In this episode, we embark on an inspiring journey through health, wellness, and personal transformation with Amanda Nighbert. Amanda, a highly esteemed registered dietitian with a specialization in weight loss nutrition, an avid fitness enthusiast, and a dedicated working mother of two, shares her remarkable story and unveils the driving force behind her revolutionary program, LEAN. Our conversation with Amanda begins with the genesis of her transformative program, LEAN. She delves into how she envisioned and brought this life-changing initiative to fruition, a program meticulously designed to empower individuals on their personal wellness odysseys. Amanda goes on to offer valuable advice for those contemplating the allure of staying within their comfort zones, encouraging us to take calculated risks and step beyond the confines of safety. We explore the profound impact of such actions on personal growth and self-discovery. The discussion takes an introspective turn as we navigate the often challenging process of questioning one's life path. Amanda candidly shares her experiences and insights on handling moments of uncertainty, drawing from her own journey of transformation. We then explore the intricate relationship between entrepreneurs and social media, unraveling the potential pitfalls it presents. Amanda provides strategies for maintaining a balanced and healthy interaction with these platforms while ardently pursuing one's entrepreneurial dreams. Our journey continues with a paradigm shift as we transition from the fleeting allure of "New Year's resolutions" to embracing sustainable lifestyle changes as the cornerstone of lasting wellness. Amanda sheds light on the wisdom of this shift and its potential to revolutionize our approach to health. We proceed to debunk the misconceived notion of a finish line in the realm of health and wellness. Amanda emphasizes the enduring commitment required for personal well-being, emphasizing the journey over the destination. The art of celebrating victories, no matter how small, takes center stage as we learn its pivotal role in maintaining motivation and momentum on the path to a healthier lifestyle. Delving deeper, we confront the "might as well" mindset and explore strategies to overcome it, ensuring that we remain steadfast in pursuit of our wellness goals. The conversation takes a poignant turn as we contemplate the importance of rewriting the narrative around health and wellness, particularly for the benefit of the next generation, our children. During challenging times, Amanda shares insights on reframing our mindset, drawing from her personal experiences and professional expertise. Her wisdom guides us through the darkest moments on our journeys. In an inspiring culmination, Amanda shares her personal "do the dang thing" goal, motivating us to seize the moment and pursue our aspirations with unwavering determination. Finally, we delve into the heart of Amanda's transformative LEAN program, a beacon of hope and guidance for countless individuals seeking to achieve their wellness goals and embrace enduring lifestyle changes. We talk about: [0:00] Intro [2:35] How she created the vision for her program: LEAN [7:30] Advice to someone who think they should just ‘stay safe’ [9:00] Working through questioning your path [11:00] How social media can take entrepreneurs down [16:35] Changing our mindset from a "new years resolution" to a lifestyle change [23:55] The myth that there’s a ‘finish line’ to your health and wellness [30:30] Learning how to celebrate wins [35:20] The "might as well" mindset [39:00] Changing the narrative for our kids [44:35] How to reframe our mindset in really hard times [46:50] Amanda’s ‘do the dang thing’ goal [50:25] Her LEAN program Connect with Amanda Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandanighbertrd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8KpxyBBxv1YlEsjAdyGrXA Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/amanda_nighbert/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaNighbertRD/ https://amandanighbert.com/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-maldonado-smith-a506805/ Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/  

In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of envisioning your future and embracing change. Our guest, Danielle, shares her insights and experiences on various aspects of personal and professional development. Danielle begins by discussing the importance of evolving and adapting when faced with challenging situations. She emphasizes the need to continuously meet your own needs while navigating tough positions, shedding light on strategies to achieve this balance. We then explore the art of creating a compelling vision for yourself and your team, especially when you come from diverse backgrounds. Danielle provides valuable insights into aligning different perspectives towards a common goal, fostering unity and productivity. The episode challenges the traditional notion of work-life "balance" and introduces the concept of life's 