Leading Yourself

As we approach the end of the year, I'm pressing pause. This episode is a reflection: 13 lessons I lived, learned, and carried with me this year. These are the insights that shaped how I show up, and it felt like the perfect way to close out the year together.Wishing you Happy Holidays and a joyful, prosperous and fulfilling 2026!

This is a special one — the final Morning Brew of 2025.Instead of rushing into goals or resolutions, today's episode is an invitation to pause. To reflect. To acknowledge who you've become over the past year — not through big, dramatic changes, but through the quiet, everyday choices that shaped your growth.In this holiday-inspired episode, we slow down to look back with honesty and compassion, celebrate what you carried and what you learned, and create space to close the year gently before stepping into what's next.Grab your coffee, take a breath, and join me for one last Morning Brew of 2025 — a moment of gratitude, reflection, and intention as we turn the page together.Happy holidays, my friend.

In this episode of Leading Yourself, I sit down with Erin Dewsbury-Ribeiro, DEI officer and author of Dreaming in Color, to explore what allyship looks like in real life—not in theory.Erin shares how her journey began with a simple virtual book club that evolved into deeper conversations about racism, empathy, and understanding after the murder of George Floyd. We talk about the power of curiosity, the courage it takes to connect across cultures, and how diversifying what we read, watch, and listen to can completely shift our perspective.You'll hear practical steps for becoming a more intentional ally, why examining your consumption habits matters, and how Erin's Instagram community, Let's Read Diversely, is helping people broaden their lens through literature.This is a conversation about listening differently, learning with humility, and choosing connection in a world that often feels divided.Grab a copy of Erin's book here: https://amzn.to/3YhJC1nConnect with Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamingincolorthebook/

“90% of success is not getting distracted” 

Today's episode is a special one — we're looking back, not to reminisce, but to understand what actually moved the needle this year.Because 2025 wasn't shaped by big dramatic changes.It was shaped by the small things—tiny, ordinary habits that didn't feel impressive in the moment, but quietly transformed my energy, my confidence, my mindset, and the way I show up every day.I realized something powerful: lasting change comes from simple, sustainable habits, not overhauls.In this episode, I'm sharing the seven small habits that made the biggest difference in my life this year—habits that don't require extra time or money, just intention and awareness.My hope is that one or two speak to you and spark your own shift.

“The relationship you have with yourself decides the quality of every relationship you enter.”

Can you believe we're in the final stretch of the year?The last month always feel complicated. There's excitement, but also exhaustion. Gratitude, but also overwhelm.And if you're anything like me, your evenings can start to look like this: Dinner. Maybe a glass of wine. A scroll through social media. One episode of something, okay maybe two, and then suddenly it's 10:30 and you're too tired to do anything meaningful before bed.Sound familiar?For years, that was me. I told myself I was unwinding. But in reality, I was numbing out, not recharging.And as I started reflecting on what it means to end the year strong, I realized: it's not just about what we do during the day. It's about how we spend our evenings.Because your evenings set the tone for your mornings. And your mornings set the tone for everything else.So today, I want to talk about how to reclaim your evenings, not just to rest, but to reconnect with yourself, so you can finish the year not drained, but deeply fulfilled

“When you are grateful for what you have, you receive more to be grateful for.”

This week I am seating with Susan M Barber to discuss the importance of visibility in career development.Susan shares her journey from a long corporate career to becoming a coach, emphasizing the need for individuals to take charge of their careers and be intentional about their visibility. We explore various frameworks and exercises from Susan's books, including the five-step framework for visibility and the career clarity framework, and also talk about common visibility mistakes, the difference between bragging and authentic visibility, and the impact of cultural expectations on personal visibility.Grab a Copy of Susan's New Book here: https://amzn.to/4o0stnr

“Time is the only currency you spend without knowing your balance.”

Real talk:We're in the final stretch of the year.And this is the season when your energy can either feel focused and intentional — or completely scattered and drained.Between holiday plans, wrapping up work projects, social gatherings, and trying to finish the year “strong,” it's so easy to end up spending your energy everywhere — but not really investing it anywhere that truly matters.So today, I want to pause with you and ask a powerful question:

“A year from now you'll wish you had started today.”

