Shift-Starters

Scientist & entrepreneur Komal Dadlani is starting some powerful shifts in science and education. While studying biochemistry in the University of Chile, Komal recognized the lack of scientific instruments in laboratories. So, in 2013, despite having had no prior knowledge of entrepreneurship and business start-ups at the time, Komal courageously took on the challenge of co-founding and becoming CEO of Lab4U, a company that develops technologies that transform mobile devices into scientific instruments. Lab4U is designed to supplement the gaps in science and education and allows its 120,000 users around the world to have a lab in their pockets. Komal, guided by her desire to serve humanity, is committed to democratizing science and revolutionizing education by helping students become more inquisitive about the world. She has received numerous accolades in recognition of her work, including the Cartier Women's Initiative Award. In today's episode, Komal and I discuss the gaps in science & education in Chile and Latin America and how those inequalities inspired her to start Lab4U. We describe the beauty of science and how we can all don lab coats and be scientists of our lives and explain why, as a society, we need to grow our “threshold” of science. We also highlight the importance of integrating spirituality, science, and business and how revolutionizing science and education can impact society and alleviate suffering in the world. “Good intentions are not enough to solve the world's problems - we need a real understanding of science to change them.” - Komal Dadlani This week on Shift-Starters: The impetus behind Lab4U The science & education inequalities in Chile and Latin America The beauty of science and what defines a scientist Life as a series of data points and why a PhD is an entrepreneurial venture Bringing the scientific mindset into education and entrepreneurship The power of inquiry-based learning and the importance of helping students inquire about the world The fundamental philosophy of coaching Science as an approach to life and the long-term vision of Lab4U Exploring epistemology and the philosophy of science Transforming education to reduce social pain and the importance of civic & scientific literacy The lessons Komal realized about being a woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated world My past life in the tech industry and the perspective that's missing in start-up culture The place of spirituality in science and business The tension between science and religion and how the two can work in symbiosis Resources Mentioned: The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality by His Holiness the Dalai Lama The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Success by Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, and Kaley Warner Klemp Related Content: Leave it Better Than You Came with Sophia Wood Connect with Komal Dadlani: Lab4U Lab4U on LinkedIn Lab4U on Instagram Lab4U on Facebook Lab4U on Twitter Komal Dadlani on LinkedIn Komal Dadlani on Instagram Komal Dadlani on Twitter EMAIL: info@komaldadlani.com / komal@Lab4U.co Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit our website.

Where in your work do you hold yourself back, discounting your knowledge and experience, thinking that everybody knows what you already know? Do you often think that the wisdom you possess is simply obvious, so you hold yourself back from sharing it with your clients, peers, and the wider world? These thoughts occur to many of us so frequently that they prevent us from sharing our gifts, talents, and wisdom with the world. We tell ourselves we don't have anything worthy to say or teach. We never put up the coaching programs or workshops we said we would because everyone already knows what we have to share with the world. In this episode, I reveal the curse that many high-achievers, top-performers, and lifelong learners suffer from - and how you can move through it. I describe our tendency to undervalue our knowledge and expertise and explain how this tendency prevents us from working with others and creating valuable content. I also discuss the importance of taking risks in testing whether the knowledge you possess is simply common and underscore the power of asking “why?” “Remind yourself that you have so much more to give to this world than you are giving yourself credit for.” - Erin Baker This week on Shift-Starters: A clapping experiment and the curse of knowledge The curse of knowledge and how it can impede entrepreneurs and leaders from creating and sharing our gifts with the world How we undervalue our knowledge and what our experience tells us How the curse of knowledge affects me in my everyday life A strategy for getting past the curse of knowledge Testing how obvious your knowledge and experience are Pulling an idea and creating social media content, workshops, or courses around your knowledge and ways of being The value of surrounding yourself with beginners Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit our website.

Executive & Leadership Coach ClaireYvonne Naisbitt was already creating some great shifts in her life when I first met her. After 20 years of being a senior leader in the oil & gas industry, ClaireYvonne decided that she wanted to do something completely different in her life. So, she left her corporate job and went on a journey of deep work and self-exploration where she contemplated femininity, duality, and the “ands” of the world. Today, ClaireYvonne - an award-winning mentor - is dedicated to helping others navigate through the transitions and shifts in their lives through her business, BrightCatalyst. In this episode, ClaireYvonne and I discuss how we can turn the loud concert in our heads into birdsong. We share what leaving her corporate job taught her about trusting our path, even if we don't fully understand it. We discuss the importance of cultivating a space where we can listen to the subtle wisdom of our heart and body. We also underscore the role of nature in healing, the importance of bringing more femininity into the world, and highlight how creativity and happiness come whenever we reconnect deeply with ourselves. “Nature is a big bomb for the soul. It helps us descend into a place of calm, where the live band in our minds becomes birdsong.” - ClaireYvonne Naisbitt This week on Shift Starters: What drove ClaireYvonne to leave the oil & gas industry to do something different in her life What the transition from working in a big corporation to starting a business was like for ClaireYvonne ClaireYvonne's 9-month soulbbatical and how it helped her tap into her creative side Deciding to take it slow in life and switching from scarcity to an abundance mindset Joy creation and the power of being in the moment Cultivating a space in our lives where we can listen to the heart and body What it means to reconnect with our bodies to make decisions The healing power of nature and exercises to help us reconnect with the wisdom of our body One of the most difficult challenges in Western society The importance of balancing femininity and masculinity in the world The role of nature in helping us access our highest consciousness The relationship between leadership and happiness Related Content: The Secret to Liberating a Billion Souls: Trust AND Surrender with Shelley Paxton Connect with ClaireYvonne Naisbitt: BrightCatalyst BrightCatalyst on Facebook ClaireYvonne Naisbitt on LinkedIn Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit our website.

