After practicing law for 20 years, I noticed that there are so many women out there who are not speaking their truth. They’re staying silent. They’re suffering quietly. Listen to this episode, and hopefully, you will begin to find the power in your voice. Dr. Cheryl Wood is the CEO of Global Speakers University, a training and development company that equips women with the tools to master the art of sharing their unique voice, story, and message. She’s an international two-time TEDx speaker, and a 20-time bestselling author,  delivering keynotes to clients such as NASA, Verizon, Capital One, the FBI, and United Nations. Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation: The importance of knowing what you already have How to separate your brand from all the other brands Creating your new belief system The importance of being present in the season you’re currently in Don’t rush the journey Being willing to allow your ‘no’ The power of surrender The two parts of sharing Episode Highlights: [07:08] The Importance of Knowing What You Really Want Wherever you are in your life, career, or your business, you’ve got to start with what you already have. Then believe that by moving consistently toward the exploration of something greater, that doors will be open for you. Opportunities will expose themselves. Relationships will unveil themselves and they will push you into the next season of who you’re destined to be versus waiting on everything to be perfectly in alignment. If you don’t allow your journey to bake, then you’re going to get a journey that’s going to be uncomfortable, ugly, and dented. And you’re not going to get the actual end result that you want. [19:05] The Acceptance Use your vocal variety and all the things you can use to be able to communicate your story verbally and the impact that it can have. It is equally as important that you put it in writing because that will long outlive your physical body. Your life can be always bigger than you by making sure you unleash and amplify your voice, that you share your story and your experiences, and that you’re always transparent in what you’ve been through. Don’t just tell the good parts and the juicy parts, but share the parts that allow you to get to the juicy parts. You have everything it takes to win big, to open new doors of opportunity, and to create a life that you’re absolutely in love with. [33:00] Finding the Power of Your Voice Your life is always bigger than just you. So make sure you unleash and amplify your voice. Share your story and your experiences. Be always transparent about what you’ve been through, not just telling the good parts and the juicy parts, but sharing the parts that allow you to get to the juicy parts. Resources Mentioned: Global Speakers University If you’ve been dreaming of writing a nonfiction book but don’t know where to begin, check out www.activateauthor.com and learn how you can complete a book manuscript in only 90 days.

Which would you choose: happiness or success? As leaders, we’re faced with the everyday battles where sometimes we can only choose between success (productivity, big business, scalability, wealth, etc) and happiness (time with family and loved ones, pursuing your passions, etc.). It seems impossible to have both of them. In today’s episode, Georgette Pascale joins us to talk about how making disruptor decisions is the key to your happiness! Georgette has over 25 years of experience in PR, marketing, and communications. She launched her company, sold it, and then re-launched a brand new company entitled G, focusing on assisting entrepreneurs and small businesses in any industry to accomplish their goals. Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation: Productivity versus how you’re working How to be nimble and be authentic Being hungry and humble at 50 Dealing with impostor syndrome The difference between happiness and success Being open to relationships Episode Highlights: [13:51] Achieving Productivity While Being Happy at the Same Time When do you work best and how are you productive? There’s nothing wrong with focusing on achieving your goals or being productive, but you’ve got to also live in the moment and not worry so much about your 20-year plan. We need that – big businesses, scalability, etc. But we must also be nimble and be able to adjust to what’s happening now, so we don’t miss opportunities and we grow something authentic. [17:42] Staying Hungry and Humble – No Matter the Age After you do something for a while, you start to get good at it and you figure out the path. And so, when you’re a beginner at anything new, that can be really scary. But you can’t stay in your comfort zone, no matter your age. You’ve got to continue to find what sparks joy in your life and what continues to drive you. [26:30] Happiness vs. Success When you’re passionate about something, money will naturally come. And so, happiness trumps success  any time. Resources Mentioned: www.personalbusinessally.com If you’ve been dreaming of writing a nonfiction book but don’t know where to begin, check out www.activateauthor.com and learn how you can complete a book manuscript in only 90 days.