In this episode, I sit down with Andy Storch to explore the power of personal branding in today's workplace. We talk about how self-awareness, reputation, and intentional branding can shape your career—especially in a world where AI is changing the way we work. Andy reminds us that everyone already has a personal brand, whether we realize it or not, and that being intentional about how we show up can make all the difference. We also dive into how to highlight your work confidently (without feeling boastful) and why developing the human skills AI can't replicate is more important than ever.Some key takeaways from this episode: Personal branding is essential for career success.Self-awareness is the foundation for growth.Reputation is crucial in today's job market.Intentional branding can influence how others perceive you.Human skills will become more valuable as AI evolves.Feedback from others can help clarify your brand.Building relationships is key to career advancement.You should actively manage your personal brand.Social media, especially LinkedIn, is important for visibility.Investing in your brand is like saving for retirement.Grab a copy of Andy's book Own your Brand, Own your Career here: https://amzn.to/4hLEKKNGrab a copy of Own your Career, Own your Life here: https://amzn.to/47tx3FJConnect with Andy in LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andystorch/

"The quality of your life is determined by the quality of the questions you ask yourself."

Since it's Halloween week, I thought we'd do something fun — and reflective.Because let's be honest: Halloween isn't just for kids in costumes and pumpkin spice everything.It's actually full of powerful metaphors for growth, transformation, and leadership — if you know where to look.Today, we're going to unpack the life and career lessons hidden in this spooky, candy-filled holiday — from the masks we wear, to the fears we face, to the ways we can bring more play, courage, and authenticity into our lives.Let's start with the obvious: Halloween is all about costumes.So grab your coffee, or maybe a handful of chocolate, and let's dive in.

“You can't attract what you're not ready to receive. Build the version of you that your dreams require.”

Let's get real — how many times have you told yourself, “I'll do it tomorrow,” and then tomorrow turns into next week… and then months go by? You're not alone. Procrastination isn't about laziness — it's about fear, stress, and the stories we tell ourselves when we feel overwhelmed.In this episode, we're unpacking the truth about procrastination and the six distinct ways it shows up. From the perfectionist who waits for the “right time,” to the avoider who's scared of failing, you'll learn how to recognize your patterns — and more importantly, how to shift them.Because procrastination isn't just about unfinished tasks; it's about the dreams we keep delaying. So grab your coffee, get comfy, and let's talk about how to stop putting your life — and your goals — on hold.

“Awareness of your patterns is the first step in breaking free from what holds you back.”

Before 2026 arrives, there are 5 career conversations you need to have.Not just with your manager. Not just during performance review season. But with yourself, your mentor, your peers — and the people who can help you grow.Because career growth doesn't just happen because you work hard. It happens because you communicate intentionally.As we close out 2025, this is the perfect time to pause and ask:

“When making plans, think big. When making progress, think small.”

Have you ever looked around your life — your career, your family, your relationships — and thought, “I've built so much… but where did I go in all of this?”If so, this episode is for you.Today, we're talking about midlife resets — not as a crisis, but as an awakening. A moment to pause, realign, and reconnect with who you're becoming.Because here's the truth: you can have a beautiful life on the outside and still feel a quiet restlessness within — a sense that you've outgrown an old version of yourself.In this episode, I'll walk you through 10 signs you might be ready for a midlife reset — not red flags that something's wrong, but invitations to listen, evolve, and step into your next chapter with intention.Join me for this conversation — it's honest, grounding, and maybe the reminder you've been needing: you're not lost, you're just ready for what's next.✨ Learn more about EmpowerHER and join us: https://leadingyourself.my.canva.site/empowerher

oday, I want to talk about a quote that's been sitting with me lately. It's from George Bernard Shaw, who said:“Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”

It's October, and if you're anything like me, you might be feeling that familiar end-of-year fatigue starting to creep in. You know what I'm talking about—that feeling where your initial New Year's excitement has worn off, but December still feels so far away. You're tired, maybe a little burned out, and the thought of pushing through the final quarter feels overwhelming.Well, I'm here to tell you that this feeling is completely normal, and more importantly, there are practical ways to reignite your motivation and finish this year strong. Today, we're going to talk about overcoming year-end fatigue and staying motivated all the way through December.

Learning to no longer be young — to accept and understand that stage of life — is the longest and hardest lesson we face.It's often interpreted not as a lament about getting older, but as an observation that maturity is a continuous, lifelong process — one that requires wisdom, humility, and grace.

