Serving it HOT

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

Well, here we are: the final episode of season 7! If you've been tuning in, you know that this season has been dedicated to helping people understand what it's like to go through READY!, my nine-month grief, loss and trauma sensitive coach certification program. (Which starts on March 16th, 2022 by the way) For this episode, I wanted to share an audio version of my sales page, where I describe each element of the program in detail. Mai-kee Tsang gave me this idea, and I think it's a wonderful way we can all make our websites more accessible. After all, there are lots of reasons why people might prefer — or need — to engage with our websites in an audio format. The 2022 cohort of READY! is starting soon! If you've tuned in all season and you think this program might be right for you, I invite you to apply and join us. Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8 Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.

One thing you might have noticed this season is that when I talk about READY, I make a point to mention that this is a nine-month long program. Whew! Nine months! That's a long time, right? But part of the reason it's that long is, well, it takes time to implement the things we cover. It takes time to infuse these trauma-sensitive practices into all aspects of your business — from how you interact with your clients, to your website copy, to your contracts, and all the "stuff" behind the scenes. There's a common theme to the lovely people who have been a part of READY so far: we all have a deep-seated commitment to get things right. We want to avoid making mistakes and causing harm, and we want to do that by implementing the program's teachings IMMEDIATELY! When you get right down to it, this is a long and ongoing process. So yes, that's part of why the program is as long as it is. That's also why I offer continuing support for alumni. Practicing trauma sensitivity is a leadership act, and leadership is a constant evolution. I'd love to be a part of your journey, and I welcome and encourage you to apply for the READY 2022 cohort. (Psst: don't forget that there are a limited number of scholarships available!) Here's how to get started: Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8  Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call  I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.

This week, I'm thrilled to welcome Tracey Forde back to the show! Tracey is a wife, mother, entrepreneur and FIERCE female. While she's currently a Trauma Healing and Mindset coach, speaker, author & businesswoman, the road she took to get there was a winding one. Having focused on the work of healing, Tracey empowers Black women to live life on their own terms, and be fearless, authentic, and unapologetic. I so loved hearing the insights Tracey had to share, including: How she came to join READY What surprised her about the program The importance of breaking generational cycles to not just survive, but thrive ...and a whole lot more! "In this cohort, I'm so excited to be partnering with all of these women, learning with them and growing with them, because it's not just about them learning to be trauma sensitive, it's their heart. They absolutely have some of the hugest hearts I've ever seen. And it's just amazing to be a part of part of that because I'm new to this. So even though this is my niche — trauma healing for black women — it's still new. [...] So having the different perspectives, the education, the experience and the lived experiences. Oh my gosh. What a beautiful melting pot for me to gather and learn information that I can actually grow. Not just personally, but professionally." Tracey, thank you so much for coming onto the show again. In case you missed it, you should definitely check out Tracey's first appearance on Serving it HOT! https://www.lisakuzman.com/podcast-archive/season-6-episode-18-coach-tracey-forde-on-messiness-curiosity-and-the-human-asset I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. Feel like READY might be part of your journey? Here's how to get started: Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8  Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call 

This season, I've been focusing on various aspects of READY: both sharing the experiences of past students, and going in-depth on certain topics in my teaching episodes. Today, I want to talk about something that my students from the 2021 cohort brought to my attention! They felt it was important to have people be aware of the need to manage oneself mentally, emotionally, and physically as we cover topics in READY.  Now, this program attracts people who have a history of trauma, which I personally love — and it means they tend to be more trauma-aware. And due to the nature and complexity of topics that we cover throughout READY, it's important that we are willing to grapple with difficult topics and gray areas. So this week, let's dive into the importance of self-regulation before, during, and after a READY class — plus, the ways in which I've implemented this in my own life! I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. Love what you've learned about READY so far this season? Think it might be right for you? Here's how to get started! Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8  Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

My guest this week is Mai-kee Tsang, host of the Quiet Rebels Podcast. Mai-kee is also a podcast guesting trainer and sustainable visibility mentor who helps underestimated and underrepresented women-identifying entrepreneurs to become safer, be seen as they become more visible, and deepen their impact on the world. Back in season 3, she came onto the show to discuss podcasting, leadership, and letting go of "should," but today she's here to talk all about her experiences with READY! Tune in to hear about: Her thoughts on visibility and trauma, and how this led her to the program Making mistakes, crying, and being FULLY human Her biggest takeaways from READY  "The majority of conversations around visibility is just 'Put yourself out there' and it's very dismissive. It fails to validate and acknowledge the lived experiences that we have that have been less than beautiful. And so becoming aware of how my own trauma impacts, how I show up. I really wanted to start doing that deeper work with other people, but it didn't feel right for me. It didn't feel in integrity for me to do it without any further training[...] So I really want to see from multiple lenses because I carry my own lived experiences." Mai-kee, thank you so much for coming onto the podcast again and sharing your experiences with us. Want more from Mai-kee? Of course you do! For starters, listen to the Quiet Rebels Podcast here: https://maikeetsang.com/podcast/ And don't forget to check out her first appearance on Serving it HOT, right here: https://www.lisakuzman.com/podcast-archive/season-3-episode-10-the-quite-rebellion-of-letting-go-of-should-with-mai-kee-tsang I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. Think you're ready for READY? Getting started is as easy as 1-2-3! Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8  Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call 

How many spaces do you have in your life where you feel like you can be completely, totally, one HUNDRED percent yourself? For a lot of us, that answer might be "not many" or even (eek) "none." Especially for anyone navigating the world with marginalized identities. So this week I want to talk about how to create a community of belonging, and why it's important to trauma sensitivity. Because when you create a space where people show up as exactly who they are, and who they are in that moment, and be alongside other people doing the same — incredible things can happen. I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. Want to learn even more about creating a culture of belonging, or being a part of one? READY might be right for you! Here's how to get started: Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8  Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

Welcome back, everyone! This week, I'm excited to share my conversation with business strategist and money mentor Megan Hale! She works with freedom driven entrepreneurs who are ready to step into feel good money and create sustainable, aligned business growth. Megan is also a former psychotherapist, a previous guest on the podcast, and a graduate of the READY program. Megan shared so beautifully about her experiences with READY, including: The importance of taking a holistic lens and NOT bypassing What it means to be a compassionate leader Witnessing AND celebrating each other How having the right tools can be a massive catalyst "Not only do we have our own lived experiences that we're going through, but we also have collective lived experiences that are oftentimes very traumatic. And to think that we're just going to bypass those, or we're just going to go on as business as usual — that's not the real live human experience. So I think oftentimes when we don't have the words, we don't have the tools, we don't have the training, we can sometimes shy away from having conversations that really need to be had. [...] That is such a gift that can be such a catalyst for helping people take that next step forward. But if you don't have the tools, it's really easy to not trust yourself to open that conversation, to hold that space, to check in with your people in that way." Megan, thank you so much for being a part of READY and for coming on the show to share your experiences with everyone. If you'd like to connect and learn more about all things money and sustainable business growth (hell yeah!), head on over to meganhale.co. In case you missed it, you should also check out her previous appearance on Serving it HOT: https://www.lisakuzman.com/podcast-archive/season-6-episode-14-step-into-your-financial-truth-with-megan-hale I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. Feel like READY is part of your next step forward? Here's how to get started: Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8  Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call 