'seasons.' Danielle shares her perspective on how to navigate these seasons effectively, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing well-being along the way. Danielle's personal journey is a testament to the permission we all have to start pursuing our goals at any point in life. She discusses her own experiences and how she found the courage to begin her own path, inspiring listeners to take their first steps towards their aspirations. We also get a glimpse into Danielle's big plans and the vision she has for her life. She shares her aspirations and discusses how she envisions her future unfolding, providing a motivating example for those looking to set bold goals. Throughout the episode, Danielle emphasizes the significance of savoring the journey while working towards your goals. She discusses the power of finding joy and fulfillment in the process, highlighting the importance of enjoying every step along the way. Practical strategies for transforming your vision into reality are explored in-depth. Danielle shares actionable steps and advice to help listeners take concrete actions towards their goals, making their dreams a tangible reality. The concept of putting your vision out into the universe and finding accountability is also discussed. Danielle sheds light on the power of sharing your goals with others and leveraging external support to stay on track. We also dive into the science behind effective goal setting, where Danielle shares psychological insights and strategies for setting and achieving goals, offering a roadmap for success. In addition to personal goals, Danielle talks about her efforts to help create a vision for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in this field and how she is contributing to its advancement. Danielle Vardaro is a proud working mom, marketing expert, and relationship-centric customer engineer with a passion for making a positive impact. Holding a Masters in Mechanical Engineering, she has dedicated her entire professional career to the aviation industry, where she has excelled in roles involving problem-solving, marketing, and driving change. Currently serving as the Vice President of Worldwide Customer Support & Aftermarket Sales in Commercial Aviation for Embraer, she leads a global team that consistently delivers high-impact results. Beyond her corporate role, she is a dedicated advocate for women in STE(A)M fields, committed to helping them realize their full potential. In addition to her corporate responsibilities, Danielle Vardaro has created the UNSTUCK YOUR CAREER BOOTCAMP, a program tailored for busy women at pivotal points in their careers. Through this initiative, she coaches women on the tactics, tools, and strategies needed to clarify their purpose, overcome obstacles, advance their careers, and find fulfillment in their work. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, she resides with her husband and 5-year-old twin boys, embodying the spirit of a driven professional, caring parent, and passionate advocate for women's empowerment.   We talk about: [0:00] Intro [5:10] Evolving when you're in a tough position, and how to continuously meet our own needs [11:05] How to create a vision for yourself and your team, especially when you have diverse backgrounds  [19:20] The misconception of work-life "balance", and having life ‘seasons’ [27:30] The permission to start at any time [35:05] The big things coming for Danielle and the vision of her life [41:05] Truly making sure you are enjoying the journey [43:40] How to make your vision a reality [46:40] Putting our vision into the universe and finding accountability [52:00] The science behind goal setting [53:40] How Danielle is helping create the vision for women in STEM [1:03:10] What is her ‘do the dang thing’ goal   Connect with Danielle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle.vardaro/ https://daniellevardaro.com/#meet-danielle Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-maldonado-smith-a506805/ Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/  

In this episode, join us as we dive into a dynamic conversation with Veena, exploring topics ranging from serendipitous encounters to navigating the unpredictable journey of pursuing our goals. We delve into the art of celebrating achievements, the importance of long-term planning, and the resilience required when life takes unexpected turns. Veena shares her experiences as a freelancer and the value of embracing your craft. Discover how to gracefully move on when your heart is set on something that doesn't materialize as planned. We explore the nuances of vision and personality alignment and the power of adaptability when life unfolds differently than expected. Tune in as we uncover Veena's "do the dang thing" goal and uncover valuable insights that will inspire you to embrace life's uncertainties with confidence and determination. We talk about: [0:00] Intro [2:00] About Veena and how we met [5:15] Letting opportunities find their way to you [10:30] We can't always pick when or how our goals are checked off in the way we envisioned [15:40] Celebrating your accomplishments [17:00] The long game for goals, having your 1, 3, 5, and 10 year plan, her life as a freelancer and embracing the craft of what you take on [19:40] Moving on when something you really want doesn't happen [34:50] Her vision and working with her personality [44:20] Adaptability with your vision, and your life not turning out as expected [51:15] What is her do the dang thing goal Connect with Veena Instagram: www.instagram.com/veenacrownholm  https://linktr.ee/veenacrownholm Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-maldonado-smith-a506805/ Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/  

