In the Season 2 premiere of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Elizabeth Solaru, a trailblazer whose journey spans microbiology, headhunting, and luxury cake artistry. Elizabeth shares her inspiring story of resilience, from cold-calling her way to royal connections to becoming a leading voice in luxury consulting. They explore the evolving meaning of luxury, the power of inclusivity, and how consumers now shape brand narratives. Elizabeth also highlights her groundbreaking book, The Luxpreneur, offering actionable insights for businesses aspiring to achieve luxury status. This episode is a masterclass in courage, adaptability, and redefining success—don’t miss it!

Takeaways:

• Resilience and Adaptability Drive Success:
  Elizabeth Solaru's journey from microbiology to luxury cake artistry exemplifies the power of pivoting when faced with challenges. Her story highlights how desperation can fuel innovation and bravery, proving that persistence and belief in your product are essential for success.
• Luxury is Personal and Inclusive:
  Luxury isn’t just about exclusivity and opulence—it’s about emotional resonance and personal meaning. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of understanding your customer’s unique definitions of value, whether it’s comfort, security, or minimalism, and tailoring experiences to meet those needs.
• Consumers Shape Brands Today:
  The dynamic between brands and consumers has shifted dramatically, with consumers now dictating what they value through transparency, authenticity, and advocacy. Businesses, especially in luxury, must align with these expectations to remain relevant and competitive.

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa sits down with career coach and former professional dancer Shaté Hayes to explore what it means to build a life and career that truly lights you up. Shaté shares her journey from the dance floor to the corporate world, uncovering her passion for helping others find alignment in their work and personal lives. Together, they discuss how leaders can create happy, high-performing teams, the power of workplace chemistry, and why career fulfillment is about more than just a paycheck. Whether you're navigating a career change, managing a team, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with insights to help you take back your Mondays and find joy in what you do. Tune in to learn how to embrace creativity, align with your values, and build a life you love.

Key Takeaways:

1. Workplace Fulfillment Starts with Alignment: Career fulfillment is about aligning your work with your core strengths, values, and passions. It’s not just about tolerating a job but finding a role that lights you up from the inside out.
2. Leadership Shapes Team Chemistry and Success: Leaders have a responsibility to invest in their team's career growth, foster chemistry, and create an environment where individuals feel valued. Happy, engaged teams don’t just perform better—they also mirror the investment their leaders show in them.
3. Creativity Thrives Everywhere: Creativity isn’t confined to the arts. Whether solving problems in tech, designing processes, or leading teams, every role has a creative element. Recognizing and embracing this helps individuals and organizations unlock new levels of innovation and fulfillment.

Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:16 Defining Career Fulfillment
03:16 Personal Journey to Career Fulfillment
07:36 Challenges in Career Coaching
11:12 Building Happy and High-Performing Teams
14:54 Inspirational Figures and Final Thoughts
16:41 Where to Find More Resources

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa sits down with Sandra Possing, coach and digital nomad, to explore what it takes to thrive by embracing risk and rejecting the conventional 9-to-5. Sandra shares her personal journey of redefining success, ditching the need for perfection, and leaning into failure as a path to growth. Together, they discuss why risk-taking can be a superpower, how to overcome analysis paralysis, and ways to create a career that aligns with who you really are. Whether you're looking to break free from the mold or just curious about what life outside the "safe" path looks like, this episode will inspire you to think bigger, take action, and maybe even redefine success for yourself.

Key Takeaways:

• Failure Fuels Growth: Taking imperfect action often reveals valuable insights faster than playing it safe.
• Redefine Success on Your Terms: Success isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s about building a life that aligns with your values.
• Move Past Overthinking: Action is the antidote to analysis paralysis—taking steps forward builds clarity and confidence.

Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:14 Sandra's Journey to Becoming a Digital Nomad
03:13 Challenges of Leaving Traditional Work
05:55 Embracing Action and Overcoming Perfectionism
12:21 Living Authentically from the Inside Out
17:52 Finding and Honoring Your Passions
21:00 Spotlight on Inspirational Women
23:51 Conclusion and Where to Find Sandra

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this Taking Back Monday episode, Alyssa Nolte talks with Dionne Mejer about what it means to sell with integrity in the modern workplace. Dionne introduces her "Sales with Soul" methodology, which prioritizes building real connections and leaving behind the "numbers at all costs" mindset. Alyssa and Dionne dive into the friction that often arises between sales and customer success teams, emphasizing the need for alignment and shared goals across departments. They discuss the importance of leadership, setting a clear vision, and fostering resilience in a fast-changing business world.

Tune in to hear their honest take on creating a people-centered approach to sales, staying adaptable, and making Mondays something to look forward to. Whether you're in sales or any customer-facing role, this episode will challenge you to think about how you bring purpose and humanity into your work.

