52 Weeks of Me

Is embracing mistakes essential for growth? Let’s talk about the importance of finding purpose, which leads to passion and opens up opportunities. Our guest for this episode talks about confidence, defining it as clarity that arises when one is clear on their feelings, goals, thoughts, and ideas. We will also talk about the role of self-support and appreciation in building confidence.

Claudia Wyatt is among the Rising High Women Leader of 2023, a Magnetic Writer, Inspiring Speaker, and Certified Coach in Confidence, Cognitive Behavior, and Life Purpose. Overcoming personal darkness, Claudia founded Claudia Wyatt Coaching, LLC, aiming to empower others to discover their personal power and live their dreams. With 20+ years coaching high-performing teams, Claudia's energy is unmatched, igniting authenticity and daring to be different. As the founder of The Walkabout Method, a 6-step coaching program, she transforms lives. Featured in prominent publications and speaker on global platforms, Claudia is dedicated to guiding others with the motto "Follow Your Inner Compass." Access her freebies and webinars on Instagram @theclaudiawyatt.

Episode highlights: 

• Clarity is Confidence

When we have a clear understanding of your feelings, goals, thoughts, and ideas, confidence naturally emerges. It's not about comparing oneself to others but recognizing and appreciating what makes you unique.

• Discovering Purpose

We all have a purpose inside us, and the journey involves uncovering it. This purpose, once identified, serves as a driving force that leads to a passionate and fulfilling life.

• Learning from Dark Moments

Claudia shares her personal journey through challenging times, including toxic relationships and personal struggles. She highlights the transformative power of facing such difficulties, learning from them, and using those experiences to help others navigate similar challenges.

• The Role of Feelings

Regularly checking in on one's feelings. Understanding and appreciating all feelings, both positive and negative, is a crucial step in the journey toward self-discovery and building confidence.

• Overcoming Fear of Mistakes

Embracing mistakes and learning from them is a powerful way to move forward. The key is not to be paralyzed by the fear of making errors but to use them as stepping stones toward personal development.

Connect with Claudia: 

• Identifying Your Fears Workbook: https://go.claudiawyatt.com/ifw 
• The Wheel of Life Workbook: https://go.claudiawyatt.com/wol 
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/theclaudiawyatt
• For our listeners, Claudia has released a free webinar Silencing Your Inner Critic https://go.claudiawyatt.com/syic. 

-----

52 Weeks of Me is hosted by Jacklyn Osborne and Erika Brooks.
Check out our website -  www.52weeksofme.net or follow us on Instagram @fiftytwoweeksofme.

For suggestions and comments, email us at [email protected].

What does “unlearning” mean and why is it important that that we “learn to unlearn?” In this session, we discuss the significance of understanding oneself, addressing fears and stress, and fostering a kinder relationship with one's thoughts and emotions.

Rishad Ahmed is a seasoned life-enhancement coach with a unique approach to guiding individuals through self-discovery and personal growth. He's transitioned from a background in business and mentoring to focus on a more holistic and introspective journey with his clients.

Episode highlights: 

• Enhanced Emotional Resilience

Addressing the root causes of stress and discomfort, individuals can develop emotional resilience. This means having the ability to bounce back from challenges and adversities more effectively.

• Improved Mental Health

Shifting perspective and practicing self-compassion can significantly contribute to improved mental well-being. It helps in reducing anxiety, depression, and overall stress levels.

• Increased Self-Awareness

Going on an inner journey allows individuals to gain a deeper understanding of themselves. This heightened self-awareness is crucial for personal growth and development.

• Enhanced Productivity

Stress and negative emotions can hinder productivity. By managing stress and approaching challenges with a more positive mindset, individuals often find they can be more focused and productive in their personal and professional lives.

• Physical Health Benefits

Chronic stress can have adverse effects on physical health. Letting go of stress and adopting a more positive perspective can contribute to better physical health, including improved sleep, reduced risk of chronic illnesses, and a stronger immune system

• Improved Decision-Making

A clearer understanding of oneself often translates to better decision-making. When individuals are in tune with their values and priorities, they can make choices that align with their authentic selves.