Before she founded the Global Legacy Institute, Angela Tennison decided to follow and support a person who ran for the presidency: Barack Obama. When he was elected, Angela soon found herself in the White House serving as an aide and became the first African-American woman to serve as the White House Usher, a role where Angela had the opportunity to manage staff, logistics, and operations. After seven years of service in the White House, Angela spent the last part of her political career as the first and only Leadership Development Director at the US Department of Education. Today, as the founder and CEO of the Global Legacy Institute, Angela develops and coaches leaders, helping them leave powerful legacies in the world. Beyond her work at the Institute, Angela is on a bigger mission to have courageous conversations on systemic racism. In this episode, Angela and I discuss what it takes to move the needle of racism and bridge our biggest divides in society. We discuss her journey and how searching for purpose helped Angela know she was on the right path. We define what it means to be courageous and highlight why it's okay to not know every step of the way in life's journey. We also discuss how you can participate in a movement and the impact of having deep conversations on systemic racism. “Having human moments with others and sharing our humanity is what's going to shift the conversations, the systems, and what's really possible.” - Angela Tennison This week on Shift-Starters: Angela's journey into the White House and what kept her going Encountering the fear of “What if I don't?” How being in service to something great served Angela The Samurai game and how we often fill the blanks of our self-worth Responding to the call of service and how the killing of George Floyd impacted Angela and her mission The map is not the territory and why it's okay to not know every step of a big mission to start some shift Confronting impostor syndrome and the importance of trusting your voice and what you have to say How service to a cause can serve ourselves while serving our mission The power of conversations in moving the needle on systemic racism What it means to play your part in a mission or a movement The 50% rule and why I seek other leaders who I don't agree with all the time What courage means and its role in doing work Related Content: What if I can't? What does it really mean to *do* you? With Erin Hatzikostas Connect with Angela Tennison: The Global Legacy Institute Angela Tennison Angela Tennison on LinkedIn Angela Tennison on Instagram Angela Tennison on Facebook Angela Tennison on Twitter Email: angela@angelatennison.com Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit our website.

Where in your life have you decided you simply can't? And in this area of your journey, have you ever stopped to think what can happen if you asked yourself, “What if it's possible?” Because that's exactly what started some shifts in the life of Tim Snell, Head of Performance at the London tech start-up Modulous. Asking “what if'' questions took Tim on a journey that led him to a path of healing and self-discovery that opened his heart. Today, in addition to working on projects and initiatives at Modulous, Tim is also a Certified International Leadership & Performance Coach and SOMA Breath Advanced Instructor who leads his clients into places they never imagined they could achieve. In this episode, Tim and I discuss how the story of a young boy inspired him to embark on a spiritual journey and discover what's possible. We describe how Tim had lost his hearing at age four and how he later questioned the diagnosis about his hearing loss. We explain what shifts started happening as a result of Tim's deep exploration within. We also discuss the memoir Tim is currently writing, the challenges of the writing process, and the reason writers should never hike alone. “The process of ‘what if' is about opening yourself up to a different reality. It's also about working through other real blocks inside you.” - Tim Snell This week on Shift-Starters: Tim's journey of self-discovery and learning why he lost his hearing at a young age How Tim was treated differently after losing his hearing Turning to spiritual explorations to find answers The story of a boy who healed himself through meditative practices What Tim learned about his hearing loss when he went to a retreat in Peru Going deep into one's personal shadows and re-learning how to listen Discovering the blocks that prevented Tim from hearing How it's easy for us to blame other people for our problems and the importance of ownership Integrating our challenging experiences into ourselves The circumstances that inspired Tim to write his book The value of telling stories to help others Common misconceptions about writing and the writing process Why people should seek a community of writers Resources Mentioned: Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel's Guide to Finding Your Best Life by Shelley Paxton Connect with Tim Snell: Tim Snell Website Tim Snell on LinkedIn Tim Snell on Instagram Tim Snell on Facebook Tim Snell on YouTube Email: tim@timsnell.co Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit our website.