What would you do if you woke up one morning and found that your hair was falling out in clumps? One would need to have the resilience and grit to turn that into a positive. Well, today’s guest, McKenna Reitz, did just that. McKenna is a TEDx speaker who empowers people to reframe life’s challenges into gifts and opportunities, so they can pursue their purpose with clarity and confidence. After losing all of her hair due to alopecia, she uses her journey of having this autoimmune disease to help others overcome loss. This is such a powerful conversation you definitely don’t want to miss! Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation: What is alopecia? McKenna’s experience with alopecia Having control over your attitude about the problem Dealing with grief How alopecia has given McKenna purpose Ways to get yourself out of a funk Episode Highlights: [03:30] McKenna’s Story McKenna noticed her hair shedding, and more so than it did after her first daughter was born. When she went to a dermatologist who told her she could lose all her hair, she was just devastated. By the end of November, all her hair was gone. She remembers sitting in the shower with her hands full of hair, and she was just in complete disbelief. It felt as though every strand of hair that was falling out of her head was her identity being erased from her. For four years, McKenna would not go outside of her house without a wig or hat on. She still had a hat on even when she was just walking around her own house because she was so embarrassed and ashamed of what she looked like. Eventually, she looked in the mirror and saw her beauty. She was able to look in the mirror and say she’s enough and she’s worth it. [05:39] The Problem is Your Attitude About the Problem You can’t be so focused on a problem that you have no control over it. Instead, what you can control is your attitude about that problem. [07:59] Dealing with Grief Everyone experiences losses and challenges in their lives. While it’s visible for some, everyone else gets to walk through society with a smile on their face but in reality, they’re not. Everyone has a story and everyone is battling something. And so, it’s okay to be weak and it’s okay to grieve. When you are weak, that is when you’re the most strong. And once you understand why these things happen for you, and not to you, you begin to change your perspective on yourself. That being said, you can’t compare your journey or your grief to someone else’s. [18:30] How to Get Yourself Out of a Rut  Find out what works. If it’s not working, find something else. But the biggest thing is finding that support system. Take the time to say you’re not okay and know that it’s okay not to be okay. We have to remove that stigma. Focus on manifestation and taking care of yourself. And sometimes, all it takes is to just get out of bed. Resources Mentioned: www.mckennareitz.com If you’ve been dreaming of writing a nonfiction book but don’t know where to begin, check out www.activateauthor.com and learn how you can complete a book manuscript in only 90 days.

Are you still holding off on pursuing your passion project? Listen to this episode and take this as a nudge from the universe that it’s time to do it! Joining us today is Carrie Vee, a professional speaker, author, podcast host, and certified transformation, forgiveness, and grief coach. Carrie is a Toastmasters semifinalist in the 2020 World Championship of Speaking. Carrie’s brother died after losing a three-year battle with colon cancer in 2020. Three months after his death, he left her a message in her dream: life is short, choose wisely. Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation: Getting over the mindset of staying safe and staying small We’re never too much Turning words from something that destroys you into power It’s always about the journey, not the destination Morning routines to kickstart your day Episode Highlights: [08:33] You Are Never Too Much! A lot of us grew up with messages that we have to make ourselves small because the world isn’t ready for us. We’re told we’re too much and that we shouldn’t take up too much space, or the world’s not ready for our energy. But we’re never too much. Carrie shares her experience at the camp where she ended up getting lambasted for being too loud. That one comment from one person that day was enough to shut her voice for two decades. Finally, one day, she decided to turn those words into something positive – start a podcast, write a book, get on stage, and use her voice the way that God designed her to be. It was a conscious decision to begin to step into her power. [21:24] It’s The Journey, Not the Destination Carrie saw how her late brother would drag himself through the doors just so he could do something. And he taught her how to live while he was dying. One of the lessons she got is that it’s never about the destination, but it’s the journey. [24:49] Morning Routines to Incorporate into Your Day Express gratitude first thing in the morning. Then pray and say what is the one thing you can do today, the one thing that will move your business forward, the one thing you can do to make your family more loved, and the one thing you can do to experience joy? Whether it is faith or the universe, or whatever it is you believe in, ASK. Because it’s willing to deliver, but it’s not going to deliver if it doesn’t know what you want. Resources Mentioned: www.coachcarriev.com If you’ve been dreaming of writing a nonfiction book but don’t know where to begin, check out www.activateauthor.com and learn how you can complete a book manuscript in only 90 days.

