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What if the most powerful thing you could do for your leadership isn't sounding polished - but sounding like you? Sandra Bargman spent her life on stage, but it wasn't until she stepped out of the spiritual closet that she found her real voice. As an actor, interfaith minister, and voice coach, Sandra teaches that authentic presence doesn't come from being bigger or louder -it comes from summoning the courage to be vulnerable. We talk about what it means to be an "edge walker"- someone who lives at the intersection of who we've been, who we are, and who we're becoming. It's messy there. It's also where the most creativity lives. Sandra's wisdom on staying present through loss, embracing the seasons of life, and helping others step into their truth is the kind of conversation that stays with you. In this conversation, you'll discover:   Why "edge effect" is a scientific term that perfectly describes spiritual growth How to renegotiate your relationships as you evolve Why grief and darkness are teachers, not enemies The B.I.G. approach to finding your authentic voice How to start going deeper when you're scared to look   0:00 Authentic Voice Defined 0:35 Welcome Sandra Bargman 1:29 Edge Walker Explained 5:01 Edge Effect Origin 7:24 Comfort Zone Edges 8:56 Born Performer 12:32 Called to Ministry 15:05 Mission Discovered 16:54 Good Girl vs Wild 19:34 Marriage as Archetype 22:15 Relationship Mirror 25:29 The B.I.G. Approach 31:21 Courage Is Muscle 33:48 Grief & Shadow Work 37:45 Seasons of Darkness 42:08 Staying Present Through Death 46:03 Embracing Life's Cycle 48:30 Pieces Must Fall 49:16 Where to Find Sandra   RESOURECS Want to learn more about Sandra Bargman and her work? Connect with her here:   Website: sandrabargman.com Book a 20-minute conversation: magicthreadmedia.com Podcast: The Edge of Every Day (available on all major platforms) YouTube: Sandra Bargeman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkZ1FE8OR10 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandrabargman/ Linktr.ee:  https://linktr.ee/sandrabargman Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabargman/   https://key2unlock.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-phillips-9409707 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-your-outcome/id1819724499 https://www.facebook.com/129170793830944/ https://www.instagram.com/energizewithmichele/ https://www.amazon.com/Michele-Phillips/e/B00EHZ38T4 https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K8KSQC

The words we speak to ourselves carry more weight than we often realize. They can light a fire within us or slowly dim our spirit. On this episode of Write Your Outcome, I'm joined by my dear friend and colleague Dr. Denise Williams, author of Wellspring of Words, to explore how our internal dialogue shapes everything—our energy, our relationships, and our ability to lead with intention. Denise brings decades of wisdom as a counselor, educator, and organizational leadership expert. Together we unpack what it truly means to become intentional about the words we use, starting with the ones we whisper to ourselves in moments of frustration or doubt. Her book, inspired by Proverbs 18:4, reminds us that words are like deep waters—they can nourish or overwhelm. If you've ever caught yourself saying "I'm so clumsy" or "I'm not good enough," this conversation will meet you right where you are. Denise shares practical steps for slowing down, paying attention, and replacing harsh self-talk with words wrapped in kindness. We also talk about the ripple effect of blessing others—even when it's hard—and how small shifts in language create lasting change. Whether you're leading a team, navigating a difficult season, or simply wanting to treat yourself with more grace, this episode offers grounded wisdom for the journey. Because the words we choose truly do write our outcome. What you'll discover: ·        Why the source of your words matters as much as the words themselves ·        How to interrupt negative thought loops and replace them with truth ·        The science behind how positive words affect your brain and even your DNA ·        Why kindness toward yourself is the foundation for kindness toward others ·        Practical exercises to begin shifting your internal dialogue today   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Words Light a Fire 00:18 I See You 00:33 Finding Joy in Anxiety 01:02 Welcome Dr. Denise Williams 04:19 The Wellspring Meaning 05:49 Two Stories of Survival 08:15 Practice Before Game Day 09:48 Start With What's True 11:02 Look How Capable You Are 13:17 Being Intentional and Deliberate 15:28 Slowing Down to Notice 17:30 A Marriage Transformed 20:59 Peter Plants a Seed 23:58 Why Some Don't Believe 26:59 Strut in Your Heels 29:27 Pleasant Words Heal Bones 33:43 Bless Your Neighbor 41:05 Habits for Brain Health 46:15 Look for the Joy 47:58 Where to Buy the Book 49:13 Stop Saying You're Fine   Books & Resources Mentioned: Wellspring of Words by Dr. Denise A. Williams — Available on Amazon Stop Saying You're Fine by Mel Robbins — Book recommended by Denise Let Them by Mel Robbins — Book mentioned by Denise The Correspondent — Novel mentioned by Michele Lisa Miller — Researcher on spirituality and the brain, author mentioned by Michele Caroline Leaf — Neuroscientist referenced by Denise regarding words and brain function Avatar (film) — Referenced for the phrase "I see you" Proverbs 18:4 — Scripture that inspired the book title   https://key2unlock.