Navigating a Mid-life Crisis and the Reclamation of Self explores what it really means to hit a midlife “crisis” and why it might actually be an invitation to reclaim who you are instead of a sign that something’s gone wrong. This episode helps you see your midlife career and life questions through a new lens, so you can stop wondering “Is it just me?” and start understanding the deeper patterns at play. If you’re feeling restless, stuck, or like you did “all the right things” and still aren’...
Jul 15
41 min
If traditional networking leaves you feeling drained, unseen, or like you have to leave parts of yourself at the door, this conversation is for you. In this episode, Valerie speaks with Women Belong co-founders Kate Alpert and Dorothy Rosen about building business relationships that support your whole self. You’ll come away with a deeper vision of what’s possible when women gather in community, dream bigger together, and measure success by impact as much as income. Some of what we talk...
Jul 1
39 min
How to stop procrastinating starts with knowing that procrastination isn’t a character flaw. It’s a signal pointing toward misalignment, fear, or lack of support. It’s hard to find or sustain solutions when you’re beating yourself up. In this episode you’ll learn practical, compassionate ways to get curious about what and why you’re avoiding doing something, recalibrate to what actually matters, and create small, supported steps forward. If you’re tired of motivating through shame and ready t...
Jun 17
54 min
Cultivating a Culture of Truthlighting offers a path for workplaces to move away from practices that gaslight women and toward ones that build a culture grounded in truth, trust, and accountability that advance fair opportunities for women. In this episode, my guest, leadership and workplace culture consultant and author Dr. Falguni Shah, shares practical ways to recognize gaslighting, validate people’s reality, and use “truthlighting” behaviors to create safer, more inclusive environments wh...
Jun 3
37 min
Talking to your partner about internalized patriarchy is easy to put off (especially when he seems “better than most”). But if you’re feeling increasingly frustrated by how it shows up in shared routines, the mental load, and emotional labor, it’s time to do more than just commiserate with friends. In this episode, we’ll explore how those “small” frustrations connect to sacred rage, how to recognize your own internalized norms, and how to resource yourself and set boundaries. You’ll walk away...
May 20
41 min
Creating real change often feels heavy, but what if joy is actually the most sustainable way through it? In this conversation with my guest, transformation coach Heather Vickery, we explored what it actually means to create change through joy, why authenticity is more than a buzzword, and how we can hold grief and joy at the same time without bypassing the very real challenges we’re facing. Tune in to learn how joy can be a compass for navigating big life transitions and designing a life that...
May 6
38 min
Perfectionism isn't just about not wanting our imperfections to show. Sometimes it shows up when we care deeply but feel overwhelmed. In this episode I explore how perfectionism, overwhelm, and our stress response patterns can quietly keep us from taking any action at all, even when our intentions are good. We’ll talk about reconnecting with your purpose in the present moment, honoring your true capacity, and recognizing the unique gifts you naturally bring. If you’ve been stuck waiting to do...
Apr 15
19 min
In this first episode of Season 6 of Mindset Unlimited, host and leadership coach, Valerie Friedlander, introduces the season’s focus on mission-driven Chicago women. She unpacks what “mission-driven” means, highlighting the importance of creativity, possibility, and staying connected to your values in a world that often pulls you into judgment and survival mode. Valerie also reflects on embracing her own non-linear process and invites listeners to explore how they relate to their own way of ...
Apr 1
28 min
Dreaming, setting intentions, and keeping yourself accountable are not easy in the world we currently live in. Our society has built systems that erode the individual and collective spaces that hold these generative processes. This is a powerful time of year to begin to reclaim the space of pausing in the darkness to be with yourself, dream new possibilities, and lay the foundation for what you want to create in the world. In this episode of Mindset Unlimited, I share insights and tips...
Dec 17, 2025
26 min
Curiosity is one of the most important tools we have for creating deeper connection, healthier culture, and more aligned leadership. When we slow down enough to notice and question our unconscious assumptions, we open the door to new possibilities. This, in turn, expands our sense of hope and improves our ability to collaborate with others. In this conversation, we explore how organizational culture is shaped, how we shape our personal relationships, and the role curiosity plays in shifting l...
Dec 3, 2025
43 min
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