Whenever you hesitate to take a leap of faith into something you dream of, what sort of questions pop into your mind? Are they around the lines of “What if I can't start a business,” “What if I can't write a great book,” or “What if I don't earn enough income?” We tend to go down the rabbit hole of such doubts, preventing us from starting some shifts. But there are better questions that we can ask ourselves. And, like consulting a compass that guides us through life's journey, asking ourselves better questions can shift our mindset and approach towards different actions we want to take. In this episode, I share two better questions you can ask yourself in your shift-starting. I discuss some of my coaching principles and why I do them. I reveal some of the most common questions I hear from people who are about to embark on new journeys, whether it's starting a business, writing a book, or creating a podcast. I also describe what happens when we shift our mindset from “What if I can't?” to “What if I don't?” and explain how we can change the energy of fear by asking powerful questions. “When we ask ourselves ‘What if I can't,' we shut down possibility and creativity. When we ask ‘Can I?' we open up so much more in the world and take risks.” - Erin Baker This week on Shift-Starters: My coaching principles and why I don't give my clients answers The biggest fear clients face when they're starting new projects Better questions to ask yourself before starting some shifts in your life The top regrets of the dying and how we can shift from “What if I can't?” to “What if I don't?” The impact of asking “Can I?” How we can allow ourselves to take risks and try new things Why finding answers aren't everything and the value of curiosity Finding an incredible question to live into Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit my website.

Erin Hatzikostas spent over 20 years in the corporate world, including becoming the CEO of a large healthcare company at age 42, where she oversaw more than 1,000 people, tripled company earnings, and increased employee engagement and company culture scores exponentially. In 2018, she decided to leave. Erin knew she was put into this world for something bigger. Her mission is to rewrite the workplace to make it more authentic. With that epiphany in her heart, Erin founded b Authentic Inc., through which she helps people find and grow the careers (and lives) that they love - without compromise. In this episode, Erin and I define what it takes to truly be authentic. We explain how authenticity is so much more than being unfiltered and describe how you can cultivate it. We discuss what prompted Erin to create b Authentic Inc. and describe her journey writing her new book, You do You(ish). We also underscore the importance of putting on a lab coat and being a scientist of authenticity, experimenting with life, continuously designing our life path as we go, and starting some shifts. “Authenticity is more than just being yourself. It is less about you and more about connecting with others.” - Erin Hatzikostas This week on Shift-Starters: The meaning of authenticity and why it's more nuanced than just being yourself How being authentic can make people listen to you more What authenticity isn't about and the power of (re)designing our lives Why the “find your true self” trope in the personal development space can be problematic The reason Erin created a movement around authenticity The 50% Rule and Erin's writing process for You Do You(ish) Why Erin cut 20,000 words of You Do You(ish)  Life as data points and the value of experimentation Resources Mentioned: Why You Don't Have to Compromise Your Career | Erin Hatzikostas |TEDxFarmingdale Connect with Erin Hatzikostas: b Authentic Inc b Cause Podcast b Authentic Inc on Facebook b Cause Podcast on Twitter Erin Hatzikostas on LinkedIn Erin Hatzikostas on Instagram Erin Hatzikostas on Facebook Erin Hatzikostas on Twitter Book: You Do You(ish): Unleash Your Authentic Superpowers to Get the Career You Deserve by Erin Hatzikostas Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit our website.

Shaped by her early experiences in community activism, Andrea Lee-Zucker is an artist, writer, and impact investor passionate about living her values in every area of her life. She is a transformational and shift coach and the Washington, DC Co-Ambassador of Nexus, a movement striving to unite next-gen philanthropists, impact investors, and social entrepreneurs to create promising global solutions for our generation. Andrea is also the co-founder of Antigravity Ventures, a member of the board for The Conrad Challenge, and serves on the US board of IsraAID. When she's not busy writing, painting, and advocating for change, Andrea can often be found enjoying the company of her husband and three children. Andrea joins me today to discuss why she believes we are the building blocks of peace. She explains what shift coaching is and what inspired her to add shift coaching to her change-making palette. She shares her experience with impostor syndrome and how it guided her to find purpose. We discuss why she initially found meditation difficult to integrate into her daily life and how it has helped her find inner peace and reconnect with her values and true self. We also discuss how finding your inner peace and pushing out of your comfort zone creates a ripple of impact and how your Ripple of Impact and Return on Investment can actually be one. “All of us in the world have someplace in the harmony that we help create.” - Andrea Lee-Zucker This week on Shift-Starters: What “shift coaching” is and how Andrea got started as a shift coach Andrea's experience with impostor syndrome Why meditation was one of the hardest practices for Andrea to integrate into her life How Andrea uses repetitive mantras to maintain inner peace and reconnect with her values and true self How leaning into art and creativity helped Andrea overcome the need for approval and praise from others How finding your inner peace causes a ripple effect for those around you Reconnecting and loving your infant self Creating the physical and emotional environment for things to unfold Why Andrea believes we are the building blocks of peace and the harmony we create in the world Andrea's work as an impact investor How pushing out of your comfort zone creates ROI (Ripple of Impact) How more diversity often creates better outcomes Connect with Andrea Lee-Zucker: Andrea Lee-Zucker's Website Andrea Lee-Zucker on LinkedIn Andrea Lee-Zucker on Instagram Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit our website.

Sophia Wood is passionate about wildlife conservation and harnessing the power of technology to empower communities to conserve and sustainably manage their land. She is the CEO of Friends of Wallacea, a for-profit eco-tourism company that partners with rural and indigenous communities to develop wildlife tourism and incentivize the conservation of global biodiversity hotspots. She is also a member of the Amazon Investor Coalition, a Venture Partner with Magma Partners, and the Ecuador Country Manager of Operation Wallacea where she is responsible for overseeing every aspect of the logistics, operations, and management of the Operation Wallacea Ecuador site. Sophia joins me today to share her passion for conserving the wildlife and Amazon rainforest. We discuss how she launched her tourism business mere weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm and the challenges she faced along the way. She shares how working in the Amazon rainforest has helped her learn to become comfortable with the unknown, what regenerative tourism is, and why the motto: “Leave it better than you came” is the driving force behind Friends of Wallacea. She also explains how she discovered the Amazon Investor Coalition and how they are helping investors, philanthropists, governments, and nonprofits connect and collaborate to ‘ensure the forest is worth more standing than cut down.' “The idea behind ‘regenerative tourism' is that not only is it sustainable, but regenerate is to leave it better than you came.” - Sophia Wood This week on Shift-Starters: Asking for what you want versus asking for what you think you can get How Sophia launched her tourism business shortly before the COVID pandemic struck and the challenges she faced along the way Why Sophia loves working in the Amazon rainforest for 3 months every year, despite the rainy weather, and how it has helped her learn to be comfortable with the unknown What ecotourism is and the mission of Friends of Wallacea How Friends of Wallacea's tourism operations helps indigenous communities while promoting wildlife conservation and regeneration The role Sophia plays in the Amazon Investor Coalition The legacy Sophia hopes to leave behind Connect with Sophia Wood: Friends of Wallacea Amazon Investor Coalition Book: The Woodpecker's Red Head Friends of Wallacea on LinkedIn Friends of Wallacea on Instagram Friends of Wallacea on Facebook Friends of Wallacea on Twitter Sophia Wood on Medium Sophia Wood on LinkedIn Sophia Wood on Twitter Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit our website.

One of my favorite songs is from the second act of Hamilton called “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story?” It just gets me in the gut every time I listen to it. Not just because I'm a fan of musicals: it's also because I resisted telling my story for so many years. Despite having the platform to share my knowledge and wisdom in psychology, leadership, and personal development, I was reluctant to share the experience that made me... me. I didn't believe I was someone who had a story to tell, nor that I was qualified to tell one. Fortunately, life stepped in and taught me the magic of storytelling. In this episode, I share a deeply personal story about my gender identity. I then discuss the power of storytelling and how it impacts both the storyteller and the listener. I explain how we sometimes avoid stepping into our truth just so we can satisfy society's expectations of us. I also describe how you can pick up some wisdom you may have overlooked from your life experience and how you can use it to connect with humanity. “The first person who'll convince you that your story matters is you.” - Erin Baker This week on Shift-Starters: Why I used to hesitate about sharing my story with the world How creating an authentic, inclusive, and equitable world starts with working on our own authenticity A childhood conundrum and how I knew I was different My experience with getting bullied in middle school and high school How we sometimes fear discovering our own truth My college years and stepping out of society's box Discovering and embracing the non-binary identity Claiming my connection to my body and how I decided to get surgery The fear of “what if…” versus the fear of “what if I don't…” and the importance of choosing yourself How getting surgery changed my life What “affective forecasting” means and how being in my truth brought me closer to people How being your most authentic self can be the most powerful thing you can do for your mission Creating a timeline of your life and recollecting the wisdom of your experiences The magic and power of storytelling Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift-Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit our website.

Like many fitness professionals around the world, Holistic Health & Wellness Expert Terri Cramb had it all. She had a beautiful family, a healthy body, and two thriving fitness studios. But underneath all the external things that made her look successful, Terri was terribly exhausted, stressed, and unhappy. She was tired of trying to keep a business afloat and meeting everybody's expectations of what kind of person she should be. Then, she decided to take a shift that forever changed her perception of life, business, health, and wellness. In this episode, Terri and I discuss her philosophy on health and wellness. We explore the experience that led her to close her fitness studios and inspired her holistic view on what “wellness” means. We highlight the challenges of a service-based business and explain why running one should serve its owner first. We also consider the downsides of today's fitness industry and underscore the power of self-awareness in creating health and wellbeing. “There's a way we can feel good about ourselves physically and soulfully; a way that truly ripples out to the rest of our lives.” - Terri Cramb This week on Shift-Starters: Meeting other people's high expectations and living life like a hamster in a wheel Why Terri decided to shut down her fitness studios The challenges Terri faced after she closed her studios and began to shift The feeling of failure and the terrible stories we tell ourselves about ourselves The business of helping other people make shifts Why service-based businesses need to serve their owners first The time Terri avoided introducing herself as the owner of her business Terri's philosophy on health and wellness A holistic view on health and the dangers of cookie-cutter fitness programs The power of self-awareness in health and wellness How Terri developed her wellness program The role of patience, trust, and perseverance in transformation and shifting Connect with Terri Cramb: Terri Cramb Website Terri Cramb on LinkedIn Terri Cramb on Instagram Terri Cramb on Facebook EMAIL: terri@t-fit.ca Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift-Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit our website.