Follow Rishard via the following channels: 

• Website: https://rishadahmed.com/coach-training
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishadahmed 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ZenCoachSA 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rishadahmedcoaching 

-----

52 Weeks of Me is hosted by Jacklyn Osborne and Erika Brooks.
Check out our website -  www.52weeksofme.net or follow us on Instagram @fiftytwoweeksofme.

For suggestions and comments, email us at [email protected].

How important is leading by example? Let’s talk about prioritizing self-care, seeking help when needed, and listening more to foster a healthier and more fulfilling work and personal life.

Monica is a Partner and leads the Global Finance Transformation practice within IBM Consulting. Monica has over 20 years of experience split between consulting and industry roles. She has built a reputation for driving hypergrowth through optimizing finance operating models through human-centric transformations integrated with ERP modernization, intelligent operations, digital, technology, and data. Monica is a people champion and has been instrumental in codifying the culture of her practice and in driving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion awareness and engagement.

Episode highlights: 

• Wellness and Balance in Consulting

The challenges of maintaining wellness and balance, particularly in the consulting industry, where professionals often find themselves on the road. The importance of setting boundaries, planning workouts, and treating self-care as seriously as client meetings were emphasized.

• Career Advice for Graduates in Consulting

Not being afraid to ask for help, prioritizing networking, seeking feedback regularly, and finding both mentors and sponsors for career advancement.

• Navigating the Concept of "Having It All"

The evolving concept of "having it all," explores personal definitions and expectations. Monica emphasized finding the right balance for herself and shared her experience of fulfillment through meaningful relationships and a successful career.

• Importance of Self-Care and Detox

The transformative experience of taking a two-and-a-half-week vacation, fully unplugging from work, and prioritizing personal well-being. This experience served as inspiration for a broader cultural shift within the team, promoting the "You First" community focused on individual well-being and support.

• Balancing People and Profits

Prioritizing employee happiness and well-being contributes to organizational growth was discussed, emphasizing the importance of a satisfied and engaged workforce in a services-oriented business.

Follow Monica via the following channels: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicaproothi 

-----

52 Weeks of Me is hosted by Jacklyn Osborne and Erika Brooks.
Check out our website -  www.52weeksofme.net or follow us on Instagram @fiftytwoweeksofme.

For suggestions and comments, email us at [email protected].

Are you living a fulfilling life and finding happiness? Catherine discusses her journey from starting as a secretary to becoming an executive coach and happiness advocate. She emphasizes the importance of aligning personal and professional goals with what truly brings joy and contentment, rather than pursuing external validation or societal expectations. Catherine highlights the different approaches people take to set and achieve their goals, ranging from driven goal-setters to those who are more opportunistic or fearful of failure. 

As the founder of the Happiness Hive, Catherine's passion lies in helping women unlock their own formulas for true happiness and success. With over 35 years of experience and expertise in mindset and human behavior, combined with her captivating approach, Catherine is changing the game for the way women live their lives. She guides them to build the confidence and courage to spark growth and an upward path to success and embrace what makes them truly happy. She shows them how to be unapologetically authentic and live passionately as their most fabulous selves.

Episode highlights: 

• Finding Happiness

How happiness varies from person to person and can be related to pursuing what lights you up and brings joy. She highlighted the importance of not relying on external factors for happiness.

• Pursuing External Goals

Many people pursue external goals, like status or money, in the belief that it will make them happy. Catherine emphasized the significance of aligning goals with genuine happiness, not just external markers of success. 

• Goal-Setting Spectrum

People fall into different categories when it comes to goal-setting: driven and passionate goal-setters, opportunistic individuals, and those who avoid setting goals out of fear of failure.

• Linking Happiness and Success

The connection between personal and professional success and happiness. She highlighted that by prioritizing happiness and fulfillment, individuals can ultimately achieve more genuine success.