No matter what type of coaching you do, we all know that coaching is meant to empower people. And that's an awesome goal! But considering that so many of us are trauma survivors ourselves, it can get... complicated. As trauma survivors, when we meet with our clients, we might feel the impulse to save, fix, or rescue people because we are aware of their distress. Here's the thing: your client is the only person who knows what is best for them. Full stop. And it is up to them to take what you facilitate, sort through that information, and make decisions about it. This is an important part of the READY curriculum, and it's something I face often in my coaching work. I'm happy to tell clients what I've done in my own personal development journey, and to share (with discretion) things that my other clients have done in similar situations. But what I won't do is tell them what to do because that is disempowering. Decisions like that need to come from within. So on today's episode, let's dig a little deeper into the empowering practice of pointing people back to themselves. I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. Feel like you might be ready for READY? Good news: getting started is as easy as 1-2-3! Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8 Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call  

Welcome back to Serving it HOT! Today, I'm excited to share my chat with counselor, coach, and educator Karen Hochheiser. In her work, she utilizes a collaborative approach to care in order to support the whole person. Karen's trajectory — from coach to now training as a mental health counselor — has been a little different from what we normally see in this space, and she brings a unique perspective to her experiences with READY. Tune in to hear all about: Why she joined the program, and how she sees the work fitting in with her future Her thoughts on the benefits of supervision in the coaching space Her favorite thing she learned while in the READY program "This is the third coach training program I've been through and I haven't had one with this amount of one-on-one time built into the program. It's something that I've been used to from the counseling perspective, meeting with a supervisor. So it's been really nice to have that added to process what comes up in the group. Also, I appreciate about the space too, is that you leave it open to whatever it is that we're going through or dealing with. It's been a space where I've been able to talk through some of the ways that things have showed up for me, day-to-day and in my work." Karen, thank you again for sharing your experiences and perspective on the show today! You make it so clear that READY is for folks across a wide variety of backgrounds, and in many  different professions. I want to thank all of my listeners as well. Do you think READY might be the next step in your journey? Here's how to get started! Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8  Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call  I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.

I've talked before about the difference between trauma sensitive vs trauma informed — check out episode 3 of season 7 for the most recent episode on the subject. But what I want to talk about today might... ruffle some feathers. Okay, it might straight up make some people upset. But this is something I really need to put out there, so here goes. Being a trauma survivor does not automatically make you a trauma-sensitive coach. Education does. Training, skill development, and implementation of those skills and that education — those are the things that make someone trauma sensitive. Does trauma survivorship bring a better understanding, a different lens, and an ability to relate? Of course. But that is not enough to claim trauma sensitivity. So if you're still with me (and I hope you are), let's talk about why — and for full transparency, I'm going to use myself as an example. How did this episode land for you? I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts, so don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. Want to take the next step towards a trauma sensitive approach? Sounds like you're ready for READY! Here's where to start: Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8  Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

Long time listeners of the podcast will probably remember today's guest: Katherine Creighton Crook! Katherine is a multi award winning sports and remedial massage therapist who has combined physical body work with visceral manipulation and her intuitive ability to create a new approach to releasing pain. Back in season 4, she spoke beautifully about the relationship between trauma, pain, and bodywork. (Have a listen here!) Today, I'm excited to welcome her back on the show to hear about her experiences with READY!   During our conversation, we touched on: What made her decide to opt in to READY  Holding space for someone rather than trying to "fix" them Her experiences with READY — including the unexpected things that came up Creating a space where you can safely show up as your whole self “One thing that I didn't expect, but is super obvious in retrospect knowing you personally, was to experience such a high level of safety in the container. It's something that everyone commented on too, but I found it really interesting because I've been in a number of different coaching experiences where I thought I would feel safe but didn't.  The level of vulnerability that showed up in the classes and weekly calls is nothing like I've ever seen before and that's an indicator of how safe READY actually is. Everyone, every experience and emotion was given space equally. To be trauma sensitive is to not only let people be their whole self but to accept all parts of their humanity. However if you've never experienced being accepted as your whole self it doesnt feel safe to show up and show all your parts especially in a professional capacity. There are so few places where you don't have to worry about the consequences of being your whole self.  So to have nine months where you're shown through experience that you can show up and be all of yourself without fear of judgment, shaming, or minimizing. A space where you can be happy one day, sad the next and even feel frustrated with yourself in the midst of your messy humanity - and not have people think any differently about you, that equipts you to be trauma sensitive in a way you can carry forward to others. And that's what you did, through role modeling your own vulnerability and creating this space we got to experience that level of safety.” Katherine, it was my pleasure to have you back on Serving it HOT and hear what you had to say about READY. I encourage my listeners to learn about her clinic's approach to massage at leytonsportsmassage.com   I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com.   I truly believe that just about everyone out there can benefit from a trauma sensitive approach. If you agree, then READY is for you! Here's how to get started: Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8  Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call 

If you're in the personal development space, I'm willing to bet that client safety is important to you. None of us set out with the intention to activate people's triggers! Unfortunately, even with the best of intentions, it can happen. Has a client ever told you that they felt uncomfortable or unsafe? How did you respond? And what about the flip side: have you, as a client, ever had to speak up and advocate for yourself in that situation?  Speaking up in those moments is NOT easy... and hearing that your clients feel unsafe certainly isn't easy, either. We need to prioritize listening to people, especially when they're brave enough to be vulnerable and bring these things to our attention. So this week, let's dig into what it means to actually BE safe — not just say you are. I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. Want to go even further with the topics I've covered so far in this season of the podcast? You just might be ready for READY!  Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8  Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

Welcome back, everybody! This week, I'm really excited to share my conversation with Lee McDonough. Lee is the CEO and Founder of Coach With Clarity, a training and education company for life and business coaches. She is also the host of the Coach with Clarity podcast and author of the #1 Amazon bestseller, ACT On Your Business: Braving the storms of entrepreneurship and creating success through meaning, mindset, and mindfulness. And with a background like that, I was of course delighted to have her in last year's READY cohort — and to have her share her experiences with it on the podcast! Tune in to hear Lee share all about: The power of nurturing community, and experiential learning Creating a space for vulnerability and transparency Why the difference between "trauma sensitive" and "trauma informed" is so important to her  One big thing SHE thinks people need to know if they're considering joining READY "There is a difference between trauma informed and trauma sensitive. And if we're not clear about that, and if we don't anchor our work in it, then we do run the risk of people using these words as buzzwords and slapping a label on themselves or their program saying, oh yeah, it's trauma informed — when they don't really understand what that means. And while they may be coming from the best of intentions, there's still a responsibility there to do your own work, to do your own learning. And remember that, you know, one of the things about trauma and those of us who have experienced it, it does unite us. We're a part of a club that we never wanted to join, and yet we're in it together. Everyone's experience with trauma is different and unique." Lee, thank you so much for sharing your experiences in READY with the podcast listeners! If you'd like to learn more about Lee, her podcast, or the Coach with Clarity framework, head on over to her website: https://www.coachwithclarity.com/ I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. As Lee said today, "if you're ready, then READY is ready for you!" And it's as easy as 1-2-3! Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8  Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call  See you next week!