Shifting from a “relationship” to a “partnership” is an encompassing theme in the life and work of mentor and spiritual teacher Ken Bechtel. A couple of months away from getting married, Ken was devastated when his former fiance ended their relationship, expressing that her needs were not being met by the relationship. But like her, Ken recognized in retrospect that he had his own unexpressed needs and quickly realized that communicating needs is necessary for a relationship to evolve into a partnership. Today, this epiphany inspires Ken's mission to elevate the level of love in the world and to help women build an inner foundation of love by partnering people with the best version of themselves. In this episode, Ken and I discuss the difference between a “relationship” and a “partnership,” and what it means for a couple to shift from one to the other. We explore the importance of communicating needs and illustrate how a partnership can give us the freedom to have a life outside of it. We ponder on the story of a long-term couple, why they choose to stay unmarried, and how a partnership is created moment to moment. We also elaborate on how fear hinders us from standing up for our own truths and highlight how we can reconnect to our sincerest needs. “A partnership is where we're committed to being the best version of ourselves. And to be the best version of ourselves, we need to let our partners know what our needs are.” - Ken Bechtel This week on Shift-Starters: The relationship experience that made Ken interested in the idea of partnership The importance of expressing our needs How Ken worked on his healing after his separation from his former fiance How fear prevents us from expressing our needs in a relationship The worst reply to an expression of need The spatial quality of relationships and how it's different from a partnership Why “partnership” means having a life outside of your relationship Trusting the validity of our needs Self-trust, self-love, and the need to have compassion when we make ‘wrong' decisions Connecting and trusting intuition and bodily wisdom What it means to have true confidence The power of the now The story of an unmarried couple and how a partnership is created moment to moment Selfishness and expanding our definition of what it means to do things that are good for us Getting to know and reconnecting with your needs Cultivating safe containers to encourage transformation Connect with Ken Bechtel: Ken Bechtel Website Speaking of Partnership Podcast Speaking of Partnership on Facebook Speaking of Partnership on Twitter Ken Bechtel on LinkedIn Ken Bechtel on Instagram Ken Bechtel on Facebook Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift-Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit our website.

Have you ever felt like the universe was trying to tell you something? Or maybe you've noticed your inner critic rearing its ugly head again, despite all of the hard work you've devoted to personal growth and overcoming mindset blocks. There's an expectation that when we make a change in how we think, feel, and behave that we have moved past it and it never comes back. But that's not the case - at all. The thing about shifting is not to get rid of the things we don't like about ourselves - our inner critic, our dark sides, or our weaknesses. After all - extinguishing those would actually be taking away what makes us human. So how do we shift the way we relate to shifting? Today, I discuss why we need to shift the way we relate to shifting. I explain how many people perceive shifting as a way of eliminating negative thoughts, feelings, or weaknesses. I explain why it's not about becoming more perfect, but about how we relate to our human imperfections. I also explain how you can embrace your flaws, inner critic, and imperfections while continuing to move forward - even when it feels like you've taken a step back. “Shifting is not to become more perfect or less ‘human'. It's about how we relate to all of those parts of us that we don't like.” - Erin Baker This week on Shift-Starters: Common misconceptions and expectations we have about mindset shifts Embracing our flaws and imperfections What ‘shifting' really means and the role of self-compassion Understanding that your thoughts are just thoughts How to embrace your imperfections while continuing to move forward Resources Mentioned: Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel's Guide to Finding Your Best Life by Shelley Paxton Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift-Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit my website.  

Ateeb Khan was born in Karachi, did some undergrad in Montreal, and spent some time in Toronto. He has worked as a CPA for Coca Cola and manages multiple side hustles. Currently, Ateeb is traveling through Canada and developing his own personal brand through TikTok by creating adventure- and personal development-based content.   In today's episode, I talk with Ateeb Khan about how we can shift when we create content for ourselves. Ateeb explains how he is playing the content creation game and why TikTok is such a powerful platform to connect with people. He talks about how he started creating for his "Adventure and Growth" niche without a lot of experience and where that has led him. He also discusses why your values are a great compass to guide you on your mission. “You don't know what you're really good at and what you're passionate about until you actually try these different things.” – Ateeb Khan  This week on Shift-Starters: What spurred Ateeb to travel across Canada during a pandemic The mindset shifts that inspired Ateeb to accomplish his list of dreams How creative journeys can help you learn where you need to go What it means to be committed without being attached Why Ateeb is using TikTok to create content and connect with his audience Ateeb's creation of the “Adventure and Growth” niche What happens when you create content for yourself instead of creating it for others Ateeb's aspirations with using TikTok and developing a personal brand The importance of just taking the first steps and learning along the way The magic of watching your mission unfold in front of you Using your values as a compass to guide you on your mission Ateeb's one mindset shift you need to make Mentioned Resources: Book: The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People, by Stephen Covey Connect with Ateeb Khan: Connect with Ateeb Khan on Instagram Connect with Ateeb Khan on TikTok Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift-Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit my website.  

