiosity while maintaining a positive attitude! While at Kforce, Casey was the number one sales rep nationwide for ten years consecutively before becoming President of Client Strategy and partnerships. In that role, Casey was crucial in driving a sales transformation and providing executive-level support for large customers. In March of 2019, Casey left Kforce as the firm's all-time leading salesperson in the nearly 60-year company history to begin writing his debut non-fiction book, "WIN the RELATIONSHIP – Not the DEAL." His book has over 100 organic reviews on Amazon and is helping shape how teams build relationships with their customers and improve cultures internally for teams.
Casey is now the founder of Winning The Relationship, LLC, a consulting firm providing executive sales leadership and coaching. Additionally, Casey hosts The Quarterback DadCast, a podcast that offers stories, advice, and wisdom for fathers looking to improve their leadership skills and emotional intelligence.
Casey is a passionate networker with intense energy for building genuine, long-lasting relationships. Casey loves to empower people to achieve more than they think they can ever accomplish. He loves to laugh, serve others, and make those around him laugh; why do we go to work if we are not having fun?
To learn more about Casey, visit:
Website: http://www.caseyjacox.com
Author, "Win The Relationship; Not the Deal" - https://amzn.to/3ek4Rqn
The Quarterback Dad Cast – Podcast - https://www.caseyjacox.com/podcast
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Laing Rikkers – author of Morning Leaves: Reflections on Loss, Grief and Connection and Co-Founder and Executive Chair of ProSomnus Sleep Technologies.
Laing is a leader in the field of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, an often hidden - and potentially fatal - medical condition. After her sister died of undiagnosed OSA, Laing sought solace from nature and creativity, and wrote Morning Leaves, a book of poetry to help others navigate grief. Her mission now is to save lives by encouraging people to recognize the symptoms of OSA before it's too late.
The discussion focuses on Laing’s upcoming book and the comfort she found in writing it following the sudden loss of her sister. The discussion also focuses on Laing's work as an expert in the field of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, along with the innovative technology to help those living with OSA developed by her company ProSomnus Sleep Technologies.
This is a robust conversation focused on insights and awareness to help people recognize the signs and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, while taking important steps to improve their sleep, health and function across domains.
Signs and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Snoring
- Observed episodes of not breathing
- Waking up with dry mouth
- Headaches and difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes, including depression
Increased likelihood of OSA associated with:
- Obesity
- Family history of OSA or snoring
- Male or post-menopausal female
- Large neck
- Alcohol consumption
The Takeaway is OSA increases the risk of:
- Hypertension
- Heart disease - including heart attacks and heart failure
- Stroke
- Diabetes
To learn More, visit:
www.laingrikkers.comwww.prosomnus.com
Laing Rikkers is a leader in the field of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, an often hidden - and potentially fatal - medical condition. After her sister died of undiagnosed OSA, Laing sought solace from nature and creativity, and wrote Morning Leaves, a book of poetry to help others navigate grief. Her mission now is to save lives by encouraging people to recognize the symptoms of OSA before it's too late.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Megan McCann, founder of McCann Partners, an IT Recruiting firm.
Megan and her team deliver IT recruitment with intention and integrity to a growing portfolio of innovative organizations—from Chicago-based startups to companies with a global footprint. McCann Partners is dedicated to creating a more equitable and diverse workforce, and proud that more than 70% of their talent placements in the past two years have been diverse hires. Prior to McCann Partners, Megan co-founded and helped build Geneva Technical Services (GTS), and was a strategic force in growing SelecTech—both premier IT recruitment firms.
Megan’s impact on the tech community far exceeds her day-to-day work as CEO of her own firm. Passionate about attracting, retaining, and advancing women in technology, Megan is a proud co-founder of ARA, a national organization that seeks to promote women in technology and leadership through mentorship, events, and programs.
The discussion focuses on Megan’s path to becoming a successful business owner and leader in the IT recruiting space. The conversation also takes a deep dive into the power of mentorship, meaning and belief in business and personal development. Megan also shares her own best practices for bringing out her best across domains.
