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Standing in Your Power: A Conversation with Denise Foss on Self-Leadership and Transformation Discover how Denise’s journey from dance to leadership led her to create a powerful deck focused on helping individuals reclaim their strength and authenticity. In this episode, we explore the nuances of standing in your power, navigating unexpected challenges, and cultivating resilience within yourself and teams.In this episode: Denise shares her story of transition from a dance career to leadership roles and why she created her "Stand in Your Power" deck.The importance of presence, awareness, and intuition in professional and personal settings.How to recognize and navigate moments where you lose connection to your power.The five ways to utilize the deck for individual growth and team development.The insight, inspiration, and integration framework—three key steps to embodying new perspectives.Practical ideas for group or team activities using the deck, including retreats, meetings, and social gatherings.Denise’s holistic coaching approach that integrates life design, movement, and leadership development.Her philosophy of “and”—embracing dualities and holding space for contradictions.The ongoing journey of self-evolution and the importance of self-compassion and patience.Create Loudly WebsiteCreate Loudly InstagramDenise’s LinkedInStand in Your Power DeckInstagram – Create Loudly CoLinkedIn – DeniseEmail – [email protected]:00:00 - Introduction to Denise and the theme of standing in your power 02:50 - How Denise’s background shaped her approach to leadership and self-awareness 06:00 - The pivotal moment that inspired her deck creation 09:15 - Understanding what it truly means to stand in your power 12:45 - Tools Denise used to reconnect during a challenging leadership moment 14:58 - Exploring Layla Delia’s quote and its relationship to power 16:15 - The "and" philosophy: holding multiple truths simultaneously 19:40 - How the deck works: insight, inspiration, and integration 21:30 - Five creative ways to use the deck for personal and group growth 26:30 - The importance of mindful reflection and active embodiment 29:00 - Denise's coaching practice and holistic approach to living a fulfilled life 33:15 - Embracing multi-passionate identities in coaching and life design 37:10 - What Denise hopes listeners will take away: becoming and transformation 39:50 - Special offer: a free shipping code for the deck and how to connect with Denise 41:10 - Final words: celebrating personal power and ongoing growthResources & Links:Connect with Denise:Special Offer: Use code POWER26 at checkout for free shipping on the deck. This promo is valid until May 31, 2026, and is available only in the US.Note: This episode was released on April 26, 2026. Stay inspired and continue to step confidently into your power!

Discover how authentic leadership, community, and self-awareness can transform your career and life. Suezette shares practical insights, personal stories, and strategies to help you lead fearlessly beyond titles.In this episode: Suezette’s journey from education reform to tech leadershipThe true meaning of authenticity in leadershipHow to uncover and eliminate self-imposed dissonanceThe impact of authentic leadership on organizational performance (147% stronger)The power of community and mutual support in growthPractical tools: reflective questions at each chapter to overcome fearHow to align your career with your purpose and valuesThe significance of self-assessment, discernment, and strategic alignmentIntroducing Suezette’s authentic leadership framework and upcoming trainingsWhy professional development is a vital investment, not selfishnessCharacteristics of inspiring leaders: curiosity, directness, and mentorshipThe “no titles” chapter: embracing your full potential beyond labelsHow to create environments that support authentic self-expressionPractical steps for leaders to foster empathy, vulnerability, and inclusionThe importance of living fully at 80 and beyondConnecting with Suezette: website, social media, and community programsBonus: Recommendations for supportive organizations and actionable tipsSuezette Yasmin Robotham’s WebsiteSuezette’s Book: Beyond TitlesLinkedIn - Suezette Yasmin RobothamSuezette’s TED TalkOfficial Training & CoursesWebsiteInstagramTwitterCommunity & Mentoring ProgramsTimestamps:  00:00 - Introduction & Suezette’s powerful journey to authentic leadership 02:48 - The secret sauce of attracting mutually beneficial relationships 04:24 - Misconceptions about authenticity and true leadership 07:57 - The reflective questions that heal & how to process fear 10:14 - Real stories of understanding real self versus work self 13:12 - Transition from education reform to tech industry—lessons learned 16:27 - The importance of alignment & trusting when things flow naturally 18:32 - Challenging hustle mentality & embracing ease through discernment 20:37 - Suezette’s mentorship program & how to unlock your full potential 24:17 - Characteristics of admired leaders and cultivating curiosity 27:07 - Upcoming curriculum on authentic leadership & organizational impact 30:50 - Advice for newcomers into tech & managing perceptions 34:28 - Strategies for identifying where environments align with your values 35:18 - The significance of “no titles” for self-awareness & growth 37:01 - How self-assessment leads to greater impact & fuller life 40:50 - Recognizing dissonance and releasing what no longer serves 42:34 - Final thoughts — living as your best self & embracing full capacity 43:16 - Connecting with Suezette: resources, social media & community call-to-action Resources & Links: Connect with Suezette:Embrace your authentic self — lead fearlessly and live fully! Suezette Yasmin Robotham’s WebsiteSuezette’s Book: Beyond TitlesLinkedIn - Suezette Yasmin RobothamSuezette’s TED TalkOfficial Training & CoursesWebsiteInstagramTwitterCommunity & Mentoring Programs

