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On today’s episode of The Think Courageously Podcast, I am joined by Kara Richardson Whitely, a plus-size adventurer, influencer and advisor.  Kara  is also the author of “Gorge: My Journey Up Kilimanjaro at 300 Pounds”, which is being made into a movie with “This Is Us'' actress Chrissy Metz producing and starring as her. For years, Kara received stunning travel catalogs in the mail. But as a plus size woman, she continually pushed off joy because of her limiting beliefs around her weight. The story she told herself was that she would become a legitimate hiker girl when she lost the weight.  Today, we take listeners on a journey of courage and small pivots. She candidly shares her life-long challenges with binge eating and the inner work she has done to love herself just as she is.  This book is so much more than a travel memoir. Kara actually made three trips up Mount Kilimanjaro. Each trip led her closer down the path of self-acceptance and self-love. The book is the story of her personal transformation. By having the courage to face her challenges, Kara has found a bigger purpose in her life…to advocate for size-inclusion with major brands.  Kara  is a contributor to Backpacker and Outside Business Journal. She has helped brands such as L.L. Bean, KEEN and Discover Puerto Rico connect with plus-size audiences. She has presented for companies around the globe including Columbia Sportswear, Google, Pfizer, Smuckers Co. Uber, Dartmouth and Purdue. She has been featured in countless media outlets such as The New York Times, Good Morning America, The Today Show, She Explores and more. You can learn more about Kara at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-richardson-whitely-a891b58/ https://www.instagram.com/kararichardsonwhitely/ www.kararichardsonwhitely.com [email protected]

Linda is a wild feminine life coach and Qoya movement teacher who has been on a quest for the last decade to reclaim her wild authenticity.  Linda pivoted and changed nearly everything in her external life; she switched careers and started her coaching business, met her husband, moved from Los Angeles to Austin, made new friends, and started new hobbies. On today’s episode of The Think Courageously Podcast, Linda and I take a deep look into her journey of breaking out of the cage.  We explore the concepts of wild feminine energy. How do we move away from the Tyrant King and our Good Girl patterns into reclaiming our relationships with ourselves. What do we need to let go of to bring our whole selves to the table?  Linda shares her story of dismantling the cage she was trapped in and her ongoing journey to live an authentic life. And how she learned to dismantle the one cage that she couldn’t escape; the cage that existed within.  We explore other topics including: The playfulness of curiosityHolding space for our journey of self-discoveryConnecting the head and the heartAnd, the very special practice of Qoya. A movement practice that encourages women to reconnect with their wise, wild and free spirit. Learn more about Linda at: www.singingbirdcoaching.com www.instagram.com/singingbirdcoaching www.facebook.com/singingbirdhealth

After more than 16 years in the financial industry, in Paris, London, and New York City, and a 'life happens' event, Mayda Poc left Investment Banking to become an international life and career coach, focusing on helping executives find more zen, fulfillment, and purpose in their lives and careers. Today on The Think Courageously Podcast, Mayda shares her powerful story.  Mayda's journey to think courageously began when she was just a child. When her family moved from Syria to Paris, she experienced xenophobia firsthand. Despite the challenges she faced, Mayda learned to become a high adapter. This courage and resilience would serve her well in the years to come. Mayda's courage was put to the test when she began working on Wall Street. Like many finance professionals, Mayda was living in a high-pressure world where the grit and grind were rewarded.  For two years, Mayda didn’t feel well but she was working too hard to trust her intuition.  But her world changed in an instant when she collapsed on the streets of New York. Mayda was diagnosed with cancer, and she was forced to surrender to the situation. During our conversation we talk about: Following the universes bread crumbsThe “pause”Trusting the ProcessThe difference between achieving and producingChallenging limited beliefs around success and achievement. The curiosity mindsetMayda’s powerful message is that yes, we will have obstacles. And, we  are always evolving on this journey called life.. Courage is found in showing up for yourself “Courage requires curiosity, humility, honesty and authenticity. Courage is operating from the Soul and co-creating the life we want from a place of genuine and mature desire.” As your typical overachiever, Mayda holds multiple certifications and accreditations: Life Coaching, Career and Corporate, as well as a Health coach.  A Certified Hypnotist, Mayda also uses Neuro-Linguistic Programming as well as Emotional Freedom Technique. She is a life and career coach for executives in high paced industries.  Mayda speaks 4 languages, having spent part of her childhood in Syria then in France.  She now resides in New York City with her hubby. For more information about Mayda, visit: https://www.maydapoccoaching.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maydapoc/ https://www.instagram.com/maydapoc/ https://www.facebook.com/maydapoccoaching/