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-phillips-9409707 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-your-outcome/id1819724499 https://www.facebook.com/129170793830944/ https://www.instagram.com/energizewithmichele/ https://www.amazon.com/Michele-Phillips/e/B00EHZ38T4 https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K8KSQC

Who is writing your life? Is it fear, old habits, or your need for approval? It's a question I've been sitting with for years, and today I want to go deeper into what it truly means to write your outcome. It's not about forcing results or controlling every variable. It's about consciously choosing who you are becoming in the process.        When I was at a workshop with Jack Canfield back in 1997, he said something that has never left me: "The goal isn't the goal. It's who you become in the process." That single idea has shaped my entire approach to life, business, and spirituality. We get so obsessed with the outcome—the job, the money, the relationship—that we forget we're writing a much more important story along the way.         In this solo episode, I'm exploring the three layers of this work: habits that change your behavior, energy that sustains the change, and consciousness that transforms everything. I'll share why two people can use the exact same strategy and get completely different results, and why your state always comes before your strategy. I'll also talk about the approval trap, the control trap, and how to recognize when fear has picked up the pen. Here's what you'll discover in this episode: Why writing your outcome is about direction, not control How to recognize when fear, old wounds, or your childhood is holding the pen The difference between your personality and your soul—and why it matters Why your energy changes everything, from your words to your results A simple practice to reset your nervous system and shift your state The three levels of happiness and how to reach the highest one What it means to live awake and make conscious choices from your higher self   You are writing your outcome every single hour of every single day. The only question is: who's holding the pen?   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Who's Holding the Pen? 01:09 Beyond Goals and Control 01:56 Who You Become 04:40 When Life Doesn't Cooperate 07:00 Personality and Soul 11:05 Flip the Script 14:07 Spirituality and Perspective 18:48 State Before Strategy 22:53 The Approval Trap 26:29 The Control Trap 28:14 When Fear Takes Over 32:30 Habits, Energy, Consciousness 39:05 Conscious Course Correction 45:33 Who Are You Becoming? 49:33 The Wake-Up Call Books & Resources Mentioned: The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert The Awakened Brain by Lisa Miller Happiness Is a Habit by Michele Phillips Energize Your Happiness by Michele Phillips Jack Canfield's workshop (Santa Barbara, 1997) Brian Tracy's teaching on the two types of millionaires Michael Singer's teaching: "When your mind runs away, you don't have to go with it." Wayne Dyer's teaching: "Have the goal, but don't be attached to it." Eckhart Tolle's teaching: "Life is the dancer, and we are the dance." The "Footprints in the Sand" poem Oprah's podcast with Mel Robbins   https://key2unlock.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-phillips-9409707 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-your-outcome/id1819724499 https://www.facebook.com/129170793830944/ https://www.instagram.com/energizewithmichele/ https://www.amazon.com/Michele-Phillips/e/B00EHZ38T4 https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K8KSQC

I've always believed you don't leave your soul in the car when you go to work. This week, I'm joined by someone who has lived that truth in the most remarkable way — Dr. Mamta Bhatt, known as the joyful scientist.    Dr. Bhatt spent over two decades building an executive career in research and product development for Fortune 50 companies, holding a PhD in macromolecular science and completing executive education at Wharton and Harvard Medical School. Then one morning, she couldn't get out of bed. What followed was a years-long journey through chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and digestive issues that conventional medicine couldn't resolve.    Her search led her to study food as medicine, Ayurveda, naturopathy, and eventually to time in a monastery, where she discovered something profound: you can be physically unwell and still choose joy. That moment changed everything.    