Unlock the powerful leadership principles grounded in Black church traditions and culture. In this episode, L.Michelle Smith shares her insights on how call and response, faith, community, and resilience can transform your leadership approach and drive authentic connections. L.Michelle's inspiration behind writing Call and Response and how her church experiences shape her leadership philosophyThe leadership lessons derived from Black church traditions, especially faith, purpose, and communityThe science behind attunement, oxytocin, and brain science that support community-building and resilienceThe historical roots of call and response from Africa to the Black church and their relevance to modern leadershipPractical strategies for applying these principles in corporate and community settingsHow to develop heart-centered, courageous, and emotionally intelligent leaders across industriesThe importance of integrity, accountability, and cultural competency in today's leadership landscapeResources: pre-order discounts, workshops, curriculum, and recommended reading Call and Response by L. Michelle SmithBook preorder & leadership toolkitL. Michelle Smith - WebsiteBlack Church Study - The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr.Follow L.Michelle Smith on LinkedInFollow L.Michelle Smith on TwitterWebsiteRequest Speaking EngagementsPre-order the book and access curriculum Leverage the principles of call and response in team meetings and organizational cultureIncorporate storytelling, attunement, and community-building techniques into your leadership stylePractice integrity and accountability daily to build trust and resilience in your teamsUse the provided leadership questions and curriculum to foster critical thinking and strategic growthJoin the movement to develop more heart-centered, courageous leaders across industriesEmbrace these culturally rooted, science-backed strategies to lead with authenticity, influence, and purpose. —Thank you for listening! Don't forget to share your copies of the book and tag L.Michelle Smith on social media with your leadership insights. In this episode:Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Michelle Smith and her leadership journey02:00 - The story behind Call and Response and cultural influences04:50 - Black church leadership lessons: faith and purpose08:30 - The science of community: oxytocin and brain synchronization12:00 - Roots of call and response: from Africa to modern music and culture16:20 - The role of resilience: lessons from grandmothers and gospel hymns20:56 - Building integrity and accountability in leadership24:05 - Practical tips for applying call and response strategies in organizations27:40 - Addressing generational shifts and the importance of social-emotional skills31:15 - The significance of community as a covenant and collective success35:30 - Cultivating influential, heart-centered leaders: Carla Harris, Sint Marshall, and others40:10 - How to get the book, resources for leaders, and call to action43:05 - Final thoughts: leading with authenticity and cultural intelligenceResources & Links:Connect with Elle Michelle Smith:To Enhance Your Leadership:

This episode of Winning Season features a real lesson from Jacqueline V. Twillie, originally delivered live to a group of mid-career professionals. In it, Jacqueline unpacks the moment she cracked a high-stakes global project stalemate by identifying the single metric and timeline that mattered most to a senior leader. She walks listeners through her signature L.A.T.T.E. Framework—Look, Anticipate, Think, Talk, Evaluate—and shows how to use it to translate your solution into the language of decision makers. You’ll learn how to pinpoint priorities, anticipate objections, and present your ideas in a way that earns approvals faster. Whether you're preparing for a big pitch or navigating shifting priorities, this lesson gives you a repeatable playbook to get a clear yes. This podcast episode is an actual lesson taught by Jacqueline V. Twillie, founder of ZeroGap and creator of the L.A.T.T.E. Framework. You’ll hear her teaching in real time, not a scripted studio segment, so grab a notebook and get ready to apply these strategies immediately. 📌 Note