Shelley Paxton spent 26 years as a highly regarded marketing and advertising executive stewarding some of the world's most iconic brands like Harley-Davidson, Visa, McDonald's, and AOL. In 2016 she walked away from the corporate world to nurture her soul and discover her purpose. She christened herself Chief Soul Officer and called the journey her Soulbbatical. It did more than change her life, it became her calling. She is also the author of the book, “Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel's Guide to Finding Your Best Life” and hosts the weekly Podcast “Rebel Souls.” In this episode, Shelley and I have a conversation about how we can shift to make a larger impact in the world. We discuss how our impact can carry beyond our line of sight and why we should assume we have a positive impact. Shelley opens up about the difficulties and insecurities she deals with in shifting to align more with her life mission. Shelley also explains what it means to "Rebel for" something and how it differs from rebelling against it. “If I'm really serious about my mission and you're really serious about your mission, we've got to keep growing and we are going to be challenged every step of the way.” – Shelly Paxton  This week on Shift-Starters: Celebrating Shelley's Book landing on the Forbes Top 21 Books to Read The process and challenges of writing a book What Shelley's mission in life is and how she measures her success with it Why we need to assume the positive impact we make in the world What it means to “Rebel For” and how it can be empowering The difference between rebelling against and rebelling for The importance of taking time to reflect on what is missing from your life What shifts Shelley has made to be more in align with her mission Why it's important to continue facing fear by just showing up How negative feedback can be a sign of success What Shelley learned from writing a book and how it is helping her shift forward Mentioned Resources: Forbes Top 21 Books to Read in 2021 Book: Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel's Guide to Finding Your Best Life Book: The Surrender Experiment, by Michael Singer Book: Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself, by Michael Singer Podcast: Unlocking Us with Brene Brown Podcast, Brene on FFTs Connect with Shelley Paxton: Shelley's Website Rebel Souls Podcast Connect with Shelley on Instagram Connect with Shelley on Twitter Connect with Shelley on Facebook Connect with Shelley on LinkedIn Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift-Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit my website.  

Chris Colbert built and ran several domestic and international companies focused on innovation and business optimization. After guiding a bold revamp of Scholastic's core publishing business and its return to positive growth, he left in early 2014 to explore the world of higher education and innovations that might help improve its value. He eventually joined the Harvard Innovation Labs, where he ended up as the Managing Director until May 2019. Since then, he focused on speaking, writing, and consulting as a means of helping countries, companies, and individuals respond to the ever-accelerating pace of change by establishing more adaptive and competitive capacities and cultures that are centered on realizing their full human potential. In today's episode, Chris talks with me about what happens when we shift into being more intimate with ourselves. Chris shares some of the "acceptable" rock bottoms he experienced that forced him to realize he needed to change. We discuss how social media has created a validation complex within our society. Chris also talks about how he wants to run for president but is not interested in actually winning. “Knowing who you are allows us to know other people. Loving who you are allows us to love other people. Understanding your dark and light allows us to accept the dark and light of other people.” – Chris Colbert  This week on Shift-Starters: How Chris ended up giving his “Technology is Dead” speech in front of 60,000 people Understanding why humans hate change and how this affects innovation The unintended consequences of innovation like social media Asking yourself to contemplate your behavior when you seek validation Chris's one regret in his life The acceptable rock bottoms Chris experienced to realize he needed to make a shift Our capacity to choose courage over fear How self-love actually helps draw people closer to you What you can do to work on loving yourself more How fear leads us to seek out validation Why Chris wants to run, but not actually be president Mentioned Resources: The 5 Regrets of Dying People Connect with Chris Colbert: Website Technology is Dead Speech Book: This Is It, by Chris Colbert Podcast: Insert:Human Connect with Chris on Instagram Connect with Chris on LinkedIn Connect with Chris on Twitter Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift-Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit my website.  

Quite often, we feel that we need everything figured out before we can even act. If we do act on our goals, we sometimes finish thinking about what went wrong, and why we didn't try something else. People assume that if we keep learning and keep researching, we will feel competent enough to take action. The only problem is that we keep thinking about this backward. In today's episode, I discuss how taking action is the fastest way to grow confidence. I talk about what happens when we focus on learning everything before we act. I share advice that I received about how action helps us find our message. I also talk about how action helps creativity. “Action creates. It's not the other way around. We cannot think our way- we cannot get ready to get ready into our mastery.” – Erin M Baker  This week on Shift-Starters: Recognizing the cycle of getting ready to get ready How we think competence creates action, and why we have it backward Why you won't know your message right away, and how you will find it The importance of creativity in helping generate more ideas What creates action and the commitment you need Having emotional resilience to overcome the fear of just beginning  Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift-Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit my website.  