Today, Dr. Bhatt helps high achievers reclaim their health, energy, and vitality through her RESET protocol — a customized approach rooted in restful sleep, nutrient-dense foods, stress reduction, targeted exercise, and positive thinking. She calls herself a recovering high achiever, and she understands the cost of running on adrenaline instead of alignment.    In this conversation, you'll discover: ●       The early warning signs your body gives before it screams ●       Why sugar is the most inflammatory thing you can consume ●       A simple alternate nostril breathing practice to calm your nervous system ●       The concept of "taste rehab" and how to reset your palate ●       Why joy and physical healing can coexist ●       The power of one minute of gratitude to interrupt your brain's problem-seeking default      Dr. Bhatt's wisdom is both practical and profound. Whether you're running on empty or simply want to live more consciously, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.   TIMESTAMPS  00:00 The Joy of Finding Yourself  00:32 Welcome and Introduction  01:13 Dr. Mamta Bhatt's Story  05:00 Early Warning Signs  06:46 The Monastery Journey  09:45 Reconciling Science and Spirit  10:13 A Humbling Opening Process  12:40 Running on Adrenaline  14:11 The RESET Protocol  18:11 Customizing Your Wellness  18:49 The Three S's for Sleep  22:05 Taste Rehab Explained  24:05 Alternate Nostril Breathing  26:53 Real Food vs. Fake  29:36 Joy and Physical Healing  33:03 Simple Steps to Begin  33:48 Training Your Brain for Joy  36:22 Dr. Bhatt's Offerings  38:13 Final Reflections and Resources Reascoursces https://key2unlock.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-phillips-9409707 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-your-outcome/id1819724499 https://www.facebook.com/129170793830944/ https://www.instagram.com/energizewithmichele/ https://www.amazon.com/Michele-Phillips/e/B00EHZ38T4 https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K8KSQC   Learn more about Dr. Mamta Bhatt ·        Dr. Mamta Bhatt's Website: www.drmamtabhat.com ·        Dr. Mamta Bhatt's Email: [email protected] ·        Dr. Mamta Bhatt's Phone/Text: 813-235-3724 ·        Dr. Mamta Bhatt's Instagram: @thejoyfulscientist ·        Book: Recipes for Joy by Dr. Mamta Bhatt ●

I have idolized this woman for years. I've read every book she's written, been coached by her through one of the hardest seasons of my life, and she even included me in her book Rewire for Wealth. So having Barbara Huson on the show feels like a full-circle moment I still can't quite believe happened. Barbara is a leading authority on women, wealth, and power. She's the bestselling author of seven books, including Prince Charming Isn't Coming, Secrets of Six-Figure Women, Overcoming Underearning, Sacred Success, and Rewire for Wealth. She's also a financial therapist and the founder of The Wealth Connection. In this conversation, we go deep into the truth she taught me years ago: problems with money are never about money. They're about our fear of and ambivalence toward power. Barbara shares how she lost nearly everything to her ex-husband's gambling, rebuilt her life, and discovered that real wealth has nothing to do with the amount you make—it's about wellbeing. Here's what you'll discover: Why getting smart about money requires four kinds of work: outer, inner, higher, and deeper How to use her three-step rewiring process—recognize, reframe, respond differently—to shift money fears What unhealed trauma does to your nervous system and your finances The three simple practices that changed her relationship with money: read daily, talk weekly, save monthly Why doing what you fear is the fastest way to build self-esteem and increase your earnings If money has ever felt like a language you can't speak, or if you've quietly believed you're just not "good with money," this episode will meet you exactly where you are and show you another way. TIMESTAMPS                   00:00 Wealth and Wellbeing 00:40 Welcome Barbara Huson 01:16 Meeting a Mentor 03:57 Barbara's Response 04:16 Prince Charming Isn't Coming 04:49 Raised for Rescue 05:14 The Gambling Marriage 07:20 The Vegas Birthday 08:20 Secrets of Six-Figure Women 08:54 Chronic Underearning 10:07 What Shifted 10:14 Six-Figure Surprises 11:52 The Four-Pronged Process 12:01 Inner Work of Wealth 13:04 Facing Money Fears 13:07 Money Is About Power 14:54 The Deeper Work 18:20 Defining True Wealth 19:20 A Quick Pause 20:47 Conditioning Around Money 22:29 Do What You Fear 25:32 Small Risks, Big Shifts 26:41 Trusting the World 27:29 Sacred Success Origins 29:52 Adding the Divine 30:32 Rewire for Wealth 31:03 Losing Interest and Surrendering 36:21 Divine Downloads 37:18 Working With Resistance 38:07 Inner Child Work 38:20 Understanding Trauma 40:02 Defensiveness as Signal 41:22 Moving Through Defensiveness 42:47 Seeing It Differently 43:59 Three Money Practices 47:10 Sacred Success Retreat 48:26 Retreat Details 48:56 Closing Gratitude 49:43 Final Thoughts   Resources https://key2unlock.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-phillips-9409707 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-your-outcome/id1819724499 https://www.facebook.com/129170793830944/ https://www.instagram.com/energizewithmichele/ https://www.amazon.com/Michele-Phillips/e/B00EHZ38T4 https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K8KSQC Books by Barbara Huson: Prince Charming Isn't Coming Secrets of Six-Figure Women Overcoming Underearning Sacred Success Rewire for Wealth Resources Mentioned: A Course in Miracles by Helen Schucman The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton (mentioned by Michele) Energize Your Happiness by Michele Phillips Barbara Huson's website: barbara-huson.com Sacred Success Retreat (October 22nd, Seattle, WA)

