Ambitious-ish: Success Without Burnout for Smart, Driven Women

A snack-sized episode about the importance of being intentional, not balanced   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Have you ever felt resentment building up inside you and pushed it aside? Maybe it's when you're carrying the emotional labor in your relationship, or managing extra work while everyone else seems to coast. Resentment isn't just frustration—it's a signal from your nervous system, telling you where your boundaries have been crossed and where you've been carrying more than your share.   In this episode, we explore why resentment is actually valuable information. You'll walk away with five practical steps for redistributing responsibilities, setting boundaries, and stopping the habit of carrying burdens that aren't yours. We'll also talk about why the discomfort others feel when you set boundaries doesn't mean you're wrong. By listening to your resentment and taking action, you can create a life where you show up from choice, not obligation.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/80   Register for How To Get Out Of Survival Mode Masterclass 9/12 at noon MT: https://www.kelleandnina.com/registration-page-620d393c-75dc-4a65-ab98-9d7d8443db92   Ready to make this fall different? We have limited spots open for coaching this fall, so schedule a consultation with us: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Your Last Chance to Break Free From Survival Mode (With Us, Live, For Free)   LINK: https://www.kelleandnina.com/registration-page-620d393c-75dc-4a65-ab98-9d7d8443db92   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

How many people did you ask before making your last decision? Maybe you reached out to a friend, a mentor, or someone you respect, hoping for clarity. You gathered opinions, weighed options, and still felt unsure. Each new voice adds noise, making it harder to hear your own instincts. Constant advice seeking is actually self-abandonment disguised as thorough decision-making.   In part three of our trust series, we explore why you already know what you want but often hesitate to act without everyone else's permission. You'll learn how to tell the difference between getting support and outsourcing your decisions, how to recognize when advice is filtered through someone else's fears or expectations, and why acting from your own judgment is the key to building confidence in yourself.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/79   Ready to make this fall different? We have limited spots open for coaching this fall, so schedule a consultation with us: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

A bite-sized episode about how this fall is your comeback moment.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

How often do you ignore that quiet knowing inside you, only to realize later it was right all along? That inner guidance—the signals your body and nervous system send—is smarter than you think. Ignoring it keeps you stuck making decisions with incomplete information, second-guessing yourself, and relying on logic alone.   In this episode, we dive into why your gut processes information faster, deeper, and more accurately than your conscious mind. We unpack the science behind your "gut brain," explain why intuition is informational rather than emotional, and show you how to distinguish between anxiety and authentic gut guidance. This isn't about choosing feelings over facts, but about reclaiming the part of you that already knows what's right.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/78   Ready to make this fall different? We have limited spots open for coaching this fall, so schedule a consultation with us: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

A snack-sized episode about how your flaws are ACTUALLY coping mechanisms. You're not broken, you just need to adapt.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

How many promises have you broken to yourself this week? Every time you say you'll take a lunch break and don't, or agree to something you didn't want to do, you chip away at your self-trust. And when that trust is shaky, it gets harder to make bold decisions, hold boundaries, or believe in your own judgment. Self-trust is the operating system everything else runs on. Without it, things fall apart.   This week, we're launching our trust series by getting to the root of it all. What is trust, really? And why does self-trust matter more than you might think? It's not built through grand gestures or broken only by major betrayals. It's shaped in small, everyday moments when your actions align with your intentions, when you follow through on what you say, and when you show up the way you meant to.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/77   Ready to make this fall different? We have limited spots open for coaching this fall, so schedule a consultation with us: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

A bite-sized episode about having your own back.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

A snack-sized episode about how coaching with us for three months this fall is your reset opportunity.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Scaling rapidly is often seen as the ultimate goal in ambitious organizations, but what happens when the pressure to grow starts to sacrifice your team's well-being? Managers are caught between ambitious growth targets and the reality of managing a team that's already stretched thin. The result? Burnout, turnover, and a culture that struggles to sustain growth.   In this episode, you'll learn how to navigate the pressures of scaling, maintain team morale, and integrate new hires successfully. Plus, we're offering practical strategies to lead through growth, protect your team's capacity, and create a people strategy that aligns with your business goals.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/76

