Podcasts about workwhy

Is your metabolism functioning at its optimum potential? Amy Hudson opens this episode with that question, then introduces the Metabolic Comeback as a two-part approach built around whole-effort exercise and whole-food nutrition.Dr. James Fisher explains why the exercise component should not be reduced to calories burned during a workout. The goal is to create a broader metabolic stimulus through high-effort strength training, muscle-fiber recruitment, real-time performance data, and coach-led progression. The approach is deliberately efficient: rather than spending hours in the gym, the episode makes the case for a demanding, evidence-based 20-minute strength session that can be sustained over time.The second half turns to nutrition. Amy describes a 30-day whole-food challenge built around a clear playbook, community support, and habits that can continue after the challenge ends. The episode closes with a client testimonial that brings the two pieces together: after combining the workouts with the nutrition plan, the client reports visible body-composition changes, better sleep, easier everyday movement, and a stronger sense of well-being.Positive versus negative metabolic trajectory—and the idea of personal optimumWhy whole-effort strength training is the exercise half of the Metabolic ComebackMuscle-fiber recruitment, eccentric loading, and total-body strength workWhy metabolic impact should not be reduced to calories burned during exerciseBody composition, glucose regulation, and insulin sensitivity in the episode's exercise frameworkUsing Xbotics data and real-time biofeedback to track progressWhy a 20-minute workout can be effective when effort and programming are highThe role of coach-led supervision, progression, technique, and accountabilityThe Exercise Coach Nutrition Playbook and whole-food nutritionUsing a focused 30-day challenge to build habits and momentumWhy sustainable nutrition is not about deprivation or extreme short-term dietingA client testimonial about sleep, mobility, body composition, and feeling better day to day00:00 — Opening: The Metabolic Comeback One-Two Punch00:41 — Is Your Metabolism at Its Optimum Potential?01:23 — What the Metabolic Comeback Is03:02 — Whole-Effort Exercise05:24 — Why Metabolism Is More Than Calories Burned06:31 — Data-Driven, 20-Minute Strength Training09:11 — Why Coach-Led Supervision Matters11:28 — Whole-Food Nutrition12:28 — The 30-Day Metabolic Comeback Challenge13:24 — Sustainable Eating, Not Extremes15:25 — Client Story: “Abs Are Made in the Kitchen”16:22 — What Changed After 30 Days17:04 — Results Beyond the DataIf you are an Exercise Coach client, ask your studio about the next 30-Day Metabolic Comeback Challenge. Use the month as a learning period: train consistently, follow the whole-food playbook as closely as is practical for you, and pay attention to changes in strength, energy, sleep, mobility, and how sustainable the routine feels.

Getting a dog to take a pill can turn into a ridiculous battle of wills, especially when they somehow eat everything except the medication.In this episode, Amy shares 10 tricks she's learned from years of owning, fostering, rescuing, and medicating dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages. The key isn't finding one magical food that works for every dog. It's figuring out how your dog approaches food and choosing a strategy that fits.You'll learn why a tiny, soft pill package may work better than a big chunk of something delicious, how to use decoy treats and momentum, why your dog may be reacting to your medication-prep routine before the pill even appears, and what to do when a trick that worked for months suddenly stops working.Amy also covers when it may be time to stop hiding the pill altogether and ask your veterinarian about a "pill popper", liquid or compounded medication, or another appropriate way to give it.And cat people, you're not forgotten. Some of these tricks translate, but cats can present a whole different pill-giving challenge, so Amy also talks about when liquid, compounded, transdermal, or direct-pilling options may be worth discussing with your veterinarian.In this episode you'll learn:How your dog's eating style affects which pill tricks may workWhy small, soft, easy-to-swallow bites can beat bigger treatsThe decoy-treat trick for slipping medication into the sequenceHow dogs learn our medication routinesUsing timing, momentum, and safe competition in multi-dog homesWhat to do when your dog figures out your favorite trickPill poppers and other direct-pilling optionsWhen to ask your vet about another medication formulationWhy pilling cats sometimes requires a completely different approachImportant: Always follow your veterinarian's instructions for your pet's specific medication. Don't crush, split, open, dissolve, or otherwise alter medication unless your veterinarian has confirmed that it's safe to do so.Got a pill trick that works on your dog or cat? Amy wants to hear it. Share your weirdest, sneakiest, or most successful strategy, and you might see it featured in a future Pet Parent Hotline episode or post.Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don't miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.Listen & Follow:

Could churches and other faith communities become one of your private practice's strongest referral sources?For many therapists, networking with churches can feel intimidating—or even a little unclear. Who do you contact? What do you say? Should you offer free workshops? And how do you build these relationships without feeling like you're simply asking for referrals?In this episode of Selling the Couch, Mel sits down with licensed therapist and group practice owner Whitney Owens to talk about a more relational approach to connecting with churches and faith communities.Whitney shares what she's learned from growing her own practice, being married to a pastor, and helping other faith-based practice owners build sustainable businesses.In this conversation:Why churches can be valuable referral partners for therapistsWhether this strategy works if you don't have a faith-based practiceWho to contact within a church (and why it may not be the lead pastor)Why warm relationships work better than simply dropping off marketing materialsHow to approach pastors by asking how you can support themWays to find churches and faith communities to connect with locallyEthical considerations when clients attend your own churchHow Whitney navigated dual relationships and boundariesHow church benevolence funds may help congregants access therapyWhitney's experience creating "mini EAP" relationships with churchesWhether free or low-cost workshops are worth offeringHow to think about fees, sliding scales, and discounted services without undervaluing your workWhy following up every few months is essential for building long-term referral relationshipsStart With Relationships, Not ReferralsOne of the biggest themes in this conversation is simple:People are more likely to refer to therapists they know, like, and trust.Instead of approaching a church with, "Here's my practice—send me clients," Whitney recommends starting with curiosity.What challenges is this church facing?What are pastors hearing from their congregants?Where are they feeling overwhelmed?How could your expertise make their work a little easier?From there, a relationship can grow into referrals, workshops, trainings, counseling partnerships, or other opportunities to serve the community.Think Depth, Not VolumeYou don't necessarily need relationships with 50 churches.A handful of strong, trusted relationships—nurtured consistently over time—may be far more valuable than trying to market your practice everywhere at once.And if you're part of another faith tradition, many of these same principles can be adapted to building relationships with the religious organizations and communities relevant to you.About Whitney OwensWhitney Owens is a licensed therapist, group practice owner, and founder of Wise Practice Consulting, where she helps faith-based practice owners integrate their values into the way they build and lead their businesses.Learn more:https://wisepracticeconsulting.comIf you're a therapist looking for thoughtful, relationship-based ways to grow your referral network, this conversation is full of practical ideas you can begin using in your own community.--RESOURCES Join our FREE WORKSHOP: Your LinkedIn Profile is Either Working For You Right Now — or It Isn'tJoin Mel on September 18th for a free 60-minute live workshop designed to help therapists turn LinkedIn into a 24/7 silent referral partner—without becoming a content machine. You'll learn how to optimize the five parts of your profile that matter most, make your expertise easier to discover by both humans and AI search engines, and build a quiet online presence that can lead to referrals, speaking opportunities, podcasts, and more.Save your spot at: https://melvinvarghese.kartra.com/page/linkedin

Today's episode is a little different because I'm actually stealing an episode from my friend and podcast producer  Marie's podcast, Your Girl, where we sat down with Andrea to talk through our biggest business lessons from July.And honestly? There are A LOT.We're talking about delayed gratification, client rejection, self-trust, networking, burnout, CEO time, making more money by doing less, and why sometimes the best thing you can do for your business is… go outside.In this episode, we're talking about:Why the clients you sign today might have been watching you for monthsThe reminder that business is basically one giant lesson in delayed gratificationWhy you should never celebrate until the money is in the bankHow to stop taking client rejection personallyThe difference between someone rejecting your offer and rejecting youWhy people can say yes on a sales call and change their mind afterwardHow setting boundaries can completely change the way you show up in businessWhy your network is probably much closer than you thinkHow “one degree away” relationships can lead to clients, referrals, friendships, and opportunitiesWhy you should stop forcing yourself into a productivity schedule that doesn't actually work for youThe weird realization that sometimes the less I work, the more money I makeWhy successful business owners can become addicted to being busyThe importance of creating actual CEO hours instead of spending every second doing client workWhy you need to work on your business, not just in itGiving yourself permission to have hobbies, travel, go to the beach, and have a personality outside of your businessWhat it looks like to let your business grow up a little so it doesn't need you 24/7Why self-trust becomes absolutely essential when you're making big life and business movesWant to check out more from Marie?

#363: In two years, Marina Middleton went from a first-time Create & Cultivate attendee to co-owner and CEO of the company. Now, three years into running it, she's sharing the honest truth about what it looks like to be on the other side of a major quantum leap.Marina joins me to talk about the moment she realized she'd lost her spark, and what she did to get it back. If you've ever felt like you have to choose between the career you're building and building a family, or you struggle with tying your work to your worth, this one is for you.This episode is an honest conversation about reclaiming your ambition without sacrificing the people you love, or running yourself into the ground.We talk about:The DM that turned Marina into co-owner and CEO of Create & CultivateHow to separate your worth from your workWhy ambition isn't something to be ashamed of, and how to reclaim itHow to get your spark back after a period of burnoutCutting out frenemies and building real boundaries (plus her checklist that went viral)Episode Links:Related Episode: How to Start Angel Investing with Jaclyn Johnson https://open.spotify.com/episode/664zbiSkUF9AGIyigNt6Yg?si=iUN_FVZFQ8uNplFY58MD6QFollow Marina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinaamiddleton/Follow Create & Cultivate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createcultivate/Check out the Create & Cultivate Festival in LA on September 19 and 20: https://www.createcultivate.com/festivalSponsors:Cotton: Cotton is The Fabric of Our Lives. Learn more at https://www.thefabricofourlives.comIM8: Get a free welcome kit, five free travel packs and 10% off your order at https://www.IM8health.com/lucky code LUCKYRula: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/lucky #rulapodLadder: Remove the guesswork with Ladder and get a real coach telling you exactly what to do for every workout. If you have an iPhone, head to https://www.ladder.fit/lucky to take a quick quiz and find your perfect ladder plan. Use my link and get a free 7-day trial and $10 off your first month if you join.OSEA: Go to https://www.oseamalibu.com and get 10% off your first order with code LUCKY.Dae: Just for She's So Lucky listeners, visit https://www.daehair.com and use code LUCKY at checkout for 20% off your first purchase.Connect with Les:Ready to apply what you hear? Subscribe to the She's So Lucky Newsletter to get weekly episode guides and journal prompts: https://shessolucky.kit.com/newsletterSubscribe to The Lucky Playbook on Substack: https://lesalfred.substack.com/Follow Les on IG @lesalfredFollow She's So Lucky on IG @shessoluckypodFollow Les on TikTok @theluckylesFollow She's So Lucky on TikTokVisit our website at shessoluckypodcast.comThis episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your story can inspire people. Your purpose can change lives. But neither automatically creates prosperity. If you leave your story as nothing more than memories, journal entries, or private healing, you may be leaving its greatest potential untouched.In this episode, Kellan Fluckiger challenges the idea that purpose is something you simply “find” and then everything falls into place. He reveals how your skills, gifts, and life experience can be woven together into a purpose—and how that purpose can become an actual asset that creates measurable value, serves other people, and generates income.Your story isn't something to process forever.It is something to build with.Key Takeaways:Why your ultimate life is available to you “right here, right now”The three traps of learned helplessness, addiction to mediocrity, and victim mindsetWhy the idea that life is a zero-sum game can keep you stuckThe Triple Helix of purpose: skills, gifts, and life experienceWhy your purpose isn't something you simply find—it is something you choose and buildHow difficult life experiences can refine rather than define youWhy your story and your purpose can become one and the sameThe difference between private healing and public serviceWhy your story isn't something to process—it is something to build withHow a personal transformation can become a repeatable lesson and promise for othersHow stories can become books, courses, coaching programs, workshops, keynotes, masterminds, licensing, and movementsWhy a book can serve as the “source document” for an entire body of workWhy inspiration alone often fails to create lasting transformationWhy structured help can create greater value than momentary inspirationWhy charging for structured help is not exploitation but stewardshipHow refusing to monetize your purpose can actually limit your reachWhy people buy outcomes, not simply inspirationHow asset thinking shifts your identity from being seen to being usefulWhy your integrated story can become a foundation for impact, income, and service

Send us Fan MailPaul LeBlanc is the former president of Southern New Hampshire University, the largest non-profit provider of online higher education in the country. His new book, Reclaiming Purpose: The University in an AI World, examines how higher education can respond proactively to leverage the rise of artificial intelligence and reconnect to its essential task of helping students discover lives of purpose. Hosted by Matthew RascoffThis episode is part of the Edtech Insiders HigherEd Podcast Series, featuring conversations with leaders shaping the future of higher education.