Summary In this episode of the Winning Season podcast, host Jacqueline Twillie interviews Alair Castro, a Director of Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Marketing at Northwestern Mutual and founder of the AC Consultancy. Alair shares her journey and passion for addressing the racial wealth gap, advocating for Black women, and creating inclusive marketing strategies. The conversation explores the importance of building trust within communities, measuring success beyond traditional metrics, and the significance of maintaining authenticity in consultancy work. Alair emphasizes the need for multiple streams of income and the value of unplugged family time for personal and professional growth. Takeaways Alair Castro is a Director of Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Marketing.Her career is dedicated to advocating for Black women.The racial wealth gap is a significant issue affecting the Black community.Building trust within the Black community is crucial for financial services.Inclusive marketing can drive business goals and community impact.Success indicators should go beyond clicks and impressions.Maintaining authenticity is key in consultancy work.Monetizing your skills can create additional income streams.Unplugged family time is essential for mental well-being.Effective communication of boundaries is vital in leadership.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alair Castro 01:40 Passion for Racial Wealth Gap 03:48 Understanding the Racial Wealth Gap 05:14 Building Buy-In for Inclusion 06:44 The Business Case for Inclusive Marketing 07:42 Cultural Insights in Marketing 09:23 Measuring Success Beyond Clicks 10:40 Overcoming Analysis Paralysis 12:15 Monetizing Your Genius 14:05 The Importance of Unplugged Time 16:00 Turning Conflict into Collaboration 17:56 Marketing and Money Rules for Change Makers 18:24 Fun and Personal Insights with Alair Castro Connect with Alair LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaircastro/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/acoutoftheoffice/ Online https://www.theacconsultancy.com/

Winning Season Podcast - Mini Episode Show Notes Host: Jacqueline TwillieEpisode Type: Mini Episode - Career and Negotiation InspirationDuration: ~3 minutes Episode Overview A quick-hit episode sharing actionable career and negotiation tips from two of Jacqueline's current projects, designed to give listeners a boost in their professional journey. Main Tip: Highlight Your Unique Value Identify what makes you stand out from other candidatesLead confidently with your unique strengths in your job searchImplementation strategies:When: August 21stWhere: Maven.comCost: Free Core Concept: Going from "Almost" to "Absolutely" A 5-step method for building a negotiation strategy: L - LookA - AnticipateT - ThinkT - TalkE - EvaluateFramework Benefits: Preparation for challenges and questions from the other partyAddresses potential objections that typically arise early in negotiationsBuilds confidence and prevents being thrown off your gameLeads to faster, mutually beneficial agreementsSmall tweaks can create significant impact in career developmentPreparation is crucial for successful negotiationsConfidence comes from being ready to address challengesThe power to shape your career is in your handsThe Table: 30-day pop-up career strategy groupInstant Negotiation Strategy Class: Free class on Maven.com (August 21st)"The power to shape your career and own your negotiation - it only takes a few tweaks." Keep winning! Chapters 00:00 - 00:15 - Welcome & IntroductionHost introduction and episode overview 00:15 - 01:30 - The Table: Career Strategy for Black Women30-day pop-up group supporting those impacted by 2025 job market 01:30 - 02:45 - The LATTE Framework for Negotiation5-step method from the Instant Negotiation Strategy class 02:45 - 03:00 - Wrap-up & Closing Thoughts