Today I welcome Allyson Hernandez to the Think Courageously Podcast.  Allyson  is a Certified Executive Coach with over 20 years in corporate Human Resources and a dual career as an actress, composer, writer, and recording artist.  She is passionate about empowering women to follow their dreams and to not blend in. In this episode, we talk about Allyson’s BIG pivot…moving out of corporate HR into a life more aligned with her creative calling. What she calls her mid-life creative crisis. We talk about everything from the comparison game to balancing motherhood and career to redefining self-care.   Allyson shares the story behind her newly released book, Ballad of Dreams. Inspired by a true story, Ballad of Dreams sings of the power of friendship and dances through different eras of society from the 1930s to early 2000s. It combines the richness of storytelling and flare of musical theater by seamlessly weaving musical lyrics with the narrative. She is the founder of AH Coaching Group, and when not writing, singing or coaching leaders and creatives, she's a proud soccer mom. To learn more about Allyson, visit: https://www.allysonhernandez.net https://www.instagram.com/allysonhernandez_extra/ https://www.facebook.com/allysonhernandezextra https://www.linkedin.com/in/allyson-hernandez/

What does it mean to be an enlightened witness? On today's episode of The Think Courageously Podcast, my guest, Shauna Blue, takes us on a journey to understand how she pivoted into this sacred space. Shauna Angel Blue has been working with Psychic Therapies, creating Transformational Love Experiences for the past 30+ years within her thriving private Tarot/Reiki practice. Over the years she has read for thousands of people guiding them to Love, Healing and Financial Security.   Shauna is also the creator of Alchemy & You, a daily private membership guiding people with Astrological Influences and Oracle Insights, for Divine Right Timing and Alignment to one's own spiritual/psychic realities to manifest the life of their dreams.   Shauna is a 5th Level Transformational Reiki Master/Teacher, Clairvoyant, Medium and Artist living in Chicago with her 2nd husband of 20+ years. Our conversation takes us on an adventure of twists and turns. We talk about everything from the continuum of pivots and intuition to the way that COVID has impacted our collective listening. Shauna shares her wisdom on listening to your heart as a powerful tool for personal transformation. "Self-love is the first love!" We also talk about the concept of creative intelligence and reigniting that spark of brilliance inside of ourselves. Other topics include: -The pivot continuum -Creating sustainable change -The role of judgment and fear in our lives -Healing from trauma To learn more about Shauna, visit:  http://www.shaunaofthestar.com www.venusinlove.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/alchemyandyou/ https://www.instagram.com/shaunaofthestar/ https://www.instagram.com/venuslovespells/

Today, I am introducing you to Mandy Hopp! Mandy Hopp designs brands and websites steeped in strategy for small businesses and entrepreneurs focused on impact who are ready to take their visual identity to the next level. I loved chatting with her on today’s episode of The Think Courageously podcast.  After almost a decade of experience in design and marketing, Mandy decided one month before the pandemic hit that she was going to pivot her business and leave her corporate job.  With the support of her husband and clarity around her personal values and vision, she went from crying under the Christmas tree to building her own design studio.  In today’s episode, we talk about: The seamless nature of work life and personal life when you are passionate about what you doThe comparison gameRecovering from perfectionismThe law of attractionLiving a purposeful lifeAnd of course, we discuss courage, compassion, success and pivots.  Mandy has worked in-house and freelanced for dozens of businesses, has been part of an award-winning website team, and has had her own work published in leading industry publications. Her coworkers are two big goofy dogs who snore during client calls (apologies in advance). You can find her drinking iced coffee just about every morning - even during the subzero Chicago winters! To learn more about Hopp Creative, visit: https://www.hoppcreative.com https://www.instagram.com/hoppcreative/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandykhopp/

Today on the show, I am reflecting on Mother’s Day from a place of courage, vulnerability and self-compassion. I have recently released a book with 14 other authors, (fondly known as the Book Mama’s) entitled “Elevate Your Voice”.  Check it out here: https://amzn.to/3v5pAZc My chapter is called “Living and Grieving with Courage.” This week on the show I am celebrating Mother's Day Week.  I take some time to reflect on my relationship with my own mom and my daughter.  And I share a very personal experience…my recent Reiki session with Shauna Blue. Shauna reminded me of the connectivity and power of mother-daughter relationships.   And  helped me to see that my grief journey continues and is always evolving.  I'm also opening myself up to forgiveness and self-compassion. This is a continuation of a love story of the most powerful relationship in my life…and my journey to think courageously.

“To create success on your own terms takes courage especially when everyone will have an opinion on what they think is best for you. When you can acknowledge those opinions and still make the best choice that will contribute to your growth and your success despite it all is courage. In my line of work, I'm all about authenticity, being yourself and owning your greatness.”  -LATRICE COLE Today I welcome Latrice Cole, a certified image consultant and stylist for men and women, to the show. In this episode of The Think Courageously Podcast, , Latrice and I talk about her personal pivot journey. With  ten years of experience working as a senior human resources professional, Latrice gave up the corporate gig to turn her passion into a reality.  Latrice shares her own struggles around imposter syndrome, limiting beliefs and finding alignment.  Latrice’s work is so important to all of us who think courageously. Why? Because once you’ve done all the work of clarifying who you are on the inside, it can be challenging to translate that into your unique personal brand. Personal brands are important regardless of the work you do because they are the first thing people see when they are learning about you and building connection.  In this episode, we also explore: Imposter syndromeGiving yourself permission to think courageously even when others aren’t always in your cornerThe power of trusting your intuition in making pivotsThe “one thing” that everyone can do, even on a budget” to show up as the best version of themselves.  More about  Latrice… www.instagram.com/lmoniqueconsulting/  www.latricemonique.net www.linkedin.com/in/lmconsulting/