Do you find yourself catastrophizing before an important decision or difficult conversation? It's natural for our brains to imagine the worst-case scenario, but what if this habit is actually stopping you from reaching your potential? In this episode, we explore why your brain defaults to disaster thinking and how to rewire it to focus on success instead.   When facing uncertainty, it's easy for our brains to fixate on everything that could go wrong. But constantly focusing on failure doesn't prepare us for success—it keeps us stuck in survival mode. We're sharing how to shift your mindset to one that anticipates the best, so you can take confident action and move toward the outcomes you truly want.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/75

A snack-sized summer check-in.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Have you ever set a boundary and immediately felt like you were doing something wrong? In this episode, we dive into why doing what's right for you can feel so uncomfortable. When you say no, put yourself first, or prioritize your own needs, your body may flood with anxiety and guilt, even though you know it's the healthiest choice.    Tune in as we share practical strategies for navigating that discomfort and setting boundaries, even when it feels impossible. You'll learn how to recognize when guilt is just old programming dying, how to handle resistance from others who benefit from your self-sacrifice, and why choosing yourself is key to healing and personal growth.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/74

A snack-sized episode about taking your time.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

How do you keep going when life doesn't go as planned? In this deeply personal episode, we're catching up on where life has taken us lately and getting real about how we're navigating our health journeys. For both of us, it's about facing challenges, finding new ways to live fully, and staying present, even when things feel uncertain. We're learning to embrace the journey, instead of rushing to the finish line.   Grab your favorite bevy and join us as we explore how small changes in routine, stepping out of our comfort zones, and prioritizing fun can make a big difference. We'll also share how we're both learning to slow down—not as a strategy to “speed up,” but as a new way of being.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/73

A snack-sized episode about how to ACTUALLY enjoy the life you work so hard to create.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

How much time and energy do you spend feeling disrespected or unheard? Many high-achieving women find themselves ruminating over moments when they feel overlooked or ignored, whether it's a boss talking over them or a partner not acknowledging their contributions. These feelings can chip away at trust and collaboration, leaving us emotionally drained. But here's the truth: feeling disrespected is optional. It's not about other people's behavior, but about how we choose to interpret it.   In this episode, we break down how feeling disrespected comes from our thoughts, not someone else's actions. We talk about how our brain adds meaning to neutral events, like someone interrupting us, and how those thoughts create emotional responses. By separating facts from interpretations, we can regain our power and stop outsourcing our worth to others. You'll learn how to stop reacting emotionally and start responding from a place of strategy and clarity.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/72

Do you feel a need to control everything? Your control enthusiasm feels like your superpower. Checking everyone's work, approving every decision, convincing yourself that nobody can do it like you can. You've built something amazing, but you've also built yourself a beautiful prison where you're both the warden and the prisoner.   This episode tackles control enthusiasm head-on - that need to control everything that feels like it's making you successful but is actually keeping you stuck as the bottleneck in your life. You'll discover why your need to be needed is actually making you less effective, not more. When you master the art of true entrustment, you don't just become a better leader, you become free to focus on bigger challenges and grow beyond what you can personally control.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/71

A snack-sized episode about how your perfectionism can be your superpower.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

When you're constantly learning new things, you get good at figuring things out on the fly. You get good at problem solving. You become comfortable with uncertainty. But somewhere along the way, most of us decided that a beginner's mind was only for children - that adults should already know how to do everything they attempt.   In this conversation, we challenge everything you've been taught about competence, learning, and what it means to be smart. You'll discover why being bad at something might be the most revolutionary thing you can do, and get specific homework that will make you wildly uncomfortable and absolutely unstoppable.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/70

 A snack-sized episode about not making struggle your brand.      For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Do you feel like you're constantly juggling motherhood, career, and personal well-being—and yet you're still overwhelmed? High-achieving mothers often carry an invisible emotional burden, feeling the weight of it even when it's not immediately apparent. This constant state of tension can leave you questioning whether you're doing enough and if you're truly succeeding in all areas of life.   Kate Kripke, a licensed clinical social worker and perinatal mental health counselor, helps women challenge the idea that they need to do more to be better mothers. In this episode, she explains why the same problem-solving skills that drive success in your career can actually hinder your connection with your children. Tune in for Kate's practical strategies on deepening relationships through emotional acceptance and curiosity, instead of trying to fix everything.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/69

A snack-sized episode about getting clear on your desires.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Have you ever looked confident on the outside while quietly second-guessing everything on the inside? So many ambitious women are stuck in that loop—doing all the right things, collecting accomplishments, and still wondering why they don't feel more secure.   In this episode, we're getting into the kind of self-confidence that isn't tied to your resume, your performance, or anyone else's opinion of you. We also share the self-confidence triad: our three-part framework for building lasting, grounded confidence from the inside out.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/68