About Megan McCann:
Megan McCann is an established IT recruitment and technology services leader known for building and leading highly successful IT services firms, and for the work she does to advance diversity and cultivate talent across the technology industry.
Megan is the CEO of leading IT recruitment firm McCann Partners, which she founded in 2011. She and her team deliver IT recruitment with intention and integrity to a growing portfolio of innovative organizations—from Chicago-based startups to companies with a global footprint. McCann Partners is dedicated to creating a more equitable and diverse workforce, and proud that more than 70% of their talent placements in the past two years have been diverse hires. Prior to McCann Partners, Megan co-founded and helped build Geneva Technical Services (GTS), and was a strategic force in growing SelecTech—both premier IT recruitment firms.
Megan’s impact on the tech community far exceeds her day-to-day work as CEO of her own firm. Passionate about attracting, retaining, and advancing women in technology, Megan is a proud co-founder of ARA, a national organization that seeks to promote women in technology and leadership through mentorship, events, and programs. Her additional industry and leadership affiliations include membership in the American Staffing Association, CHIEF, and the TechServe Alliance.
She is also a founding partner of the Chicago Executive Women’s Networking Group and an active member of Chicago Innovation’s Women’s Mentoring Co-Op. In addition, she’s been recognized as a Chicago Business Journal Bizwomen Headliner in Technology, Chicago Business Journal Women of Influence, a three-time Midwest Women in Tech Awards finalist, and an Illinois Technology Association CityLIGHTS finalist. In 2021, Megan was named to Staffing Industry Analysts inaugural Top 50 DE&I Influencers list and selected as a ChiTech Academy Young Women's Leadership Society Ambassador of the Year.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Laura Cooke, Founder and CEO of Positive Foundry, a company focused on creating and teaching a strength based model grounded in science, which helps individuals flourish across domains. The discussion highlights the evolution of Positive Foundry, along with the ways in which Laura integrates the principles she teaches into her life and family.
Through Laura’s many positions in leadership, both in the corporate world and in education, Laura’s true passion has always been about helping people. Her thirst for learning is endless and she finds comfort in both the classroom and boardroom.
She has been trained at the Institute for Positive Education in Australia and the Flourishing Institute and holds a Certificate of Applied Positive Psychology, a BA in Business from Wittenberg University, and an MBA from the Ross School of Business at The University of Michigan.
In previous roles, she was a digital marketing entrepreneur and senior leader at Metatec International running a multi-million-dollar business unit. Most recently she was Assistant Head of The Wellington School and professor of Leadership in Business and Applied Positive Psychology. Laura is a wife to Chris and mother of four girls.
To learn more about Laura, visit:
www.positivefoundry.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Brigitte Cutshall who is an author, cancer survivor and health coach. The discussion focuses on Brigitte's journey through cancer and a rare brain tumor, along with her passion for running and writing. Brigitte shares how both helped her through the hard moments and continue to help her to find meaning and purpose each and every day.
Health Advocate and author, Brigitte Cutshall, has overcome cancer multiple times and a rare primary brain tumor in between. She raised two sons with her husband while keeping a smile on her face. She advocated for herself, and strongly believes her training as a health coach and love for running has been instrumental in helping her be more than a Survivor. Brigitte is a Thriver on a mission to inspire others to change their lives for the better.
To learn more about Brigitte, visit:
brigittecutshall.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
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In this episode of the Optimized Mind Podcast, Dr. Kate talks with Andrea Jaeger in the second of a 2-part series. The discussion this week focuses on Andrea's life of service, specifically the foundation she started to provide support to children in need, their families and communities. Andrea shares deep insight and wisdom into what it means to her to live a life of faith and service to others.
Little Star Foundation started because life showed a 15-year-old tennis phenom, Andrea Jaeger, that children facing cancer or trauma endure their struggles for more than one day. For over 37 years, Little Star Foundation has provided long term care and a better quality of life for children with cancer and children in need, their families and communities, through financial assistance, education, medical support, therapeutic play and outreach care programs.
Little Star participants find fuller lives, increase their motor skills and self-esteem and lead more engaging, purposeful and enjoyable lives, regardless of their diagnosis.