Wake up, look at the scale, go to work, eat a greasy hamburger at lunch. Even though you know you shouldn't grind out a job that you don't like to go to. Mindlessly, scroll through profiles on dating apps. Go to sleep. Rinse and repeat. This was a regular day in Mahrukh's life until she decided enough was enough. She knew she was wasting her one life and potential and knew there was a more fulfilling way to live waiting to be discovered. So fast forward five years, and Mahrukh plays cricket for the Canadian women's team, and is building a side hustle as a content creator on TikTok. All of this is because of sharing her shifts to help others be the best version of themselves. In this episode, Mahrukh and I have a conversation about the constant challenge of growing in your life. We discuss the importance of serving yourself first and letting go of the things holding us back. We talk about the importance of focusing on experimentation instead of focusing on the outcome when trying new practices. Mahrukh also shares some ways she helps keep track of her goals and making sure that she is still enjoying the work. “I don't have to have my sh*t together. But if I keep taking action, I'm way ahead of where I was five years ago.” – Mahrukh Imtiaz  This week on Shift-Starters: How Mahrukh and Erin met at a conference Accepting the importance of taking action regardless of “having everything together” Recognizing when we get in the way of accomplishing our dreams The power of masterminds and not “going it alone” Why experimentation is important in learning and having fun How Mahrukh was able to focus on the process instead of the outcome Understanding that your business is about you first Giving up on the dumb sh*t in our lives that hold us back How writing down your “why” can help you accomplish your goals What shifts Mahrukh is helping create in the world Why we need mentors and community in our lives Mentioned Resources: Mahrukh Imtiaz on Life in the And Podcast Book: I Will Teach You To Be Rich, by Ramit Sethi Brene Brown Podcasts Matthew Hussey Connect with Mahrukh Imtiaz: Website The Spicy Chai Podcast Mahrukh on Instagram Mahrukh on TikTok Mahrukh on Facebook Mahrukh on LinkedIn Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift-Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit my website.  

What does it mean to be committed and unattached to achieving our goals? Is it even possible, or is it an unattainable oxymoron? I believe that being committed towards goals AND being unattached to if, when, and how they get achieved is where the most exciting things happen. But most of us are committed and ATTACHED. And that creates tunnel vision at best, stress and misery at worst. In today's episode, I talk about shifting our big audacious goals from being something we must achieve into something that inspires creativity in us. I explain what it means to be committed and unattached to your goals and how unattached does not mean detached. I discuss why we shouldn't attach ourselves to results and when failure can be exciting. I also share a framework for assessing your level of commitment and attachment to your goals, and several questions you can ask yourself to lower your attachment. “The most boring thing we can do is set out for a goal and get there. And yet so many of us get really attached to that being the outcome.” – Erin M Baker  This week on Shift-Starters: The power of my favorite word, “and” What it means to be committed and unattached The exciting parts of failure and what meanings we make of it Moonshot goals and what we expect from achieving those goals How attaching yourself to achieving goals can prevent you from pursuing other things Learning to enjoy the process instead of getting the results The difference between being “unattached” and “detached” How you can assess your level of commitment and attachment to your goals The questions you can ask yourself to help you become more unattached to your goals   Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit my website.

Mark generated over $90,000,000 in sales for the fast-growing tech startups he worked for by bringing together teams of executives and technical leaders to close complex multimillion-dollar sales. He's experienced, firsthand, the pressure of the “hustle and grind” culture along with the unique challenges of the “C-Suite.” This experience, together with his years of training as a coach and facilitator, helps his clients create sustainable and lasting success in all areas of their lives. He is the author of Only 10s 2.0: Confront Your To-Do List and Transform Your Life and hosts the “Mastering Midlife Podcast.” In this episode, Mark joins me to share his story on how he shifted into his coaching profession. Mark shares how he was able to overcome hardship in his life and learn to accept himself. He talks about times when he got in the way of his own energy and how it affected him. He also explains the importance of spirituality in his life and how this has helped him better understand how he can help his clients. “I want to teach people to figure out their own treasure map and what it is, so they can go where they need to go.” – Mark Silverman  This week on Shift-Starters: How Mark shifted his life into coaching The importance of contemplation and listening to your inner voice How Mark was able to build himself up and learn to love himself The importance of having more fun in your life How our energy can have a huge impact on others What happens when we get in the way of our own energy and flow Using self-inquiry to help figure out what is important in your own life Why Mark is planning to incorporate more spiritual elements into his coaching Mentioned Resources: Website Marks' Recent Book: Only 10s 2.0: Confront Your To-Do List and Transform Your Life Podcast: Mastering Midlife Books by Alan Cohen Brian Johnson's Philosopher's Notes Book: Spiritual Enlightenment, The Damndest Thing, by Jed Mcenna Book: Awareness: the Perils and Opportunities of Reality, by Anthony De Mello Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift-Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit my website.