If you join READY, you'll hear me talk a lot about the process of "safety first." I circle back to it plenty of times throughout the nine-month program, so as you can imagine, I have a lot of thoughts on the subject! Today I want to touch on 3 different areas where we can practice putting safety first: for yourself as a coach for your clients as you work together for your business as a whole So, what does it mean to practice "safety first" as an approach to being a trauma sensitive coach, leader, and business owner? Let's dive into it! I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. If you're feeling as excited about READY as I am (and you can hear it in this episode for sure!), these links are for you: Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8  Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call  See you on Thursday!

Long time listeners will probably remember my guest this week! Certified trauma sensitive intuitive transformational coach Andréa Michel came onto the show back in season 4 to talk about healing from trauma, safety and gentleness, and of course a whole lot more. But today, she's here to tell us about her experience in READY! Together, we discussed: The lifelong journey of healing and self discovery The importance of safety, especially for trauma survivors Creating a space for people to heal and drink their own Kool-Aid Embracing the full spectrum and experience of emotions "How do we know what light is? We only know what light is because we've experienced darkness, right? How do we know what peace and safety feels like? We only know what peace and safety feels like because we've experienced storms. How do we know what love feels like? We know what love feels like because we've experienced the heartbreak. We've experienced the grief, we've experienced the anger, we've experienced the frustration. And so we have to be real about those things. See, the beauty of being a human being is we get to experience the full spectrum of our emotions. If we didn't have these emotions, then we will be trees. Then we will be cats. We will be dogs. We wouldn't be human beings. Part of what makes us human is our emotions. And not just that, but the full experience of them." Andréa, I'm so happy to have had you in the READY program, and that you were willing to share your experiences today! Want more from Andréa? Head on over to andreamichel.com and follow her on Facebook and Instagram at @andreamichelconsulting. You can also check out her first appearance on the podcast if you missed it: https://www.lisakuzman.com/podcast-archive/season-4-episode-4-andra-michel-on-telling-the-truth-to-yourself As always, listeners, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. Already all-in on READY? These links are for you! Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8  Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call  See you next week!

Part of why I decided to create READY is because there are so many facets to trauma sensitivity. The idea of "consent at every turn" is one of them. If you're here, you already know about the importance of consent — but consent isn't just a one-and-done box to tick. Consent to one thing (signing up for a program, for example) doesn't automatically imply consent to other things. Where this often gets lost, and where it's especially important, is when it comes to providing education, showing up in community spaces, sales, and marketing. When I'm not asked for my permission or consent, I begin to feel uncomfortable or even unsafe. Now, that's a normal response, but it's one we can easily avoid. So this week, let's dive into the idea of consent at every turn, and how to bring it into your practice. How did this episode land for you? I always love getting feedback from my listeners! If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy — just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. Feel like READY might be right for you? These links are for you! Step 1 - Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com Step 2 - Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8 Step 3 - Book a call: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call See you on Thursday!

My guest today is Onna LeBeau, a member of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska who has a passion for financial literacy and helping the underserved population. She brings that passion to her work as Executive Director of the Black Hills Community Loan Fund in Rapid City, South Dakota. And today, she's here to share her experiences in READY! Together, we talked about: Why she decided to join READY What she got out of READY that she didn't expect Her insights for anyone considering joining the program Healing through building deep and enduring relationships "You're not too old to learn. Every day, you're going to learn something new. And I think whatever cohort you have, the new individuals that you bring into your program, they're going to learn from each other. Hopefully, whatever the next step is after this, we can continue to learn from each other, support each other, and continue keeping our little family together. And we'll be there cheering each other on, and helping each other in these challenging times." Onna, I can't thank you enough for coming onto the show to share your experiences today. You're truly a passionate advocate for your clients who are seeking a healthier, more empowered way of living financially.  I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. If you're already all-in on READY, these links are for you! Step 1: Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com Step 2: Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8  Step 3: Book a call with yours truly here: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call  See you next week!

Sometimes, using the wrong word isn't a big deal. Did you know that when most people say they feel "nauseous," they actually mean they feel "nauseated"? It's a tiny difference, and most people will understand what you mean. Heck, most people (except English majors) probably won't even notice! But other times, using the wrong word isn't just a big deal — it's a misrepresentation. It's so, so important that as coaches, our language matches our actions. So when I see coaches referring to their work as "trauma-informed" — instead of "trauma-sensitive" — I know I need to speak up. (Psst: I even have a free .pdf about this! You can download it here: https://lisakuzmancoaching.activehosted.com/f/17) Let's talk about the difference between these two terms, and why it matters. Because when we get right down to it, coaches do amazing, life-changing, vital work — and there's no need to misrepresent that work, or risk causing harm. Thank you so, so much for joining me and listening in. More than ever, I would love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, don't be shy! Send me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. Do you love learning about topics like this? Then you'll love READY, my grief, loss, and trauma-sensitive certification program. Find out all the details on my website: https://www.lisakuzman.com

Anybody who tuned in last season probably remembers my conversation with Mickey MacKaben about staying open to your true nature. Well, good news: she's back, baby! Mickey is a healing artist, visual channel, creative coach — and a graduate from my program READY. This week, I'm sharing our conversation where we discussed the program, and her experience with it, in depth. Mickey and I talked about: Her experiences both during and after READY The ways those experiences have rippled outwards to other parts of her life — not just her business! How having a safe container for her own healing made it possible to process and put down shame The grey areas, nuances and a-ha moments along the way "I am finding my voice in a way I never knew I would be able to find it.[...] It all has to do with feeling safe, feeling secure, and that allows my voice to come through because of the space provided in our program. And I have been in a lot of freakin' programs! I am the educational queen, I love to learn, I love to have other ways to support others." Mickey, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with me, and with all the Serving it HOT listeners! If you want to hear more from Mickey, be sure to check out her first appearance on the show: Season 6 Episode 16! I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. If you're already all-in on READY, these links are for you! Step 1: Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.comStep 2: Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8  Step 3: Book a call with yours truly here: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call  See you next week!