I can't believe we're already in October. And if you're anything like me, this time of year comes with two competing thoughts:On one hand, ‘Wow, the year is almost over.'And on the other, ‘Wait… I still have so much I wanted to do this year!'Here's the good news: you don't have to wait until January to make a fresh start. In fact, October is the perfect time to refocus, reset, and reignite your goals.Why? Because you still have 90 full days left in 2025. Ninety days — that's a quarter of a year. It's enough time to make meaningful progress. It's enough time to change your habits, your energy, your health, even your career trajectory.And today, I'm going to walk you through what I call a 90-Day Power Shift. It's a way to stop putting your goals on hold for ‘someday' and start taking powerful action today.So if you've been thinking, ‘It's too late… I'll just start in January' — I want you to lean in. Because it's not too late. You have time. And what you do in the next 90 days can set you up for an incredible 2026Join the Last 90 day Challenge here: https://leadingyourself.myflodesk.com/last90day

Don't Dream Your Life, Live Your Dreams

Today, we're getting practical.We're talking about the skills that will future-proof your career.Because let's be honest — the world of work is changing fast.AI, automation, remote work, shifting industries… it's a lot. And it's easy to feel like you're playing catch-up.But here's the good news:When you focus on building the right skills — the timeless, transferable, human skills — you set yourself up to thrive, no matter what changes around you.So today, we're going to break down the 7 must-have skills for today's job market — and how you can start developing them right now, whether you're job searching, growing in your current role, or dreaming about your next chapter.Let's get into it.

Most people don't fail because their dream is too big. They fail because their belief is too small.

Do you ever feel like there's never enough time—like you're always rushing, catching up, and still falling behind? That's time poverty, and I've lived it too. In this episode I am sharing the five simple shifts that helped me move from feeling time-starved to experiencing what I call time abundance. These aren't about cramming more into your day—they're about reclaiming your energy, presence, and peace. If you're ready to stop racing the clock and start living your time, this conversation is for you.

“True wisdom isn't in knowing all the answers, but trusting yourself to handle whatever comes.”

Last week we talked about the habits that hold us back — the ones that quietly keep us stuck. And you know me, I believe every coin has two sides. Which means… if there are habits that drain us, there are also habits that can lift us up.So today, we're flipping that coin. I'm sharing seven super-simple habits that can transform your day — not months from now, but in just a matter of days. Think of these as micro-shifts, not major life overhauls. Habits you can weave into your routine without adding extra hours, but that create real clarity, energy, and momentum.Join Thrive 2025: https://leadingyourself.my.canva.site/thrive2025

Join us at Thrive next week: https://leadingyourself.my.canva.site/thrive2025Check out my latest blog post: https://leadingyourself.wixsite.com/start/post/44-lessons-in-44-years-reflections-on-life-leadership-and-growth

Today, I want to talk about something we all wrestle with — habits. But not the good ones like drinking water, moving your body, or journaling. I'm talking about the sneaky habits that keep us stuck.And here's the tricky part — these habits don't always look ‘bad.' Some of them masquerade as hard work, high standards, or just being realistic. But if you zoom out, you realize they're the very things holding you back from growth, peace, and progress.So today we're going to unpack 8 habits that keep you stuck — and more importantly, how to start breaking free from them.Because here's what I know: your future doesn't change until your habits do.Join Thrive 2025: https://leadingyourself.my.canva.site/thrive2025

“If you don't separate yourself from your distractions, your distractions will separate you from your goals.”

Join us at Thrive 2025: https://leadingyourself.my.canva.site/thrive2025

‘Resilience is not about avoiding pain, it's about learning to grow from it.'

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dan Tocchini—executive coach, transformation catalyst, and founder of Take New Ground. Dan's work has had a profound impact on me personally and professionally, and I'm thrilled to bring this conversation to you.We talk about:Why transformation > change, and what most people get wrongWhat it means to “tell the truth”—and why that's where real growth beginsThe concept of identity patterning and how to break the invisible scripts that limit usWhy responsibility isn't blame—it's powerWhat it looks like to lead yourself and others with more courage, honesty, and agencyWhether you're navigating a season of change, leading a team, or doing deep personal work, this episode will challenge and equip you to take new ground in your own life.

Always strive to give value before you ask for value.