I used to think busyness was proof I was important, needed, successful. Then I realized I was just recreating the same crazy pace I left corporate for—and calling it ambition.      In this solo episode, I'm asking the question I had to ask myself: Why am I so busy? Because a life dominated by urgency, hurry, and constant activity is incompatible with well-being. It just is.      I share what I've learned about the nervous system, the difference between urgent and important, and why rushing through everything—even the beautiful things—robs us of our own lives. I also get honest about grief, guilt, and the moment I finally became okay with where I am.      If you've been running on empty, waiting for permission to slow down, consider this your invitation. Ease isn't laziness. It's evidence of alignment.  Listeners will discover:   Why busyness is not proof of your worth (and what actually is) The warning signs you're in overdrive—and what to do about them How to distinguish urgent from important in daily life Why your soul speaks in silence and what it's trying to tell you Simple practices to begin living with more intention today   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Why Are You So Busy? 00:24 A Full Calendar, Empty Life 01:28 Busyness Is Not Proof 03:14 Speed Kills Enjoyment 07:38 The Fisherman's Wisdom 09:58 Activity vs. Accomplishment 11:44 Learning How to Be 16:51 Blender Head Returns 17:33 The Future Walk 18:29 Warning Signs of Overdrive 26:04 What Are You Grieving? 27:38 Afraid of Dying with Music Inside 29:07 Your Soul Speaks in Silence 31:43 Busyness Keeps You from Your Life 46:26 The Quality of Your Attention 49:15 Ease Is Not Laziness 50:43 Don't Wish It Were Easier 52:08 Closing: Choose Your Style RESOURCES https://key2unlock.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-phillips-9409707 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-your-outcome/id1819724499 https://www.facebook.com/129170793830944/ https://www.instagram.com/energizewithmichele/ https://www.amazon.com/Michele-Phillips/e/B00EHZ38T4 https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K8KSQC

Some conversations feel less like an interview and more like sitting around a fire, listening to a master storyteller remind you of what's true. This episode with John St. Augustine is one of those. As a conscious leader, it's easy to get caught up in the logical, the planned, and the predictable—but John's life is a testament to what happens when you make room for the things you can't explain. His journey is a wild one, from a recurring dream that wouldn't leave him alone, to an unplanned 300-mile walk, to finding himself in the basement of a concert hall receiving a life-altering message from John Denver. He is a master of weaving the practical with the profound, showing us that trusting your intuition isn't about passivity—it's about taking grounded action, even when you don't have the full picture. In this deeply personal conversation, we connect the dots of his incredible life and the lessons it holds for how we lead our own lives and businesses.   Listeners will discover:   ü  The exact moment John Denver told him "your voice matters" and how that single question changed the entire trajectory of his life. ü  The critical difference between responding and reacting, and how to create space for the path to become clear. ü  Why he traded a definition of "success" for one of "significance," and how that shift can lead to more meaningful work. ü  The story of how he almost said "no" to working with Oprah, and the powerful question she asked that changed his answer. ü  How to look back at your own life to find evidence of your "inner GPS," so you can trust the next intuitive hit. Timestamps 00:00 The Bare Bulb in the Basement: John Denver's Challenge 00:40 Introducing a Masterful Storyteller and Creative Partner 03:52 Early Influences: How WGN, Teddy Roosevelt, and Cousteau Shaped a Life 07:24 A Recurring Dream and the Call to Walk to Chicago 11:21 Moving from Resistance to Response: How the Universe Gets Your Attention 13:32 The Great Mystery: The Choice That Changed Everything 15:58 The Zen of Letting the Mud Settle: Responding vs. Reacting 18:17 Meeting John Denver and the Ripple Effect of a Single Question 24:58 From Cat Box to Center Stage: Saying Yes to the Call 28:14 Shifting from Success to Significance 29:31 The Power of Connecting the Dots: Michele's Serendipitous Story 31:01 Finding Evidence of Your Inner GP 36:03 The Oprah Orbit: Almost Saying No to the Biggest Opportunity of His Life 46:04 Full Circle with Jack Canfield: A Masterclass in Taking Action 48:39 What's Next: Audiobooks, Storytelling, and a Bucket List Anthology   Resources https://key2unlock.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-phillips-9409707 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-your-outcome/id1819724499 https://www.facebook.com/129170793830944/ https://www.instagram.com/energizewithmichele/ https://www.amazon.com/Michele-Phillips/e/B00EHZ38T4 https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K8KSQC