Welcome back to this week’s episode, a solo episode with yours truly! I'm thrilled to have you join me today as we embark on a journey deep into the realms of personal growth and transformation. In this episode, it's all about you – your aspirations, your goals, and how to turn those dreams into your reality. To start things off, let's dive into the concept of executive vision imagery. This is all about painting a vivid picture of success right in your mind. Trust me, this is the foundation that sets the stage for everything we're going to discuss. Have you ever wondered just how often people actually write down their goals? Or get to that level of success? I have some solid tips to help you leverage this knowledge and make it work for you. But here's the beauty of it all – the incredible value you bring to the table. We're diving deep into discussions about self-worth and acknowledging the uniqueness that each of us brings to the world. Because, let's be honest, you're far more amazing than you give yourself credit for. Have you ever found yourself torn between the extremes of all or nothing vs. consistency? We're going to dig deep into it and see how it fits perfectly into your unique journey. And speaking of unique journeys, let's chat about asserting your own desires. It's time to challenge societal norms and embrace what you truly want. Because let's face it, your dreams are worth fighting for. But as always, I'm not leaving you without a roadmap. Towards the end of this episode, get ready for your call to action for real change. This is where we bring it all together – all the insights, stories, and discussions – and turn them into actionable steps for your personal growth journey. We talk about: [0:00] Intro [1:30] What is executive vision imagery  [4:05] The truth about how often people write down their goals [6:50] The value of what we bring to the table [9:35] The grit behind getting where you want to be [10:45] What truly holds us back [16:40] All or nothing vs. consistency  [20:15] Asserting our own desires [25:30] Your call to action for real change Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-maldonado-smith-a506805/ Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/

Join us in this enlightening episode as we dive into a conversation with Marisa Lonic, the mastermind behind "Mama Work It." Discover the captivating journey that led to the creation of a supportive community for working moms seeking balance and success. Marisa opens up about the transformational process of rediscovering one's identity post-motherhood, a topic explored at length in our discussion. Learn how "Mama Work It" empowers ambitious mothers to reignite their passions while embracing their role as mothers. Transitioning from a corporate career to entrepreneurship is a daring move, and Marisa shares her personal experience of this shift, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs along the way. Time management often seems like an insurmountable obstacle, but Marisa offers invaluable insights into reframing priorities, finding hidden time pockets, and effectively managing both business and motherhood. As our conversation unfolds, you'll gain wisdom on taking chances, conquering regrets, and ultimately, doing what it takes to thrive in the realms of motherhood and entrepreneurship.  Marisa Lonic's lifelong dream of motherhood unfolded dramatically at 29 when she discovered she was having twins. From playing "mom" with pillows and dolls to managing the challenges of premature childbirth, sleepless nights, a demanding career, cross-country moves, and growing her family further, Marisa navigated complexity with resilience. Amidst her bustling career, demanding family, and a yearning for more, Marisa birthed "Mama Work It." This haven empowers working mothers, offering practical advice, fostering ambition, and creating a supportive community of like-minded achievers. United by shared experiences, Marisa Lonic motivates fellow mothers to excel daily—looking good, feeling empowered, and making impactful strides. With her rallying call, she urges all mothers to embrace their roles and work it, every step of the way.   