A LOT with Audra

Are you ready for a back-to-school reset? After a summer filled with fun and chaos, it’s time to refocus and organize. I'll share a recap of my summer, introduce a new planner I’m using, and provide valuable tips on how to reset and recharge as a parent during this transitional period. From booking a massage and scheduling coffee dates to deep house cleaning and having solo pool days, I’ve got tips to make the back-to-school season enjoyable and less stressful. If you’re looking for ways to prioritize self-care and have fun while your kids head back to school, this episode is for you!

00:00 Welcome Back!

02:07 Summer Recap

02:32 Surprises and Missed Goals

04:17 New Planner for a New Season

06:41 Back to School Reset Tips

07:39 Book a Massage

08:25 Coffee Date with My Husband

09:39 Lunch with a Friend

10:12 Deep House Cleaning

14:07 Final Thoughts and Self-Care

Resources:

Episode 19: Maximizing Summer: Parenting, Work, and Connection

Episode 28: Mid-Summer Reflections and Surprises: Embracing the Unexpected

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Feeling stuck in your career or balancing the demands of leadership and personal life? Discover the incredible journey of Amber Bartemeo, a dynamic leader who brings heart and hustle to navigating the complex world of employee benefits while being a devoted wife and mom. In this episode, Amber shares her experiences transitioning from feeling stagnant to embracing her authentic self through the women’s leadership program, The Thread. We are going to get vulnerable about self-doubt, balancing motherhood and career, and the power of surrounding yourself with supportive people. Amber’s story is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the importance of finding your people to achieve personal and professional growth.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:32 Meet Amber Bartemeo

01:26 Amber's Journey to Leadership

03:19 Balancing Motherhood and Career

04:38 Feeling Stuck and Seeking Growth

06:11 Challenges and Learnings in Leadership

08:09 The Importance of Finding Your People

11:26 Overcoming Self-Doubt

19:13 Tools for Resilience and Authenticity

22:43 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Resources:

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Starting a business is thrilling and challenging, exhilarating and terrifying. Today, we speak with Dr. Megan Bengston about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the crucial skills for success, and the importance of community support. We delve into her journey, insights from the Thread community, and how embracing discomfort can be transformative. Dr. Bengston, founder of Kansas Pelvic Health and Wellness and co-host of the Pelvis Project Podcast, shares her mission-driven approach that goes beyond physical therapy, striving for whole-person healing. Learn about the balance of ambition, motherhood, and the power of authentic communication in building a thriving business.

01:40 Meet Dr. Megan Bengston

03:11 The Importance of Self-Worth

07:15 Embracing Failure and Growth

11:48 Joining the Thread Community

17:36 Balancing Risk and Support

18:56 Expanding the Business

19:40 Facing Self-Doubt and Fear

19:59 Imposter Syndrome and Hidden Challenges

22:27 Balancing Work and Family Life

25:45 Surrounding Yourself with Ambitious Women

28:48 Mastermind Group Experience

31:00 Top Skills for Entrepreneurs

33:48 Embracing the Role of a Business Owner

35:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Resources:

Connect with Kansas Pelvic Health on Instagram

Find The Pelvis Project Podcast on Instagram

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

It can be lonely at the top. But the reality is you're not alone. On this episode we are going to explore loneliness in leadership with Alyssa McGinn, managing partner at InfoFluency Data Solutions and co-founder of Luminous. Alyssa shares her journey of building community, especially after moving across the globe and transitioning into new roles. We'll explore the importance of having a growth mindset, the impact of The Thread community, and actionable tips for intentionally creating the life and connections you desire. Discover how Alyssa's strategic approach to networking and community-building has not only propelled her career but also enriched her personal life. If you're looking to spark your own growth and expand your connections, this conversation is for you.

01:04 Introducing Alyssa and Her Journey

01:21 The Thread: A Community for Professional Women

03:45 Alyssa's Transition and Initial Challenges

05:03 Discovering Community and Building Connections

08:12 The Power of Growth and Community

11:01 Diverse Experiences and Shared Growth

13:19 Alyssa's Continued Journey and Investments

15:09 Balancing Building and Maintaining Networks

17:28 The Value of a Strong Network

18:46 Managing Large Communities

19:19 Systematizing Relationships

20:32 Balancing Personal and Community Relationships

21:20 Intentional Friendships

22:19 Challenges of Maintaining Friendships

23:58 Family and Friend Dynamics

25:11 Intentionality in Building Friendships

33:02 The Human Experience of Community

34:03 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Resources:

Connect with Alyssa on LinkedIn

E-mail Alyssa McGinn

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Are you constantly trying to appease the desires of others while suppressing your authentic self? Join us for a conversation with Anetra Burton, a storyteller, speaker coach, and legacy builder on a mission to empower women to harness their voices for change. Discover the importance of being true to yourself, learn techniques for building confidence in communication, and get inspired by Anetra's journey with the Thread community. Anetra shares her personal experiences with overcoming self-doubt, code-switching, and guiding others to confidently express their true selves. Tune in for practical tips and powerful insights that will help you and those around you find strength and authenticity in their voice.