Today's conversation is with Joe Gibson, founder of the Athletic Aesthetic.Joe is an online fitness coach who helps professional men build what he calls the Athletic Aesthetic - a body that looks muscular and lean but can also perform.Joe has personally run a sub-3-hour marathon while maintaining significantly more muscle than your typical endurance athlete, and is now pushing towards a sub-2:45 marathon.In this episode, we break down exactly how to combine strength training, running, nutrition and recovery without allowing fitness to take over your life.We build out a hybrid training programme for the busy professional, explore how lean you can realistically stay year-round, and discuss why high performers who are incredibly disciplined in business can still struggle to apply the same standards to their health.Expect to learn:What the Athletic Aesthetic is and why more men are moving towards hybrid trainingWhether you can genuinely be muscular, strong and endurance fit at the same timeHow to structure lifting and running across a weekHow much Zone 2 and interval training you actually needHow to use protein and carbohydrates when combining lifting with endurance trainingThe biggest fitness mistakes Joe sees ambitious professionals makingWhat your minimum effective training should look like during a brutal week at workWhy sacrificing sleep to train isn't necessarily disciplineWhat successful people unnecessarily overcomplicate about fitnessWhat Joe needs to change to go from a sub-3 to a sub-2:45 marathonWe bring everything together into The Busy Man's Blueprint - stripping fitness back to the actions that matter most and creating an approach you can sustain alongside a demanding career, business and social life.The goal isn't to make fitness your life. It's to build a body that looks good, performs well and supports everything else you want to do.VitaMonthhttps://vitamonth.uk/FREE 4-Minute Sales Audithttps://colinsales-vygp2xak.manus.space Peak Performance Blueprinthttps://colcambro.kit.com/products/peak-performance-blueprint LinkedIn Personal Brand for Sellinghttps://colcambro.kit.com/products/linked-in-personal-brand-for-selling Connect with JoeWebsite: https://www.jgfitnesshealth.com/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/joe_is_fitt/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joe_is_fittConnect with ColInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/col.cambro/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colcampbell1/Email List: https://colcambro.kit.com/30bde23b0c

ETP226 comes from a DM question posed to Bryan wondering whether we have taken the "abs are made in the kitchen" idea too far. That question opened up into a bigger one, and it is the question this whole episode chases: for muscle groups like abs and arms, how much does training them directly actually change your physique relative to the extra time it costs you?We work through it from a few angles. Whether a base of prior ab development carries over through years of compound lifting, how core stability from free weights compares to braced machine work, and where the honest line sits between a six-pack and true influencer-level abs. From there it moves to the more interesting half of the conversation, the arms. The thought experiment at the center of it is a natural lifter who has gotten genuinely strong, think a 200 press, 300 bench, 400 squat, 500 deadlift plus weighted pull-ups and dips, and whether that person ends up with basically the same arms as someone who added years of dedicated direct arm work on top.That leads into some of our favorite tangents: why body fat distribution is largely hormonal and splits so differently between men and women, whether the size you get from direct arm work is real myofibrillar growth or mostly transient sarcoplasmic pump, whether muscle and fat compete for the same space, and Bryan's one arm experiment as evidence. It all ties back to the one question worth actually sitting with, how much optimization is worth pursuing for you, which comes down to what you care about and what your time is better spent on.Covered in this episodeThe DM that started it: have we taken "abs are made in the kitchen" too far?Why nutrition, not ab training, is what stands between most people and visible absWhether prior ab development is maintained through years of compound liftingCore stability from free weights versus bracing on machinesThe ex-powerlifter example: big lifts leave developed midsections behindDefining the goal: a six-pack versus influencer or Ryan Terry level absThe arms thought experiment: the genuinely strong natural lifterThe strength benchmarks that mean you have put in the workWhy weighted pull-ups and dips matter for elbow flexion and extensionHow execution differences change how much arm you get from rows and pullsBody fat distribution as a largely hormonal, sex-linked patternWhether long term TRT slowly shifts where you store fatSarcoplasmic versus myofibrillar hypertrophy from direct arm workWhy the pure compound-only lifter is a bit of a hypothetical purgatoryThe one arm experiment and what it suggests about transient arm sizeWhether muscle and fat compete for the same spaceWhy more developed abs can actually look worse if you are not leanHow much optimization is worth pursuing, and how that answer is personalThe earlier lifter: get strong on compounds before chasing direct arm workTimestamps:00:00:00 - Episode Intro00:02:00 - Have we taken abs are made in the kitchen too far00:05:00 - Core stability from free weights versus braced machines00:07:00 - The ex-powerlifter example: big lifts leave a developed midsection00:10:30 - Defining ab development: a six-pack versus influencer abs00:12:30 - The arms thought experiment: the strong enough natural lifter00:15:30 - How execution changes the arm you get from rows and pulls00:18:30 - Body fat distribution, hormones, and male versus female patterns00:22:30 - Whether long term TRT shifts where you store fat00:24:30 - Sarcoplasmic versus myofibrillar hypertrophy from direct arm work00:27:30 - The one arm experiment and what it suggests about transient size00:29:30 - Can muscle and fat compete for the same space00:34:30 - Why developed abs can look worse if you are not lean00:38:30 - How much optimization is actually worth pursuing00:40:30 - The earlier lifter: get strong on compounds first Training hard, but don't look like it? Aaron closes that gap ⬇️https://coach.strakernutritionco.com/bioParagon Training Methods Programming ⬇️https://paragontrainingmethods.comFollow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️https://evolvedtrainingsystems.comFind Us on Social Media  ⬇️IG | @Eat.Train.ProsperIG | @bryanboorsteinIG | @aaron_strakerYT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

What if the breakthrough you've been chasing isn't actually moving you forward?A powerful experience can feel like progress. A retreat, a book, a conference, a revelation, a coaching session—something suddenly shifts, and you feel transformed. But what happens when the feeling fades and your business, message, body of work, and results are still exactly where they were?Kellan challenges the addiction to breakthroughs and argues for something far more demanding: building authority. Your experiences only become truly valuable when you integrate them, articulate them, structure them, demonstrate them, and use them to create results for other people.The goal isn't to keep getting cracked open.The goal is to build something from what you've learned.Key TakeawaysWhy people become addicted to chasing breakthroughsHow “bright shiny object” syndrome shows up in personal development and businessWhy breakthroughs can feel like progress without requiring constructionThe difference between having an experience and building authorityWhy authority requires integration, articulation, consistency, and evidenceCreating a clear message and a defined audienceWhy trying to help everybody can mean helping nobodyThe importance of building a body of workWhy a repeatable framework mattersHow books and programs can become components of authorityWhy having a strong point of view mattersWhy rejection and haters can be evidence that you've actually stood for somethingTurning your journey into a messageTurning your message into a bookTurning authority into offers and incomeTurning income into impactWhy the marketplace isn't the enemyThe connection between authority, purpose, prosperity, and joyWhy today's tools create fewer excuses for creating books, courses, apps, and other productsThe difference between inspiration and marketplace responsibilityWhy your lived experience can become valuable when it becomes useful to others

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. What happens when the thing you started doing for yourself quietly becomes the thing you want to build your life around?In this episode of Designing Success, I'm joined by fibre artist Kasia for a conversation about creativity, business, motherhood, visibility and what it actually takes to stop treating your creative work like a little hobby and start backing it properly.Kasia's work began during motherhood as a way to slow down, process emotions and have something that belonged to her. There was no grand business plan. There was rope from the local hardware store, a dismantled broomstick, some YouTube tutorials and one extremely ambitious two-metre-wide wonky first attempt.Which, frankly, is how some of the best businesses begin.Fast-forward and her work has developed into a recognisable fibre art practice, with large-scale sculptural pieces, interior designer commissions, exhibitions, art prizes and collaborations — including work that has appeared on The Block.But what I really wanted to talk about was everything that happened in between.Because whether you're an artist, interior designer or running any other creative business, there comes a point where being good at the creative bit isn't enough.You have to decide to be seen.We talk about finding your own creative voice in an incredibly trend-driven world and why Kasia deliberately moved away from traditional macramé aesthetics to develop work that now feels unmistakably hers.We get into the slightly murky business of pricing handmade creative work when calculating “materials + hours” doesn't remotely capture the value of a one-of-a-kind piece — and how reputation, exhibitions, awards, experience and collectability begin to influence pricing as an art practice grows.We also talk about collaborating with interior designers, creating bespoke pieces for difficult or oversized spaces, working with colour and scale, and why the best creative collaborations require the client or designer to give the artist enough trust and freedom to actually do their job.And then we get into something I think almost every creative business owner needs to hear:Nobody is coming to discover you.At some point, you have to send the email.Submit the application.Enter the award.Pitch the collaboration.Post the Reel even though hearing your own voice makes you want to crawl directly into a cupboard.Kasia openly talks about feeling awkward on camera, worrying about her accent and questioning whether she should be putting herself forward at all. But over the past year, she's stopped allowing those things to be reasons to hide.And unsurprisingly, opportunities have started appearing.Not because she sat beautifully in her studio waiting for the art world to stumble across her.Because she started knocking on doors.We also talk about why the messy middle is often the most interesting part of your marketing. Your audience doesn't only want the polished reveal. They want the experimentation, the change of mind, the process, the problem solving and the story behind what you create.Connection is marketing.And sometimes the most powerful business strategy really is just being a human being brave enough to say:Hi. This is what I do. I think we could make something interesting together.In this episode, we talk about:Turning a creative hobby into a serious art practiceFinding your own visual language instead of chasing trendsPricing bespoke and one-of-a-kind creative workWhy reputation and recognition influence the value of artWorking with interior designers on commissioned piecesScale, colour, tactility and using fibre art in residential and commercial interiorsWhy trust creates better creative collaborationsShowing the process rather than only the finished resultGetting comfortable being visible when you'd really rather notPitching yourself for collaborations, exhibitions, awards and opportunitiesBuilding the courage to hear “no”Why waiting to be discovered is not a marketing strategyAnd the strange moment a creative business starts feeling suspiciously like another child you're responsible for raisingKasia also shares some of the exhibitions and group shows she has coming up, including West End Art Space in Melbourne, Forty Five Downstairs' Primal Instincts group show, and Woollahra Gallery in Sydney, where she has been selected as a finalist.This is such a good listen for anyone who knows they're capable of more but is still waiting for some imaginary permission slip before they properly put themselves out there.There isn't one.Send the email.Apply for the thing.Show people what you do.And please stop assuming the impressive person on the other side of the DM is some terrifying untouchable industry overlord.They're probably just a person having a coffee.Listen now to Designing Success.You can find Kasia and visit her upcoming exhibitions below Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize - https://www.woollahragallery.com.au/Artists/Woollahra-Small-Sculpture-PrizePrimary Instincts - https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/event/primary-instincts/Biennale at West End Art Space - https://westendartspace.com.au/exhibitions_details/biennale-of-colour-and-light-2026/Kasia on Insta - HERE Visit her website HEREThanks for listening to this episode of "Designing Success: From Study to Studio"! Connect with me on social media for more business tips, and a real look behind the scenes of my own practicing design business. Grab  more insights and updates:Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_rhiannonleeFor more FREE resources, templates, guides and information, visit the Designer Resource Hub  on my website ; https://www.rhiannon-lee.com/Get your interior design studio running on AI in 6 weeks.admin, client follow-ups, content, and operations handled.Six live build sessions.You leave with a working system, not more mess.Studio BUILD  ( now open) Remember to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps me continue providing valuable content to aspiring interior designers. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and inspiring conversations. Thank you for your support!

How much of your life is disappearing into a screen?In this episode of Mirror Talk: Soulful Conversations, Tobi sits down with Mary Catherine Liscinski, Licensed Professional Counsellor, Certified Life Coach, and a specialist certified to treat Digital Addiction involving smartphones, social media, and video games.With more than 13 years of counselling experience, Mary works with teenagers, adults, and families to help them develop healthier relationships with technology and with one another.Together, we explore why screens can be so difficult to put down, how excessive screen time can affect our mental health, communication, relationships, and everyday presence, and what we can actually do to regain control.Mary shares practical ways to create healthier digital boundaries, including spending more time in nature, prioritising face-to-face connection, practising mindfulness, using timers, and becoming more intentional about when and why we reach for our devices.We also discuss parenting in the digital age, her grandmother's wisdom about slowing down and making life about people rather than things, and how Mary's Christian faith influences her approach to healing, connection, and intentional living.This is not a conversation about rejecting technology.It is an invitation to ask whether technology is serving the life you want to live.In This Episode, We Explore:Mary's journey into counselling and life coachingWhat led her to specialise in Digital AddictionWhy smartphones, social media, and video games can be so difficult to disengage fromWarning signs that screen use may be becoming unhealthyHow excessive screen time can affect mental health and relationshipsThe impact of technology on teenagers and familiesRebuilding face-to-face communicationPractical ways to reduce screen timeCreating healthier technology boundaries at homeWhy nature and mindfulness can help us reconnect with ourselvesLiving intentionally in an increasingly digital worldThe role of Christian faith in Mary's workWhy recovery from unhealthy digital habits is possibleChapters00:00 Introduction to Digital Addiction and Counselling05:26 Mary's Journey into Counselling and Coaching08:55 Understanding Digital Addiction11:16 The Addictive Nature of Screens15:27 Reversing the Damage of Digital Addiction21:09 The Role of a Coach in Reducing Screen Time26:17 Finding Balance in a Screen-Dominated World29:03 Living Intentionally in a Digital Age34:21 Integrating Faith into Digital Wellness39:21 Hope and Encouragement for FamiliesWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IPz5gpQTsdk Connect with Mary Catherine LiscinskiLearn more about Mary's work and her upcoming book on Digital Addiction: https://lifewalkcoaching.com/screen-addiction-book/ If this conversation speaks to you, share it with someone who may need it.Subscribe to Mirror Talk: Soulful Conversations for more honest conversations about personal growth, purpose, relationships, healing, spirituality, and becoming more fully who we are meant to be.Continue Your JourneyRead CONFESSIONS: A personal invitation to reflection, healing and honest self-discovery: https://mirrortalkpodcast.com/confessions-book/Try Aletheia: Receive calm, personalised biblical wisdom for the questions and decisions shaping your life: https://aletheia.mirrortalkpodcast.comAsk Mirror Talk: Share what is on your heart and receive a thoughtful reflection that may help you see your situation more clearly: https://mirrortalkpodcast.com/ask-mirror-talk/Support Mirror TalkThank you for being part of the Mirror Talk: Soulful Conversations community.Your rating, review and shared recommendation help more people discover the podcast.You can also support our work and outreach by becoming a Mirror Talk Patreon member: http://patreon.com/MirrorTalk