Andrea Jaeger became the #2 ranked professional tennis player in the world at the age of 16. She gave all her pro tennis earnings, (millions of dollars), to help others. For over 37 years Andrea Jaeger has devoted her life to bringing long term care and a better quality of life to children, families and communities in the United States and the world facing disease, disaster, poverty and other devastating hardships.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Andrea Jaeger in the first of a 2-part series. Andrea is well-known as being the number two women's tennis player in the world at the age of 16 in the 1980's, before pivoting to a life of humanitarian work and service. This is a robust conversation about Andrea's early life and experiences on the professional tennis tour, in which Andrea shares powerful insights setting the stage for her current life and service based work. We will dive into this next week in the second part of our 2-part series.
Little Star Foundation started because life showed a 15-year-old tennis phenom, Andrea Jaeger, that children facing cancer or trauma endure their struggles for more than one day. For over 37 years,
Little Star Foundation has provided long term care and a better quality of life for children with cancer and children in need, their families and communities, through financial assistance, education, medical support, therapeutic play and outreach care programs.
Little Star participants find fuller lives, increase their motor skills and self-esteem and lead more engaging, purposeful and enjoyable lives, regardless of their diagnosis.
Andrea Jaeger became the #2 ranked professional tennis player in the world at the age of 16. She gave all her pro tennis earnings, (millions of dollars), to help others. For over 37 years Andrea Jaeger has devoted her life to bringing long term care and a better quality of life to children, families and communities in the United States and the world facing disease, disaster, poverty and other devastating hardships.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Captain Sandy Yawn, who is well-known from Bravo's hit series Below Deck Mediterranean. The discussion is robust as Sandy shares insights into how she moved through and beyond challenge early in her life to where she is now. Sandy shares invaluable insight into ideas of self-leadership, seeing possibility beyond challenge and maximizing potential. The conversation also focus on Captain Sandy's recently released book, Be The Calm or Be The Storm: Leadership Lessons from a Woman at the Helm.
Captain Sandy Yawn is a Fort Lauderdale native with over three decades of yachting experience under her belt, Captain Sandy Yawn is one of the most respected captains in the industry. A renowned super yacht captain and mentor in the yachting industry, Yawn is always looking to support crew members to reach their full potential. Sandy knew she wanted her career to revolve around the ocean from an early age and wasn’t discouraged when she discovered yachting to be a male-dominated field. Knowing the difficulties that come with leading an entire team while providing five-star service, she makes it her mission to know everything and every department on the boat.
To Learn More about Captain Sandy, visit:
Captainsandyyawn.com
Be the Calm or Be the Storm: Leadership Lessons from a Woman at the Helm:
https://amzn.to/40ds2eM
Book Cover:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wG-FrmDn23L-0POCPqFU7d9iUIMWbEVf/view?usp=sharing
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
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In this episode of the Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with actor Jon Meggison. The discussion focuses on Jon's path from a career in sales to a career as a full-time actor. Central themes include -- grit, perseverance, resilience and passion to go after your dreams to create a new reality.
Actor Jon Meggison stars in his first lead film as Eric Olsen on the Amazon Prime original movie A Haunting In Ravenwood (2021) directed by Calvin McCarthy. This film features Eileen Dietz who is best known for her appearances in many horror film roles such as the face of the demon in The Exorcist, Halloween II, Friday The 13th Pt3, just to name a few.
Still new to the industry Jon caught fire in early 2021 where he plays a supporting role of a character named Ryan, in a feature film called Survivors Choice. This film is led by Hollywood actor Eric Roberts known for movies like 'The Coca-Cola Kid' (1985), 'Best of the Best' (1989), 'The Specialist' (1994), and 'National Security' (2003.
In his short time in the industry Jon won his first individual award as Best Lead Actor in the film called It Takes Talent (2021) written & Directed by Roleph Dubreus. In his most recent film Jon stars as Porter Watson in the horror film called Conjuring the Beyond. This film is written and directed by Calvin McCarthy and will be released to platforms July 10th, 2022.