So many people want to leave their corporate jobs and do something completely new. Unfortunately, they are often so scared of failing that they never make the necessary shift. We always want to be a master without putting in the time and effort. However, being a beginner gives us more opportunities to learn and explore in ways that a master is afraid to try.  It's time to ignore the fear of making mistakes and shift into being a beginner again. In this episode, I talk about the perks of being a beginner. I talk about why we dislike being a beginner at something, and why being a master can be more limiting to your growth. I explain some of the positive effects learning a new skill has on your health. I also provide practices that you can use to figure out how to bring a beginner mindset to your life.  “I think we also avoid being a beginner because we see so often that starting something new is equivalent to starting over. We forget that everywhere we go we bring the accumulation of all of our life experiences.” – Erin M Baker This week on Shift-Starters: How our inner critic conditions us to hate learning new things Why we are never absolute beginners because of our past experiences The dark side of mastery and the inability to forgive ourselves The potential to be more innovative as a beginner than a master My experience taking risks as a coach at the start of my journey How learning new things helps promote better brain health Creating a list of what would be fun to be “bad” at Where you can bring in a beginner mindset with your work Mentioned Resources: Book: Rookie Smarts, by Liz Wiseman Podcast: Unlocking Us with Brene Brown and David Eagleman Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit my website.  

Are you thinking about your long game? It's easy to get stuck thinking that the problem directly in front of you is all you need to focus on. Instead of worrying about the immediate wins and losses, shift your focus on collecting wins over time. Playing the long-term game can help you feel liberated without the pressure to succeed and make you more comfortable with taking risks. In this episode, I explain the concept of long-term and infinite games. I provide examples of different kinds of long-term games from my mentors, friends, and my own life. I talk about how infinite games can help take off the pressure of starting a business and trying to grow. I also ask you some questions to help figure out what infinite games you need to work on.  “My compass is my long game. My map is right now, what I'm doing right now for this one set of destinations.” – Erin M Baker  This week on Shift-Starters: Celebrating the monumental shift that is happened on Inauguration Day in the US Explaining the concept of infinite and finite games Examples of people playing longer-term games to accomplish their goals Breaking down your career path into 5-year sections How my business is a part of my long-term game to make a more equitable world Why long game planning is vital for starting a business How the long game helps us accomplish bigger goals Mentioned Resources: Heather Cox Richardson Book: Finite and Infinite Games, by James Carse Book: The Infinite Game, by Simon Sinek Rich Litvin 4PC Coaching Vicki Shillington Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift-Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit our website.  

At the start of a new journey, it's important to make sure people know what they're getting into. Some people already know me from my previous work or other podcasts. However, for those of you listening to me for the first time, I'm Erin Baker. I work with shift starters who are on a mission or have a message about making the world a better place through their talents. I'm so excited to start this new podcast journey together. In today's episode, I take this opportunity to set some foundation and explain what this show is about, and who I am. I share some of my background and what has led me to develop this podcast. I open up about some insecurities I've experienced in the face of work and starting a business. I also talk about my mission for the podcast and how I want to help you, the listener. “I don't believe you can ever be completely fearless. I don't believe you should get rid of imposter syndrome.” – Erin M Baker This week on Shift Starters: Celebrating the start of this podcast journey What Shift Starters is about Discussing what people may already know about Erin Baker Sharing what people don't know about Erin Baker What shifts I have done to be more aligned with my identity What to expect from future episodes Let's Start Some Shift! Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Shift-Starters with Erin Baker. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more Shift-Starters, like you. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content, information, and to request your FREE 7 Questions for Tackling Fear workbook, visit my website.  

Shift. It means a small change in direction, position, tendency, or emphasis. We as humans often want immediate and sweeping change. But the truth is the tiny shifts, often over time that create the most lasting impact. Shift Starters is a show about those shifts and the people who are creating them in themselves, in other people, communities, cultures, and the world. I'm your host, Dr. Erin Baker. I'm a transformational coach, social psychologist, and lifelong shift starter. Over the last 15 years, I've come to believe one simple truth. Whether you want to make a difference in the life of one person or 1 billion, the shifts have to begin from within, and how you think and feel, and who you be as a leader and as a change-maker, and what actions you take along the way. It's not about becoming a different person. It's about becoming more of who you are and expanding what you're capable of as you serve others. Listen, in, as I bring on shift starting guests. They're transformational leaders, heart-lead entrepreneurs, authors, culture creators, and activists. They'll share not just what they're up to in the world, but how they are making those shifts from the inside out. And join me as I unpack and explore some of the most meaningful shifts I've made as I've grown myself and my business and move forward with my mission of a more, just and equitable world. I'm so glad you're here. And I can't wait for you to follow along with me and my guests as we start some shift.