What if anxiety, disconnection, or emotional overwhelm aren't only symptoms to eliminate—but signals asking you to look deeper? In this episode of Write Your Outcome, Michele Phillips sits down with Dr. Amy Robbins, clinical psychologist, host of Life, Death & the Space Between, and pioneer of spiritually informed therapy, for a fascinating conversation at the intersection of psychology, spirituality, science, intuition, and consciousness. Amy shares the unexpected journey that transformed her understanding of healing. After the death of her beloved aunt, a series of profound experiences—including vivid visitations and messages she couldn't easily explain—challenged everything her traditional psychology training had taught her. Rather than abandoning science, Amy began exploring how psychology and spirituality might actually belong together. In this episode, Michele and Amy explore: Why symptoms can sometimes be signs that something deeper needs our attention What "spiritually informed therapy" actually means How intuition and energetic awareness can complement traditional therapeutic practices Why protecting your own energy matters when you're deeply empathic How signs, synchronicities, and intuitive experiences changed Amy's understanding of life and death Why making space for silence and self-reflection has become increasingly difficult What Amy has learned about fear, trust, and truly living after nearly a decade of conversations about death and consciousness Amy also shares why she believes psychology has become so focused on symptom reduction that we've sometimes lost sight of the soul. Her work isn't about rejecting evidence-based psychology. It's about widening the lens and asking what our anxiety, depression, grief, or disconnection may be inviting us to understand about ourselves. And after years of exploring near-death experiences, mediumship, spirituality, consciousness, and the mysteries we can't always explain, Amy has discovered something unexpected: she's not afraid of dying—she's afraid of missing this life. Because writing your outcome isn't only about deciding where you want to go. Sometimes it begins by becoming curious about the parts of yourself you've been taught to ignore—and trusting that there may be more to who you are than what you can see or prove. About Dr. Amy Robbins Dr. Amy Robbins is a clinical psychologist and Director of Mental Health at Beyond in Chicago. For nearly two decades, she has helped people heal by bridging mind, body, and spirit through traditional psychotherapy, spiritual intuition, and energy psychology. She is also the host of Life, Death & the Space Between, a top spirituality podcast with more than two million downloads, where she explores consciousness, near-death experiences, mediumship, spirituality, and what these mysteries can teach us about living more fully. Amy is also pioneering Spiritually Informed Therapy, a framework designed to help clinicians incorporate spiritual awareness alongside evidence-based psychology while honoring the individual beliefs and experiences of their clients. Connect with Dr. Amy Robbins Website: DrAmyRobbins.com Instagram: @dramyrobbins Podcast: Life, Death & the Space Between For Clinicians: Spiritually Informed Therapy training and therapist directory Workshop: Decoding Everyday Magic, a 90-minute introduction to recognizing signs and synchronicities in everyday life

What if the life you've been working so hard to build isn't actually the life you want? In this deeply personal solo episode of Write Your Outcome, Michele Phillips shares the defining moments that took her from following society's version of success to building a career and life rooted in alignment. From losing her corporate position to discovering her calling as a trainer, launching her own business, and turning down lucrative opportunities that didn't feel right, Michele looks back at the moments that taught her to follow the energy instead of following someone else's script. Michele challenges the relentless pursuit of more: more money, more productivity, more status, and more consumption. Instead, she asks what might change if we measured success by alignment, meaning, relationships, peace, and the freedom to consciously choose how we want to live. Through stories from her own career and nearly 30 years of coaching and leadership work, Michele explores how to recognize when you've drifted off course, listen to the inner wisdom pointing you back, and make choices that feel true to who you are. Because living consciously doesn't mean getting every decision right. It means noticing when you're out of alignment and being willing to realign. If you've been checking all the boxes but still wondering whether there's something more, this episode is an invitation to reconsider what success means to you. Because you're never as stuck as you think you are. You always have a choice, and real success may have less to do with becoming what the world expects and more to do with becoming who you truly are.   