Jon has had a lifelong love of basketball and in his spare time he plays in a men's Basketball league. This is something he enjoys most and it gives him the opportunity to reset and stay connected with his first passion and the friends that he grew up with. He has played from the age of 5 all through elementary, middle school & high school. Another thing that Jon loves to do most is spend time with his family. He has 3 little boys that are the love of his life and he wants to show them that you are never too old to chase your dream and that you can pursue your passion and raise a family.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Kathy Simon, author of Recognize. Reflect. Take Action. The conversation focuses on the importance of self-awareness, reflection and of course action in making and sustaining positive change.
Kathy Simon is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who currently works on the counseling team at a boarding high school in New Hampshire. Kathy also does mental health trainings and consultation for different agencies and organizations on topics such as Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Kathy has been in the mental health field for 20 years working a variety of settings with different populations. Through all of those experiences, Kathy has developed a broad view of mental health and the themes that can be present for many of us despite differences in identity, background, lifestyle, etc. Kathy takes a holistic approach in her work in order to highlight the interconnectedness of all aspects of a person’s life.
To learn more about Kathy, visit:
@kathy_Simon2022https://amzn.to/3GKVZdk
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Alex Seblatnigg, Director of Volunteer Services and Internal Engagement at The Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. The conversation focuses on the work Alex does leading a team of volunteers to bring a sense of hope and possibility to those recovering from catastrophic injuries.
Alex is the Director of Volunteer Services and Internal Engagement at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. The Shepherd Center is a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, spine and chronic pain, and other neuromuscular conditions.
To Learn More about Alex and The Shepherd, visit:
www.shepherd.org
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with author Kate Brenton about her recently released book, Rebirth. The discussion focuses on the ways in which we can change course and grow if we leave ourselves open to the possibilities life offers, even if those possibilities are not obvious.
Inspired teacher, author + bodyworker Kate Brenton, Ed.M., helps women connect the dots between their purpose, passion, and true brilliance.
She loves meeting women where they are and guiding them back to their center. Kate's holistic work combines life experience with her studies of Polynesian Healing Arts. Clients work with her one-on-one, in intimate online settings + on retreats.
A little more about Kate: she flips between craft coffee and herbal tea. She is a book reader + a hiker, although with her toddler son it is more like traipsing these days. She looks up to her dog as a mentor in patience and unconditional love. She currently resides outside of Philadelphia with her family, nourishing her connection to Hawaii seasonally.
To learn more about Kate, visit:
www.Katebrenton.com
https://www.amazon.com/Rebirth-Real-Life-Stories-About-Happens/dp/1953445268/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28MPYX7Z0HOFQ&keywords=rebirth+kate+brenton&qid=1670544398&sprefix=rebirth%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-1
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate discusses principles of high-performance leadership and resilience with Tony Kirton, co-founder of Neurozone.
Tony first arrived in the US in the mid-80s as a transfer within the VW Group to head up marketing for Audi of America. He had previously been head of marketing for the VW Group’s South African subsidiary. Five years later Tony was offered the VP Sales job for the VW Group in the UK. There he had responsibility for sales of all VW and Audi products through a three hundred strong dealer network. From there he was actively recruited to join the Management Board of BMW’s South African subsidiary. With responsibility for sales, marketing, customer service, distribution, and motorsport, Tony also served as Chairman of a group of five large BMW owned and operated dealerships.
Other life experiences include developing an IMAX Theater in Charleston, SC, founder and CEO of a brand strategy and design firm in Scottsdale, AZ. These experiences ultimately led to a transition to the brave new world of neuroscience.
In 2011, Tony co-founded Neurozone in Cape Town, South Africa with neurologist and cognitive neuroscientist, Dr. Etienne van der Walt. Developers of the Behavioral Code for Resilience and High Performance, Neurozone has assessed and generated personalized reports for thousands of participants. These include business leaders and their teams, executive coaches, physicians, students ... and, in partnership with an Australian company, people with disabilities.
Tony lives near Detroit, MI working as a resilience and high-performance readiness coach and consultant. His primary role is to develop industry partnership opportunities for Neurozone in the US and Canada.