2022 is here and so is season SEVEN of Serving it HOT!! Can you tell I'm excited? Truth be told I have a lot of things to be excited about, but #1 on the list is the new cohort of my grief, loss, and trauma-sensitive certification program READY that I'll be kicking off in March. Because of that, I'm going to do things a little differently this season. "Marketing" myself has never been my favorite thing in the world, so you might say that this is a bit of an experiment for me. I want to spend this season doing an in-depth look at READY. We're going to talk about how I created it, what people can expect from it, and feature interviews from previous students! Thank you so, so much for joining me and listening in. More than ever, I would love to hear from you. Answering questions and having deep conversations have truly made READY a stronger and more effective program — so please, don't be shy! Send me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. If you're already all-in on READY, these links are for you! Step 1: Review Information on Website: https://www.lisakuzman.com Step 2: Complete the Application form: https://forms.gle/QD93D33cMvYycyGK8  Step 3: Book a call with yours truly here: https://lisakuzman.as.me/grief-trauma-loss-interest-call

Well, here we are — the end of season 6, and the last podcast episode that I'll release in 2021. And if you've been tuning in all along, you know that as much as I love making this podcast, interviewing every single guest, and connecting my mental dots out loud on my teaching episodes… I'm so happy to cross the finish line on this season! But just because the podcast is wrapping up for the year, that doesn't mean I'm going on vacation (not yet, anyways). In fact, I'm about to launch a brand-new offer on December 1st, and I want to tell you aaaaaalll about it! So I'm going to use this opportunity to address my fellow coaches, consultants, and service providers in the personal development space — as well as anyone listening who just wants to better themselves and have a life, and a business, that they love. This is for you, but even more than that, it can't happen without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for being here. I'm so excited about what we're going to build in 2022 and beyond! Of course, if you'd like to connect between now and then, you can always find me over at https://lisakuzman.com/ and book a call!

My guest this week is the fierce, fearless, and unapologetic Tracey Forde! Tracey is wife and a mother, as well as a sought-after Liberation & Trauma Healing coach, speaker, author & businesswoman. Her smile is infectious, her vibe is down-to-earth, and her passion is helping people who identify as women and are Black or of African descent liberate their mind, body & spirit. The ultimate vision is for them to reconnect with and reclaim the lost parts of themselves as they grow, thrive, and flourish. This was a delightful conversation that I know you're going to love, especially if you enjoy topics like: Examining and learning from the "breadcrumbs" from our ancestors Leadership that encourages curiosity, and provides growth opportunities Letting things get messy to reveal the strength of who we are Honoring our curiosity even when it's intense or difficult "I know that that intensity, that messiness, is going to reveal — it's like the diamond in the rough, or the oyster that's creating this beautiful pearl. So I'm excited for that because that means growth. Even in the midst of that, it means somewhere, I'm going to get some upleveling in my emotional, spiritual, physical, financial, in some part of my life, and I'm going to be able to share that." Tracey, thank you so much for coming onto the show this week and sharing all your gorgeous insights! If you'd like to learn more about Tracey (or just bask in her vibes), her Instagram is a great place to get started: www.instagram.com/plantedtoflourish/ Thanks also to everyone who tuned in for this episode! As always, if you want to get in touch with me, you've got options. You're more than welcome to shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com, or book a call for some one-on-one time over at https://lisakuzman.com/ And of course, we'd love to have you join the conversation on my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

If you tuned in to last week's teaching episode, you already know that I'm training for my first FULL marathon — and I'm pumped! But obviously, it's November, and in my neck of the woods, that means cold weather. Plus, the very first part of my run begins with running up a hill. Oof. So it's only natural that sometimes, when I think about going for the run I have planned, my next thought is "I don't wanna." Which means I've been thinking a lot about internal resistance.  I've talked before in previous episodes about knowing when to honor that resistance and step away. But let's talk about the flip side.  Whenever we're working towards a big goal, the only way to see it to fruition is to show up for all the teeny-tiny steps along the way. No big thing is ever created in one fell swoop. So in our business, in our personal lives, in our marathon training... When should we ignore the internal resistance and push through? Today, I pushed through and did the damn thing, and I'm so glad that I did. Because I gotta tell you: despite the cold and the hill and the "I don't wanna," when I finished my run today? I felt like a badass. What internal resistance have you pushed through lately? I'd love to know! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. Looking for some one-on-one time? I got you! Book a call with me and let's jam: https://lisakuzman.com/ My trauma sensitive leadership group is full of folks having these deep conversations, and you're always welcome to join us. Check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

My guest today is Mickey MacKaben, a healing artist, visual channel, and creative coach. Mickey has been curious and creative ever since she was a tiny human, and let me tell you — her curiosity and creativity comes through in just about every word this woman says! This was such a deep, vibrant conversation that I know you're all going to love as much as I did. Mickey and I talked about: Looking at the macro, not the micro, in your mindset Practicing trust and mental vigilance Making sure you step through the doors that you're asking to open How she creates art, and the importance of how she approaches the canvas Integrating your natural gifts with how you serve others And be sure to listen until the end to hear her words of wisdom about "doing you" even when it feels weird or vulnerable! "I spent a lot of time making myself wrong for not fitting into those boxes even though they made me miserable. I felt like I was dying inside, but I was willing to die to make sure I did it "right." I don't do that as much anymore. [...] So I am learning and have learned: when I am in my true nature, when I can embrace the truth of who I am and how it works best for me, I can fucking kick ass. I can bring the magic to my world. [...] It's so much better when you can do it in the way that's right for you." Mickey, thank you so much for coming onto the show this week! If you like bold, bright colors and paintings full of texture and hidden details, you'll love Mickey's artwork. Her Facebook page is a great place to get started: https://www.facebook.com/mickeymackabenart/  Thank you also to everyone who tuned in today. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. Got questions? A topic you'd like me to cover? Don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/ Looking for some one-on-one time? I got you! Book a call with me and let's jam: https://lisakuzman.com/

For the past few teaching episodes this season, I've talked a lot about my personal development journey over the last decade. Every day, it becomes clearer and clearer to me that it is so important for me to acknowledge everything that's happened in those ten years (especially the last two). Part of why this is on my mind so much is because — you heard it here first! — I'm officially training for my first FULL marathon. Because of how I like to process things, my marathon training is like a built-in period of reflection. Now, I'm obviously big on reflection — but you might not be. So I want this episode to be your reminder to notice, take time, and remember everything you've accomplished lately. And I don't just mean the big stuff! I'm talking about the internal shifts, the processes by which you change and become more YOU. And then? I want you to celebrate that sh*t! Of course, I'd be totally jazzed if you want to tell me what you're celebrating. Big, small, for my eyes only, doesn't matter — it's all worth a happy dance, a fist-pump, and a "Hell yeah!" Shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. Looking for some one-on-one time? I got you! Book a call with me and let's jam: https://lisakuzman.com/ To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