If you’re trading time for money then this is an episode for you! Today, my friends Erin Hatzikostas and Nicole Licata are taking over my podcast with a fun, engaging chat about getting paid for the brilliance of your mind rather than the minutes that you clock in. Erin and Nicole are hosts of the “b Cause Work Doesn’t Have to Suck” Podcast where they explore authenticity in work – and in play. They are lifelong friends and complete opposites. Every conversation they have will make you laugh and perk up with their sparks of wisdom. Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation: Understanding the value of your time Holding firm on your value The analogy of the roller coaster Learning to be a better leader The value of having a coach Episode Highlights: [33:56] Understanding the Value of Your Time If you value your time now it’s going to pay dividends in the future. In all the time you’ve spent to this point, you’ve built up a lifetime of expertise, and you’ve built up a lifetime of knowledge and learning. You’re putting that into your passion – your products or services and your talks, or whatever that looks like. And so when you go to deliver those, you’re delivering a lifetime of learning. You have to hold firm on its floor value. They’re not paying for your minutes. They’re paying for your lifetime knowledge. And so sometimes, you have to hold steady on the value of your time. [49:16] Learning to Be a Better Leader If you feel like you’re being limited or undermined, go find a new environment where you can live your truth and speak your truth. There’s a better way to be a leader and create a better culture altogether. A lot of it has to do with how we value ourselves. You don’t even have to start big. It starts with reflection and awareness. Once you have that, asking for what measures up to your value comes easier. Resources Mentioned: If you’ve been dreaming of writing a nonfiction book but don’t know where to begin, check out www.activateauthor.com and learn how you can complete a book manuscript in only 90 days. www.bauthenticinc.com/unstuck www.bauthenticinc.com/podcast

Being a high performer doesn’t mean you’ve got it all figured out. There are still times when there’s so much on your plate that you start to question why you’re doing all this and where your passion really lies. As entrepreneurs, we all have those moments – and sometimes, it helps to face our own selves with all honesty, vulnerability, and authenticity. Joining me in today’s discussion is PR expert, Whitney Lee, as we talk about the struggles, sacrifices, joy, and freedom of being a high performer. Named one of the five most dynamic women leaders ruling the industry in 2022, Whitney is a force in the public relations industry. She has over a decade of experience in strategic storytelling and earning media coverage through social media, PR, email, marketing, and more. Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation: The high achiever’s internal struggle of “not achieving” High achievers are not necessarily extroverts How her business played a role in her divorce Prioritizing vs. balancing life The joys of being an entrepreneur How to get started with your business Episode Highlights: [10:07] Are High Performers Extroverts? Just because you’re a high-achiever doesn’t mean you are an extrovert or continuously seek people around you. It’s more about surrounding yourself with accomplishments and continuing to move the ladder. [15:06] Handling Business and Relationships Often, the business comes first before the relationship, and if the other person doesn’t get it, then they’re going to constantly feel like they’re not getting enough of you. But when you’re both business owners in a relationship, there’s a better understanding of what it takes to be in that space. Otherwise, they’re not going to understand the stress and the things that keep you up, which you can’t just turn off anytime. From the outside looking in, you can’t understand it. In the same way, from the inside looking out, you can’t explain it to someone who’s not an entrepreneur or an authority, and they’re just not going to get it. When it comes to balancing life, there are only so many hours in the day so you have to figure out what your priorities are and just guard your time on everything else. [25:11] How to Get Started with Your Business Figure out the basics and just start. Break through all the noise by just figuring out the things you need. You can spend all this time doing tasks and never really moving forward in any way. Therefore, figure out the things that make something happen versus all the busy work you’re doing that is satisfying your brain but not actually moving the needle forward. If you really want something, write down every step that is required to do that and just work backward. Resources Mentioned: https://truestorypr.co/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-lee-sociallee If you’ve been dreaming of writing a nonfiction book but don’t know where to begin, check out www.activateauthor.com and learn how you can complete a book manuscript in only 90 days.