To learn more about Tony, visit:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonykirton/Contact Tony at:
tony@neurozone.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with entrepreneur and coach Scott Cochenour. The discussion focuses on the ways in which we can find purpose and meaning in our 40's, 50's and beyond regardless of our histories and past experiences.
As founder of Serving Strong Enterprises LLC, Scott has coached business owners in a wide range of industries in both personal and organizational empowerment.
Scott is a "fourth quarter" life and business coach. He helps business owners in their 40's and 50's who are successful, yet dissatisfied with the uncertainty of where their life and business are headed. He concentrates on helping owners of small to midsize companies create clarity and design a comprehensive life and business plan. His clients are reaching new heights and accomplishing more than they ever thought possible.
In addition, Scott recently launched the Serve Strong, Finish Strong Podcast.
www.servingstrong.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with entrepreneur and founder of Best Seller Publishing, Rob Kosberg. The discussion focuses on key aspects of building a successful business and a robust life.
Founder of Best Seller Publishing, the definitive leader in authority marketing and business growth strategies using a best-selling book. Rob is recognized for his expertise in helping coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs to Publish. Promote. Profit. (TM) with their own best-selling books.
To learn more about Rob Kosberg and the Best Seller Publishing, visit:
www.bestsellerpublishing.orgwww.publishpromoteprofit.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Dr. Jason Frishman about his program JourneyMen and how he helps men rewrite the narrative of masculinity and fatherhood.
Jason has been working for over 20 years to support individuals, groups, families, organizations, and businesses. Jason is excited to bring over two decades of work in offices, institutions, kitchens, farmers’ markets, woodlots, and boardrooms to wild new environments. Whether as a psychotherapist, the creator and founder of JourneyMen, public speaker, thought leader, or narrative consultant, Jason believes that our lives are adventurous, and we can and should be active, engaged authors of our own adventure stories!
To learn more about Jason, visit:
www.Journeymenfoundation.comwww.Jason@Nourishedconnections.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/
In this episode of the Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with entrepreneur Arturo Henriquez about lessons in leadership through the lens of a global perspective and over two decades of experience buying, selling and growing businesses.
From New York to London, from Mexico to Buenos Aires, Arturo Henriquez applied his global leadership perspective to build businesses in 6 countries. In his captivating speaking engagements, Arturo shares global lessons learned – proven, powerful leadership and emotional intelligence lessons – that create modern leaders, total employee engagement and drive lasting business growth.
His most requested topics are: Lead by Permission, Not Position, EI is the New Business Game Changer and Bypass the Startup Risk and Buy Into Business Ownership.
Arturo, sometimes referred to as the “Instigator” for his ability to challenge conceptual norms or as the “Life Coach” for his motivational skill that brings out the best in people, is known for his practical, street-savvy style; Arturo’s fusion of real-life stories and his conversational techniques connect with his audience and clients at an intimate, intense and individual level.
As a serial entrepreneur, Arturo has started, bought and sold over 50 companies across 17 different industries over the past 25+ years. This has given him a unique understanding of vast idiosyncrasies in leadership and management styles, all the while successfully meshing their culture, team’s effectiveness and company’s productivity.
Learn more about Arturo Henriquez at:
https://arturohenriquez.comTo Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of the Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Marc Chandonnet, coach of Seattle University Men's and Women's golf teams. The discussion focuses on key aspects of optimizing performance through mindset and awareness both on and off the golf course.
Marc Chandonnet enters his tenth season as the head coach of the Seattle University men's and women's golf teams in 2021-22. To date, his teams have collected 64 total WAC All-Academic Team honorees (29 men, 35 women), seven Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholars, two Golf Coaches Association of America All-America Scholars and 24 WGCA All-American Scholars, as well as a GCAA President’s Special Recognition Award and two WGCA All-Scholar Team award.
To learn more about Marc, visit:
goseattleu.comredhawksgolf.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
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In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with entrepreneur and Mom Emilie Given about her journey in building a successful business while maintaining a strong focus on family and meaning in her life.
Emilie Given is a successful online entrepreneur and virtual assistant agency owner who has been featured in Business Insider, Scary Mommy, and The New York Post.