I didn't know what I was gonna say when I hit record, truthfully… I'm in a funky season. I'm newly 39, && I'm noticing something I didn't expect: the more I know, the less certain I become. This episode is me processing that out loud.We're talking about the certainty epidemic, why we buy it, what it's costing us, && what I actually think it means to be a 39-year-old woman who is ambitious as hell && has absolutely no idea what comes next. This one is unpolished, unscripted && exactly what it needs to be.TOPICS WE EXPLOREWhat the data actually says about stress at 39 && why it felt like a permission slipThe hidden load epidemic && why millennial women are the most burned out demographicAdmitting out loud that I sometimes want a life where I don't have to workWhy certainty is profitable && what that means for who you're buying fromHomeschooling, travel, business models && the things I've changed my mind onAll in or all out: my unpopular belief about half-measures in businessWhat I actually want back: unbearable belief that success is inevitableTHE POINTMaybe the wisdom isn't in finally having all the answers. Maybe it's becoming a hell of a lot less threatened by the fact that you don't. && maybe the unbearable belief that success is inevitable is the only thing that ever actually mattered.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEWealth Walks (WLTH Walks, Denver)MIXTAPE waitlistWork with AshAre you loving it? Send Ash a text! MORE ABOUT ASHI'm Ash McDonald — the Entrepreneur's Therapist. Trained therapist, seasoned entrepreneur, mom of 3, && the person you call when your business coach doesn't get your brain && your therapist doesn't get your business.I built the thing I couldn't find anywhere else: whole-picture support that holds your strategy && your humanity in the same conversation at the same time. LINKS:Work with me 1:1 → Deep CutsFast-track your results → The Green RoomSolve one thing right now → Studio SessionsBurnout-proof your life && business → MixtapeGet your free podcast playlists → The SoundcheckWeekly emails that tell you what your business coach won't && your therapist can't → Subscribe to The BeatWebsite: ashmcdonaldmentoring.com

#162: On today's episode, Jade Beguelin and Sabrina Sade, co-founders of 4AM, join me to talk about entrepreneurship, resilience, overcoming fear of failure, managing anxiety, trusting yourself, and continuing to build even when you have no guarantee it's going to work.After five years of building 4AM, Jade and Sabrina recently launched their skincare brand across over 1700 Target locations and raised over $4 million, but only weeks before launching Clean Sheets, they were having very real conversations about whether it would even work out! We talk about moving the needle even in uncertainty, the illusion of the  “overnight success”, the mindset shifts that helped them keep going, and what it takes mentally and emotionally to pursue an ambitious life when there is constantly something on the line.The girls get into:The five years behind 4AM's successBuilding a business when you don't know if it's going to workWhat it truly means to “fail"Overcoming fear of failure and making imperfect decisionsManaging anxiety in high-pressure situationsRaising $4M while preparing for a major Target launchBuilding resilience when entrepreneurship starts to feel overwhelmingLearning whose criticism actually deserves your attentionWhy other people's negativity is often projectionSigns it's time to leave your corporate jobDeveloping self-trust when other people don't understand your decisionsWhy ambitious women have to get comfortable being misunderstoodThe difference between wanting something and actually doing the workWhy there usually isn't a “secret sauce” to successTaking risks when the safer path no longer feels alignedGiving yourself more without losing your ambitionHow the girls leveraged Tik Tok as their growth strategyReminders when it comes to prioritizing your health and mental health while building a company& MOREThis episode is for anyone pursuing more, building something of their own, navigating anxiety while chasing big goals, questioning whether they should keep going, or learning how to trust themselves through seasons where the outcome still feels uncertain!CONNECT BELOW:Follow Jade hereFollow Sabrina hereFollow 4am hereShop 4am hereCONNECT with HAN:Follow Han ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow HOW I SEE IT ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Han on Substack ⁠here⁠Watch HOW I SEE IT on YouTube ⁠here⁠Shop the podcast merch ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Han: howhanseesit@gmail.com

AI is making execution dramatically cheaper. That changes what makes someone valuable.In this episode, I explore the difference between productivity and agency: the ability to decide what should happen next, act with incomplete information, and take responsibility for the outcome.We get into:Why AI compresses time, skill, capability, and organizational effortWhy doing the wrong thing 10x faster is still wasteHow AI is narrowing some skill gaps and expanding what individuals can executeWhy judgment and direction become more important as output gets easierThe productivity trap of generating endless plausible, unnecessary workWhy high agency also means knowing when to stop, kill a project, or ignore the trendGenerative AI and professional writingChatGPT reduced completion time by 40% and increased output quality by 18% in an MIT study of professional writing tasks.Generative AI in customer supportAI assistance increased productivity by 14% overall and by 34% among novice and lower-skilled workers.AI task-completion horizonMETR research finds that the length of software tasks frontier AI agents can complete with 50% reliability has historically doubled roughly every seven months.Personal initiative and agencyA randomized trial in Togo found personal initiative training increased small-business profits by 30%, versus a statistically insignificant 11% from traditional business training.00:00 Why agency matters more when execution gets cheaper01:49 What agency actually means03:08 The four kinds of AI compression04:50 The expanding AI task horizon05:56 Productivity vs. agency07:02 The AI productivity trap07:55 Can agency be trained?09:21 Restraint as a form of agency10:20 End“Productivity improves the speed of the vehicle. Agency chooses where the vehicle goes.”“As AI makes action cheaper, restraint becomes more valuable too.”Noy & Zhang — Experimental evidence on the productivity effects of generative AI (Science)Brynjolfsson, Li & Raymond — Generative AI at Work (NBER)METR — Task-Completion Time Horizons of Frontier AI ModelsCampos et al. — Personal initiative training in Togo (Science/PubMed)Brand Runner is for creative leaders and operators who want sharper thinking on creative productivity, creative operations, AI-enabled workflows, and the systems behind better marketing work.Subscribe: https://brandrunner.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabien-hameline/Work: https://fabienhameline.com/Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: YVH8LJJIBF2ALQBJ, 2QEXTYLSD6YTPJPV, BHCMGFYBTJXRGAXE, MUIP3GXFUWVOVIRV, 76EX3ND0QS49IVKIResearch referencedChaptersQuotesLinksFollow Brand Runner

What should you create first when building an online business?Most entrepreneurs start in the wrong place.They create a lead magnet. They start posting on social media. They try to figure out their messaging. They brainstorm podcast topics. They build a funnel.And then they try to figure out what all of it is supposed to sell.In this episode of Unjaded, I'm taking you behind the scenes of a recent private Human Design business retreat to show you why I believe your offer needs to come first—and why everything else in your business should be reverse engineered from it.Your offer determines the problem you're solving, the person you're speaking to, the beliefs and objections your messaging needs to address, the lead magnet you create, and the long-form and short-form content you publish.When you start somewhere else, you're constantly trying to force all of those pieces to fit together afterward.And yes—we're also talking about how your Human Design can influence the way you build that ecosystem, because having one clear area of expertise does not mean cutting off every other skill, interest or modality you bring to your work.In This EpisodeWe explore:Why your offer should be the starting point of your business strategyWhy starting with a lead magnet or social media creates unnecessary workHow to reverse engineer your marketing ecosystem from your offerThe relationship between your offer, messaging, content and ideal clientHow to identify what someone needs to believe before they're ready to buyUsing customer objections and resistance to create better contentWhy self-identifying content matters for conversionHow your offer can generate dozens of podcast, blog or long-form content topicsWhy you don't need to cram everything you know into one piece of contentHow micro-content topics can establish deeper expertiseWhy Human Design Manifesting Generators don't necessarily need to choose only one interestBuilding authority around one area of expertise while still using multiple tools and modalitiesHow Human Design circuitry, Variable, environment and definition can influence the way you workWhy your business needs to fit the life and work you actually wantThe Business-Building Order I RecommendInstead of:Social Media → Lead Magnet → Content → Messaging → OfferStart at the other end:Offer → Ideal Client → Problem → Result → Messaging → Content → Lead Magnet → MarketingYour client's journey may begin with your content or lead magnet.Your work as the business owner begins at the destination.Once you know exactly what you're selling, you can ask:What problem does this offer solve?What is happening in someone's life that tells them they have this problem?What symptoms are they experiencing?What do they currently believe that could prevent them from buying?What objections or resistance need to be addressed?What do they need to understand before this offer makes sense to them?Those answers become the raw material for your messaging, lead magnets, podcast episodes, blogs, emails and social media content.Human Design, Niching and Being Known for SomethingThere is another important conversation happening here.In 2026, being clearly associated with an area of expertise matters—not only for your audience, but increasingly for Google and AI search engines trying to understand who you are and what you're an authority on.That does not mean stripping your business down until only one tiny piece of you remains.You can have multiple modalities, interests, tools and ways of working.The goal is to create enough consistency around the problem you solve and the expertise you want to be known for that humans and search engines can connect the dots.Your offer gives you the anchor that makes that possible.Your Offer Becomes Your Content StrategyOne of the biggest fears people have about starting a podcast, blog or other long-form content platform is:What will I talk about?Build the offer first and that problem becomes much smaller.Every component of your offer can become a content topic.Every objection can become an episode.Every belief your client needs to shift can become an episode.Every symptom of the problem can become an episode.Every case study can become content.Every question clients ask can become content.And those topics don't have to become massive hour-long masterclasses.Going narrower and deeper into specific questions can create far more useful content—and makes it much easier for search engines and AI platforms to understand exactly what question that individual piece of content answers.Questions Answered in This EpisodeWhat should I create first when starting an online business?Start with the offer. Define who it's for, the problem it solves, the result it creates and how you help someone get there. Then reverse engineer your messaging, content, lead magnet and marketing from that offer.Should I create my lead magnet before my offer?No. Your lead magnet should help move the right person toward your paid offer. Creating it first often leaves entrepreneurs trying to force an unrelated offer onto an audience they've already attracted.How does an offer help with content creation?Your offer gives you the subjects your audience needs to understand before they're ready to buy. Problems, symptoms, objections, beliefs, questions, case studies and pieces of your methodology can all become content.Do I need one niche if I'm a Manifesting Generator?You need enough clarity for people to understand what you do and why they should come to you. That doesn't necessarily mean eliminating your other interests, tools or modalities. The work is finding the expertise or problem that connects them.How can Human Design influence business strategy?Human Design can help you understand how you naturally process information, respond to opportunities, communicate, work, create and interact with other people. Instead of using Human Design as a replacement for business strategy, it can help you build and execute that strategy in a way that fits you.The Bottom LineIf the pieces of your business feel disconnected, stop trying to fix the pieces individually.Come back to the offer.Get crystal clear on:Who is this for? What problem does it solve? What does that problem look like in their actual life? What result are you helping them create? What happens inside the offer to get them there?Then work backwards.Because your offer isn't simply something you sell at the end of your funnel.It's the strategic foundation that informs your messaging, content, lead generation, marketing and entire business ecosystem.