Summary In this episode of the Winning Season podcast, Lexie Mendelson shares her extensive experience in building partnerships and launching innovative products like Google Pay. She emphasizes the importance of values such as truth and loyalty in partnerships, the need for adaptability in international rollouts, and the significance of aligning diverse stakeholders. Lexie also discusses the challenges of navigating regulatory environments, the importance of modeling realistic workloads, and the value of genuine relationships in professional networks. She offers valuable advice for emerging leaders on building authentic connections and understanding the needs of others. Takeaways Lexie's journey spans art history to tech and finance. Building infrastructure for new market categories is key. Truth and loyalty are essential in partnerships. Understanding success for all parties is crucial. Adapt products for different markets to succeed. Meetings enhance communication and stakeholder alignment. Leaders should model realistic workloads for teams. Genuine care for colleagues fosters strong relationships. Empathy is vital in professional conversations. Emerging leaders should focus on authentic connections. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lexi's Journey 02:16 Connecting Career Chapters 04:27 Values-Driven Leadership 07:45 Launching Google Pay Internationally 09:58 Aligning Stakeholders for Success 12:50 Navigating Regulations in Banking 15:10 Normalizing Workloads for Team Performance 19:54 Building Authentic Relationships 22:13 Foundational Skills for Emerging Leaders 24:03 Rapid Fire Fun Questions

Summary In this episode, Jacqueline Twillie discusses the intricacies of navigating difficult conversations and negotiations. She introduces the Latte Framework, which consists of Look, Anticipate, Think, Talk, and Evaluate, providing practical strategies for each stage. The conversation covers how to observe tension, anticipate derailments, address bad behavior, maintain composure in power imbalances, know when to walk away, and reflect on negotiation outcomes. Jacqueline emphasizes the importance of preparation, emotional intelligence, and continuous evaluation in becoming a successful negotiator. Takeaways The real negotiation begins before the first word is even uttered.Successful negotiators expect derailments to happen.Observing the environment and your internal state is crucial.Address behavior, not character, to maintain psychological safety.Using power phrases can help redirect conversations effectively.Maintaining composure in high-stakes situations is essential.Knowing your walk-away points is critical for negotiation success.Reflection after negotiations helps in learning and improvement.Every difficult conversation is an opportunity for growth.Practice one technique at a time to build negotiation skills. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Difficult Conversations 01:59 Understanding the Latte Framework 06:39 Navigating Tension in Conversations 09:56 Keeping Conversations on Track 10:47 Addressing Bad Behavior 13:46 Maintaining Composure Under Pressure 17:30 Knowing When to Walk Away 21:28 Reflecting on Negotiations

Summary In this episode of the Confidence Rewired series, Jacqueline Twillie explores the science of self-trust and the mental skill of confidence. She emphasizes that confidence can be trained through neuroplasticity, which allows the brain to rewire itself based on experiences. Jacqueline introduces the 90-day confidence circuit plan, which includes identity anchors, micro actions, and reflection to build lasting confidence. The episode concludes with a final leadership lab challenge, encouraging listeners to map their next 90 days and commit to intentional actions that reinforce their values. Takeaways Confidence is a mental skill that can be trained.Neuroplasticity allows the brain to rewire itself based on experience.True change happens through intention and repetition.The 90-day confidence circuit plan combines identity, micro actions, and reflection.Choose one identity anchor to guide your actions.Set up weekly challenges to align with your values.Track your progress visibly to reinforce learning.Reflect on your actions with data, not drama.Confidence is built through consistent, intentional decisions.Your brain learns through repetition and visibility. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Confidence Rewired 01:00 Understanding Neuroplasticity and Confidence 03:56 The 90-Day Confidence Circuit Plan 07:01 Final Leadership Lab Challenge and Conclusion Keywords: confidence, neuroplasticity, self-trust, leadership, mental skills, personal development, emotional regulation, identity anchors, micro actions, habit formation This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or mental health treatment.

Summary In this episode of the Confidence Rewired series, host Jacqueline Twillie explores the intersection of breath work and confidence, emphasizing the importance of breath in high-stress situations. She introduces cyclic sighing as a powerful technique for reducing anxiety and enhancing leadership presence. The episode also outlines practical steps for incorporating breath work into daily routines, particularly through a 2 p.m. reset routine, and highlights the significance of building resilience and introspective awareness for effective leadership. Takeaways Confidence can be cultivated through breath work.Cyclic sighing is an effective anxiety-reduction technique.Breath work activates the parasympathetic nervous system.The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in stress regulation.Slowing your breath enhances decision-making under stress.Daily routines can help maintain confidence levels.Pairing breath with affirmations boosts self-trust.Introspective awareness is a superpower in leadership.One minute of breath work can shift your mood.Building resilience is essential for leading through challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Confidence and Breath Work 01:46 The Science of Breath and Anxiety Reduction 03:34 Implementing the 2 PM Reset Routine 06:02 Building Confidence Through Practice Keywords confidence, breath work, leadership, anxiety reduction, resilience, cyclic sighing, mindfulness, self-trust, neuroplasticity, personal development This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health treatment.