She founded She’s A Given, a Seattle-based virtual assistant company, in 2018 to be able to spend more time with her family after a near-death experience in childbirth. 3 years after leaving her 9-5 at Amazon Corporate HQ, she built a thriving seven-figure business.
Emilie is passionate about matching high-level executive assistants with business leaders and their teams and allowing executives to enjoy a life outside of work.
Emilie also hopes to inspire other corporate women to create a career that allows them to focus on passion over paperwork and family over-familiarity.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/
In this episode of the Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo about how to get out of our own way in order to maximize our potential across domains.
Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, certified master coach and physical therapist, and she helps people get out of their own way to create a life they love. She translates complex neuroscientific research into bite size, actionable steps you can take to have less stress, greater happiness and even more True Success.
Known as America's most-trusted celebrity psychologist, Dr. E (as her clients call her) has worked with several Fortune 500 companies presenting large-scale keynotes as well as Emceeing, virtual presentations, leading workshops and hosting executive roundtables with an audience count of 5 to over 5000. She is a regular contributor to top media outlets such as The Today Show, Good Morning America, Dr. Oz, Forbes and The New York Times.
See why Shaquille O'Neal calls Elizabeth "My head coach for happiness."
To learn more about Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, visit:
www.elizabethlombardo.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
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In this episode of the Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Steve Siebold, President of the International Personal Development Association, about ways in which to foster happiness as a force for good while reducing human suffering.
To learn more about the International Personal Development Association, visit:
www. IPDAR.org
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/
In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with entrepreneur and thought leader Tucker Stine about building brands through authenticity, meaning, and human connection.
Tucker helps conscious leaders turn their personal stories into purpose-driven brands so they can accelerate human impact. He is a brand architect, leadership coach, and public speaker with 25+ years in building personal and professional brands, advising nonprofits, and coaching heart-centered speakers, conscious-driven businesses, and thought leaders through impactful storytelling.
He is a mentor and catalyst for generational movements that ignite social change through the power of voice, including advocating for prison reform and at-risk youth. He has helped 250+ thought leaders take the stage, launch businesses, and share global ideas for change, including the highly sought-after TED platform. His clients have been featured on TED, Goalcast, Upworthy, The Today Show, the Sundance Film Festival, and hundreds of podcasts, resulting in over 100 million views. With one goal, to share a courageous voice and a powerful seat at the global table of conversation every opportunity they can.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
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This episode focuses on Gina's amazing story of building a business focused on human potential and doing good in her community.
Gina Schaefer is the founder and CEO of 12 hardware stores in Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, and the surrounding areas. As a member of the Ace Hardware Cooperative, Gina leads a multimillion-dollar business that employs more than 260 people. She is dedicated to maintaining a strong corporate culture and has begun a transfer of ownership through an ESOP to her teammates. She is also the author of Recovery Hardware, A Nuts and Bolts Story About Building a Business, Restoring a Community, and Renovating Lives, which was published in September 2022.
Schaefer draws her inspiration from fellow entrepreneurs who strive to be creative, think differently, and help make a difference. People like Judy Wicks, founder of the White Dog Cafe in Philadelphia, from whom Schaefer learned innovative business strategies; Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig, founders of gourmet food group Zingerman's Community of Businesses in Michigan, who inspired her to use her voice as a force for good; and Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, who taught her that nonprofit organizations need to think beyond simple charity.
Schaefer has received numerous accolades for her many accomplishments, including: the recipient of the Women Who Mean Business award from the Washington Business Journal of 2009, recognized as an industry Top Gun in 2011 by the National Retail Hardware Association, honored by Profiles in Diversity Journal as one of its Women Worth Watching in 2013 and recognized by Hardware and Building Supply Dealer as one of 14 of the 2016 "People of the Year." In 2020 she received a Top Women in Hardware & Building Supply award.
She serves on the Corporate Board of CCA Global and the nonprofit board of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/
In this first episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate shares her WHY for the show, along with a roadmap of the direction the show will take over time.
Dr. Kate is a psychologist with 20 years of experience helping people across the lifespan to overcome the challenges they face and thrive within their own unique contexts.
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/