We talk about: [0:00] Intro [2:25] How "Mama Work It" came to be [10:10] Finding yourself again after motherhood [13:05] The gradual shift from corporate to entrepreneurship [16:50] Taking chances and transforming regrets [19:25] How can we better manage our time when we typically make excuses about lack of time [24:00] Reframing how we prioritize  [27:35] Knowing how we fill our pockets of time [31:00] Biz and time momagement  [35:45] Doing the dang thing   Connect with Marisa here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letmamaworkit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letmamaworkit Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mamaworkit/ https://www.mamaworkit.com/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-maldonado-smith-a506805/ Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Dalia Soles, the founder of Design Assisted, as she shares her remarkable trajectory from launching her business in 2020 to becoming a leading force in the Interior Design industry. Without the constraint of time stamps, we explore the pivotal moments and lessons that have shaped her path: Discover how Design Assisted soared to success since its inception in 2020, unraveling the story behind its growth and impact within the industry. Explore how Dalia became not just a business owner, but a solution provider, addressing the unique needs of her clients and turning challenges into opportunities. Learn about the significance of passion and conviction in driving Dalia's journey. She shares her insights into maintaining unwavering dedication to her craft. Delve into the realm of self-empowerment through coaching and how it has played a transformative role in Dalia's life and business endeavors. Navigate through the intricacies of facing extraordinarily tough times and wrestling with mental health challenges. Dalia's candid discussion sheds light on her resilience and determination. Join us in contemplating what lies ahead for Dalia and her ventures. She offers a glimpse into her future plans and aspirations, hinting at exciting new horizons. Engage in a thought-provoking conversation about the risks and rewards of pursuing one's passions. Dalia's story prompts us to reflect on the true nature of our perceived losses and gains. Dalia Soles' journey didn't begin with idyllic scenes of her childhood. Rather, she was the inquisitive child who dismantled remotes, aspired to cashiering, sketched fashion designs, and belted out tunes at talent shows. Her diverse interests led her to experiment with makeup, sketch dresses, and explore various industries. After becoming a mother, she taught herself graphic design using tools like Photoshop and Illustrator. She ventured into Marketing, Aviation, Hospitality, and Real Estate, until she eventually reset her path in the Interior Design field. Here, she found her passion for creative processes and problem-solving. Dalia's career introduced her to renowned Designers, Contractors, Architects, and even Celebrities. Adept at organization and communication, she excelled in anticipating her clients' needs. In May 2020, she founded Design Assisted, initially a solo venture, to fulfill a gap for project-specific aid in Interior Design. She acknowledges her team's pivotal role in the company's growth and cherishes the Designers who entrusted her. Despite not being born into the field, her journey led her to a sense of belonging within the Interior Design community. Tune in to this episode as we chart the voyage of Dalia Soles, a testament to the possibilities that unfold when passion meets empowerment and perseverance.   We talk about: [0:00] Intro [3:10] How her business has taken off since 2020 [5:00] Becoming the solution to your problem [8:25] Having passion and conviction behind what you do [11:30] Empowering yourself through coaching [18:05] Navigating impossibly hard times and struggling with mental health challenges [37:55] What's next for Dalia [42:15] What do you really have to lose?   Connect with Dalia here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designassisted Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daliasoles/ ​​https://www.designassistedco.com/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-maldonado-smith-a506805/ Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/  

Embark on a captivating episode as we delve into the life-altering narrative of Nicole Cumberbatch, an exceptional mompreneur, speaker, author, and advocate. Nicole's journey takes center stage as she recounts the profound impact of motherhood on her entire existence. Discover how the birth of her son became the catalyst for transformative shifts, propelling her towards a path of growth and empowerment.   Nicole shares her unique perspective on embracing change and remaining open to life's transformative moments. From her reliance on organized chaos through Post-it notes to her powerful transition from seeking external validation to cultivating self-empowerment, her insights provide valuable takeaways for personal development. Join us as Nicole explores the idea of welcoming new possibilities and the pivotal role it plays in shaping one's journey.   