00:42 Understanding the Thread Community

01:23 Meet Anetra Burton

02:30 Anetra's Journey to Authenticity

06:52 The Power of Mastermind Groups

07:56 Helping Others Find Their Voice

10:06 Building the Speakers Legacy Collective

11:54 The Importance of Authenticity

16:13 Tips for Gaining a Stronger Voice

21:16 Conclusion and Contact Information

Resources:

Connect with Anetra on Facebook or Instagram

E-mail [email protected] for information on coaching

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Who is the biggest obstacle to your personal and professional growth? Spoiler alert: it's you! Join me as we are joined by Amy Leslie, CEO of Prospective Consulting, to uncover the internal saboteurs that hinder our goals. From fear and perfectionism to people pleasing and hyper-achievement, Amy explains how these mental patterns form and how they manifest, especially in high-performing women. Learn about the judge saboteur we all possess and discover the top three saboteurs common among leaders. Most importantly, find out how to shift from these negative mental habits to more empowering ones using the science of positive intelligence. This episode is packed with insights on how to leverage neuroscience to manage stress, build mental fitness, and truly come home to who you are. If you're looking to transform your mindset and unlock your potential, this is a must-listen!

00:22 Introduction to Self-Sabotage

01:38 Meet Amy Leslie: Leadership Expert

02:49 Understanding Saboteurs

05:18 The Universal Saboteur: The Judge

07:14 Top Saboteurs in High-Performing Women

08:58 Deep Dive: Controller, Hyper Achiever, and Pleaser

16:17 The Impact of Stress on Performance

18:29 Building Mental Fitness with PQ Reps

21:24 Practical Applications of PQ Reps

28:15 Conclusion and Contact Information

Resources:

Connect with Amy Leslie on LinkedIn

Learn more about Perspective Consulting

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Remember all those elaborate plans our Thread team shared before the summer started? Well today is the “reckoning” as we get an update from Audra, Kristen and Kendra on how things are going. We kick off with Kristen, who shares how her summer plans took an unexpected but enriching turn, leading her to practice self-compassion in the face of personal challenges. Kendra reflects on her goals for structure and fun, uncovering a balanced approach to parenting and personal fulfillment. The conversation wraps up with last-minute summer aspirations and the importance of staying present as the season winds down. Tune in for honest and heartfelt reflections that will resonate with anyone juggling family, work, and the quest for a summer well spent.

00:00 Introduction and Summer Plans Recap

01:16 Kristen's Summer Reflections

07:18 Kendra's Summer Realizations

11:59 Embracing Flexibility and Fun

16:34 Balancing Work and Family

19:22 Balancing Work and Summer Aspirations

20:30 Navigating Summer Challenges

23:01 Memorable Summer Moments

26:19 Summer Activities and Family Time

32:07 Looking Forward to the Rest of Summer

Resources:

Episode 19: Maximizing Summer: Parenting, Work and Connection

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Can you believe that we are already halfway through the year? Today I'm sharing five key lessons I've learned so far! From valuing health and evolving dreams to digging deeper into self-discovery and embracing a 'soft girl era,' these insights could resonate with your journey too. Plus, a funny take on my struggle with a new espresso machine and the myth of quick fixes. Let's reflect together on growth, change, and finding balance.

00:00 Introduction and Fresh Starts

01:25 Reflecting on the First Half of 2025

02:12 Lesson 1: The Preciousness of Life

03:08 Lesson 2: Evolving Goals and Dreams

04:15 Lesson 3: The Depth of Personal Growth

05:53 Lesson 4: Embracing the Soft Girl Era

08:33 Lesson 5: The Reality of Quick Fixes

11:42 Looking Ahead and Final Thoughts

Resources:

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Do you ever feel like you're racing against an invisible clock, always falling behind life's expectations? When my family moved back to the Midwest amidst the uncertainty of COVID, I found myself caught in a self-generated rat race, feeling the need to catch up. This mindset of 'being behind' is deeply rooted in comparison, especially in our digital age. In this episode, I share two critical reflection questions to help you break free from the constraints of others' timelines and embrace a life aligned with your own values. Discover the importance of intentional living and the power of gratitude as I explore how seasons change and how experimentation leads to a life that truly fits you. Let’s focus on what we have, rather than what we’re chasing, and find deep contentment in the present.

00:00 Introduction: Whose Timeline Are You On?

00:27 Moving Back to the Midwest: A New Beginning

01:08 Feeling Behind: The Comparison Trap

02:53 Reflective Questions: Who Are You Trying to Catch Up To?

05:23 Whose Timeline Are You On?

06:09 Experimenting with Your Own Timeline

11:37 Finding Contentment in Your Own Lane

15:13 Embracing Gratitude and Final Thoughts

Resources:

https://danielamenmd.com/

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Feeling scared to talk about your business? Hiding your side-hustle? You're not alone! In this quick and dirty pep talk, I share my journey of overcoming the fear and vulnerability of starting a business. Having officially begun my entrepreneurial journey in August 2020, I learned a lot of lessons on the fly. Today we will discuss the importance of embracing your identity as an entrepreneur, committing to constant action, and seeking encouragement from those around you. Tune in to hear my top three tips for taking your business idea seriously and putting yourself out there with confidence!

00:00 Welcome and Summer Vibes

01:41 The Journey to Entrepreneurship

03:09 The Vulnerability of Starting a Business

04:17 Overcoming the Fear of Putting Yourself Out There

06:55 Tip 1: Talk About Your Business

11:49 Tip 2: Commit to Constant Action

15:33 Tip 3: Find Encouraging People

17:49 Final Encouragement and Conclusion

Resources:

Priya Parker

Want to learn more?

The Thread

Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.

Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.