A snack-sized episode about why it's important to be direct (and why it's so hard!)   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Ever feel like you've just stopped caring? What we're really talking about is apathy - that mental shrug that says "whatever" to your own dreams. It's not burnout or depression, but rather that in-between zone where you're not suffering, but definitely not growing.   We explore why your brain confuses rest with relief from risk, and how this protection mechanism might be keeping you stuck. The real antidote isn't harsh discipline or pushing harder - it's radical self-respect. We share practical strategies for reconnecting with your goals and showing up for yourself with the same fierce loyalty you'd show for someone you love.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/67

What if the life you're waiting to live is already within reach, if you just stopped playing by everyone else's rules? After a near-fatal accident, Jenn Drummond decided to stop postponing her dreams and start living fully.   A mom of seven and the first woman to climb the Second Seven Summits—the second-highest peaks on each continent—Jenn shares how she redefined ambition, challenged her own limitations, and pursued bold goals while staying deeply connected to her family and her purpose.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/66

A snack-sized episode about getting out of your head and into action.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Have you ever found yourself reacting in ways that make you think, who was that person? High-achieving leaders often find themselves caught in reactive patterns, struggling to maintain composure during challenging moments. We combine two powerful frameworks - Mindset Reset and Nervous System Regulation - to help you navigate difficult moments with greater awareness and intention.   Through this episode, we share practical tools for expanding your window of tolerance for stress and accessing your wisdom even when things feel overwhelming. We break down the three foundational practices that build resilience while exploring how to shift from emotional blame to emotional responsibility. This combination allows you to bring a thoughtful, regulated presence to your most challenging leadership moments.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/65

An ambitious-ish Snack about ACTUALLY asking for what you need so you can receive support.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

What's lighting you up in your life? Not just what you're checking off your to-do list, but what genuinely brings you pleasure? As high-achieving women, we've been conditioned to prioritize productivity over pleasure, leaving little room for what actually makes us feel alive.   We're diving deep with pleasure expert Danielle Savory into why we struggle to receive and experience pleasure in our lives. If you've been feeling disconnected from joy, struggling to ask for what you need, or simply ready to feel more lit up in your life, this episode is your permission slip to prioritize pleasure.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/64

A bite-sized episode all about how it's never the RIGHT time, but the time you MAKE RIGHT.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Have you ever found yourself double-checking emails multiple times before sending, replaying conversations in your head, or second-guessing your abilities despite years of experience? We've been hearing from many high-achieving professionals lately who feel they're "losing their edge."    What feels like declining abilities is actually a disconnect between your brain and nervous system. Once you understand this mechanism, you can work with it instead of against it, shifting from constant threat detection to a place of safety and sufficiency.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/63

A bite-sized episode all about how recognition is an inside job.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Are you struggling with unexplained weight gain, afternoon energy crashes, or brain fog? These symptoms might be connected to your hormones, especially if you're in your 40s or 50s. As our hormone levels shift during perimenopause and menopause, our bodies require different approaches to nutrition, movement, and stress management.   In this episode, we chat with Amanda Hinman, a health coach specializing in integrative nutrition and applied functional medicine. Amanda is the author of "The Thyroid and Hormone Solution" and helps women uplevel their health during hormonal transitions. She shares practical, actionable strategies that can lead to significant improvements in energy, mental clarity, and weight management in just a few months.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/62

A bite-sized episode to help you understand WHY it's so hard for you to RELAX.    For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Have you ever noticed that no matter how many relationship books you read or communication workshops you attend, you still end up having the same fights? That's because we've been approaching conflict all wrong. The "when you do X, I feel Y" statements aren't fixing the real problem underneath.   We're here to blow your mind with this truth: conflict resolution isn't primarily about communication techniques—it's about understanding your nervous system. When tension builds and disagreements happen, your body isn't reacting to the current situation. It's responding to everything it has ever learned about what conflict means to you. This changes everything about how we approach disagreements.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/61   Schedule your free consultation for our new three-month coaching container here: https://kelleandnina.com