Navigate the intricate process of aligning core values through trial and error, and gain valuable insights into the creation and expansion of The Motherhood Village, a sanctuary of support and connection for mothers worldwide. As the episode draws to a close, Nicole challenges us to engage in a thought-provoking exercise—conversing with our future selves. Nicole Cumberbatch, a proud mother and former Corporate VP of Finance who transitioned into a mompreneur role, is also recognized as a speaker, author, and podcaster. Following the birth of her son in 2017, Nicole grappled with postpartum anxiety, career identity, and the intricacies of parenting a newborn. Recognizing the need for candid discussions surrounding motherhood challenges, she established the podcast "Mamas Know Best, We Got Something to Say" in 2019. This endeavor led her to establish The Motherhood Village in 2021, stemming from conversations with numerous women and experts, aiming to create a solid support network for mothers.   Central to Nicole's philosophy is the belief that motherhood thrives on research, education, and robust support systems. While mothers inherently understand what's optimal for their families, societal norms should not dictate their choices. The resonance of relatable narratives and the opportunity to connect with others' experiences hold a unique value. Nicole's overarching mission is to enhance maternal mental well-being by fostering community, knowledge exchange, and meaningful connections, championing the upliftment and empowerment of mothers.   We talk about: [0:00] Intro [7:50] Having her son and how that was a catalyst to changing her entire life [17:00] Being open to life transformations [24:20] Living and dying by Post-it notes [28:40] Shifting from seeking validation from others to being self empowered [30:50] Opening ourselves up to new possibilities  [31:30] Core values that align through trial and error  [34:20] Creating and expanding the Motherhood Village [41:45] Talking to your future self   Connect with Nicole here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.motherhood.village1/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The.Motherhood.Village1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolegcumberbatch/ Podcast: https://www.themotherhoodvillage.com/podcast ​​https://www.themotherhoodvillage.com/ Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-maldonado-smith-a506805/ Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/

Welcome to the very first episode of "Creating the Vision". Join me on this inspiring journey as we explore personal growth, transformation, and the power of setting goals.  In this episode, we'll delve into pivotal moments that shaped my life, the impact of goal-setting, flexibility in our aspirations, and the vision for this podcast. I'll take you back to a life-changing moment I experienced in 3rd grade, igniting a lifelong passion, and share how setting goals from a young age shaped my journey. We will also cover the profound influence of early goal-setting on personal and professional growth, from the thrill of pursuing dreams to the fulfillment of achieving them. We'll explore the emotional landscape of accomplishing past goals, understanding the lessons learned and the growth that comes from these experiences. Flexibility is key, as we discuss adapting our goals to the evolving path of life, and the unexpected opportunities that can arise from embracing change. Each episode will leave you with a valuable takeaway, guiding you on your journey to realizing your dreams.   We talk about: [0:00] Intro [1:40] My life-changing moment in 3rd grade [4:00] The impact that setting goals at such a young age had on my life [4:30] How it felt accomplishing past goals I had set for myself [5:25] Finding flexibility in our goals [6:25] My goals for this podcast and creating a bigger impact in the world [8:30] Coming face to face with what we want to achieve [9:50] One thing to take away from this podcast and each episode Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-maldonado-smith-a506805/ Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/

How do we create visionaries? What does it take to tap into our infinite potential and design a meaningful vision for our lives?   I’m your host Maria Maldonado Smith, and this is Creating the Vision - a podcast about living the life you envisioned and leaning into your power, purpose, and the goals you so badly want to achieve.    Each week on we’ll hear from everyday people discuss their journey to living and creating the vision for the life they’re living. Plus, we’ll discuss all things vision imagery and vision board creation, goal setting, and accountability so that you feel empowered, motivated, and supported throughout your own vision journey.    The goal for you in listening to these conversations is to begin thinking about your own vision for the life you want to create - and to become inspired to take action - turning your plan in to the life you’ve always dreamed of living.    WEBSITE: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/