Does talking about money make you feel uncomfortable? Do you carry guilt around your ability to make money... or maybe shame about wanting to make more? If so, you DEFINITELY need to tune into today's episode with Megan Hale! A former psychotherapist, Megan is now a Profit First®️ Business Strategist & Money Mentor for freedom driven entrepreneurs. She works with people who are ready to step into Feel Good Money & amplify their impact in the world. She believes that more money in the hands of big hearts will surely change the world!  I was super stoked for this conversation, partly because Megan and I just had the chance to hang out in real life. But I've always been a fan of her work, so this was a great opportunity for us to talk all about: Her journey from psychotherapy to coaching Building a healthy relationship with your business and with money (hint: attachment styles play a role here) Making money a non-negotiable in your business The leadership challenges she has faced in creating, launching, and re-launching her offer The importance of celebration And so, so much more. "I knew how to help people. I didn't necessarily know how to make good money helping people... so I struggled for the first three years of my coaching practice, immensely. I knew I was standing in my own way, there was something there that I was afraid to claim for myself. I was very aware of wanting to step into more money, but feeling bad, ashamed, or guilty for wanting more money because what does that mean about me? Thankfully, because of the inner work, I was able to connect the dots that I'd done a lot of work in living my own truth when it came to happiness and success, but I wasn't living my truth when it came to money and what I wanted money to mean to me." Megan, I had an absolute blast chatting with you today, and I just know a lot of my listeners are going to feel the same way. Interested in learning more about what Megan has to offer? Check out https://meganhale.co/ (and pssst: she has a podcast on the horizon!) I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. Looking for some one-on-one time? I got you! Book a call with me and let's jam: https://lisakuzman.com To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

Today I wanted to expand on the ten year journey I talked about last Monday. Because let's be real: it's one thing to compare where I am right now to where I was ten years ago, but what about the time in between? It was an excruciating time of undoing. Even on the other side, I get emotional when I think about how hard it was! I had no idea how many layers of my own awareness I'd need to work through in order to access my truth.  Chip away, rest, repeat. Your journey might not take ten years. Heck, it might take longer. But the process of learning and becoming who you are is worth every single second. I'm so glad you tuned in today. Whether you're looking back on your own journey or still in the thick of the undoing, I'd love to hear how this landed for you. You can either send me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com, or visit https://lisakuzman.com/ and book a one-on-one call. We're talking about stuff like this every day on my trauma sensitive leadership group. Come join the conversation!https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

My guest this week is Leah Ardent, and I cannot WAIT for you to hear our conversation! Born with business in her blood, Leah is a brand visionary and co-founder of the world's first (and only) actualization agency. (That's just a fancy way of saying she helps entrepreneurs clarify their missions and tap into their genius.) She believes that everyone who is capable and ambitious should have access to the support they need — at a price they can afford. She also did this interview while 36 weeks pregnant, so I was super honored that she took the time to jam with me. We covered so much in this discussion:  Clearing energetic and emotional baggage with just about everyone in her life The income vs. merit disparity in the coaching industry Sweeping out the cognitive cobwebs and fearlessly examining her shadow Transcending identities and returning to resonance ...and a whole lot more. (Psst: be sure to stick around until the end for her closing thoughts around representation and worthiness, because WOW) "I feel like so many of the journeys I have been on have been about that transgenerational healing. There's definitely been a lot of back work and a lot of fearlessly examining shadow, and internally looking at those dark corners and the places that we fear to tread normally. When you stop bullshitting yourself, it's very Shakespearean, right? To thine own self be true. The more honest I've gotten in myself, the way less extraneous expression I'm capable of." Leah, thank you so much for joining me on the show before you unplugged for a while. I encourage anyone out there who enjoyed this interview to check out the Sovereign Society, a resource for shamelessly ambitious entrepreneurs to communicate, connect, and cash in their big ideas without breaking the bank: ​​https://www.shamelesssavvy.com/sovereign-society I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/ Looking for some one-on-one time? I got you! Book a call with me and let's jam: https://lisakuzman.com/

This week, I want to tell you about a beautiful moment I had at the top of a mountain waterfall. But first — let's rewind to where I was at ten years ago.  I knew I was terribly misaligned.  I knew it was time to actively put myself on a trajectory that would let me live how I wanted to live, feel how I wanted to feel, and be how I wanted to be.  I knew that if I wanted to get where I am now, I'd need to take responsibility, and manage my own impatience. When I made that decision, did I think it would take me ten years to get where I am? NOPE. But as I said to my support coach, Brittany, at the top of that waterfall: “I'm here.” And I want you to get here, too. Whatever your "here" is. It won't happen overnight, but if you can allow the journey to unfold, and accept support from the people around you? You got this. I'm so happy that you're here with me. Are you at a point in your personal development journey where you need a pep talk? I got you! Book a call with me and let's jam: https://lisakuzman.com/ But I'd love to hear from you about other things, too. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

My guest today is Kelly Whinnem, and I'm thrilled to announce that this episode is her official podcast debut... sort of. While it's her first time on this side of the mic, over the last five years, Kelly has helped dozens of women (including me!) launch and run their podcasts — and share their authentic, unapologetic voices with the world.  Now, I talk to Kelly pretty frequently, but I was super excited to get her perspective on: The behind-the-scenes struggles she's witnessed from business owners Various podcast disasters (with names changed to protect the innocent) What goes into making money from your podcast How her business evolved, "pandemic thriving," and her own leadership struggles  ...and, as you can probably tell from how long this episode is, a whole lot more. "[Early in my business] I had the opportunity to work with someone and I thought, this person has a big name. This could be a career making thing, but I fundamentally disagree with everything about this person. It was a real struggle! And now? It's an absolute no. [...] I am intentional about who I choose to work with and what I put out into the world in that way. That doesn't mean I agree with every single thing that every one of my clients says. Not by a long shot. But it does mean that I'm not going to work with somebody whose ideas either I feel are harmful, or go directly against my personal beliefs." Kelly, thank you so much for coming onto the show for your first podcast appearance! Curious about working with Kelly? You won't find her on social media, but you can shoot her an email at kelly@faceforradio.co! (bonus points if you include a pet picture or corny joke) I'm so grateful to all of you out there listening and sharing the show. As always, if you want to get in touch with me, you've got options! Drop me a line at podcast@lisakuzman.com or pop over to https://lisakuzman.com to book a call. I also hope you'll join my trauma sensitive leadership group if you haven't already. We'd love to have you join the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

When I first entered the business owner space eight years ago, I noticed a trend: old school vs. new school. And we've talked about this on the podcast before — how I wanted to lead from a place that felt authentic and aligned, not sleazy or scammy. But in the last three years, I've been seeing a shift. For a lot of us, and especially for me, the "new school" approach we created? Yeah, it doesn't fit anymore. With all the change happening in the world, we're being asked to adapt, and to shift how we show up. So now what? Let's talk about what comes next. Where are you on your leadership journey? I'd love to know! Head on over to https://lisakuzman.com/ to take my leadership quiz or book a call for some one-on-one time. Got a burning question, or a topic for me to cover on the podcast? Shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. And of course, if you haven't already, I hope you'll join my trauma sensitive leadership group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

My guest this week is your conduit for all things transformation, embodiment, and leadership: The Brittany R. Williams, Transformational Embodiment Coach and Sex Doula. Brittany supports leaders and highly ambitious folks who find themselves hiding in their potential step up and step into their raw unapologetic power. (I get chills just reading that!) Brittany is also my new support coach in READY!, so I was obviously super excited to have her on the show. Tune in to hear all about: Our collective re-write and reinvention of "normal" How we're being led to deeper and deeper levels of vulnerability Business vs. is-ness Self care as service to the collective Her definition of success ...and as always, SO much more. "I have the money goals, I have all those things, but if I don't feel great while I'm doing it — and I don't stay connected while I'm doing it — that's a problem for me. That doesn't feel like success for me. Success is feeling really good in my body, knowing that it's OK to fail, going before I'm ready, and still getting paid." Brittany, thank you so much for coming onto the show this week! I so enjoyed speaking with you and I know all my listeners will love hearing what you have to say. And speaking of you, my lovely listeners —if you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. Looking for some one-on-one time? I got you! Book a call with me and let's jam: https://lisakuzman.com/ To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

Spoiler: I almost didn't release this episode. If you've been listening to my podcast for any length of time, it shouldn't surprise you that generally speaking? I'm a happy, positive person. I don't just get excited about things, I get !!!EXCITED!!! about things. I experience joy and delight on the regular, y'all. But I'm on a journey this year, and part of that journey was a big a-ha moment for me. I don't know how to be happy. Now, fair warning: I'm still processing this revelation and connecting the dots on this one. But I really wanted to talk through it on the podcast and see what came up — both for me, and hopefully for you, too. Will you let me know what you thought? You can always send me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. And as always, you're invited to join my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/ Or book a call with me for some one-on-one time over at https://lisakuzman.com/

If you've ever thought "Wow, Lisa really does ALL the things!" then this is the episode where you'll learn... I really, really don't. That's because I have Ashley Kay in my corner: the CEO and Founder of AK Virtual Assistant Services. After developing her talents for organization and project management in the corporate world for over a decade, Ash found herself craving more fulfillment. She began AK Virtual Assistant services in 2016, when she realized that supporting people isn't just what she does best — it's what she thrives on.  And lucky me, I get to be one of those people! Ash and I have worked together for three and a half years now, and we have both grown, shifted, and faced our fair share of challenges along the way. So I was super pumped to have her on the show to talk about all that and so much more, including: The hardest part of leaving behind the "hustle and grind" mentality  Building a team and giving up control as an entrepreneur Transparency as a way to honor yourself and those around you Creating a safe container for people to flourish and to flop Her advice to other leaders and entrepreneurs “Entrepreneurship is not easy. Running a team is not easy. I carry the weight of my team every day. [...] That heaviness can get to me, but I think it's important to remember that you're not alone, and there are other people you can talk to, or lean on for advice. On the days when you feel like giving up, or like you're the worst leader in the world? Just remember that you are doing your best.” Ash, thank you so much for being on the show today and everything that you shared! I consider myself so lucky knowing that you and your team have my back. If you'd like to learn more about Ash and AK Virtual Assistant Services, check out https://www.akvirtualassistant.com/. So, my fellow leaders and entrepreneurs, how did this land for you? Don't forget, you can always book a call with me over at https://lisakuzman.com, or send an email to podcast@lisakuzman.com. And of course, if you want to join the larger conversation, that's all happening in my trauma sensitive leadership group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/ We'd love to see you there!

Question for my fellow entrepreneurs out there: how do you feel about photoshoots? Before I took up my leadership mantle, the only time I'd had professional photos was the first time I got married. Now, though? I do photoshoots twice a year! They're a great way to keep my mojo up, to keep my vibe high and my confidence grounded, and to come back to myself in moments of self-doubt. I love the fact that I have a visual representation of my journey over time as an entrepreneur. I can look back at photos and remember how I felt in that moment. Which is incredible — but also vulnerable as hell. Because in some of those photos, I can see that I was projecting myself into a place I hadn't reached yet. I was trying to capture the essence of how I thought it would feel to be where I wanted to be. But I knew I wasn't there yet. So it felt fake. Like I was pretending. So on my most recent photoshoot, I did things a little differently. I wanted to confront the feeling that our value is in what we do, rather than who we are — when it should be the other way around. I wanted to see how it would feel to be witnessed in this way. To stand in front of the camera and just let myself be good enough. Because I am. I'd love to know how this landed for you. Send me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com, or head over to https://lisakuzman.com/ to book a call for a one-on-one jam sesh. You can also join my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/ Thank you so much for being here.

This is a longer interview than usual, but I have a feeling you're going to love every minute of it — I know I sure did! My guest this week is Vangile Makwakwa, who helps women of color heal ancestral money trauma so they can fall in love with their bank accounts, increase income and live their best lives. She's an author, an avid traveler, and the host of multiple podcasts: the Property Magicians Podcast, and the Money Magic Podcast. And thanks to the magic of the internet, she was able to join me from all the way in South Africa! We had so much to talk about, including: What went on for Vangile behind the scenes over the past year Constant embodiment and self-care, in business and beyond Power, integrity, and the divine guidance to return to yourself Respecting and honoring NO — as well as the all-in YES! "What I noticed about being coached through objections is that sometimes people will coach you to override your soul messaging. They'll make you believe that they know more about your business than you do. This is why I'm also really adamant about telling people, I cannot tell you what your strategy will be. What I can do is hold the space for you to determine what feels right for you, what feels right in your body." Vangile, thank you so much for joining me on the podcast and having such a lively, deep conversation. Want more from Vangile? Find her on Twitter and Instagram under @vangilemakwakwa, and on search for Wealthy Money on Facebook. She also has an abundance of free resources, including her podcasts, over at wealthy-money.com. And as always, if you want to connect with me, you've got options! Send your podcast questions and topic requests to podcast@lisakuzman.com, or head over to https://lisakuzman.com/ to book a call for a one-on-one jam sesh. You can also join my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

Let's connect some more dots this week, shall we? My goal here is to offer you something to consider the next time you're in a stressful situation, feeling activated, or in conflict.  When you have more awareness and understanding, you can work on responding differently in these situations — and be a little safer within yourself.   So, how did this land for you? I'd love to know! If you'd like me to connect some more dots, you can shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com with suggestions for future episodes.  If the one-on-one is more your jam, head on over to https://lisakuzman.com/ and book a call with me. And of course, my trauma sensitive leadership group is where you'll find a whole community of leaders having deep conversations around these topics. Check us out! https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/