Follow Rachel via the following channels: 

• Website: https://happiness-hive.com 
• Email: [email protected] 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happinesshive
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-bowyer-happiness-hive

-----

52 Weeks of Me is hosted by Jacklyn Osborne and Erika Brooks.
Check out our website -  www.52weeksofme.net or follow us on Instagram @fiftytwoweeksofme.

For suggestions and comments, email us at [email protected].

Do you ever deal with self-doubt, burnout, or a lack of fulfillment in your work and life? So many of us hold ourselves back, silence ourselves, and let doubt dictate what we do, limiting our growth and potential. What if we could tap into greater clarity, confidence, and courage and have a bolder, more intentional, and more fulfilling life and career? That’s what today’s guest is here to help us do.

Rachel Druckenmiller is a keynote speaker, TEDx, and leadership trainer on a mission to help organizations, leaders, and teams unmute themselves. Recognized by The Daily Record as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women of 2022, Forbes as a Next1000 honoree in 2021, the #1 Health Promotion Professional in the U.S. by the Wellness Council of America in 2015, and a 40 Under 40 Game Changer in 2019, Rachel is a change agent whose refreshing perspective has helped her stand out as a leader in her field. She is also a course instructor for Simon Sinek’s virtual classroom and a singer-songwriter.

Episode highlights: 

• Burnout and getting mono

The importance of speaking about and addressing well-being in a different, more authentic way. We do not have to be confined to the traditional wellness industry perceptions.

• Living Unmuted 

The concept of "living unmuted" is about confidently and boldly expressing oneself. Emotional expression, creative expression, and finding the right language are important to describe one's feelings. The use of apps like Mood Meter and techniques such as "pause, breathe, notice, and choose" can help individuals manage their emotions and react more thoughtfully to situations. 

• Embracing Emotional Intelligence

The idea of embracing emotional intelligence and developing a richer emotional vocabulary. Physiological responses to emotions and how identifying these responses can help individuals recognize and manage their feelings effectively. 

Follow Rachel via the following channels: 

• Website: https://unmutedlife.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmutedlife
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/racheldruckenmiller
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbdruckenmiller 

-----

52 Weeks of Me is hosted by Jacklyn Osborne and Erika Brooks.
Check out our website -  www.52weeksofme.net or follow us on Instagram @fiftytwoweeksofme.

For suggestions and comments, email us at [email protected].

MaryBeth Hyland, the Founder and Chief Visionary of SparkVision, decided to leave after leading her over a decade successful career in nonprofit management, in order to advocate for creating values-driven culture workplaces where people are embraced with their own authentic stories, imperfections, and values. Although most organizations and companies have their core values displayed on their walls, MaryBeth endeavors to make these people figure out whether these values are truly embodied by their people or merely lip service. And when they finally get
intentional, she helps live in alignment with them.

Highlights:

• Speaking her truth about being a child of abuse (which explains why she also rallies for foster parenting) exemplified to other people that they can be respectable and successful by showing up authentically.  
• The magnitude of community connections established and lives changed by speaking your truth, especially by stepping into the perspective of power instead of the place of victimhood cannot be underestimated.
• SparkVision is a space where individuals and organizations are led to intentionally identify their values, eliminate what does not serve them, and eventually live in alignment with those that serve their individual and collective purpose.

Her awards and recognitions from different award-giving bodies affirm her reputation of being a human engagement expert. If you ever wonder about your own values or if you still need to identify  and understand  why  you  have   them   both  in  personal   and  organizational contexts,
MaryBeth could guide you. You may listen to this podcast, read her book “Permission to be Human”, or look her up on LinkedIn, and join events at sparkvisionnow.com.

-----

52 Weeks of Me is hosted by Jacklyn Osborne and Erika Brooks.
Check out our website -  www.52weeksofme.net or follow us on Instagram @fiftytwoweeksofme.

For suggestions and comments, email us at [email protected].