Writing is not just a creative process, but an emotional process as well.  The more you have the tools to work through the emotional aspects of the writing process, the more successful you’re going to be in getting those stories out into the world because the audience can feel you. The question is, how do you get your manuscript published? Joining us today is Cynthia Merrill, editor and writing coach by profession – but a writer at heart.  Since 2018, Cynthia has helped writers polish their manuscripts and find a publishing path that fits their goals. If you have ever dreamed of publishing a book, then this episode is for you! Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation: The need for more compassionate literature about writing Writing tips and different publishing options Figuring out what publishing option is right for you Finding the right agent for your book Ghostwriters need to get some credit too The emotional process of writing Revising as you go vs. writing a messy draft Episode Highlights: [07:18] Tapping Into Your Creative Space If a certain writing technique works for you, then it works for you. If not, either you don’t understand the tool well enough yet so you have to learn a little bit more, or you can just abandon that. But you can’t force yourself to be sitting the whole day writing. Instead, find a way to make it more organic, something that genuinely lights you up and helps you access that creativity without trying to shove yourself into that rigid space. [11:58] Publishing Options Traditional – Most traditional publishers will only take agented manuscripts, which means you need to submit them through an agent. Once the agent decides to represent you, they help pitch your work to the publishers but they don’t get paid until they sell your book. Self-publishing – You have more creative control but you have to market, find a designer, hire an editor, and create that space yourself. Hybrid – There are smaller presses where you don’t need an agent to submit to them. They might have more limited resources, but they still have great strengths and in-house editors. If you have a book you want to get out in the world, slow down and look at your options seriously. Be honest about what you want. If you do not want to play the waiting game and if it’s going to drive you insane to wait to hear back from agents or wait to sell it, then it’s okay to go a different route. [26:38] The Emotional Process of Writing Writing is such an emotional process that when you have writer’s block, it usually isn’t because you’re out of ideas or you aren’t capable, but usually, there’s some emotional root to it. Tackling a creative project is therefore a great way to learn about yourself. Figure out what your critic sounds like and when it comes out the most. Resources Mentioned: www.cynthiamerrillediting.com @cynthiamerrillediting If you’ve been dreaming of writing a nonfiction book but don’t know where to begin, check out www.activateauthor.com and learn how you can complete a book manuscript in only 90 days.

Dating is daunting, much less reentering the dating world in midlife. In today’s conversation, we’re joined by Jennifer Hurvitz, a relationship expert, dating coach, author, and podcast host. Known for her no-nonsense approach to all things relationships, Jennnifer is proud to say she has made quite the career out of disastrous circumstances, her own divorce included. With two boys now off to college, she’s beginning her next phase in life–empty nesting. Her latest book is called Midlife Priceless!: A Dating Coach’s Guide to *Finally* Doing Relationships Right. Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation: Why midlife dating is hard When is the right time to start dating? – Start with the why How to make yourself date-ready How to find a quality match Recommended dating apps Why you shouldn’t wait long before seeing the person The theory of dating for now Episode Highlights: [05:06] Midlife Dating is Hard In midlife, a lot of us are coming out of either a breakup of a long-term relationship or a divorce or were widowed. Plus, a lot of us come with baggage so it makes dating so hard and much different than when you’re in your 20s or 30s. [06:41] When is the Right Time to Start Dating? It’s not so much about knowing when you want to start dating again, but about your why. Why do you want to start dating? Maybe you want a casual relationship or you’re looking for friends with benefits. Maybe you’re in it for the long term, or you’re looking for a long-distance relationship. Know your why and then start getting out there. [08:07] How to Be Date-Ready You have to know who you are to be able to show up on that date and feel good about yourself. If you’re comfortable with who you are, and you feel like you’re ready to get out there and put yourself out there then go ahead. But if you want to lose weight first, then do it for yourself, not for anyone else, because there’s a guy out there that likes those 10 pounds on you. [09:23] How to Find a Quality Match Dating takes practice. You have to be intentional about your dating. Don’t expect much on your first date.  Make a list of every single thing you’re looking for and break it down to the five most important ones. Jennifer recommends dating apps like OkCupid or Bumble. But it’s not really about the app you use, but how you use it. Invest in the app so you can get value from it. Then get in person as early as possible because everything is different in person. The longer you wait, the easier it is for things to get screwed up. [21:14] The Theory of Dating for Now Meet as many people as you want. Once you connect and you both decide you’re going to go on a second date, put all your eggs in the basket. Invest in that one person for now. If you’re not investing in one person and you’re constantly looking for the next person that walks in the door, you’re never going to give that person a chance. Resources Mentioned: Midlife Priceless!: A Dating Coach’s Guide to *Finally* Doing Relationships Right www.jenniferhurvitz.com OKCupid Bumble Match.com If you’ve been dreaming of writing a nonfiction book but don’t know where to begin, check out www.activateauthor.com and learn how you can complete a book manuscript in only 90 days.