Summary In this episode of the Winning Season Podcast, the Confidence Rewired Series, host Jacqueline Twillie discusses the importance of dopamine in building confidence and motivation. She introduces the concept of the 'confidence comeback loop' and emphasizes the significance of tiny wins in stimulating dopamine release. Jacqueline provides a practical framework called the 'Tiny Win System' to help listeners identify small, achievable goals that can lead to greater emotional resilience and motivation. The episode concludes with encouragement to track progress and celebrate wins, reinforcing the idea that consistent, small achievements can lead to significant growth in confidence. Takeaways You need dopamine, not just any kind.Dopamine is the brain's reward chemical.Tiny intentional wins matter for motivation.Small achievements can stimulate dopamine release.Breaking down goals into smaller steps trains the brain.Create small, doable moments for dopamine hits.Big confidence comes from consistent wins.Celebrate wins out loud to reinforce the dopamine loop.Track your wins to build momentum.Tiny wins are powerful for personal development. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Confidence Rewired 00:23 Understanding the Dopamine Comeback Loop 01:41 Implementing the Tiny Win System 04:35 Looking Ahead: Breath-Powered Reset

Summary In this episode of the Confidence Rewired Series of the Winning Season Podcast, host Jacqueline Twillie explores the concept of the 'messy middle' where life and work pressures collide, leading to a dip in confidence. She discusses the neuroscience behind confidence, emphasizing how chronic stress affects the brain's ability to function effectively. Jacqueline introduces the BLAST method, a five-step process designed to help individuals reset their confidence and manage stress effectively. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to implement the BLAST method in their daily lives. Takeaways When life and work pile on, confidence can take a hit.Chronic stress affects the brain's decision-making abilities.Confidence is not just a mindset; it's rooted in neuroscience.Performance-based confidence can falter under pressure.Identity anchors help maintain confidence during chaos.The BLAST method is a practical tool for resetting confidence.Breathing techniques can calm the nervous system.Movement is essential for boosting brain function.Tracking responses to stress helps in understanding triggers.You can train your brain to rise above chaos. Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Messy Middle of Confidence 03:23 The BLAST Method: Rewiring Confidence 06:24 Looking Ahead: Dopamine Loops and Tiny Wins This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health treatment.

Summary In this series of Confidence Rewired, Winning Season Podcast host Jacqueline Twillie delves into the intricacies of confidence, particularly how it can be affected by setbacks and stress. She introduces the concept of the brain's confidence center, the ventral medial prefrontal cortex, and discusses the importance of an identity anchor in maintaining self-assurance. Through personal anecdotes and scientific insights, Jacqueline emphasizes the significance of grounding oneself in individual values and experiences to combat self-doubt and enhance resilience. Takeaways The ventral medial prefrontal cortex is crucial for confidence.Identity anchors help stabilize confidence under pressure.Self-doubt often arises from internal alarms, not external validation.Grounding in personal values is key to overcoming self-doubt.Confidence can be affected by environments outside of one's expertise.The brain-body connection plays a significant role in confidence.Reflecting on purpose strengthens resilience and confidence.Performance-based confidence is less stable than identity-based confidence.Understanding your values can lower threat responses in stressful situations.Deep reflection on identity leads to more sustainable confidence. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Confidence and Setbacks 00:58 Understanding the Confidence Center 06:28 The Brain-Body Connection and Resilience