Have you ever felt like you're just trying to play catch-up in your own life? That's exactly where Sarah found herself six months ago. Despite having a thriving business, a wonderful marriage, and healthy children, she felt completely burnt out and exhausted. She was at the mercy of all the wonderful things in her life with no space to enjoy any of it. That's when she discovered our podcast while searching for burnout solutions.   In this special episode, we sit down with Sarah, one of our rockstar alumni clients, to discuss her transformation through six months of coaching. She walks us through the specific tools that became game-changers in her life and explains how coaching helped her find a more grounded, empowered version of herself who can make decisions aligned with her true values and priorities.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/60

A bite-sized episode with big news! If you've been waiting to work with us, now is the time.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/  

Ever find yourself reorganizing your entire desk instead of getting that invoice out the door? Or suddenly deciding your LinkedIn profile needs updating right when that important proposal is due? We've all been there, and today we're tackling the procrastination doom loop that keeps us stuck—and it has absolutely nothing to do with being lazy.   We're breaking down eleven science-backed strategies that actually work to help you break up with procrastination. The truth is, procrastination isn't a productivity problem, it's an emotional one. These strategies will help you turn the doom loop into a productivity loop and finally get those important projects across the finish line.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/59

An Ambitious-ish snack, a bite-sized episode to keep your brain nourished and on the rails so you can ACTUALLY enjoy the life you work so hard to create.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

When was the last time you prioritized pleasure?   Not the quick dopamine hits from social media or Netflix binges but the kind that makes you feel alive, powerful, and deeply connected to yourself.   For many ambitious women, pleasure often falls to the bottom of our endless to-do lists.   In this week's episode, we dive deep with Dr. Jenn Kennedy, a board-certified sex therapist, to explore why pleasure is non-negotiable for high-achieving women and how understanding your pleasure makes you unstoppable in all areas of life.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/58

Welcome to ANOTHER Ambitious-ish snack. Here are all the deets on our new Masterclass Friday 4/11 at 9am MT. Link to register: https://bit.ly/SurvivalModeMasterclass

An Ambitious-ish snack, a bite-sized episode to keep your brain nourished and on the rails so you can ACTUALLY enjoy the life you work so hard to create.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Have you ever found yourself snapping at a colleague, fighting back tears in a meeting, or losing your cool over a simple mistake? What if these emotional outbursts aren't signs of weakness, but simply your nervous system doing exactly what it was designed to do? What we commonly call "getting triggered" isn't something that happens to us—it happens within us.    In this episode, we unpack the science behind these emotional reactions and share practical tools to help you regulate your nervous system. By understanding your unique stress profile and implementing three foundational practices, you can expand your window of tolerance and respond to stressful situations with clarity instead of chaos.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/57

Welcome to the latest Ambitious-ish snack, a bite-sized episode to keep your brain nourished and on the rails so you can ACTUALLY enjoy the life you work so hard to create. Let's talk about how to navigate uncertainty right now.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Are you feeling anxious about economic uncertainty? Do you find yourself overworking, overthinking, or slipping into a scarcity mindset when the financial forecast looks cloudy? What if you could feel empowered and secure no matter what the market is doing?   Get ready to shift your mindset, take aligned action, and tap into your feminine superpowers of intuition, creativity, and collaboration. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear roadmap for thriving through any economic climate.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/56

Do you ever feel that knot in your stomach when you see a competitor's success on social media? Or a flash of panic when someone in your industry launches something big before you? Competition is a normal part of being a high achiever, but too often we get caught in a toxic cycle of comparison that keeps us stuck in self-doubt and overwhelm.   In this episode, we're diving into the difference between toxic and healthy competition and how to make the shift. We'll explore what each one looks and feels like, share stories from our own journeys, and provide practical strategies you can use to stop obsessing over what everyone else is doing and start getting the results you want. If you're ready to go from bitter to better, this episode is for you.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/55

Welcome to your Friday Ambitious-ish snack, a bite-sized episode to keep your brain nourished and on the rails so you can ACTUALLY enjoy the life you work so hard to create. Let's talk about your competitive edge.   For more information, go to: https://www.kelleandnina.com/

Do you ever feel like you've lost that drive, that desire to succeed? While life may look pretty good from the outside, how you feel living it is a different story. If this resonates with you, you're not alone.   In this episode, we're discussing what it means to be "ambitious-ish" and how to find balance between your doing and being energy. Discover how to lean into more feminine energy, take real time off without fear of being left behind, and get grounded without losing your ambition. If you're ready to redefine success on your own terms, this episode is for you.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.ambitious-ish.com/54