As a leader, you have to master yourself first before you even think about scaling. Your business growth is 100% a reflection of how much you’re willing to grow individually. That’s why investing in mentorship is so important in helping you accelerate to newer heights, both personally and professionally. In today’s conversation, we’re joined by Kareen Walsh, a startup advisor and investor, serial entrepreneur, executive coach, author, and healer. Kareen is the CEO and founder of a seven-figure boutique consulting and coaching company, and she has 17 years of entrepreneurial and executive experience. Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation: Her experience joining Tony Robbins’ Unleash the Power Within Why invest in mentorship as a leader What to look for in mastermind groups How to leverage the room you’re in Learning strategies to help you scale Episode Highlights: [10:23] Why Invest in Mentorship When you stop growing personally then your business will also stop growing. It’s a reflection of you as a leader of that business. Investing in advisory, mentorship, and getting into rooms of mastermind groups helps you accelerate. It allows you to grow together and learn from someone who has gone before you. [14:04] What to Look For in Mastermind Groups * The facilitator – Whether you’re trying to grow your business or yourself personally, the facilitator has to be someone who has gone before you or has achieved that in some way, shape, or form. At a minimum, you’re going to learn something from that person because they’ve achieved what you’re looking to achieve. * Who they attract – Check the kind of people the mastermind is trying to attract. Once you understand who they’re attracting, you can assess if you want to know those people too. Make sure they’re also aligned with the kind of community you want to be part of. If they are not qualifying you to be in the room, then their qualification process is a little weak. They are not clear about who they’re trying to attract and they’re only in it for the money. * Results – What are the results of the meetings and has it been consistent? Qualify what they’ve done, who they’ve advised, and how they advise them in your field of business. [22:59] The Power of Leverage Leverage the room you’re in. A lot of people pay to be in these rooms just to have access to the name but they’re not doing any of the connected work to get the value back. When you’re investing, look for the return on that investment. Think about the value of your investment, instead of how much it cost you to invest. It’s a shift in the energy that flows back to you when you talk about your own money. Resources Mentioned: If you’ve been dreaming of writing a nonfiction book but don’t know where to begin, check out www.activateauthor.com and learn how you can complete a book manuscript in only 90 days. Unleash the Power Within Date With Destiny

We all have those moments of failure in our lives where we got fired, got rejected, or lost a business. And sometimes, that can be discouraging. It’s easy for self-doubt to creep in and get consumed by your fears. How do you gain the confidence to get back on your feet and reclaim your worth? In this episode, Heather Monahan joins us to talk about creating confidence and overcoming your villains through the three-step process of belief, action, and knowledge. Heather is a two-time bestselling author, a top 50 keynote speaker in the world, a podcast host of Creating Confidence, and a TEDx speaker. Having successfully climbed the corporate ladder for nearly 20 years, Heather Monahan is one of the few women to break the glass ceiling and claim her spot in the C-suite. And like some of the most successful people such as Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, and  JK Rowling, Heather also got fired from her job – but that failure became her catalyst for success. Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation: Invest in yourself now Breaking through the shame of getting fired Challenge the beliefs you’re holding and drop the label you were hanging on to Elevating your personal brand The three-step process to overcoming your villains Episode Highlights: [03:31] Invest in Yourself Now Heather was highly successful as a revenue generator, and just three weeks after she was named one of the most influential women in radio, she got fired for no reason. The key takeaway is that you have to Invest in yourself because that will stay with you forever. It doesn’t matter if you get fired, change companies, or start a side hustle, investing in yourself will go wherever you go. It’s the smartest investment you can make, even smarter than any real estate acquisition because it’s telling you that you’re worthy and you’re worth more because you’re building your competence. There is no shame in getting fired. Some of the most successful billionaires in the world had been fired. And that was the catalyst for their greatness. [12:02] Step Into Your Fears Challenge the beliefs you’re holding and drop the label you were hanging on to. Those beliefs and labels have been limiting you for too long. Step into your fear and you’re only building the confidence within yourself. [17:10] Elevating Your Personal Brand Elevating your personal brand shines a light on who you are and it allows people to get to know you before you actually face them. It’s pulling and attracting opportunities to you, instead of you chasing opportunities. [20:52] How to Overcome Your Villains: The 3-Step Process * Belief- Break down the beliefs you’re holding onto. Distill that belief and you will realize there’s actually no factual basis for it. * Action – Take action immediately. Take some action to move you in the direction of where you want to go in the future. * Knowledge – Surround yourself with the knowledge that empowers you and helps accelerate your planning process. Resources Mentioned: Confidence Creator Overcome Your Villains Podcast: Creating Confidence Website: https://heathermonahan.com/ Go to www.activateauthor.com and make your dream of writing a book come true!