More from Michele Phillips Website: https://www.energizeyourhappiness.com Books: Happiness Is a Habit & Energize Your Happiness Podcast: Write Your Outcome Executive Coaching, Leadership Development & VIP Retreats Instagram: @michelephillips

What if the rise of artificial intelligence isn't something to fear, but an invitation to remember the intelligence that has always lived within us? In this episode of Write Your Outcome, Michele Phillips welcomes Neerja Bhatia, leadership emergence coach, TEDx speaker, Forbes Coaches Council member, and creator of the Living Intelligence Framework. Neerja has spent more than two decades helping leaders move beyond unconscious patterns and conditioned ways of operating into greater awareness, presence, and authentic human connection. Together, Michele and Neerja explore the ideas behind Neerja's book, The Great Remembering: Leading in the Age of AI, A Leadership Fable, and why our increasingly technology-driven world is calling us to reconnect with the wisdom of the heart, body, intuition, and consciousness. In this episode, you'll discover: Why external success can still leave us feeling empty How conditioning and labels disconnect us from who we really are What "Living Intelligence" means in the age of AI Why conscious leadership moves beyond control, power, and the bottom line How witnessing your thoughts can create greater clarity and freedom A simple way to use the elements of water, earth, air, fire, and space to reconnect with yourself Why AI may actually be inviting humans to become more human Neerja challenges us to question the thoughts and identities we've mistaken for truth and reconnect with the intelligence that exists beyond what can be measured. As she reminds us, you are not your thoughts, and the fear that keeps you gripping the familiar is simply another thought you can learn to witness. If you've been questioning where humanity fits in an AI-driven future, this conversation offers a hopeful perspective: perhaps the future isn't asking us to compete with machines. Perhaps it's asking us to remember what machines can never replace. About Neerja Bhatia Neerja Bhatia is a leadership emergence coach, TEDx speaker, member of the Forbes Coaches Council, and creator of the Living Intelligence Framework. For more than two decades, she has helped leaders move beyond unconscious patterns and conditioned ways of operating to lead with greater coherence, moral clarity, presence, and authentic human connection. She is the author of The Great Remembering: Leading in the Age of AI, A Leadership Fable, which explores the relationship between artificial intelligence and the distinctly human wisdom we risk forgetting. Connect with Neerja Book: The Great Remembering: Leading in the Age of AI, A Leadership Fable Website: Neerja directs listeners to her website for additional resources, including her essay on how perception shapes what we see and her technique for working with the elements. LinkedIn: Follow Neerja on LinkedIn Book Availability: Amazon

What if success isn't about pushing harder... but about finally asking yourself where you're headed? In this episode of Write Your Outcome, Michele Phillips welcomes Sarah Draper, founder of Leading Well Strategies, former FBI Supervisory Special Agent, West Point graduate, and leadership expert who has spent nearly three decades leading in some of the world's highest-pressure environments. Together, they explore a challenge facing so many leaders today: how to stop surviving and start leading with clarity, resilience, and purpose.  Drawing from her own journey through burnout and survival mode, Sarah shares the pivotal moment she realized that outward success wasn't enough. That realization led her to redefine leadership, shifting from simply achieving results to helping people thrive. Michele and Sarah dive into why so many leaders lose themselves in the pursuit of performance, how organizational culture shapes our behaviors, and why clarity about what you're working toward is essential for lasting fulfillment.  