Send us Fan MailWhat if joy isn't the reward for success, but the foundation for achieving it?In this episode of the Enterprise Excellence Podcast, Brad Jeavons is joined by Kevin Surace, a Silicon Valley innovator, serial entrepreneur, CEO and inventor, to explore joy, success, innovation, AI, productivity and workplace culture.Kevin has more than 90 worldwide patents and is recognised as a pioneer of virtual assistant technology that helped pave the way for Siri and Alexa. He has been named Inc. Magazine's Entrepreneur of the Year, CNBC's Innovator of the Decade, and a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer.His latest book, The Joy Success Cycle, explores a powerful idea:Joy comes before success, not after it.In this episode, we discuss:Why joy can be a prerequisite for successKevin's journey from engineer to entrepreneur and inventorHow curiosity drives innovation and problem solvingWhy lifelong learning mattersKevin's early work developing virtual assistant technologyWhy organisations struggle to adopt artificial intelligence (AI)The impact of workplace culture on AI implementationHow AI can eliminate joyless and low-value workWhy AI should increase productivity and value, not simply reduce costsHow AI is changing software development and knowledge workWhy employees should become AI-firstKevin's "one complaint a day" ruleThe relationship between mindset, behaviour and performanceHow leaders can create positive and engaged workplacesAI: Cost Cutting or Productivity?Kevin argues that the opportunity isn't simply to use AI to reduce headcount and cut costs. Organisations can use AI to remove waste, increase productivity, accelerate delivery and create more value with the people they already have.Brad connects this to continuous improvement and enterprise excellence, using technology to improve the flow of value while enabling people and machines to work together.The Joy Success CycleKevin's central message is that people shouldn't wait until they achieve success to experience joy.Instead, joy can create the mindset and environment that makes greater success possible.The conversation explores how people can take greater control of their mindset, reduce negativity, focus on what they can influence and create more positive working environments.About Kevin SuraceKevin Surace is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, innovator, CEO and inventor with more than 90 worldwide patents. He is recognised as a pioneer of virtual assistant technology and is the author of The Joy Success Cycle.Listen to the Enterprise Excellence Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1120772/episodes/19720903Watch more episodes:[https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@enterpriseexcellencepodcas6777⁩  Learn more about Kevin Surace:https://www.kevinsurace.com/Enterprise Excellence Group:https://eexg.com.au/Chapters00:00 – Introduction00:24 – Meet Kevin Surace01:48 – Kevin's journey as an innovator and entrepreneur03:45 – Being early with innovation04:20 – Curiosity and lifelong learning06:46 – Why Kevin wrote The Joy Success Cycle08:00 – The connection between joy, innovation and success09:00 – AI, workplace culture and employee resistance10:58 – How AI can remove joyless work13:17 – Eliminating waste through AI14:15 – AI and the future of software development17:17 – AI, productivity and employment19:00 – The Joy Success Cycle21:17 – The "one complaint a day" rule23:37 – How joy influences behaviour and results24:20 – Advice for leaders and organisations27:21 – Stop worrying about what you can't control30:55 – Creating a culture of joy and engagement32:17 – Social influence and workplace culture34:32 – Where to find Kevin and The Joy Success Cycle35:28 – Final thoughts35:30 – Brad's key takeawaysSubscribe to the Enterprise Excellence Podcast for conversations with global experts, innovators, CEOs and practitioners exploring enterprise excellence, continuous improvement, innovation, leadership, organisational culture, AI, productivity and creating a better future.#EnterpriseExcellence #ai  #innovation  #leadership  #productivity  #workplaceculture  #joyatwork  #KevinSuraceTo learn more about what we do, visit https://eexg.com.au/Thanks for your time, and thanks for helping to create a better future.

In Part 2 of our Neurodivergent Women in STEM series, Dr Shae Wissell sits down in studio with Diana from Toyota to explore ADHD at work, sensory overload, hybrid work, and the challenges facing women in STEM. In this episode:ADHD-friendly productivity strategies that actually workWhy capture lists can be more effective than relying on memoryFlexible routines, task chunking, and managing motivationSensory overload, noise sensitivity, and energy managementThe benefits of hybrid work for neurodivergent professionalsBreaking down barriers for women in STEMHow engineering design decisions can unintentionally overlook womenWhy representation and inclusion start long before the workplaceKey message:Success isn't about forcing rigid productivity systems. It's about creating flexible, personalized approaches that support neurodivergent minds while building more inclusive pathways for women in STEM.Time Stamp0:00 Welcome to Dear Dyslexic00:34 ADHD Morning Workflow00:56 Capture List Focus02:09 Flexible Structure Over Time04:03 Chunking Big Tasks05:01 Why Habits Feel Impossible06:40 Gamifying Daily Routines08:01 Hybrid Work That Works10:43 Sensory Overload and Silence14:09 Women in STEM Pipeline17:27 Representation in Engineering18:42 Seatbelts and System Change20:41 Wrap Up and ResourceAbout Dear Dyslexic PodcastThe Dear Dyslexic Podcast amplifies the voices, experiences and expertise of people from the dyslexia and broader neurodivergent communities, creating conversations that inform, empower and inspire. Learn more about re:think dyslexia: https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/Stay ConnectedThanks for listening to Dr Shae and the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, proudly produced by re:think dyslexia, a certified social enterprise. To stay up to date with our latest episodes, resources and events, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review the podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Listen to more Dear Dyslexic Podcast episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/0jx91no...Need Support?If any of the topics discussed in this episode have caused distress, support is available:Lifeline: 13 11 14Beyond Blue: 1300 22 463613YARN: 13 92 76re:think dyslexia Helpline: 1800 13 6327

Dan Rasmussen, founder and managing partner of Verdad Advisers and author of The Humble Investor, joins Kai Wu to examine the unraveling of private equity, the rise of private credit, and how AI is reshaping software, labor, and the economics of technology investing. They also explore the massive AI CapEx boom, why value investing has struggled in the intangible-heavy U.S. market, the unusual opportunity in Japanese small caps, and how investors can quantify intangible value in biotech.Subscribe on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on AppleTopics covered:Why private equity became a consensus trade and why exits are now cloggedHow leverage and high debt costs threaten private equity returnsWhat publicly traded private equity funds reveal about true volatility and NAV discountsHow private equity shifted from old-economy buyouts into software and healthcare technologyWhy AI may have erased code as a software moat while strengthening other intangible advantagesHow ARR lending helped private credit finance software buyouts and created an obsolescence mismatchWhat AI is doing to hiring, junior roles, productivity and the composition of workWhy the AI CapEx boom may be a crowded, path-dependent overinvestment cycleWhy traditional value metrics work better in Japan than in the intangible-heavy U.S.How Tokyo Stock Exchange reforms, buybacks and dividends can unlock value in Japanese small capsHow R&D spend, specialist ownership and short interest can help quantify biotech valueTimestamps:00:00 Intro04:03 Why private equity's debt burden changes the equity math09:24 How private equity became a software momentum trade13:29 Why code may no longer be a durable software moat17:48 How private credit enabled software buyouts through ARR lending23:56 AI productivity, jobs and why displacement is slower than expected30:23 Why the AI CapEx boom may be the market's most crowded risk34:29 Rational overinvestment, leverage and the timing risk in AI38:46 Why consumers may capture more of AI's value than investors44:07 Japan's below-book-value reform and the return of old-school value51:03 Quantifying biotech value with R&D, specialist ownership and short interest55:08 Dan's non-consensus views on private markets and JapanLearn more about the Excess Returns podcast network:https://excessreturns.coNo information discussed in this podcast should be construed as investment advice. Securities discussed may be held by the hosts and guests, their firms or their clients.

Send us Fan MailWhat if the frustration, anger, and resistance showing up in your organization aren't signs of disengagement—but signals that your people still deeply care?In Part Two of From Zombies to Zealots: Cultivating Passion and Purpose in Healthcare Leadership, host Chris Comeaux continues his thought-provoking conversation with DJ Mitsch, author, master coach, and founder of the Healthcare Coaching Institute, and Tasha Walsh, CEO and Executive Director of ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice.Healthcare and hospice professionals often enter the field because they feel called to the work.  But regulations, audits, documentation requirements, productivity pressures, and constant organizational change can gradually disconnect people from that deeper sense of purpose.  DJ challenges leaders to recognize what happens when meaningful, purpose-driven work becomes dominated by the language of compliance rather than creation. Using the real-world example of hospice audits and documentation pressure, the conversation explores how fear of financial clawbacks and increased scrutiny can ripple through an organization and contribute to caregiver burnout. Rather than ignoring those emotions, DJ and Tasha encourage leaders to acknowledge them—and use anger, fear, frustration, and even pushback as valuable information.As DJ explains, anger can become fuel for change.  Tasha takes that idea further: what lies beneath someone's frustration may be a deep commitment to patients, coworkers, or the mission.  Effective leaders learn to uncover that meaning, transform emotional energy into courage, and create space for difficult but necessary conversations. In This Episode, You'll Discover:Why purpose-driven healthcare professionals can become disconnected from their callingHow leaders can shift the organizational conversation from compliance to creationWhy anger, fear, frustration, and resistance shouldn't automatically be labeled “negative”How to use emotion as information—and transform it into constructive actionWhy taking a breath and really listening can change the direction of a difficult interactionHow leaders can create cultures where people feel safe bringing their authentic selves to workWhy organizational culture is shaped by what leaders repeatedly tolerate, encourage, and createHow healthcare leaders can become change agents rather than passive participants in a dysfunctional systemOne of the most powerful ideas from the conversation is that naming what people are experiencing can reduce its hold over them.  By giving language to fear, anger, and frustration, leaders can help their teams redirect that energy toward something more productive.And ultimately, the goal isn't simply to build a more “resilient” workforce.It's to create an environment where people are excited to come to life fully every day.What is the culture you're creating helping your people become—zombies or zealots?Guest:Tasha Walsh, LCSW, PCC CEO/ED of Connections Plus Healthcare + Hospice Darelyn DJ Mitsch, Author, Master Coach, and Chief Energy Officer, The Pyramid Resource Group, Home of the Healthcare Coaching Institute and Team Advantage Team Coaching Host:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipIf this conversation resonates with you, like, subscribe, and share this episode with another healthcare, hospice, or business leader who is working to create a more engaged, purpose-driven culture.The Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership

What if the frustration, anger, and resistance showing up in your organization aren't signs of disengagement—but signals that your people still deeply care?In Part Two of From Zombies to Zealots: Cultivating Passion and Purpose in Healthcare Leadership, host Chris Comeaux continues his thought-provoking conversation with DJ Mitsch, author, master coach, and founder of the Healthcare Coaching Institute, and Tasha Walsh, CEO and Executive Director of ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice.Healthcare and hospice professionals often enter the field because they feel called to the work.  But regulations, audits, documentation requirements, productivity pressures, and constant organizational change can gradually disconnect people from that deeper sense of purpose.  DJ challenges leaders to recognize what happens when meaningful, purpose-driven work becomes dominated by the language of compliance rather than creation. Using the real-world example of hospice audits and documentation pressure, the conversation explores how fear of financial clawbacks and increased scrutiny can ripple through an organization and contribute to caregiver burnout. Rather than ignoring those emotions, DJ and Tasha encourage leaders to acknowledge them—and use anger, fear, frustration, and even pushback as valuable information.As DJ explains, anger can become fuel for change.  Tasha takes that idea further: what lies beneath someone's frustration may be a deep commitment to patients, coworkers, or the mission.  Effective leaders learn to uncover that meaning, transform emotional energy into courage, and create space for difficult but necessary conversations. In This Episode, You'll Discover:Why purpose-driven healthcare professionals can become disconnected from their callingHow leaders can shift the organizational conversation from compliance to creationWhy anger, fear, frustration, and resistance shouldn't automatically be labeled “negative”How to use emotion as information—and transform it into constructive actionWhy taking a breath and really listening can change the direction of a difficult interactionHow leaders can create cultures where people feel safe bringing their authentic selves to workWhy organizational culture is shaped by what leaders repeatedly tolerate, encourage, and createHow healthcare leaders can become change agents rather than passive participants in a dysfunctional systemOne of the most powerful ideas from the conversation is that naming what people are experiencing can reduce its hold over them.  By giving language to fear, anger, and frustration, leaders can help their teams redirect that energy toward something more productive.And ultimately, the goal isn't simply to build a more “resilient” workforce.It's to create an environment where people are excited to come to life fully every day.What is the culture you're creating helping your people become—zombies or zealots?Guest:Tasha Walsh, LCSW, PCC CEO/ED of Connections Plus Healthcare + Hospice Darelyn DJ Mitsch, Author, Master Coach, and Chief Energy Officer, The Pyramid Resource Group, Home of the Healthcare Coaching Institute and Team Advantage Team Coaching Host:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipIf this conversation resonates with you, like, subscribe, and share this episode with another healthcare, hospice, or business leader who is working to create a more engaged, purpose-driven culture.Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

This week listeners get the benefit of two guests joining us!Marc Winter and Laura Gordon are co-founders of Libra Collective, a New York based consultancy focused on how leadership and work should be changing in the age of AI. Previously, Marc spent 15 years at a transformation consultancy, and has lived and worked in more than a dozen countries. His co-founder Laura, also spent 10 years at the same transformation consultancy as well as consulting in brand and marketing strategy, along with an MBA from Wharton.Laura and Marc founded Libra Collective at the start of this year, after realising that some of the most searching questions about where AI was taking business were coming from leaders inside big tech itself. That sent them deep into research with AI native companies (the ones built from the ground up around generative AI) and they agreed to share some of what they've learnt with us. In this conversation you'll hear:What surprised them most about how AI native companies actually workWhy it's so often the C-suite holding back internal AI transformationThe surprising thing one CEO with a PHD in machine learning forbids his company to do with AI How a legacy financial institution is building an AI native version of itself, and Why a fashion brand with six people is outpacing rivals five times its size.Laura and Marc have a unique perspective spanning both legacy and AI native businesses so enjoy this episode with Marc Winter and Laura Gordon.Useful LinksLibra Collective WebsiteLaura on LinkedIn Marc on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

❌MARKS THE SPOT™ AUDIT Special Pricing Summer 2026 Only.The NCGR Spotlight Link Video on Youtube

Lacey Hennessy's art career started with painted fraternity coolers at Clemson and a Facebook business page she named during accounting class. Years later, one Instagram post about wanting to paint a mural led to a taco restaurant project that paid the equivalent of one month of her corporate salary in three days. In this episode, Lacey explains how she grew that experiment into Lacey Does, a commission-driven business with more than 300 murals and a client process built around clear expectations. She breaks down her “box method” for matching a mural's scope to the client's budget, why she collects 50% before beginning the design, and how detailed contracts helped other muralists take over her scheduled projects after a colorectal cancer diagnosis. Lacey also shares the hands-on Instagram strategy that grew her audience, her plans to build income beyond murals, and how she protects roughly 10 weeks each year for travel. Plus, why it would take a truly unreasonable amount of money to get her painting fraternity coolers again.Lacey Hennessy is the Greenville, South Carolina-based artist, muralist, and entrepreneur behind Lacey Does. Her bold, playful work spans murals, custom commissions, originals, prints, textiles, licensing projects, and coaching for other artists.Connect with Lacey:Website IGTikTokFacebookCreative finds:The 1" Angled Brush officially joins the Zibra lineup on September 17! Save 10% on your Zibra order with code BANTER10. In this episode, we discuss:How one Instagram goal led to Lacey's first mural… and $6,500 in three daysWhy she replaced Hennessy in the Home with a personal brand that leaves room for murals, textiles, licensing, and future partnershipsHow the “box method” gives clients clear choices based on their wall, priorities, and budgetWhy painting is step seven in Lacey's 10-step mural processHow collecting 50% upfront protects the value of the concept and design workWhy detailed contracts and a trusted muralist network kept her projects moving during cancer treatmentHow targeted engagement, batch content, and shameless self-promotion helped grow her audience without turning every post into a sales pitchWelcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We're here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project. Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It's a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio.Connect with Zibra: WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebook YouTubeBlog

Are you actually searching for a new life—or are you searching for permission to become who you already are?In this episode of Badass Basic Bitch, Brianna sits down with Dr. Sarah Webb, author, channeler, spiritual coach, and internationally recognized expert on colorism, for a powerful conversation about identity, worthiness, self-awareness, spirituality, and learning to distinguish the life you truly want from the one you've been conditioned to live.Dr. Sarah's path began in academia as an English professor working in the humanities and exploring complex social issues. Her work eventually evolved into a deeper examination of colorism, identity, healing, and spirituality. She is the author of Colorism: The Politics of Skin Tone and How We Get Free and now works with people through channeled coaching and dream journeys, guiding them on a heart-led mission to transform their lives from the inside out.Brianna and Dr. Sarah explore how much of our identity is consciously chosen versus inherited from our families, cultures, communities, and societal expectations. Dr. Sarah explains why the body can be one of our greatest sources of information when determining whether we're living authentically—and why tension, discomfort, expansion, dreams, and even daydreams deserve our attention.They also dive into colorism and the ways skin-tone bias can shape identity and worthiness, sometimes without people consciously recognizing its influence. Dr. Sarah shares why healing isn't only about understanding what happened to us, but recognizing the agency we have now to interrupt patterns and prevent pain from continuing into future generations.This conversation is an invitation to become curious about your own story: How much of your life reflects who you really are—and how much of it was handed to you?In This Episode, We Discuss:How to recognize whether you're living your own story or one that was handed to youThe difference between authentic desire and societal expectationWhy your body can reveal whether your life feels alignedHow identity can be both inherited and intentionally createdWhy changing your life doesn't always mean completely starting overDr. Sarah's journey from English professor to author, channeler, and spiritual coachHow childhood experiences with bullying shaped her compassion and workWhy she became passionate about helping people recognize their unrealized potentialWhat colorism is and why it's important to talk about itHow skin-tone discrimination can occur within the same racial or ethnic communityWhy colorism is a global issue that crosses culturesThe connection between colorism, internalized bias, and worthinessHow societal biases can influence identity without us consciously realizing itWhy healing our relationship with ourselves is foundationalWhat spirituality means outside of traditional religious definitionsHow dreams, daydreams, journaling, and self-reflection can deepen self-awarenessWhat Dr. Sarah means by a “dream journey”How dreams can provide information about our emotions, desires, and directionUsing body scans to recognize tension, expansion, and other physical signalsWhy noticing patterns is more powerful than analyzing one isolated experienceHow inherited and systemic wounds can continue across generationsThe role of agency in breaking cycles of trauma and painWhy becoming more self-aware can change what we pass down to the next generationMemorable Quote“Sometimes we don't need to move out of the house. Sometimes we need to renovate.” — Dr. Sarah WebbKey TakeawaysYour Body Knows When Something Doesn't FitOne of the simplest ways to begin questioning whether you're living authentically is to notice how your life actually feels.Rather than only asking, Does my life look successful? or Am I doing what I'm supposed to be doing?, Dr. Sarah encourages us to pay attention to what happens inside our bodies as we move through our days.Where do you feel tension? Where do you feel expansive? What drains you? What makes you feel more alive?Your body can provide information that your conscious mind has learned to ignore.You Can Honor Your Circumstances Without Being Defined by ThemNot every aspect of our lives is something we consciously chose. We inherit families, cultures, circumstances, expectations, identities, and experiences.But Dr. Sarah explains that recognizing what we've inherited doesn't mean we have no agency over what happens next.Sometimes transformation doesn't require abandoning everything and becoming someone completely different. Like renovating a house, we can examine what's already there, decide what still serves us, and intentionally rebuild the parts that don't.Colorism Is About More Than Skin ToneDr. Sarah defines colorism as discrimination based on skin tone, including discrimination that happens among people within the same racial or ethnic group.But the impact goes deeper than appearance.Colorism can influence how people are perceived, treated, valued, and how they eventually learn to perceive themselves. Because these messages can become deeply internalized, people may not recognize the role colorism has played in their identity until much later in life.Worthiness Starts With Your Relationship With YourselfExternal biases can eventually become internal beliefs.When we're repeatedly exposed to messages about which appearances, identities, or characteristics are considered more valuable, those ideas can shape our sense of worth—even when we consciously disagree with them.Healing requires examining not only how the world has treated us, but also the beliefs we've absorbed and the relationship we've developed with ourselves as a result.Your Dreams May Be Telling You SomethingDream work doesn't have to mean finding a mystical interpretation for every detail of a dream.Dr. Sarah encourages people to simply begin paying attention.Keep a journal beside your bed. Write down what you remember. Notice your daydreams too. What were you thinking about? What was happening immediately before it? What emotions came up?Over time, patterns may emerge that help reveal desires, fears, needs, and possibilities that aren't getting your attention during everyday life.Self-Awareness Can Start With a Simple Body ScanYou don't need an elaborate spiritual practice to become more connected to yourself.Pause and scan your body.Notice your jaw, shoulders, chest, stomach, hands, and legs. Where are you holding tension? Where do you feel relaxed? What happens in your body when you think about certain people, decisions, or areas of your life?The goal isn't to immediately fix what you notice. It's to start listening.Healing Gives Us an Opportunity to Break the CycleWe may inherit wounds, biases, beliefs, behaviors, and coping mechanisms from the people and systems that came before us.But inheritance doesn't have to equal destiny.Dr. Sarah emphasizes the importance of recognizing our agency. We may not have chosen what happened to us or what was passed down to us, but becoming conscious of those patterns gives us an opportunity to make different choices—and change what gets passed forward.A Simple Self-Awareness PracticeIf you want to begin exploring some of the ideas from this episode, Dr. Sarah suggests starting small:Keep a dream journal. Write down what you remember when you wake up, even if it's only a few details.Pay attention to your daydreams. Notice not only what you're imagining, but what was happening when your mind went there.Scan your body. Notice tension, discomfort, relaxation, and expansion without immediately trying to change any of it.Look for patterns. One dream, thought, or sensation may not mean much by itself. Pay attention to what keeps returning.Get curious about your story. Ask yourself which parts of your life feel consciously chosen and which might reflect expectations or identities you've inherited.The goal isn't to have all the answers. It's to become more aware of the information you're already receiving.Connect with Dr. Sarah WebbDr. Sarah Webb is an author, channeler, spiritual coach, and internationally recognized expert on colorism. Through channeled coaching and dream journeys, she guides students on a heart-led mission to transform their world from the inside out.

What happens when you keep getting signs that something is no longer meant for you, but you're too afraid to make the change?In this heartfelt and deeply relatable episode of the High Vibin' It Podcast, Kelsey Aida and Lynnsey Robinson sit down with Christine Marcario, an intuitive spiritual teacher, Reiki Master, and host of the Aligned and Abundant podcast, to talk about life pivots, trusting your inner knowing, and what happens when you keep ignoring the signs.Christine shares her journey from spending 19 years as a middle school teacher to eventually stepping into spirituality, mediumship, coaching, and podcasting. Through burnout, career changes, unexpected job losses, and doors repeatedly closing, she began to recognize that spirit was guiding her toward something completely different.Together, they explore why we sometimes choose safety and familiarity over what our soul is asking for, how spirit can make the message louder when we aren't listening, and why painful experiences can ultimately become powerful redirections.From trusting your intuition and paying attention to dreams to creating more space for yourself and learning not to carry the weight of the entire world, this conversation is a reminder that you don't need to have everything figured out before taking the next step.✨ What You'll Discover:Christine's journey from teaching to spiritual workWhy burnout can be a sign that you're ready for a new chapterHow choosing safety can keep you stuck in what no longer serves youWhy spirit may keep sending you signs until you listenHow unexpected endings can become powerful redirectionsWhy difficult experiences can still hold valuable lessonsHow Christine discovered her gifts in mediumship and intuitive workWhy dreams can become a doorway for spiritual messagesThe importance of creating space to hear your inner knowingHow to stop carrying things that aren't yours to carryWhy self-trust is essential when making major life changesHow asking "What isn't working?" can help create clarityWhy you don't need to know exactly what comes next✨ Want more?In the extended Patreon episode, Kelsey, Lynnsey, and Christine pull an oracle card and a rune for the collective, exploring themes of healing, heart-opening, clarity, success, and what comes after the storm. Christine also shares more about working with Archangel Michael and Archangel Raphael, while the conversation dives deeper into spiritual guidance, protection, and trusting the path ahead.Join us on Patreon for early access, extended episodes, exclusive oracle card readings, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes fun—all for just a few bucks a month. The first 50 members will receive a FREE Manifestation Toolkit when we hit our community goal!

Ian Cassel, founder of MicroCapClub and author of Stock Picker, joins Matt Zeigler to break down the mindset, temperament and core skills required to outperform as an active stock picker. They discuss microcap investing, position sizing, active patience, valuation, management quality, portfolio survival, benchmarking against the S&P 500 and how great investors evolve their edge over decades.Stock Picker: How to Develop the Mindset, Temperament, and Strategy to Outperform Wall Streethttps://amzn.to/4hU28ImTopics coveredHow an investor's motivations change as ambition gives way to family, legacy and the scarcity of timeHow Ian turned $20,000 into $120,000, then watched it fall to $8,000, and why that early win permanently shaped his risk toleranceIan's four-part survival framework: recession-resistant growth, strong balance sheets, conservative valuation and signs of intelligent fanaticismWhy balance-sheet strength is not just defensive and can let great companies act aggressively when competitors are forced to retreatWhy Ian targets roughly a 25 percent CAGR without relying on multiple expansionThe Judas goat lesson, talking your book on social media and why investors still have to do their own workWhy comparing short-term returns can corrupt an investing process and why Ian measures himself against the S&P 500 over a 10-year horizonThe five core stock-picking skills: identifying, analyzing, buying, selling and holding, plus why selling matters especially in microcapsWhy position sizing should account for initial excitement, and why Ian now starts much smaller than he did earlier in his careerActive patience, expanding your circle of competence and the difference between good, great and GOAT stock pickersWhy temperament evolves with experience, why leverage can destroy otherwise good investing, and why the best investors keep sharpening their edgeWhy Ian is willing to back repeat-winner management teams before every piece of the business is fully in placeTimestamps00:00 Intro06:58 The $20,000 to $120,000 win and 90 percent loss11:02 Ian Cassel's four-part survival framework15:02 Why strong balance sheets create offensive optionality19:03 The Judas goat and social media stock promotion23:18 Why comparison is the enemy for stock pickers29:39 The five core stock-picking skills34:43 Active patience and knowing what you are looking for39:28 Good, great and GOAT stock pickers47:02 How investor temperament evolves over time52:03 Leverage, situational awareness and surviving to compound57:24 Betting on repeat-winner management before the numbers arriveLearn more about the Excess Returns podcast network:https://excessreturns.coNo information discussed in this podcast should be construed as investment advice. Securities discussed may be held by the hosts and guests, their firms or their clients.

From Australia to London: The Global World of Realtime ReportingWhat happens when a childhood fascination with a court reporter on television turns into a 30+ year international career?In this episode, I sit down with Leah Willisdorf, an accomplished international realtime reporter who takes us from her beginnings in Australia to her current home in London.Leah shares how a fictional court reporter on a television show sparked her interest in the profession and ultimately led her to a career spanning more than three decades. She explains why realtime reporting has become such an important skill in today's legal industry and why reporters who master it are increasingly valuable.We also dive into Leah's experience working on international arbitrations and corporate depositions, where the expectations for speed, accuracy, and professionalism are exceptionally high. Leah opens up about the pressures of working in these environments and the reality of burnout in a demanding profession.One of the most valuable parts of our conversation is Leah's advice for creating a sustainable career. She discusses the importance of building a strong support network—including scopists and proofreaders—and finding ways to maintain a healthy work-life balance while working at a high level.Leah's enthusiasm for court reporting is contagious. From international travel and unique assignments to developing highly sought-after skills, she makes a compelling case for why court reporting can be an incredibly rewarding career.This is another episode that was recorded live at the NCRA convention expo hall.In this episode:How a television show inspired Leah to become a court reporterLeah's journey from Australia to LondonBuilding a 30+ year career in court reportingWhy realtime reporting is becoming increasingly importantWorking on international arbitrationsThe demands of corporate depositionsHandling high-pressure assignmentsBurnout and the challenges of the professionWhy scopists and proofreaders are so importantBuilding a sustainable work-life balanceThe opportunities for travel and international workWhy aspiring reporters should develop their realtime skillsTakeawaysInspiration can come from the most unexpected places—even television.Realtime reporting is one of the most valuable skills a modern court reporter can develop.International arbitrations and corporate depositions demand exceptional speed, accuracy, and preparation.A strong support network can make a demanding career much more sustainable.Burnout is a real challenge, and maintaining balance is essential for a long career.Developing realtime skills can open the door to unique assignments and international opportunities.Court reporting can provide a career filled with travel, variety, and continuous professional growth.