My first guest of season 6 is nature-based mentor and certified life coach Lynn Trotta. Lynn guides empaths and sensitive souls out of the overwhelm of distraction culture and into peace and belonging, through a rooted and sacred relationship with nature.  As someone with my own deep connection to nature, I don't mind telling you that this got emotional for me! Our conversation flowed so organically, covering topics like: Spirituality and the sacred triangle where she focuses her energy Why nature is so important to her, and the evolution of that relationship How this deeply rooted relationship with nature informs her business The intergenerational passing of the baton What she wants everyone to know about connecting to nature "[Connecting with nature] is so much easier, so much faster, and so much closer than they imagine. It doesn't require traveling out vast distances... in order for you to feel this sweet transcendent experience so that you are fully at one with all of creation. It's not so much about how far you go, it's how consistently you go, and the type of connection that you are out there making." Lynn, thank you so much for coming on the show and sharing so beautifully about your relationship with nature. If you'd like to learn more about Lynn, you can check out her Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/611928405943312 or visit her website: www.lynntrotta.com Thank you also to everyone listening! If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/ Looking for some one-on-one time? I got you! Book a call with me and let's jam: https://lisakuzman.as.me/connection-call Want to learn more about my work, check my website out here: https://lisakuzman.com 

Welcome to season SIX (!!) of Serving it HOT! I think it's safe to say that, collectively, we've got a lot on our plates right now... and that's why I want to kick things off by sharing some perspectives about these strange, swirling times we're in. I'm so happy that you're here with me. As always, I would absolutely love to hear from you. If you have questions, or a topic you'd like me to cover, or anything else, don't be shy! Just shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/ Looking for some one-on-one time? I got you! Book a call with me and let's jam: https://lisakuzman.com/

My final interview of season 5 was exactly the conversation I needed to have — and I'm hoping it's exactly the one you need to hear. I had the pleasure of speaking with Manasi Kakade, a Practical Spirituality Mentor, and Speaker for Bridgewalker visionaries. Manasi works with coaches, healers, artists, and authors to create an unshakable internal foundation — so it's no surprise that clients often describe her work as the "liberation of the soul." I couldn't have chosen a better conversation to cap off five seasons and one hundred episodes. We discussed: What it means to be a Bridgewalker Deeper definitions of chakra, energy, and flow Effecting systemic change through practical and divinely guided action How to move forwards when your purpose feels like a burden Debunking the myth of a one size fits all business strategy And yes — so much more. "Healing doesn't mean there's something broken about us. Healing simply means we're reminding ourselves to go back to who we really are. Not defined by the traumatic experiences we've had, not by the systemic oppression that we've faced, not defined by any of that. We are liberating our souls. That liberation, that expansion, is what healing is." Manasi, I can't thank you enough for everything you shared on the show today, and all the important work you do in the world. I encourage everyone listening to check out some of the resources she offers: Beginner's Guide for Bridgewalkers: https://www.manasikakade.com/beginners-guide-for-bridgewalkers-2/ 7 Chakra and Business Free Mini-course: https://resources.manasikakade.com/7cbc-videos Apply to work with Manasi 1:1: https://www.manasikakade.com/bvi/ Well, my lovely listeners, that's a wrap on season 5! I'll be back with season 6 in September, and I hope you'll tune in then. In the meantime, you can connect with like-minded leaders and have meaningful conversations over on my trauma sensitive leadership group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/ Or, you can head on over to https://lisakuzman.com/ and book a call with me for some one-on-one time.

Like everyone under the sun, I make mistakes sometimes — and most of the time, they really don't bother me. Typo in an email? I get a fact wrong in a podcast? Come off a little blunt during a conversation? Not a big deal. Correct and move on. But there are some areas where even the thought of making a mistake is paralyzing. When it comes to leadership, ethics, allyship, and integrity, I hold myself to an extremely high standard that leaves ZERO room for error. And recently — you guessed it — I made exactly the kind of mistake I spend a lot of energy trying to avoid. Ouch. But you know what? Good. Because those big, unfortunate mistakes have helped me uncover a whole new layer of understanding about where I am on my leadership journey. Where are you on your leadership journey? What truths have you uncovered, what hurdles have you cleared? If you want to connect with your fellow leaders around topics like these, then you definitely need to join my trauma-sensitive leadership group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/ For those of you in search of a more one-on-one experience, you can always book a call with me. I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/

My guest this week was Dusti Arab, a brand strategist who specializes in elevating the personality-driven brands of women on the rise who want to make a difference. Dusti got her start writing on the internet at a very young age, and has had an online business for over a decade — which means she's definitely got some stories to share. This was a lovely, free-flowing conversation that touched on so many different topics near & dear to my heart: growing up on the internet and doing everything wrong developing stability and capacity (sometimes the hard way) outsourcing the stuff you hate doing the relationship between risk-taking and trauma staying authentic during a mental health crisis her upcoming book, Braver than Before ...and yes, a WHOLE lot more, especially about neurodiversity. "I was definitely trying to find my voice and figure out who I was, learning how to navigate that space and figure out what was mine and what wasn't. I did everything wrong — and that was probably the best possible way for me to learn how I did actually want to show up on the internet as that conversation started to evolve." Dusti, thank you so much for coming onto the show! I loved hearing everything you had to share and I know the listeners will, too. Want more from Dusti? You won't find her teenage Livejournal anymore, but to learn more about her, start at http://www.dustiarab.com/ and https://www.thereinvention.co/ To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/ And don't forget, you can always book a call with me. I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/

By the end of this season, I will have put one HUNDRED episodes of Serving it HOT out into the world. Holy. Sh*t. I've learned a lot about myself since I started this podcast back at the beginning of 2020. Some of it was surprising — like how it's helped me find my voice in the leadership space. Some of it confirmed things I already knew — like that I need to take a break between seasons, or else I'll end up quitting altogether. So as season 5 winds to a close, and I move closer to that 100-episode milestone, I want to reflect on some of those things. I also want to hear from you, though! Will you let me know what makes you tune in to my show, any questions you have about leadership, and maybe even your favorite episode? You can shoot me an email at podcast@lisakuzman.com. To connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations, join my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/ If you think you'll miss me too much between seasons 5 and 6, never fear — you can always book a call with me! https://lisakuzman.com/

My guest this week is two-time entrepreneur and fellow podcaster Michelle Cherian. With 15 years of experience working with startups and Fortune 500 companies, Michelle knows what it takes to create a profitable app that makes your customers' lives better. On her podcast, Art of the App, she interviews trailblazing women startup founders, investors and other top minds to discuss their journey and role as agents of change. But today, she's on my show, which means it's her turn in the hot seat! I was so jazzed to talk all about: her winding path, and the beautiful disasters along the way self-trust in decision making and shrugging off "should"s the process of visibility (especially as podcasters!) leaving perfectionism behind us — and embracing joy "You make a decision and then you move on. The past is the past, you can't change it. It's a good practice to understand how you operate so that you can navigate making your decisions on your terms and not on someone else's or the way you think it 'should' be made." Michelle, thanks so much for coming onto the show this week! I really enjoyed our conversation and I know the listeners will, too. Go check out her podcast, Art of the App: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/art-of-the-app/id1558538397 And visit her website: https://www.michellecherian.com/ Have you joined my trauma sensitive leadership group yet? We'd love to have you join our conversations! Head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/ If you're in search of a more one-on-one experience, you can always book a call with me! https://lisakuzman.com/