In this episode, you'll discover: Why survival mode keeps even high achievers feeling stuck The difference between grit and true resilience How the simple practice of a "Future Walk" can unlock clarity and creativity Why asking better questions leads to better decisions The connection between nature, movement, and innovative thinking How conscious leaders create healthier organizations by first leading themselves If you've been carrying the weight of endless responsibilities, wondering what's next, or feeling successful on paper but disconnected inside, this conversation offers practical tools to help you reconnect with your purpose and create a future that feels as meaningful as it is successful. Because writing your outcome isn't about adding more to your load. It's about gaining the clarity to carry only what truly matters.    About Sarah Draper Sarah Draper is the founder of Leading Well Strategies, a West Point graduate, former U.S. Army Military Police Officer, and retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent. Today, she helps leaders build resilience, improve well-being, and create high-performing cultures where both people and organizations flourish. A certified Positive Psychology Practitioner, Resilience Practitioner, and Health & Well-being Coach, Sarah combines decades of leadership experience with evidence-based strategies to help leaders thrive personally and professionally.    Connect with Sarah Draper Website: https://www.leadingwellstrategies.com Podcast: Future Walk

What if the greatest obstacle to peace isn't your circumstances—but the constant noise inside your own mind? In this solo episode of Write Your Outcome, Michele Phillips invites you to step off autopilot and rediscover the freedom that exists in the present moment. Building on this season's exploration of consciousness, she challenges one of our deepest assumptions: that we are our thoughts. Instead, Michele reveals how learning to observe your thinking—rather than becoming consumed by it—opens the door to greater peace, clarity, creativity, and authentic leadership.  Through personal stories, practical exercises, and powerful mindset shifts, Michele explores why so many of us spend our lives rushing, reacting, and replaying yesterday while missing the beauty unfolding right in front of us. She shares simple practices that help quiet the mind, reconnect with your body, and cultivate the awareness that transforms not only your personal life but your leadership as well. In this episode, you'll discover: Why you are not your thoughts—and why that realization changes everything How unconscious thinking fuels stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion Practical ways to become more present through breath, awareness, and conscious habits Why conscious leaders respond instead of react How slowing down creates more creativity, wisdom, and joy Small daily practices that help you awaken to the life you're already living If you've been feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or disconnected from yourself, this episode offers a gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and remember that your greatest source of freedom has been available all along: this moment. Because writing your outcome doesn't happen in yesterday's regrets or tomorrow's worries. It happens when you awaken to the only moment where your life is actually being lived—right now.      More from Michele Phillips Website: https://www.energizeyourhappiness.com Books: Happiness Is a Habit & Energize Your Happiness Podcast: Write Your Outcome Executive Coaching, Leadership Development & VIP Retreats Instagram: @michelephillips

What separates elite performers from everyone else? It's not talent. It's not luck. And it's certainly not simply working harder. In this episode of Write Your Outcome, Michele Phillips sits down with performance psychologist and executive coach Dr. Amy Athey to explore what it really takes to consistently perform at your best—whether you're leading a Fortune 500 company, raising a family, competing at the Olympic level, or navigating everyday life. Drawing on decades of experience working with Olympic athletes, Navy SEALs, executives, and high-performing teams, Dr. Athey reveals why sustainable success is built through holistic preparation, not last-minute effort.  Together, Michele and Dr. Athey unpack the mindset and daily habits that help people perform with greater confidence, resilience, and intention. They discuss why courage often matters more than confidence, how to recover from setbacks without getting stuck, and why awareness—not perfection—is the foundation of conscious leadership. In this episode, you'll discover: Why elite performers prepare differently than everyone else The power of holistic performance, from sleep and nutrition to mindset and recovery Dr. Athey's "Moment Ready" framework for showing up when it matters most How to stop ruminating on mistakes and refocus with intention A simple two-question reflection that transforms setbacks into growth Why conscious leadership begins with awareness, presence, and purposeful action Whether you're leading a business, a team, or simply trying to become the best version of yourself, this conversation offers practical strategies you can begin using today to perform with greater clarity and consistency. Because writing your outcome isn't about waiting until you're ready. It's about preparing your mind, body, and spirit so you're ready when your moment arrives.    