Katia Vlachos joins us to uncover the journey behind her insightful memoir, "Uncaged: A Good Girl's Journey to Reinvention."

Discover how Katia broke free from societal expectations to explore her true identity. We discuss her experiences with social conditioning and how she came to recognize and escape her own "golden cage."

Her story is a testament to the power of introspection and the courage to pursue an authentic life, offering hope and guidance for anyone trapped in their current circumstances.

Our conversation takes a deep dive into the art of memoir writing, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster of revisiting memories and crafting them into a coherent narrative.

Katia shares her unique perspective as a non-native English speaker with a background in policy analysis, explaining how these experiences shaped her concise writing style. We explore the difficult decisions involved in editing, including the necessity of "killing your darlings" to ensure simplicity and clarity in storytelling.

The discussion also touches on the timeline of the traditional publishing process, giving a behind-the-scenes look at bringing a memoir to life.

Beyond her writing, Katia shares her transformative journey of aligning personal values with her professional life. We delve into her path to becoming a reinvention coach, spurred by personal life changes and the wisdom gained from trusted friends.

Katia offers profound insights into the challenges of coaching women in foreign countries and the subtle compromises that can lead to feeling stuck. As we wrap up, the conversation shifts to meditation, exploring its flexible practices and the subtle yet powerful changes it can bring to one's life.

Join us for a heartfelt exploration of personal growth, self-discovery, and the liberating journey to authentic living.

https://www.katiavlachos.com

linkedin.com/in/katiavlachos

Unlock the strategies to peak performance and leadership excellence with Margaret Jennings, a veteran coach who has successfully transitioned from a dual-sport athlete at Princeton to an influential mindset mentor.

Margaret shares her incredible journey from the sports field to the corporate arena, revealing how she leverages LinkedIn to connect with ideal clients and builds an online presence. We'll discuss how the principles of teamwork, confidence, and having a good coach play significant roles not just in sports, but in life and leadership.

The conversation doesn't shy away from the often misunderstood aspects of corporate leadership. We dissect the pitfalls of promoting individuals without proper preparation and highlight the pressing need for emotional intelligence and people skills.

By drawing powerful parallels with sports, Margaret illustrates how the skills necessary for individual excellence differ radically from those required to lead a team effectively. We critique existing reward systems and advocate for a balanced approach to leadership training that genuinely fosters team motivation and development.

Margaret also delves into the importance of embracing the process over fixating on results, with compelling examples from elite athletes like Steph Curry and LeBron James. We tackle the real issue of procrastination disguised as learning, emphasizing the necessity of translating knowledge into action.

From balancing personal fitness with professional responsibilities to the therapeutic influence of music in maintaining personal boundaries, this episode is a treasure trove of insights.

Margaret wraps up by sharing invaluable tips on mindset, goal-setting, and resilience, all aimed at helping you achieve your best self.

linkedin.com/in/margaret-jennings

Unlock the secrets of personal growth and leadership with our special guest, Jen Sellar. Learn how she transitioned from a life rooted in a Catholic, academic upbringing to becoming a beacon of inspiration in the corporate world. Jen's journey from physical education to supporting her partner's medical residency across Canada offers a unique perspective on resilience and adaptability.

Her insights into the flaws of the corporate environment and innovative ideas for improvement will resonate with anyone seeking to navigate their career challenges more effectively.

Ever felt trapped in an unfulfilling job? Explore our candid discussion on the emotional toll of toxic leadership and the courage it takes to seek better opportunities. Drawing from my own professional experiences, we walk through the trials and tribulations of navigating demanding roles, the unexpected shift to considering human resources, and the eventual plunge into commercial insurance. Each career move, marked by lessons in self-discovery and resilience, is a testament to the importance of finding meaning in one's work and life.

Finally, we touch on the transformative power of overcoming self-criticism and embracing personal growth. Jen and I share the significance of focusing on effort and learning rather than past mistakes. From fostering leadership within organizations to creating safe spaces where people can be authentic, this episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt anecdotes.

Whether you're looking to unlock your potential or inspire others to do the same, our conversation offers valuable takeaways for making meaningful changes in both personal and professional realms.

linkedin.com/in/jen-sellar