Winning Season Podcast: Confidence Rewired Series Episode 1: The Neuroscience of Confidence Crashers Host: Jacqueline Twillie In this episode of Winning Season, Jacqueline Twillie explores the science behind confidence crashes and provides practical tools to rewire your response to setbacks. Drawing from her personal experience with imposter syndrome during Zero Gap's first enterprise rollout, Jacqueline breaks down the neuroscience of why our confidence can unravel so quickly and offers research-backed strategies to bounce back stronger. Key Takeaways: Understand how your brain's error detection system (dorsal ACC) triggers when performance doesn't match self-imageLearn how stress responses are amplified in high achievers who build identity around excellenceDiscover how cortisol disrupts connections between strategic thinking and memory during pressure momentsMaster two practical frameworks for rewiring confidence: the R4 Framework and the AHA FrameworkImplement immediate tools to reset your nervous system after a confidence hitEpisode Timestamps: 00:01 - Introduction and personal story of confidence crash during Zero Gap's enterprise rollout02:11 - Explanation of the neuroscience behind confidence crashes03:15 - How stress response impacts high achievers specifically05:13 - Introduction to the R4 Framework (Risk, Resilience, Reward, Reset)06:39 - Introduction to the AHA Framework (Attitude, Habits, Actions)01:22 - Practical tools to calm your nervous system01:32 - Tool #1: 60-second error download exercise03:20 - Tool #2: 30-second psychological sigh breathing technique04:20 - Preview of next episode on activating your "internal hype coach" Resources Mentioned: Free Download: Confidence Reset Worksheet (limited access through June 2025) https://learn-zerogap.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/resilientleadersprogram2025Book Reference: "Dear Resilient Leader" by Jacqueline Twillie https://amzn.to/4j7yI6j Research Referenced: UCLA studies on "affect labeling" - how putting language to emotion shifts brain activity University of Michigan research on self-distancing to lower stress and improve decision-makingStanford research on the effectiveness of the psychological sigh breathing technique Connect with Jacqueline: Visit zerogap.co for more information on programs and resourcesFollow the Winning Season podcast for the full Confidence Rewired series Legal Note: The neuroscience and psychological content shared is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or therapeutic support. Program: Resilient Leaders Program at zerogap.co Available for individual contributors/ high performers, job seekersEntrepreneur versionCorporate training for Fortune 500 companies

Episode Summary: In this episode of Winning Season, host Jacqueline welcomes talent executive and inclusion strategist Fadjanie Cadet to discuss revolutionary approaches to performance management, talent development, and creating psychologically safe workplaces. Fadjanie shares insights from her career, including practical frameworks for identifying high-potential talent, building effective feedback cultures, and leading organizational change. The conversation covers common misconceptions about performance management, emerging trends in organizational development, and strategies for nurturing future leaders in volatile environments. Guest Bio: Fadjanie Cadet is a talent executive, inclusion and transformation strategist, certified organizational development and DEI leader known for blending heart and strategy to create workplaces that both feel good and perform optimally. A Top 100 Under 50 Emerging Leader, she has expertise in performance management, leadership development, and cultural transformation, with experience building systems and programs from scratch in her last three roles. Notable Quotes: "Performance management is holistic. It's coaching, it's continuous feedback. It's not just ratings in the traditional sense.""Development drives performance. The two have to be connected.""People need to feel heard before they can be led.""High performance alone does not equate to high potential.""We need leaders who can't just perform today but can perform tomorrow regardless of what tomorrow looks like.""Make feedback normal. Weave feedback into everyday interactions.""If our people are walking away from performance reviews feeling defeated instead of motivated and with a plan, then our process has failed." Resources Mentioned: Dr. William Kahn's research on drivers of employee engagementTextio's study on gender and racial bias in performance feedback"The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" by John C. Maxwell Chapters 00:03: Introduction and welcome02:26: Fadjanie's career journey in the HR and talent space04:09: Common misconceptions about performance management07:13: Exciting emerging trends in organizational development09:31: Indicators of effective performance management processes11:24: Aligning individual goals with organizational objectives13:46: Identifying and nurturing high-potential talent19:45: Strategies for getting people on board with organizational change22:15: Establishing a healthy feedback culture24:19: Common pitfalls to avoid in performance reviews27:18: Key skills that shaped Fadjanie's success29:44: Case study on improving diversity in leadership development34:45: Rapid-fire questions with Fadjanie