This episode features an interview with Anna, who shares her transformative journey from a challenging personal life event to becoming a confidence coach for women in the male-dominated tech industry. She highlights the importance of confidence and how she empowers women to overcome obstacles and set boundaries.

Anna Gradie is a Confidence Coach for women in tech. Using science-backed tools, she helps her clients 10X their confidence, accelerate their performance, and build strong relationships. In 2010, she co-founded and scaled an EdTech company into a multi-million-dollar business. She was the COO and head of HR but noticed a huge gender gap in the industry.

Highlights:

• Journey of Self-Discovery: The transformative power of self-discovery and personal growth after facing significant life challenges.
• Recognizing Gender Disparities: How being in a male-dominated tech industry can drive us to become confident in addressing the gender gap and lack of representation.
• Setting Boundaries: The significance of setting various types of boundaries to prioritize self-care and assertiveness in personal and professional spheres.
• Overcoming Perfectionism: Addressing the gendered aspects of perfectionism and its impact on confidence, highlighting the need to challenge societal expectations and promote a growth mindset.

This conversation underscores the power of resilience, self-awareness, and the courage to embrace change. It invites you to reflect on your own journeys, emphasizing the potential for growth and empowerment even in the face of adversity. Anna’s approach to building confidence provides practical tools and guidance for individuals striving to navigate challenges and succeed in both their personal and professional lives.

Connect with Anna via the following:

• Website: www.annagradie.com
• Subscribe to her newsletter to get your free 5-Step Confidence Booster Guide: http://eepurl.com/hEicAn

Book a free 1 on 1 Confidence Booster Session: https://calendly.com/annagradiecoaching/45min?month=2023-09

-----

52 Weeks of Me is hosted by Jacklyn Osborne and Erika Brooks.
Check out our website -  www.52weeksofme.net or follow us on Instagram @fiftytwoweeksofme.

For suggestions and comments, email us at [email protected].

Dr. Gary Lawrence is a 78-year-old counselor who has been married with Sylvia for 56 years. They were both raised in a negative and abusive home environment and have unconsciously   brought that psychological and emotional baggage in their marriage. Being a survivor and an escaper, they seemed a perfect match at first. However, soon, their rejection patterns took a toll on their lives. By understanding the dynamics of their own marriage and how their backgrounds contributed to their marital problems, the Rejection   Junkies, his Amazon bestseller, was born;   their marriage was saved, and their counseling ministry has gained a reputation and touched thousands of lives both in personal actual sessions as well as through radio his radio shows.

Highlights:

• Emotional pattern – by the time the person is 8 years old, 80% of his emotional way is complete; it is 100% when he’s 18
• Emotional energy thieves – any place, thing, or experience that is plugged into one’s emotions making him a dysfunctional person
• Emotional Surgery – the process of unplugging from emotional energy thieves; getting unplugged from the past, living in the present so once can have a future he desires

For Gary, a man’s ability to love his wife is an overflow of his self-esteem and acceptance. But one needs to seek his own truth and not people’s opinions about him and set boundaries in order to muster a better and more positive self-image. Breaking free from the bondage of past rejections can make one a brand new person. If you want to get the most from this discussion and want to unplug from your own negative past, you may read Rejection Junkies search for rejectionjunkies.com, and take a quiz to determine whether or not you are a rejection junky.

-----

52 Weeks of Me is hosted by Jacklyn Osborne and Erika Brooks.
Check out our website -  www.52weeksofme.net or follow us on Instagram @fiftytwoweeksofme.

For suggestions and comments, email us at [email protected].

Sarah O’Brien Hammond is the founder of the NoW NYC. She spent over 25 successful years in recruitment and never thought she was going to become an entrepreneur. However, when she started reflecting on what success really means to her and what she values the most, she also realized that she was at a loss as to her own life purpose. It dawned on her that as we grow older, our definition of success changes along with our needs and motivators. She then embarked on some sort of self-exploration and re-evaluation, she unsubscribed from the societal concept of success, which is from money, power, and influence. Then she started creating communities for women where they could openly discuss things that truly matter to them but which are not normally part of mainstream conversations. Drifting away from the world’s idea of success to her translated into the priority of intentions she listed at the onset of the following year onwards.