We all have things in our lives that we feel like we'll never really figure out — especially those of us in leadership roles! (For me, two of those things were plants, and money.) But this week, I'm encouraging you to examine the stories you tell yourself around those things. Are they still true? Or have you been holding on to old, outdated beliefs about yourself and your abilities? Now don't get me wrong: I'm a huge fan of delegating out the things that just aren't in my wheelhouse. That doesn't mean that I'm not constantly evolving, growing, and updating those old stories! If you can show up, lean in, and then give space, you just might look back in a few months and realize — that thing that feels impossible right now? You're kinda killin' it! Because, spoiler alert? I recorded this episode after watering my plants and paying my bills, two things I now thoroughly enjoy doing! Have you joined my trauma sensitive leadership group yet? It's where you'll find like-minded leaders having deep conversations, and we'd love to have you add your voice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/ And don't forget, you can always head over to https://lisakuzman.com/ to book a call with me (and see some of my gorgeous new plants)!

For a lot of us, being photographed can be a vulnerable experience that brings up a lot of insecurities and not-so-great self talk. That's why my guest this week, Damaly Shepherd, is so passionate about the trust between photographers and their clients. And she would know! Damaly is a published photographer and writer whose mission in life is to help women OWN IT — both on camera and off.  I was so excited to have this conversation with Damaly, partly because of my own interest in photography and partly because of an incredible post I read on her blog. We talked all about: her journey and daily practices of self-trust managing insecurity and becoming "camera neutral" her favorite response from her clients during the reveal redefining ROI, both in business and in life ...and a whole lot more! "It's so important for us to see ourselves reflected back in a positive light. [...] These photos are just a reflection of what you already are. It's not about being anyone else or doing anything differently. These photos are literally just about finally capturing you in a way that shows it." Damaly, I can't thank you enough for the enthusiasm and insight you brought to this conversation! For more information about Damaly's work and how you can work with her, head over to damalyshepherd.com and be prepared for some stunning images. (Psst: you should totally read her blog, too!)  Want to connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations? My trauma sensitive leadership group is the place for you! Join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/ And don't forget, you can always book a call with me. I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/

Hang onto your hat, because this episode is going to be a little bit wild. I want to talk about intuition, the spiritual practices that are a huge part of my work, and the idea of tuning in to the divine. I've held back from discussing this in the past, but no more! To be honest, when I knew I had to record a podcast for this week, I felt a little stuck until one of my amazing clients encouraged me to talk about all of this. When it comes to our personal development journeys, the more we become who we are, tell the truth about our experiences, and align within ourselves, we expand our access points to the divine. I've said it a few times before, but I just want you to know that I appreciate every single one of you out there listening. If you like engaging in conversations about some of the same topics I discuss on the show, I hope you'll join my trauma sensitive leadership group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/ And of course, you can always book a call with me for some one-on-one time: https://lisakuzman.com/

I am SO excited to share this conversation with all of you. Working with women as a business mentor, Sumeena Gupta is on a mission to be the change — and after 25 combined years of corporate AND entrepreneurial experience, she's definitely got what it takes. Her work helps women build businesses that allow them to have freedom and impact while building wealth, with the ultimate result of generational change. The timing on this episode couldn't be better. I'm traveling at the moment, and that's something Sumeena and I discussed at length: how traveling changes the way you look at the world — and your business the power of discomfort and how it helps you build tenacity why you should pause, question everything, and then take action on the answers ...and so, so much more. "Problem solving in those [travel] situations makes you come back to your business and realize that you can do this. The problems we deal with in our business are nothing compared to those problems! [...] The beauty is, I know for me, I came back to my business with a lot more empathy. Empathy for what needed to be done, for how people were impacted by my work, who I wanted to contribute to, what I wanted to support. That real understanding of what's out there and what needs our attention... you see it and you can't unsee it."    Sumeena, thank you so much for coming onto the show and sharing your incredible perspective with us. To learn more about Sumeena and everything she has to offer, head on over to https://www.sumeenagupta.com/ and remember: you can do this! Looking to connect with like-minded leaders having deep conversations? Sounds like you need to join my trauma sensitive leadership group! Check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/ And don't forget, you can always book a call with me. I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/

It's summer now, and that means I'm feeling footloose, fancy free, and yes — focused on fun. But you know what's a weird thing nobody really ever tells you? Having fun can be... kinda hard! I remember the moment I realized this. Back when I was first dipping my toe into the world of coaching, I practiced some tools and techniques with a coach buddy of mine. I had just listed off a whole bunch of things I love to do: seeing movies, dinner with friends, grabbing drinks, you get the idea. And then she stopped me in my tracks with a simple question: "Okay... but what do you do for fun?" My immediate reaction was: F*ck. You. Talk about a strong reaction, eh? But she had a great point! A lot of us have no friggin' clue what we actually find FUN. So today, let's talk about building a summer fun list. Think anything that lights you up, brings you joy, and gets you the heck away from your desk for a while. I would love to have you share your summer fun snapshots on my trauma sensitive leadership group! Check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/ If you're in the mood for one-on-one summer fun, you can always book a call with me. I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/

I hope you're ready to be delighted this week, because my guest today is the one, the only, the amazing Shannon Whaley. She's a Professional Certified Coach on a mission to help women get their message and magic out into the world — no hustle or burnout necessary. Shannon believes in putting pleasure and play first, and she walks that talk as she lives out her Eat, Pray, Love dream in Italy. I had an absolute blast during this conversation as we talked all about: how she ended up in Italy (and met her husband) giving f*cks without giving f*cks intention and authenticity in business some ins and outs of the coaching industry how no level of income or education will erase impostor syndrome "My clients say, I can't wait until I don't have to deal with this anymore. And I'm like — hold up. I can't wait until *I* don't have to deal with this anymore! I still have the same brain that tells me that I suck, that this isn't going to work, that my story is stupid and people don't care... Income level, certificates, training... I still get impostor syndrome. So I remind myself, oh, that's probably your trauma telling you that things aren't working. The difference is, it's not that it doesn't happen anymore, it's that we have tools to help us not spin out. We know how to pull ourselves out. That's the difference." Shannon, thank you so much for joining me on the podcast this week! To find out more about Shannon, head on over to shannonwhaley.com and prepare for that "oh HELL yes" feeling. And, to join in on deep conversations with like-minded leaders, head on over to my trauma sensitive leadership group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764082764458292/ In the mood for something one-on-one? You can always book a call with me. I would love to hear from you! https://lisakuzman.com/