In the 126th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, Holistic Career and Leadership Coach, Belma McCaffrey, will talk about the impact of being a refugee, finding your purpose, strengths finder, the fear of rejection, and more.

Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! 

In this chapter, you will discover:

(1:05) Introducing our special guest, Holistic Career and Leadership Coach, Belma McCaffrey @workbigger

(2:55) Belma’s origin story

(3:00) Leaving Albania

(3:35) Coming to the US

(4:10) Impact of being a refugee

(4:30) Learning work ethics from her parents

(4:55) “To work hard is to love life.” - Belma’s mother

(6:50) Belma’s father’s biggest dream

(7:35) Being in a communist state

(10:00) Trying to find her passion

(11:20) The reason for going to business school

(12:10) Discovering coaching

(13:15) Bold, Belma’s first business

(14:30) Starting blogging

(16:00) A few things Belma knew already

(16:35) Finding your purpose

(18:00) “What do you really value the most? And are you actually putting time towards what you value the most?” - Michael Kurkowski @mike_strength_connection

(18:25) About value

(19:15) Belma’s blog writing process

(20:30) Benefits of starting a blog

(20:55) The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron @juliacameronlive

https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252 

(22:30) The 3 steps to find your purpose

(23:40) “Your interests can really serve as a vehicle to your values.” - Belma McCaffrey @workbigger

(25:20) “We downplay our own strengths.” - Michael Kurkowski @mike_strength_connection

(26:05) Is finding value difficult for people?

(27:05) Strengths finder

(27:40) The feedback process

(27:55) “Seeking out feedback from people that you trust and who you know have your best interest in mind can be so powerful. “ - Belma McCaffrey @workbigger

(28:10) The self-reflection piece

(29:25) Belma’s challenges with feedback

(30:00) The fear of rejection

(31:45) Belma’s first conversation with her clients

(33:40) What fits best for you?

(35:20) Step 2: Research

(36:45) Customize and negotiate

(37:25) Shout out Mark Ashby LinkedIn: Mark Ashby M.A

(39:30) Why did Michael start The Strength Connection?

(42:15) The recovery time frame

(44:05) About burnout

(44:35) Shout out to Sifu Singh @sifusingh

(45:10) The reasons behind a burnout

(46:20) Imperfect action

(47:50) Where to find Belma McCaffrey? @workbigger