Transformation Tip: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” — James ClearEvery leader wants to work smarter. But what happens when the systems that once helped your organization succeed are actually keeping it from moving forward?In this episode, we explore why even successful systems can become outdated—and how leaders can recognize when it's time to rethink the way work gets done.What We Explore:Why your current systems may not be built for where your organization is goingThe hidden cost of relying on outdated processesWhat makes a system truly adaptiveHow AI and emerging technology are changing the way organizations workWhy involving your team matters when creating better processesWhen it's time to stop working harder and start working smarterThe Bigger Question:Systems are designed to create consistency and help organizations achieve desired outcomes. But no system lasts forever.As your people, technology, customers, and market change, your systems have to change too.So ask yourself:Are your systems helping your organization grow—or holding it back?Transformation Application: This week, identify one system in your organization that may be outdated or no longer serving you well.Bring it to your team's attention and take one concrete step toward improving it.You don't have to rebuild everything at once. Just move one system off the back burner.Connect On Social:Podcast Facebook PageSteve Facebook Steve InstagramSteve LinkedInPete FacebookPete Instagram Pete LinkedIn

Chris Diroll of SMA Support explains why roofing contractors may not need more leads—they may need better follow-up, clearer processes and someone responsible for consistent implementation.Show Notes:Most roofing contractors believe more leads will solve their sales problems. But what if the real problem is that the leads they already paid for are slipping through the cracks?In this third installment of the Roofing Business Health Check series, Dave Sullivan is joined by Chris Diroll of SMA Support to discuss the missing implementation piece behind a healthy roofing business.Financial statements and CRM dashboards give you the lab work, but they only provide a snapshot. Before you can make an accurate diagnosis and decide what to fix, someone must keep the information accurate, maintain the CRM and make sure the processes are followed consistently.Chris shares how he once believed he needed more leads. Instead, he followed up with approximately 200 open estimates in only 22 minutes—and had two or three signed the following morning.In this episode, you'll learn:Why more leads may be the wrong prescriptionWhere opportunities leak out of the sales processWhy your CRM needs one clearly responsible ownerThe difference between hiring a VA and installing a managed processWhy recruiting, role fit, training and accountability matterHow missed calls and inconsistent follow-up waste marketing dollarsWhy accurate information must be maintained consistentlyHow back-office support can free the owner for higher-value workWhy job costing and accurate bookkeeping complete the Health CheckThe goal is not simply to add more software, employees or leads. It is to diagnose the real constraint, assign ownership and consistently implement the right process.RESOURCESRoofing Business Health Check:https://theroofercoach.com/health-check/Learn more about SMA Support:https://theroofercoach.com/smasupportLearn more about ProLine:https://theroofercoach.com/prolineEpisode 490 — Financial Health:https://theroofercoach.com/490Episode 491 — Sales Health with John DeLaurier:https://theroofercoach.com/491Schedule a call with Dave:https://davesullivan.as.me/consulting-call Keep an eye out for the upcoming live Roofing Business Health Check webinar with Dave Sullivan, Chris Diroll and John DeLaurier.

Great branding will never fix poor operations. It will only make poor operations more visible, more expensive, and harder to recover from.Dan Antonelli has been in the branding world for over 40 years. He started hand lettering trucks at 15 years old, built Kickcharge Creative into the most recognized branding company in home services, added a full digital marketing division serving 60 to 70 home service companies, and now owns a vehicle wrap company. Branding, start to finish, under one roof.He has seen what happens when a brand is done right and rolled out correctly. And he has seen what happens when a company invests in a great brand and then does nothing with it. In this episode he and Sam pull back the curtain on both.In this episode:Why great branding accelerates good operations and destroys bad onesThe number one mistake contractors make when naming their companyWhy visibility is only one piece of what a brand is supposed to doHow Economy Plumbing rebranded as Plumbing Pals and increased average tickets by $200 per callWhy a sales rep went from a $12,000 average ticket to $18,500 after a rebrandWhat branding does to consumer psychology and why it has not changed in 100 yearsWhy your brand should be built for her, not for youThe difference between a brand that becomes culture and a brand that becomes eye candyHow bad rollout kills a good brand before it ever gets a chance to workWhy you should fix your systems before investing in branding if you only have one set of dollarsWhen a startup should invest in branding and what needs to be in place firstWhen an existing company is ready to rebrand and what has to be dialed in before they pull the triggerWhy AI is not part of their process and what 200 combined years of experience actually brings to a projectConnect with Dan Antonelli and Kickcharge Creative:Website: kickchargecreative.comBook: Branded Not Blanded, available on AmazonConnect with Sam Wakefield:Website: https://www.closeitnow.netEmail: sam@closeitnow.netInstagram: @therealcloseitnowFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/samuel.l.wakefieldLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/closeitnow/Join the Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/closeitnowBring This Training to Your Team:Sam travels nationwide to deliver on-site training for home services companies serious about raising their close rate and average ticket. Half day classroom, half day ride-alongs. Your team, your market, your systems.Book a call with Sam: calendar.app.google/KZH1j2Q1MAXTKbT38Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Google. Every review gets read, and if yours gets read on air you earn a no-charge one-on-one coaching session with Sam directly.Google: https://g.page/r/CbfnnDqTCwQdEAE/review

In this week's episode, Alissa shares a quick hack that quietly rewrites how you see yourself: "I'm the type of person who..." So often you pin your happiness on the outcome, the finished book, the dream partner, the number of followers. Alissa offers an alternative, letting the process itself become the proof and validation of who you're becoming. Every time you act like the person you want to be, you teach yourself to expect that version of you to show up (even when you don't feel like it).In this episode, you'll learn:How the phrase "I'm the type of person who" shifts your self-concept in real timeWhy tying your happiness to the outcome makes the whole journey feel worseHow to turn everyday hard moments into evidence of who you're becomingWhat showing up to an almost empty room taught Alissa about building real confidenceHow to use this practice with people pleasing, exercise, dating, and creative workWhy falling off track is its own chance to prove the kind of person you areUncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

One of the hardest truths about being human is this: every single one of us will experience grief.Yet despite how universal loss is, grief can feel incredibly isolating. We often wonder if we're doing it "right," why it still hurts so much, or whether we'll ever truly experience joy again.This week, we're honored to welcome back Kate Doerge—certified grief coach, nonprofit founder, brand strategist, and now the author of the beautiful book, Reimagining Grief: A New Path to Finding Healing, Strength, and Joy After Loss.Kate's story is one of unimaginable loss. Within just a few years, she lost both of her parents, and later experienced every parent's worst nightmare—the death of her sixteen-year-old daughter, Penny.Rather than asking herself, "How do I get over this?" Kate began asking a different question:"Is there another way to walk through grief?"That question became the foundation for her work and her new book.In this deeply moving conversation, Kate challenges many of the beliefs we've been taught about grief and shares a more compassionate, hopeful approach—one that allows us to stay connected to the people we love while continuing to fully live our own lives.Whether you're grieving someone today, supporting a loved one through loss, or simply want to be better prepared for one of life's inevitable experiences, this episode offers wisdom, comfort, and practical tools that remind us we're never truly alone.IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:Why we need to rethink many of our cultural beliefs about griefThe difference between "moving on" and learning to move forwardHow maintaining a continuing bond with someone you've lost can be deeply healingThe five healing actions from Kate's new bookWhy grief isn't something to "fix" or "complete"Finding moments of joy without feeling guiltHow to better support someone who is grievingKate's personal journey after losing her daughter, Penny, and how it inspired her life's workWhy hope and grief can exist togetherMORE FROM KATE DOERGEBook: Reimagining Grief: A New Path to Finding Healing, Strength, and Joy After LossWebsite: katedoerge.comPenny's Flight Foundation: Penny's Flight FoundationIf this episode touched your heart, please consider following our podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who may need this conversation today. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone who is grieving is simply reminding them they are not alone. Visit seekingcentercommunity.com for more with Robyn + Karen and many of the guides on Seeking Center: The Podcast. You'll get access to live weekly sessions, intuitive guidance, daily inspiration, and a space to share your journey with like-minded people who just get it. You can also follow Seeking Center on Instagram @theseekingcenter.

Could Bryson Graham finally build a Chicago Bulls team worth spending on — and if he does, will ownership actually finish the job?On today's Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down why Bulls fans do not need ownership spending recklessly right now. Chicago is rebuilding around Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey and a young core that still has major questions to answer. With the current CBA, there's a real difference between paying the luxury tax and pushing deep into apron restrictions, so spending just to prove a point would be bad roster management.But when the time comes? The excuses need to stop. The Bulls are valued at $6 billion, with Forbes estimating $160 million in operating income, while also noting Chicago has historically paid the luxury tax only once. That makes the eventual ownership test very real: if Graham develops a contender, will the Bulls actually pay like one?Haize lays out the triggers for when Bulls ownership should open the checkbook: Caleb Wilson becoming a legitimate star, Matas Buzelis proving he can be a true No. 2 or high-end No. 3, Josh Giddey proving the core works, the Bulls winning a playoff series, or a genuine difference-maker becoming available.Then the show shifts to the Bennedict Mathurin question. Do the Bulls actually need to rush into another scorer right now, or should 2026-27 be the year Chicago finds out what it already has in Dailyn Swain, Jaylin Sellers and Rob Dillingham? Swain brings size, downhill creation and two-way upside, while Sellers has a serious shooting résumé and already showed scoring flashes in Summer League.If Mathurin comes at a bargain price, he's worth discussing. But if the cost includes useful contracts, draft compensation, long-term money and major offensive usage, Haize explains why Chicago may be better off using this season as Bryson Graham's information season before attacking the scoring market in 2027.

AI role-play is not another tool to dump on your sales team.In this episode, John sits down with Neha Gupta, Founder and CEO of Breakthrough AI, to talk about why traditional role-play fails, why managers are often asked to coach without the tools or time to do it, and how AI can help reps practice hard conversations before the pressure hits. Neha breaks down what makes AI role-play feel realistic, why audio can be more effective than distracting avatars, and why adoption depends on structure, leadership energy, and deliberate practice.If you are in sales, leadership, enablement, RevOps, or any role responsible for improving rep performance, this conversation gives you a practical way to think about AI coaching, realistic role-play, feedback loops, remote sales teams, and the communication skills that still separate good reps from average ones.Want to help your team practice before the pressure hits? Visit www.jbarrows.com and learn how you can Make It Happen.What You'll LearnWhy traditional role-play feels awkward, subjective, and hard to scaleHow AI role-play can help reps build realistic muscle memory before live conversationsWhy sales managers are often expected to coach without enough tools, time, or trainingHow leadership energy and structure can make AI training adoption actually workWhy remote teams lost some of the bullpen learning that used to happen naturallyWhy communication skills need deliberate practice before the pressure moment hitsNeha Gupta is the Founder and CEO of Breakthrough AI, a practice-first AI coaching platform helping teams master the high-stakes conversations that shape performance, client relationships, and career growth. With more than twenty years of experience across client management, strategic marketing and sales, growth strategy, brand marketing, product marketing, and business development, Neha is focused on helping teams spot communication blind spots, strengthen feedback processes, and build stronger practice loops.Visit https://joinbreakthrough.ai/ to see Breakthrough AI in action, including a demo comparing weak versus strong responses to price objections.Connect with Neha Gupta:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nehagupta/John Barrows is a sales trainer, speaker, and founder of JB Sales with over 25 years of experience in the industry. He has made hundreds of cold calls a week, led startups to acquisition, and trained high-performing teams at companies like Salesforce, LinkedIn, Amazon, and Okta. Through JB Sales, John focuses on practical sales execution—helping reps fill pipeline, close deals, and build trust with buyers in today's AI-driven sales environment.Connect with John Barrows:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbarrows/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnmbarrows/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmbarrows Check out John's Membership: https://learn.jbarrows.com/pages/individual-packages?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast Join John's Newsletter: https://www.jbarrows.com/newsletter

Join our community: https://www.alifeinprogress.ca/community/There are seasons in life when you can feel that something is changing, but you can't yet see what's taking shape. You know you're no longer where you were, but you don't yet know where you're going.This is a liminal space—the space between what was and what is coming.It's the no longer, but not yet—the murky, uncomfortable season where an old way of being is ending and something new is beginning to take shape.And if you're a growth-minded woman in midlife, there's a good chance you'll find yourself here more than once.In this episode, I'm talking about what happens when life is changing, whether you chose the change or it was thrust upon you, and how to navigate those seasons without rushing, resisting, or abandoning yourself.Because the work of a liminal season isn't first and foremost to figure everything out or take massive action.The primary work is to slow down. To listen. To rest. To let go. To put down deeper roots. To take really good care of yourself.And to trust that something essential is happening beneath the surface, even when life feels barren and you can't fully see what's coming next.In this episode, we'll explore:What a liminal space is and why so many midlife women find themselves in oneWhy significant change can bring up anxiety, self-doubt, overwhelm, and old patterns, even when you've already done a lot of inner workWhy you don't need to rush to make big decisions when you're in the thick of transitionHow to loosen your grip on what was and make room for what's becomingWhy the “barren” seasons of life can actually be seasons of putting down deep roots and preparation for transformationHow to care for yourself when your usual rhythms and routines no longer workWhy rest, connection, health, and small doses of joy matter so much in seasons of upheavalHow your past can remind you that you have moved through uncertainty before—and found more freedom and joy on the other sideMost of all, I want you to walk away knowing this:You are not broken. You are not doing anything wrong.You may simply be in the uncomfortable space between who you were and who you are becoming.And the only way through is through.ResourcesSeasons of Transition Are Important and Require Ample Rest: https://www.alifeinprogress.ca/seasons-of-transition/Quiet the Noise 4-Day Challenge: https://www.alifeinprogress.ca/quiet-the-noise/Connect with Krista:Instagram: @a_life_in_progressFacebook: @alifeinprogressca and @rebrandingmiddleageYouTube: @ALifeinProgressWebsite: alifeinprogress.ca

What does it really take to keep a large-scale Bitcoin mining operation running?In this episode, Compass Mining's Curtis Harris, Senior Director of Growth, and Cameron Morsey, Director of Operations, unpack the business, infrastructure, and energy strategy behind Bitcoin mining.They explain how mining companies choose locations, secure competitive electricity rates, finance new sites, keep machines online, and manage operations when energy prices suddenly spike.You'll also hear how uptime, utilization, and curtailment affect mining profitability, why miners can help make use of otherwise wasted energy, and how mining sites interact with local power grids and communities.Topics include:How large-scale Bitcoin mining operations workWhy low-cost energy is critical to miningUptime vs. utilizationHow miners respond to changing electricity pricesEnergy curtailment and operating costsBitcoin mining site financingMiner repairs and hardware upgradesS19 vs. S21 mining machinesHow Bitcoin miner prices track BTCRenewable and otherwise wasted energyERCOT, load zones, and electricity pricingBuilding long-term relationships with local communitiesWhether you're a miner, investor, or simply curious about the infrastructure behind Bitcoin, this conversation offers a practical look at what keeps the Bitcoin network running behind the scenes.

I'm reposting today an interview that Matt Zeigler kindly conducted with me recently. It just so happens that today is my birthday, which makes it feel like the right moment to share this deeply personal conversation about a chapter in my life and career when uncertainty was at its peak and the road ahead felt anything but clear.In this impromptu conversation, recorded one summer morning, I reflect on what happened during that time, what I learned from it, and how those experiences continue to shape me today. Along the way, you'll hear stories and moments I've never shared publicly before.I also encourage you to read the thoughtful profile Matt wrote about me on his wonderful Cultish Creative blog, linked here. While you're there, take some time to explore—and follow—his beautifully written, thoughtfully curated work. I'm grateful for the care and generosity he brings to every conversation and every story he tells.Bogumil Baranowski joins Matt Zeigler to explore why failure is feedback and how persistence can turn rejection, uncertainty, and personal obstacles into life-changing opportunities. Bogumil shares his journey from Poland to a career in New York investing, the green card rejection that nearly ended it, and the unlikely path that eventually led him to ask Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger a question at the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting.Topics covered:Why failure should be treated as feedback rather than defeatWhat Joseph Moore's struggle to publish How to Get Rich in American History teaches about resilienceHow personal conviction helps people continue when success appears statistically unlikelyWhy creating a podcast can preserve valuable conversations and connect overlooked ideasHow podcast hosts cross-pollinate insights between investors, authors, and thinkersBogumil's decision to leave Europe and build an investing career in New York CityThe visa challenges and green card rejection that almost forced him to leave AmericaHow hope and persistence helped him restart the immigration processThe unlikely story of asking Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger a question at Berkshire HathawayWhy obstacles can help people develop strengths that others do not possessHow an outsider's perspective can create an advantage in investing and creative workWhy people should embrace the experiences that make them differentTimestamps:00:00 Why some goals become things you have to do03:00 Joseph Moore and the history of getting rich06:04 Why location matters when building and preserving wealth08:20 Failure is feedback09:30 Why important ideas often face rejection13:03 Turning private conversations into a public podcast16:40 Learning through other people's experiences18:08 Cross-pollinating ideas between great investors20:24 Bogumil's decision to pursue investing in New York21:42 Visa problems and a rejected green card application24:00 Starting the immigration process again26:14 Why persistence matters more than the size of the goal27:46 Asking Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger a question31:42 Why failing is part of trying33:53 The unexpected connection to The King's Speech35:29 Turning perceived weaknesses into strengths37:29 Where to find Bogumil's writing and podcastsPodcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

What happens when hotel teams have plenty of technology but still struggle to work from the same information?In this special HDC Nashville episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili sits down with Kelly Popp, Vice President of Business Development, Americas, at Access Hospitality, to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing hotel commercial teams today: the “toggle tax” created by disconnected systems and siloed departments.Kelly explains how fragmented tech stacks can make it harder for revenue, marketing, and commercial teams to make informed decisions—and why better integration is becoming essential as hotels move toward AI-powered technology.We explore what hotels need to get right before AI can deliver real business value, why clean and connected data matters, and how transparency can keep humans in control of AI-driven decisions.In this episode, they cover:Why disconnected tech stacks create silosThe importance of integrated hotel technologyHow EVO is changing the way hoteliers workWhy hotel content and personalization matterWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RgkxqJEWExo  Links:Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-popp-b5404a6/Access Hospitality: Hotels & Casinos Americas: https://www.theaccessgroup.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/319Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Fifty episodes, dozens of CEOs, founders, journalists, leaders, and communicators, and one thing kept surfacing no matter who was in the chair.For the 50th episode, Anne Green and Steve Halsey  look back at what four years of conversations have actually taught them. The surprise wasn't the differences between their guests, but how often they landed on the same ideas. From communications becoming a driver of business value, to trust that's earned long before a crisis, to the rise of the human as architect in an AI world, and to narrative as the operating system of a company, they trace the through-lines that keep showing up. It's a candid, hopeful reflection on where leadership and brand building goes next, and why it all still comes down to people.In this episode:Why communications shifted from something organizations do to how they operate, and understanding communications and brand as business assetsWhat 50 conversations taught the hosts about trust, standing your ground, and staying credible in an increasingly GEO and AI-driven worldThe move from the concept of “human in the loop” to treating the human as architect of the workWhy curiosity, tenacity, and people are the through-line behind every brand that builds real gravity

Are you managing your team just for today's results, or are you investing in their long term career growth? The most effective leaders know how to do both by adopting a mentor mindset. In this episode of Boss Better Now, Joe Mull continues his special summer series on the accountability tightrope. Listen in as he breaks down part three of the framework, revealing how to perfectly balance high performance standards with high employee support. Many managers struggle with onboarding and feedback, often resorting to assigning grunt work or trying to prevent every mistake. Joe shares a powerful example of what a perfect first day conversation looks like to set the stage for success. He details exactly how to shift into a mentor mindset where you assign real work of consequence, reframe mistakes as growth, and build deep employee commitment through earned prestige. What to Expect in This Episode: What is the Accountability Tightrope?: Joe recaps the core challenge of balancing high standards with supportive workplace relationships. The Perfect First Day Conversation: How to script a welcome message that builds trust and sets a standard of excellence right from the start. Defining the Mentor Mindset at Work: Why the best managers see people for their potential and focus on long term career growth over daily tasks. Stop Giving New Hires Grunt Work: How assigning work of consequence builds skill, confidence, and early contribution. How to Reframe Mistakes and Failure: Why great leaders coach thinking and judgment instead of just handing out all the answers. The Script for Difficult Feedback: How to frame tough performance conversations around an employee's potential so they feel supported instead of attacked. Building Employee Commitment through Earned Prestige: The psychological building block that gives employees a sense of worth and turns a new hire into a highly committed team member. To subscribe to Joe Mull's BossBetter Email newsletter, visit https://BossBetterNow.com For more info on working with Joe Mull, visit https://joemull.com For more info on Boss Hero School, visit https://bossheroschool.com To email the podcast, use bossbetternow@gmail.com #leadership #management #toxicworkculture #teambuilding #workplaceculture #conflictmanagement #employeeengagement #motivation Joe Mull is on a mission to help leaders and business owners create the conditions where commitment takes root and the entire workplace thrives. A dynamic and deeply relatable speaker, Joe combines compelling research, magnetic storytelling, and practical strategies to show exactly how to cultivate loyalty, ignite effort, and build people-first workplaces where both performance and morale flourish. His message is clear: when commitment is activated, engagement rises, teams gel, retention improves, and business outcomes soar. Joe is the founder of Boss Hero School™ and the creator of the acclaimed Employalty™ framework, a roadmap for creating thriving workplaces in a new era of work. He's the author of three books, including Employalty, named a top business book of the year by Publisher's Weekly, and his popular podcast, Boss Better Now, ranks in the top 1% of management shows globally. A former head of learning and development at one of the largest healthcare systems in the U.S., Joe has spent nearly two decades equipping leaders—from Fortune 500 companies like State Farm, Siemens, and Choice Hotels to hospitals, agencies, and small firms—with the tools to lead better, inspire commitment, and build more humane workplace cultures. His insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and more. In 2025, Joe was inducted into the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame (CPAE). This is the speaking profession's highest honor, a distinction granted to less than 1% of professional speakers worldwide. It's awarded to speakers who demonstrate exceptional talent, integrity, and influence in the speaking profession. For more information visit joemull.com. Timestamps 0:00 The Employee Alliance 0:21 Welcome and Series Recap 1:35 The Perfect First-Day Boss Conversation 2:58 Setting a Standard of Excellence 3:52 Defining the Mentor Mindset 4:30 Stop Giving New Hires Grunt Work 5:05 The Script for Difficult Feedback 5:43 Managing for the Future and Working Alliances 6:40 Leadership as a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy 7:11 Building Commitment Through Earned Prestige 7:44 Why High Standards Need High Support

AI is making everything faster, easier and, quite frankly, a little bit samey. We can generate an entire sales page in seconds, ask for 100 content ideas before breakfast and get Claude to spit out a new offer before we've even decided whether anyone actually wants it. But I think there's an unexpected upside to all of this: AI might actually be making us better at offer strategy. In this episode, I'm making the case for why the rise of AI is raising the bar for service providers rather than lowering it. When everyone has access to the same tools, producing more stuff isn't particularly impressive anymore. The real advantage comes from your discernment: your ability to look at all the possible ideas, messages and strategies in front of you and know which ones are actually worth pursuing.We also talk about the things AI simply can't manufacture for you: lived experience, taste, war wounds, client conversations and the lessons that come from taking an offer into the real world and discovering what actually happens. Your best offers aren't created because you found the perfect prompt. They're refined through launches that flop, clients who surprise you, ideas that need tweaking and all the messy experience that eventually makes your judgement worth paying for. And perhaps most importantly, we're entering an era where imperfection feels increasingly valuable. When everything can be polished into competent, perfectly structured AI copy, the odd phrase, niche joke, strong opinion and unmistakably you bit of your business becomes part of the appeal. What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy mass AI content creates a bigger opportunity for brilliant human workWhy discernment is becoming one of your strongest differentiatorsThe parts of offer strategy you can't outsource to a chatbotWhy lived experience makes your offers more valuableWhat flop launches and difficult clients teach you that AI can'tWhy imperfection can build trust in an increasingly polished online worldHow to use AI without allowing your offers to become beige, safe and samey"Mass mediocrity is really where true brilliance gets to shine brighter." Mentioned in this episode:Register for Fix Your Offers TodayYou probably don't have a marketing problem right now. You have an offer problem. No amount of content or mindset work fixes offers that feel messy, underpriced, or hard to explain, and that's usually when business starts feeling heavy: booked with work you've outgrown, tweaking prices last minute, saying yes to things you don't want to deliver anymore. Loads of brilliant business owners end up here. What changes it is a clear lineup of offers your dream clients instantly get, want, and move through naturally. If that sounds like what you need right now, register today to join my free training, Fix Your Offers, on Tuesday, 25th August 2026 at 1 pm BST.Register Here

Dr. Kendale Ritchey is a podiatrist in Knoxville, Tennessee, a former University of Tennessee swimmer, and a self-described “recovered barbecue-aholic.”For nearly three decades, Kendale lived with recurring episodes of intense abdominal, chest, and joint pain, along with fevers and debilitating inflammation.Then, after watching Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead and Forks Over Knives with his wife Connie, Kendale decided to try a whole food, plant-based lifestyle.Within weeks, he noticed something extraordinary: the episodes were milder. Then they stopped.In this conversation, Rip and Kendale talk about his years of unexplained pain, his eventual discovery of Familial Mediterranean Fever through genetic testing, and why a plant-based lifestyle became the turning point in his health.They also discuss Kendale's work as a podiatrist and the devastating toll of type 2 diabetes on the feet, including neuropathy, poor circulation, infections, and preventable amputations.You'll hear:Kendale's background as a swimmer at the University of TennesseeThe construction accident that may have triggered decades of inflammatory episodesWhat Familial Mediterranean Fever is and how he eventually discovered the diagnosisThe documentaries that changed everything for Kendale and his wife ConnieHow whole food, plant-based eating helped calm his symptomsHis 60-pound weight loss and renewed energyWhat he eats now and how he makes the lifestyle workWhy type 2 diabetes is so devastating for the feetThe connection between blood sugar, circulation, nerves, immunity, and amputationsWhy Kendale now plants seeds with his own patients about food and lifestyleWatch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pmsjP92_xH8Episode Webpage: https://www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/kendale-ritcheyLearn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/ Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyLearn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstynhttps://plantstrong.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/ Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star RatingApple PodcastsSpotify

Send us Fan MailYou negotiated at least three times last week. You may not have called it negotiating. You called it asking.And in every one of those moments, your case was strong. But whether it sounded strong helped determine the answer you received.Here is the pattern that costs high-performing women more than almost anything else: the case is usually solid, but the delivery comes apart in two specific, predictable, and fixable ways—softening and overexplaining.In this episode of Communicate to Lead, Kele Belton explains why a strong ask can still receive a soft no and what to do about it in the moment. Following one leader's story from soft no's to a clean, confident ask, Kele lays out a simple three-part structure for making requests well. She also draws an important distinction between being clear and being blunt—the difference that allows you to communicate directly without creating a reputation you did not want.What You Will LearnWhy the strength of your case is not the only factor that determines whether you get a yes.The two delivery habits that quietly weaken even a well-prepared request: softening and overexplaining.A three-part structure for making a request that lands as a clear position rather than a hope.Why the silence after your ask is one of the most powerful—and difficult—parts of the conversation.The difference between softening your position and keeping warmth in your delivery.How to stay in the conversation after an initial no without retreating into overexplaining.The reframe that can change how you approach compensation conversations.Who This Is ForThis episode is for high-performing women in middle and senior management who prepare thoroughly, make a strong case, and still leave conversations with less than they asked for. If you have ever softened an ask until it disappeared or buried a good point under five extra reasons, this episode is for you.Your Action StepTake one ask you have been carrying; the one you keep meaning to make but have not yet made. Write it as three sentences:The ask, stated in one line with a number in it.The reason, framed around business impact or consequence.The word “silence,” to remind you to stop talking after you make the ask.Read it out loud, remove every softener, and schedule the conversation this week.Mentioned in This EpisodeEpisode 188 - The Mid-Year Audit: 4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Q4Common Questions About Negotiating at WorkWhy do I get a soft no even when my case is strong?Usually, the case is not the problem. Softening the ask and overexplaining can signal that the request is optional or uncertain before the other person has even responded. The fix is in how the ask is delivered, not in building an even longer case.Will being more direct make me seem aggressive?Not necessarily. There is a difference between softening your position, which weakens your ask, and keeping warmth in your delivery, which helps the message land. Clear and warm are not opposites.What should I do when the answer is no?Treat the first no as a position, not a verdict. Instead of retreating, ask, “What would need to be true for the answer to change?” That question shifts the conversation from whether to when and can surface conditions that had not been named.How is negotiating compensation different?The structure is similar, with one important rule: frame your reason around market value and contribution, not personal need. When the conversation shifts from what your work is worth to what you need to live, your leverage can weaken.Ready to Go Deeper?Knowing the structure is one thing. Building the actual ask for your situation—the evidence you bring, the number you name, and the way you open the conversation—is easier with someone in your corner who has done this work before.A Leadership Strategy Call is a complimentary 30-minute conversation where you can bring the real ask you are sitting on and build a plan together. Let's talk about where you are, where you want to go, and what it will take to get there.Book your Leadership Strategy CallAbout Your HostKele Belton is a communication and leadership facilitator, coach, and consultant who helps high-performing women in middle and senior management move from essential but invisible to seen, sponsored, and promoted through strategic communication. She is the founder of The Tailored Approach and host of Communicate to Lead.Connect with KeleLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kele-ruth-belton/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetailoredapproach/Website: https://thetailoredapproach.comBook a Leadership Strategy Call: https://calendly.com/kele-thetailoredapproach/leadership-strategy-call

In this episode we'll talk about:Why so many unknowingly build lives around approval instead of authenticityHow performance slowly disconnects you from who God created you to beThe difference between living from acceptance versus living for acceptanceThere's a profound difference between earning love and living from it.God doesn't ask us to perform for His love.He invites us to live from it.How authenticity creates deeper peace, stronger relationships, and more meaningful workWhy letting go of approval isn't about rebellion—it's about alignmentWhat it looks like to build a life that's true to your calling instead of everyone else's expectationsAnd more… START HERE…→ Join The Niche Is You® — my Substack (20K+) — Weekly essays, the full workshop library, the private community + the Quarterly Challenges. → https://mattgottesman.substack.com/aboutNEW HERE…→ 6 Days to Clarity Workshop — clarity for your time, energy, money, creativity, work & play. → https://mattgottesman.com/reverse-engineer-your-life (FREE)CONNECT WITH ME…→ Instagram — @mattgottesman→ TikTok — @mattgottesman→ YouTube — @mattgottesmanRESOURCES…→ Write • Design • Build — my Content Creator Studio & OS masterclass (Included when you join my Substack) — Growing the niche of you, your audience, reach, voice, passion & income — CLICK HERE→ Recommended Book List — CLICK HERE→ Apparel — thenicheisyou.comOTHER RELATED EPISODES:Faith Isn't Knowing the Whole Path… It's Taking the Next Honest StepApple: https://apple.co/3MB62IuSpotify: https://bit.ly/4rZw3RN

You may be planning to retire at 65. Your employer may have a different date in mind.We are taught to build retirement around one major assumption: keep working until we are financially ready to stop.But what happens when the system does not let you?A restructuring happens. Your projects disappear. The raises stop. Your decades of experience suddenly become a “performance issue.” You are told the company needs someone more nimble, more digital, more affordable or, let's be honest, younger.In this episode of Queer Money, we are talking about the very real possibility of being pushed out of work before you are ready to retire.Nearly one in four workers over 50 reportedly feels like they are being pushed out because of their age. Other research has found that more than half of older workers leave longtime jobs involuntarily.And losing your job at 52, 56 or 61 is nothing like losing it at 28.For LGBTQ+ people, the consequences can be especially difficult. Many of us do not have family support to fall back on. We may have moved to expensive cities to feel safe, spent more on education to build our careers or felt pressure to maintain a lifestyle that looked more secure than it actually was.So when someone tells you to “just work longer,” you need to ask: Will they let you?In this episode, we share personal stories of unexpected layoffs, explain how corporate ageism is often disguised and lay out practical ways to start taking back control of your retirement timeline.You'll learn:The subtle signs that you may be getting managed outWhy experience can look expensive to corporate AmericaHow to calculate how long your money would last without a paycheckWays to build an income bridge before retirementHow to turn decades of experience into consulting or fractional workWhy keeping your skills and professional network current mattersWhat to document when you suspect age discriminationWhy you should never panic-quit or rush to sign a severance agreementYour employer may control your paycheck, but they should not control your entire future.The first step in age-proofing your retirement is knowing where you actually stand. Schedule a Queer Money Retirement Readiness Review to understand your numbers, identify your options and start building a retirement plan that does not depend entirely on your employer loving you tomorrow.Retire by design, not by default, layoff or ageism.HOW WE HELP FOLKS IN THE QUEER MONEY COMMUNITYFree guidesQueer Money Kickstarter:Queer Money 10 Vital Retirement NumbersQueer Money Retire Abroad ChecklistCalculators, planners and servicesQueer Money Beginner's GuideQueer Money Retirement CalculatorQueer Money Retire Abroad Planner & CalculatorQueer Money Retirement Readiness ReviewMentioned in this episode:Optimize August Ad 2With political uncertainty growing in the U.S., now is the time to build your Plan B. The Optimize Portugal Golden Visa Fund may let you invest existing IRA assets while pursuing Portuguese residency for you and your family. Don't wait until you need an escape plan to create one. Click below to learn more and request information.Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!It's time to create your retirement abroad planWhat if your retirement plan included a backup plan outside the United States? The Optimize Portugal Golden Visa Fund may give you the opportunity to invest existing IRA assets while also pursuing residency in Portugal for you and your family. That could mean greater flexibility, access to living and potentially working in Portugal, and a pathway to spending more time throughout Europe. Your retirement savings may be able to do more than fund your future. They could help expand where that future happens. Click the link below to learn how the fund works and request additional information.Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

Discover how wholesaling really works in 2026 — why it's still one of the quickest, lowest‑risk ways to profit in real estate, how to work with off‑market motivated sellers, and how to lock in higher buyers for maximum profit. Featuring real deal stories from Jonathan, a Freedom Mentor apprentice who turned small investments into big wins. His story shows exactly why a quick nickel beats a slow dime in today's market.What you'll learn:Why wholesaling is stronger than ever in 2026How off‑market motivated sellers create real opportunityWhat equitable interest is — and why it mattersHow to find the highest paying buyer (not just investors)Multiple closing methods and how they workWhy wholesaling is sustainable long‑termQuestions or comments? Text FREEDOM to 305-315-8030Register for our next FM LIVE Event! https://www.freedommentor.com/live/ Get your free copy of my best selling book, "How to be a Real Estate Investor": https://www.freedommentor.com/opt/free-book/ Get your free copy of my other best seller, "Real Estate Investing Gone Bad":  https://www.freedommentor.com/gone-bad-book/Every successful real estate investor has a mentor. Get your mentor here: https://www.freedommentor.com/apprentice/

GIVEAWAY - send us a message and let us know your favorite thing about the Square Pizza Pod. We are giving away SchermCo swag to the first three people that send us a note!In this episode of the Square Pizza Pod, Greg welcomes Alesha Washington, President and CEO of Seattle Foundation, for a powerful conversation about philanthropy, courage, and what it means to move money like it truly matters. Alesha shares how her experiences across policy, advocacy, economic development, and philanthropy have shaped a leadership philosophy rooted in joy, community voice, and the belief that nonprofit leaders deserve the trust and resources to do their best work.Alesha also pulls back the curtain on how one of the country's largest community foundations approaches long-term grantmaking, impact investing, affordable housing, transit, childcare, and the growing pressure on nonprofits in today's political and economic climate. Along the way, she offers a candid look at courageous leadership, board alignment, risk, and why foundations must be willing to stand firmly in their purpose rather than retreat when the work becomes difficult.In this episode, you'll learn more about:Why Alesha believes philanthropy should “move the money like it matters”How Seattle Foundation centers joy, belonging, and community voice in its workWhy affordable housing, childcare, and transit are deeply connected to the future of thriving regionsHow impact investing can help foundations take smart risks, unlock capital, and support community-led solutionsWhat courageous philanthropy looks like when real money, power, and institutional risk are on the tableWhy strong boards must understand their role, make space to serve, and stay focused on mission rather than managementSupport the show

Bugcrowd founder Casey Ellis joins me to dig into what AI is actually doing to bug bounties, vulnerability discovery, and open source security. We get into his "slopdemic" framing, the curl bug bounty saga, VDP readiness, the pentest market correction, and where security research policy heads next.Casey Ellis is the founder of Bugcrowd, co-founder of disclose.io, and a board member of the Security Research Legal Defense Fund. These days he advises and invests through Tall Poppy Group and works at the intersection of security, AI, and policy. His argument is that the vulnpocalypse was already here, and AI has made the cost of both finding and reporting vulnerabilities collapse at the same time.In this episode:Casey's path from building Bugcrowd to advising, investing, and policy workWhy more practitioners need to get involved in policy, and why law is just codeThe slopdemic vs. the vulnpocalypse, and what actually changed in submissionsAI lowering the bar for a broader, less predictable pool of threat actorsDaniel Stenberg, curl, and maintainers below the security poverty lineThe lightning rod vs. rockets distinction between VDPs and bug bountiesThe pentest market correction underway from AI pricing pressureCollapsing OODA loops, hack-back, CFAA reform, SRLDF, and disclose.ioChapters:0:00 Intro and Casey's background 2:56 Why practitioners belong in policy 6:22 The slopdemic vs. the vulnpocalypse 9:40 AI lowering the bar for threat actors 11:47 Open source, curl, and the security poverty line 15:37 VDP vs. bug bounty readiness 19:20 The pentest market correction 24:20 What breaks first in vulnerability management 27:20 Hack-back and non-cooperative defense 28:43 A near-term playbook for security leaders 31:40 CFAA, SRLDF, and disclose.ioConnect with Casey: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseyjohnellis Blog: https://cje.io disclose.io: https://disclose.io Bugcrowd: https://www.bugcrowd.comResilient Cyber: https://www.resilientcyber.io Subscribe for more conversations with security practitioners and leaders.

What happens when you have meaningful work to share, but resistance keeps getting in the way of putting it into the world?When Cathy Towle joined FLOW365, she was trying to grow her work as a shaman, medium, and spiritual entrepreneur. She had decades of experience, deep wisdom, and plenty of business knowledge, but she was struggling to translate it all into consistent action.In this conversation, Cathy shares how planning, accountability, and being supported inside a community helped her move forward without forcing herself to follow someone else's formula.As she kept showing up, imperfectly, her resistance began to soften. She filled her private practice, created systems that made her business easier to run, found clearer language for her work, and made more room for creativity, health, family, and the rest of her life.We talk about:Why experienced women can still feel like beginners in a new seasonThe relationship between willingness, imperfect action, and momentumHow structure can support intuitive and creative workWhy we need a container that allows us to be honest about where we're stuckGrowing a business while navigating caregiving and real lifeWhat becomes possible when you stop trying to do it perfectlyThis is a conversation about trusting yourself, allowing your path to unfold, and finding a way of planning and following through that actually feels like your own.Interested in FLOW365? Learn more at https://plansimple.com/flow365