Highlights:
     

•  From acquiring money, power, and influence, her new definition of success now revolves around the purpose of prioritizing family. Family over making money.
• Redefining success necessitates an understanding that it is a long runway that requires a lot of sacrifice, strategic planning, working smarter, and being surrounded by the right people.
•  Ingesting the right things in all facets of life is a necessary practice in the transition (the power of positivity)
• Consistently showing up with one’s best self is necessary if one wants to change and have more control in her personal life.

The NoW NYC is a community of women where members open up and engage in conversations that are otherwise not discussed in other environments. It includes empowering and coaching high-performing women as well as breaking misconceptions on certain issues. Its programming is designed from the feedback of its members. As one intentionally defines her purpose in life, it is important to create stillness, time, and space to dream. It is largely how The NoW NYC benefits its members. In every event, they are supposed to learn something; be inspired to take action; and, should have establish a connection with others. Should you wish to learn more from Sarah and her community, you may look her up through The NoW NYC, [email protected].

-----

52 Weeks of Me is hosted by Jacklyn Osborne and Erika Brooks.
Check out our website -  www.52weeksofme.net or follow us on Instagram @fiftytwoweeksofme.

For suggestions and comments, email us at [email protected].

Cherilynn Castleman, a Fortune 500 Global Sales Executive with over 30 years of experience. Passionate about empowering women of color, Cherilynn draws from her career success to inspire audiences. Her fast-paced, light-hearted presentation style promises an adventure in learning and laughter. Highly sought-after as a keynote speaker and panel moderator, Cherilynn speaks at the intersection of sales, business, and diversity, moving sellers, individuals, entrepreneurs, and companies closer to their goals. 

With a stellar track record speaking for renowned organizations like LinkedIn, Salesforce, T-Mobile, Experian, and Amazon, Cherilynn's expertise is praised by event hosts. Recognized as a top sales influencer by Salesforce and LinkedIn and named one of America's 2023 Best Sales Speakers, she has authored a best-selling book. Cherilynn's dynamic speaking engagements receive rave reviews, leaving audiences inspired and motivated. Get ready to be captivated as Cherilynn Castleman takes the stage to share her wisdom and ignite your passion for success.

Episode Highlights: 

• The transition from a corporate career to founding GCI Executive Coaching
• The importance of diversity in sales teams for better results
• The "CARDS" framework: Collaborators, Analysis, Relationships, Development, and Strategy
• Practical tips for building lasting and effective relationships.
• Using the "four F's" (First, Finest, Failure, Future) to connect with people around shared experiences
• The value of seeking help, mentorship, and championing others

Cherilynn emphasizes that sales today is about connecting with buyers rather than being loud or convincing. She introduces the concept of becoming "too good to be ignored" in sales, showing how women can leverage their unique skills and superpowers to excel in the profession. She also discusses the importance of building relationships, empathy, and authenticity in sales, sharing practical tips on how to connect with clients and truly understand their needs.

Throughout the episode, she encourages women to embrace their inner brilliance, gain confidence, and overcome challenges, including handling rejection and hearing the word "no." She recommends the book "The Untethered Soul" by Michael Singer as a valuable resource for personal growth and self-discovery. Cherilynn's website and LinkedIn profile are highlighted as places where listeners can connect with her to access coaching sessions and valuable insights on sales, diversity, and more.

Connect with Cherilynn via the following: 

Email: [email protected]

Masterful Selling website: www.masterfulselling.com

Website: www.cherilynncastleman.com 

Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherilynn-castleman-5758822 

-----

52 Weeks of Me is hosted by Jacklyn Osborne and Erika Brooks.
Check out our website -  www.52weeksofme.net or follow us on Instagram @fiftytwoweeksofme.

For suggestions and comments, email us at [email protected].