In today’s episode of The Think Courageously podcast, I’m welcoming back one of our most popular guests, Coach Kofi Williams! Kofi Williams, CPC, ELI-MP, is a certified Empowerment & Leadership Coach and founder of the Next Chapter Academy, a transformative personal and professional development group coaching experience for women who want the clarity, confidence, and power to transform their lives from the inside out. Her work focuses on bringing women back to themselves.  Our conversation focuses on creating and re-defining mid-life relationships.  We share our personal story of building an unexpected friendship through compassion, listening and deep understanding. We talk about how our relationship unfolded and our shared commitment to building a powerful friendship. We also explore: Letting go of toxic relationshipsHow self-awareness lives at the root of all healthy relationshipsHow COVID has given us an opportunity to build powerful virtual friendshipsRadical acceptance of each other’s giftsStanding strong in our values as we find healthy relationshipsLearn more about Coach Kofi at:  www.myidealcompanion.com coachkofi.com www.facebook.com/coachkofi www.instagram.com/coachkofi

Meet Kelly Falardeau. Burn survivor since the age of 2 of 75% of her body. Kelly has spent her life thinking courageously…turning her challenges into powerful pivots. She found a way to go from a near death to success, from the ugly scar-faced girl to the TEDX stage…twice!  During our conversation we talk about the power of controlling your own narrative. Kelly is passionate about clarifying your values and finding ways to serve others. She knew that at the heart of her transformation journey was a strong desire to help others. To choose your story and leave a powerful legacy.  In today’s episode, we also discuss: Giving up the comparison gameHow Kelly has redefined UGLYThe power of just doing itOvercoming limited beliefsRedefining successKelly is a remarkable force of nature that is a 7X international bestselling author, recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal and a YWCA Woman of Distinction.  She is also featured in the documentary “Still Beautiful”.  Learn more about Kelly at:  www.facebook.com/kellywoodhousefalardeau https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kellyfalardeau Clubhouse: @kellyfarlardeau @authorclub

Anyssa Lucena is a rock climbing and hiking guide in New York. She is the owner and founder of Genuine Climbing and  the Confident Climbers Club. In today’s episode of The Think Courageously Podcast, Anyssa and I explore the courage it took her to build the life of her dreams.  Like many of us, Anyssa was on the trajectory for traditional success. She had the corporate gig, the nice home, the husband and three kids. But there was something missing. And she was open to finding out what it was.  Anyssa had the strong belief that there was something more for her and that’s when she reignited her love affair with the great outdoors. Anyssa’s pivot was gradual. It was an unhappiness that was festering. In trusting the universe, she found her way back to her true self through nature.   Anyssa has always loved the outdoors and fell instantly in love with climbing in 1995 during a kayaking trip in Maine that included a day of rock climbing.  She tapped back into this passion while redefining her pivot. She grew physically stronger and more curious about what it was about climbing that reignited her purpose.  As the owner of Genuine Climbing, Anyssa now introduces the lessons of success, pivots and courage to other women through the outdoors and rock-climbing.   Anyssa has climbed in New York, New Hampshire, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Canadian Rockies, Kentucky, California, and Chamonix.  She is also allured by the challenge of the alpine world and has summited peaks including the Eiger and the Matterhorn.  She is a firm believer that nature is the perfect way to learn. To find more on Anyssa: www.genuineclimbing.com www.instagram.com/genuineclimbing www.facebook.com/GenuineClimbing

Meet Stephanie Talia. Stephanie learned at an early age what it was like to be different and to rise above it all to become successful in her career and business.  She has been on a quest to love the skin she is in, figuratively and literally.  In this episode of the podcast, Stephanie shares her story of courage and persistence around finding natural and transformational solutions to find comfort and power in her own skin. We talk about her powerful belief in alternative solutions. She has been on a relentless journey to vet products and solutions. From structured water, mud, minerals, salt and botanicals, Stephanie is driven by her belief that people can feel better in the skin they are in.   Stephanie shares her long battle around redefining success and thinking courageously. We also talk about her pivot into becoming a H.O.P.E giver, educator, advocate and supporter for others who suffer because of skin problems.  Stephanie also shares her story in the newly released book, “Elevate Your Voice”.  “I could have quit. I could have hid in the shadows. I could have been miserable. I chose not to be. In choosing not to be I had to be courageous and over come a lot. Ultimately being courageous lead to many, many successes in my life...big and small." You can learn more about Stephanie at www.stephaniesmindfulsolutions.com or follow @stephaniesmindfulsolutions on Facebook and Instagram.