Six years. Hundreds of episodes. Countless conversations. And more lessons than I can count.In this special anniversary episode, I'm sharing the six biggest lessons I've learned from 6 years behind the mic — lessons about starting before you feel ready, showing up consistently, embracing your unique voice, letting go of perfection, staying open to unscripted magic, and evolving along the way.Whether you've been with me since episode one or you're just joining the journey, these lessons apply far beyond podcasting — they're about growth, resilience, and creating a life that's aligned with what matters most.Join us at Thrive 2025: https://leadingyourself.my.canva.site/thrive2025

Today's episode is a really special one because I get to share something new and exciting with you: I recently became a certified productivity coach!Now, I didn't go into this certification because I wanted another title or to check another box. I pursued it because productivity has been a deeply personal journey for me—as a working mom, a leader, a podcaster, and someone who's been in that space of burnout and "doing too much" more times than I'd like to admit.In this episode, I want to share what I've learned—not just from the certification, but from my lived experience. We're going to bust some myths, rethink productivity, and I'll walk you through the practices and mindset shifts that have transformed how I work, lead, and live.Ready? Let's dive in.Join us at Thrive 2025! https://leadingyourself.my.canva.site/thrive2025

“Self-discovery is a journey of peeling back the layers until you find the real you.”

We're wrapping up another month, and I want to talk to you about something I've come to truly treasure. It's subtle—but powerful.You see, there's this shift that happens at the end of the month. And if we're not paying attention, it's easy to miss. Life gets busy—emails, meetings, laundry, routines—and before we know it, we're flipping the calendar again.But over the years—as a coach, as a leader, as a mom—I've learned to see the end of the month as a checkpoint, a pause to reflect not just on what I've done, but on who I'm becoming.Today, I want to walk you through the 5 simple practices I do at the end of every month to feel more grounded, aligned, and intentional. These aren't complicated. They don't take hours. But they've become a rhythm that keeps me connected to what matters most.Let's dive in.Join us for Thrive 2025: https://leadingyourself.my.canva.site/thrive2025

Join us at Thrive 2025 this September 8 -12: https://leadingyourself.my.canva.site/thrive2025

Try Growth Day 7 days for Free: https://app.growthday.com/signup/referral-trial/leading_yourselfJoin us for Thrive 2025: https://leadingyourself.my.canva.site/thrive2025

“Your potential is limitless. Only your own beliefs can hold you back. Choose beliefs that empower you.”

Quitting your job might feel like freedom, but if you do it for the wrong reasons, it can become one of the biggest regrets of your career. Before you hand in your resignation letter, there's something really important you need to think about.Because here's the truth: A lot of people get this part wrong. And it costs them. They leave one job only to recreate the same problems somewhere else: the burnout, the boredom, the feeling of being stuck, the resentment, the identity confusion.Before you quit, let's pause. Let's talk about what's really behind what you're feeling, and what you need to look at first.

“A growth mindset turns obstacles into opportunities, reminding you that setbacks are part of progress.”

I want to talk about questions—not the ones other people ask you, but the ones you ask yourself.You see, I've always been someone who reflects. But I haven't always been someone who asks better questions. For a long time, I asked myself things like:“Why can't I figure this out?”“What's wrong with me?”“Why isn't this working?”And you know what those kinds of questions get you? Shame. Frustration. Stuckness.But when I started learning how to ask more empowering questions—curious questions, compassionate questions, honest questions—things began to shift.Because here's the truth:❝ The quality of your life is shaped by the quality of the questions you ask yourself. ❞So today, I'm sharing with you the 10 best questions I've ever asked myself.These are the ones I return to, time and time again. The ones that helped me pivot careers, launch this podcast, leave jobs, take risks, say no, say yes, and become more me in the process.So grab a journal if you want. Or just sit back, listen in, and see which one lands for you.Let's dive in.Join Thrive: ⁠https://leadingyourself.my.canva.site/thrive2025⁠

“True confidence comes from knowing that your value is not up for negotiation.”

This isn't just another travel recap. In this episode, I'm sharing how I intentionally plan, pack, and pause to get the most out of vacation — and come back truly recharged. From designing rest into the experience to the little rituals that keep me grounded while exploring the world, plus one big life lesson I brought back with me: don't wait for someday. Say yes to joy now.Here is my must-haves when traveling: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ckdCKYOsq784FOjalmi-6bThHBWmGxbY/view?usp=sharing

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