About Dr. Amy Athey Dr. Amy Athey is a performance psychologist, executive coach, and founder of AC Performance. For more than two decades, she has helped Olympic athletes, Navy SEALs, corporate executives, and leadership teams perform at their highest level through an evidence-based approach to human performance. Her work integrates psychology, wellness, resilience, leadership development, and performance science to help individuals and organizations thrive under pressure. She is also the author of Moment Ready, a guide to helping people consistently show up for life's moments that matter.    Connect with Dr. Amy Athey Website: https://www.dramyathey.com AC Performance: https://www.acperformance.com LinkedIn: Dr. Amy Athey Instagram: @dramyathey Book: Moment Ready

What if the biggest barrier to great communication isn't what you're saying... but your ability to access your authentic self? In this episode of Write Your Outcome, Michele Phillips sits down with Ann Keil Dux, communication strategist, former television journalist, and creator of the Go-To You Method™, to explore why even the smartest, most accomplished professionals struggle to communicate under pressure. Ann explains why communication isn't simply about choosing the right words. It's about staying connected to yourself when the stakes are high. Together, she and Michele discuss how anxiety, self-doubt, and performance pressure disconnect us from our natural confidence, and why authentic leadership begins long before we ever open our mouths.  You'll learn: Why great communication is an access problem, not a knowledge problem How breathwork and emotional awareness improve executive presence The three-step Go-To You Method™ for communicating with confidence Why storytelling and authenticity create stronger leadership than perfection How AI and technology make human connection more valuable than ever Ann also shares the powerful personal journey that reshaped her career after a cancer diagnosis, revealing how life's greatest challenges can reconnect us with our purpose and help us lead with greater courage, clarity, and compassion. Whether you're leading a meeting, delivering a keynote, interviewing for a new opportunity, or simply trying to communicate more effectively in everyday conversations, this episode will help you move from performing... to truly connecting. Because writing your outcome begins when you stop trying to sound perfect and start showing up as your authentic self.      About Ann Keil Dux Ann Keil Dux is a communication strategist, executive coach, and former television journalist who helps leaders communicate with confidence in high-pressure moments. Through her Go-To You Method™, she teaches executives, founders, and professionals how to strengthen their leadership presence, overcome anxiety, and build trust through authentic communication. Her unique approach combines emotional intelligence, storytelling, and practical communication strategies to help leaders access their best selves when it matters most.    Connect with Ann Keil Dux Website: https://www.duxcommunications.com LinkedIn: Ann Keil Dux

What if the most important person you'll ever lead... is yourself? In this episode of Write Your Outcome, Michele Phillips explores why so many intelligent, successful people still find themselves overwhelmed, exhausted, and disconnected. The problem isn't a lack of knowledge or ability. It's that we've become experts at managing everything outside ourselves while neglecting the one thing we truly have control over: our own inner world.  Drawing from more than 25 years of coaching Fortune 500 leaders, Michele shares the three qualities that set conscious leaders apart in an increasingly reactive world. She explains why true leadership begins with self-awareness, how emotional regulation creates better outcomes than emotional reaction, and why purpose will always outperform pressure. In this episode, you'll discover: Why self-leadership is the foundation of every great leader How to respond instead of react during challenging moments The difference between creating from purpose versus performing under pressure Why presence is more powerful than perfection Simple ways to reconnect with your intuition, inner wisdom, and authentic leadership If you've been feeling like you're constantly chasing the next achievement, reacting to the noise around you, or searching for more peace in your personal or professional life, this conversation offers a different path—one rooted in awareness, alignment, and intention. Because writing your outcome doesn't begin when the world changes. It begins the moment you choose to lead yourself first.  More from Michele Phillips Website: https://www.energizeyourhappiness.com Books: Happiness Is a Habit & Energize Your Happiness Podcast: Write Your Outcome Executive Coaching, Leadership Development & VIP Retreats Instagram: @michelephillips