Key Takeaways:

• Sales Should Be Human-to-Human, Not Just Business-to-Business: Dionne’s “Sales with Soul” approach highlights the need to build real connections with customers, balancing profitability with humanity. It’s about meaningful relationships rather than just pushing numbers.
• Alignment Across Teams Prevents Tension: Sales and customer success often clash due to misaligned goals. A shared vision, starting with leadership, can bridge this gap and ensure that both teams work toward sustainable customer success instead of short-term wins.
• Adaptability and Resilience Are Essential: In today’s business world, adaptability isn’t optional. Alyssa and Dionne underscore that staying open to feedback, refining approaches, and fostering resilience are key to thriving in any customer-facing role.

Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:14 Introducing Sales with Soul
01:10 Challenges in Sales and Customer Success
02:01 Balancing Sales Goals and Human Approach
06:09 Leadership and Creating a Positive Environment
11:57 Personal Stories and Overcoming Challenges
19:42 Origin of Sales with Soul
22:05 Conclusion and Contact Information

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Jason Yarusi, creator of the Live 100 program, to dig deep into the journey of self-discovery and transformation. Jason shares his story of overcoming personal struggles and tragedies, hitting rock bottom, and ultimately finding purpose through small, intentional changes. They discuss the power of breaking unproductive habits, gamifying tasks, and building momentum toward a life you actually want to live. Alyssa and Jason also touch on the importance of self-awareness, setting meaningful goals, and redefining success in both personal and professional life. If you've ever felt stuck or struggled with the Monday blues, this conversation is full of insights and strategies to help you find fulfillment every day of the week. Tune in for an inspiring look at what it really means to "take back Monday" and live with purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Small Changes, Big Impact: Jason highlights how making small, consistent changes can transform your life over time. Success doesn’t come from one giant leap but from steady progress.
• Define Your Own Success: Rather than measuring success by someone else’s standards, Jason encourages setting goals based on what genuinely fulfills you, not what society deems successful.
• Self-Awareness as a Superpower: Understanding your reactions, habits, and triggers is key to growth. Self-awareness allows you to pivot from unproductive habits and align your actions with who you want to become.

Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:28 Jason's Background and Struggles
02:05 Turning Point: The Accident
03:10 Small Changes, Big Impact
03:33 Building Momentum and Success
04:09 The Live 100 Program
05:07 Small Steps for Greater Success
10:31 Measuring Success and Staying Disciplined
14:23 Self-Awareness and Leadership
18:23 Traits of Successful People
22:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode, we explore the concept of "Loyal to Ferocity" — a powerful reframe of loyalty that pushes leaders to think beyond just "loyal to a fault." We dig into what it means to support a team fiercely and strategically, balancing protection and accountability. From embracing "mama bear" energy in leadership to navigating tough feedback with respect, this discussion highlights how leaders can foster a culture of resilience, mutual support, and genuine connection. Join us as we break down how true loyalty isn't passive—it's a dynamic choice that shapes successful teams and workplaces. Get ready to rethink how loyalty can drive growth and authenticity in every relationship.

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte dives into the art of leadership and personal branding with executive coach Katie Leimkuehler. Together, they unpack the nuances of going beyond traditional management to become a true mentor and coach. Katie explains how storytelling can be a game-changer for leaders trying to initiate and sustain meaningful change within their teams. Plus, she shares actionable strategies for small business owners facing succession planning challenges, illustrating why early preparation is essential for a smooth transition. If you're a leader aiming to strengthen your influence, build trust, and leave a lasting legacy, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Coaching vs. Managing: Discover the differences between managing tasks and coaching people to realize their potential, and why it matters for team growth.
• Storytelling for Change: Learn how storytelling can motivate teams, create buy-in, and help people feel invested in long-term initiatives.
• Succession Planning: Practical steps for small business owners on how to prepare for smooth transitions and set up their successors for success.

Perfect for leaders and small business owners, this episode provides both the “why” and the “how” of inspiring leadership.

Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:14 Understanding the Difference: Manager vs. Coach
01:46 Identifying and Overcoming Roadblocks
02:31 Navigating Corporate Politics
05:57 Motivating and Leading Teams Through Change
12:21 Succession Planning for Small Businesses
16:12 Building a Personal and Team Brand
20:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, we explore Alyssa's concept of 'The Invisible Revolution,' where real transformation occurs quietly in the shadows. The discussion highlights three strategies to enact deep-rooted change: leading with curiosity, embedding reflection, and championing personal projects. These methods focus on intrinsic motivation and sustainable growth. Inspired by the coaching style in Ted Lasso, the episode emphasizes how excellence can naturally flourish in an environment of empowerment and intentional evolution.

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod