Becoming You (after Winning Wednesday)

What do you do when the company you gave 17 years to lets you go overnight? Ludwig Araujo didn’t spiral — he leveraged the photography side hustle he’d been quietly building, became the manager of a 3-million-follower fitness influencer, traveled the world on brand deals, and eventually co-founded Youngry, a seven-figure content agency with its own podcast studio in New Jersey. His story is the blueprint for what happens when you stop treating corporate loyalty as a two-way street — and start betting on yourself.

What You’ll Learn: How Ludwig turned baby photos of his daughter into a full fitness photography career — and then an agency Why getting laid off after 17 years was the push he didn’t know he needed What working with a 3-million-follower influencer taught him about personal brand and presence The biggest content blind spot brands are still ignoring in 2026 Why the nine-to-five is not the two-way loyalty relationship most people think it is

Key Focus Areas:

Betting on Yourself – What happens when you develop a skill set outside your corporate job and it becomes your real career Portable Skills – Why Ludwig could “drop in Nebraska with a camera and make it” — and what that freedom actually feels like Content Creation – The brands still leaving massive opportunity on the table by not creating contentThe Influencer Space – What managing Paige Hathaway at the peak of the Instagram boom looked like from the insideDocumentary Storytelling – Where Youngry is headed and why brands need to start thinking like filmmakers

Ludwig’s Approach: Verizon veteran turned fitness photographer, influencer manager, and content agency co-founder Co-founder of Youngry (Young & Hungry) — a seven-figure creative agency launched in 2023 Builder of FlexWork Studios — a podcast and content production studio in Springfield, NJ Currently pitching a reality show to Hulu and Netflix centered on the peptide and GLP-1 space Gen X in age, young and hungry in mindset — and intentional about staying that way

Perfect If You’re: Sitting in a nine-to-five wondering if the company values you as much as you value it A business owner who knows you need to create content but doesn’t know where to start Someone who has a creative side hustle and isn’t sure if it could ever become your main thing A brand leader who keeps pushing content creation down the priority list Anyone who’s been laid off — or is afraid of being laid off — and wants to hear what’s possible on the other side

Ludwig’s Philosophy: “I’m just a number — and knowing that was the most liberating thing that ever happened to me.” “Drop me in Nebraska with my camera and I can make it. I couldn’t say that about my corporate job.” “The nine-to-five is not a two-way loyalty relationship. It never was.” “Don’t do it alone — seek mentorship and reach out.” “You don’t have to be young to stay young and hungry.”

CONNECT WITH LUDWIG:

ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen.

Find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectorqueen/

#ConnectorQueen #BecomingYou #Entrepreneurship #ContentCreation #YoungAndHungry #BetOnYourself #PodcastStudio #InfluencerMarketing #NineTo Five #CreativeAgency #PersonalBrand #PhotographyBusiness #GenX #CareerPivot #Youngry

What if the darkest parts of you aren’t trying to destroy you — they’re trying to protect you? Rose Fontenello spent most of her life stuck in masculine survival mode, struggling to trust women, struggling to let love in, and pushing through everything alone. Then she found shadow work. Now she helps others meet the parts of themselves they’ve been hiding from — and she does it without the “love and light” spiritual bypassing that skips the hard stuff entirely. What You’ll Learn: What shadow work actually is — and why you can’t do the deep work from inside your head Why your shadow parts aren’t broken — they’re just stuck protecting a younger version of you The difference between “healing” and “expanding” — and why the language matters more than you think How repressed emotions show up as physical illness — and what dis-ease is really telling you Why female friendships felt impossible — and how a women’s retreat in Tulum changed everything Key Focus Areas: Shadow Work – Meeting the parts of yourself that have been running the show since childhood The Storyteller – Why the voice in your head protecting you is also keeping you stuck Feminine Energy – What happens when you’ve spent your whole life in masculine survival mode Walls in Relationships – Learning to surrender, feel safe, and let love in without losing yourself Expanding vs. Healing – Why Rose ditched the word “healing” and what she says instead Rose’s Approach: Certified shadow work coach working at the intersection of spirituality, somatics, and the subconscious Guides clients through grounding, body-based work, and psychodrama to access shadow parts directly Believes every trigger is a doorway — not a problem to fix, but a part asking to be seen Works with dark feminine archetypes and underworld goddesses as teachers of shadow integration Trained in inner child work, parts work, and somatic-based emotional release Perfect If You’re: Tired of talk therapy that keeps you in your head but never moves the needle Someone who exudes confidence on the outside but is quietly questioning everything on the inside A woman who has always found female friendships hard and can’t quite figure out why Dealing with physical symptoms — pain, fatigue, autoimmune issues — that doctors can’t fully explain Anyone who has tried the “love and light” path and knows something deeper is still waiting Rose’s Philosophy: “Our shadow parts are here to protect us — not to hurt us.” “You can’t do shadow work in your head. You do it in the body.” “If you’re telling me you’re healed, you need to do more work.” “I prefer growing and expanding — it’s lighter and more obtainable.” “Disease is dis-ease. The repressed emotions in your body will find an outlet.” CONNECT WITH ROSE: Instagram: @auri_the_arcanist ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectorqueen/ #ConnectorQueen #ShadowWork #BecomingYou #InnerChildWork #FeminineEnergy #SomaticHealing #SpiritualGrowth #ShadowWorkCoach #WomensWellness #PartsWork #Authenticity #EmotionalHealing #WomenSupportingWomen #SelfDiscovery

What if the community you’ve been craving doesn’t exist yet — because you’re the one who’s supposed to build it? Katrina brings together five women from the Becoming You podcast universe for a collective check-in on the intentional community they’ve been building together: writing a book, showing up for each other monthly, and quietly creating a blueprint for what women-centered connection can look like when it’s chosen on purpose. Carly, Allison, Jill, and Rashmi each bring a piece of the mosaic. What You’ll Learn: How an organic group of women came together across geographies to co-author a book and build real community What somatic work actually means — and why it matters for healing trauma stored in the body Why your jaw, your thyroid, and your suppressed voice might all be saying the same thing How to quietly leave communities that no longer fit — and intentionally build ones that do What it looks like to become, not alone, but together Key Focus Areas: Intentional Community – How the Mosaic came together and why building community on purpose changes everything Somatic Healing – Dropping into the body, nervous system safety, and what we carry when we can’t speak Women Supporting Women – What it actually looks like when women show up for each other without transaction Becoming Together – How shared reflection accelerates individual growth Voice & Identity – From suppressed voices to throat chakras — what women lose and how to reclaim it The Mosaic’s Approach: Five women — a therapist, an organizational change strategist, a psychotherapist, a people leader, and The ConnectorQueen — writing a book together and meeting monthly to grow Built on unconditional positive regard, radical authenticity, and no obligation energy Proof that remote community across backgrounds and geographies is completely possible A living blueprint for anyone who wants to stop waiting for an invitation and start sending them Perfect If You’re: Craving community but not sure how to build it intentionally Feeling isolated in your current relationships and wondering if there’s something better A woman who has lost her voice — literally or figuratively — and wants to understand why Someone who has always wanted to write a book or create something with others but doesn’t know where to start Anyone on a becoming journey who wants to know they don’t have to do it alone The Mosaic’s Philosophy: “Becoming is not arriving at the perfect version of ourselves — it’s accepting the changing versions.” “You can’t know where you’re going until you know where you are.” “We’re not becoming alone. We’re becoming together.” “Stop waiting for the invite. Start sending them.” “Perfectionism is the enemy of confidence.” — Allison Wright MEET THE MOSAIC: Carly — Therapist, sound healer & founder of Waves of Change Coalition | @wavesofchangecoalition | voicesofchangecoalition.com Allison Wright — Organizational strategist & founder of E-School for Girls Jill Jonas — Psychotherapist & unconditional love advocate Rashmi Ketha — People leader, self-reflection champion & emerging author (not featured: Devon McCarroll) ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectorqueen/ #ConnectorQueen #BecomingYou #IntentionalCommunity #WomenSupportingWomen #TheMosaic #SomaticHealing #CoAuthoring #WomensVoices #CommunityBuilding #Becoming #WomenWhoWrite #TransformationJourney

What if the key to helping a child communicate wasn’t a therapy room — but a farm? Julie, a speech-language pathologist with a background in voice therapy and acute care, never expected to end up doing speech therapy on a horse farm. But when she brought her daughter to a birthday party at Sally’s farm and watched her transform, something clicked. What followed was a community she couldn’t have planned — and a reminder that the best things happen when you stop pushing and start listening. In this special outdoor episode, recorded live at the farm, Katrina is joined by Julie and a circle of moms raising neurodivergent children — all of whom found each other here. In this episode: How equine therapy helps kids learn to communicate through body language Raising children on the autism spectrum + ADHD — what school couldn’t give them “Farm magic” — why animals create breakthroughs that therapy rooms can’t What grief counseling taught a young speech therapist about every patient she’d ever see Why some moms pulled their kids from public school — and never looked back How a serious nerve injury and a doctor’s advice to meditate changed Julie’s entire life The lotus flower principle: there’s no becoming without the mud Teaser: a spinoff podcast series to support special needs families nationwide QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “I call it farm magic. There is a bit of forgetting yourself and just wanting to be with the animal.” — Julie “You don’t have to be neurotypical. You just have to find your people.” — Mom, community member “Life is full of mud. There’s no lotus without the mud.” — Mary “It’s no pushing, no reaching. It’s really just listening — and being myself.” — Julie ABOUT JULIE GERHARD: Speech-Language Pathologist | Voice Therapist | Equine-Assisted Communication Specialist | Founder of a farm-based speech and social skills program for neurodivergent children in the Orlando area CONNECT WITH JULIE: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-gerhard-0113b1207/ Website: https://www.ivoryspeechtherapy.com CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectorqueen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectorqueen/?hl=en Website: https://katrinafuhrman.com/connector-queen/ ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” — stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. #ConnectorQueen #BecomingYou #EquineTherapy #SpeechTherapy #NeurodivergentKids #AutismMom #SpecialNeedsParenting #Homeschooling #FarmTherapy #AnimalAssistedTherapy #MindfulParenting #ADHD #AutismAwareness #NeurodiversityAccepted #SpeechLanguagePathology #MomCommunity #FarmMagic #LotusFlower #ShowUpAnyway #WomenWhoLead

What if everything you’ve been told about managing your hormones, your stress, and your body is incomplete? Jenny Wright, PA and founder of Right Wellness, left traditional medicine behind to practice the way women actually deserve to be treated — holistically, personally, and without the band-aids. From a life-changing women’s retreat in Tulum to opening her own doors, Jenny is rewriting what healthcare looks like for women in perimenopause and beyond. What You’ll Learn: Why women were excluded from medical studies for decades — and what that means for your health today The real reason stress is at the root of almost every hormone imbalance Why cold plunges and HIIT might actually be working against you How your gut health and hormone health are more connected than you think Why Jenny doesn’t do weight loss — and what she does instead Key Focus Areas: Perimenopause & Hormone Balance – What “I just feel off” actually means and how to get to the root of it Functional Medicine – Why fixing foundations comes before any lab results Inputs & Outputs – Food, content, people — everything you surround yourself with affects your body Stress & the Nervous System – Cortisol, oxytocin, and why your stress management practice should feel good Entrepreneurship & Purpose – What happens when you stop practicing medicine for others and start practicing it your way Jenny’s Approach: Physician Assistant specializing in hormone and gut health for women ages 35–50+ Founder of Right Wellness — a one-woman practice built on personalized, root-cause care Trained in holistic hormone health and functional medicine Teaches an 8-week hormone balancing course grounded in lifestyle foundations Believes you can’t know where you’re going until you know where you are Perfect If You’re: A woman in your 30s, 40s, or 50s who keeps being told your labs are “normal” but you feel anything but Exhausted by generic advice that doesn’t account for your actual life Curious about perimenopause but overwhelmed by the flood of information out there Ready to stop treating symptoms and start addressing root causes A mom, entrepreneur, or caregiver who has completely lost track of who she is outside of her roles Jenny’s Philosophy: “You can’t know where you’re going until you know where you are.” “Your inputs affect your outputs — food, content, and the people you surround yourself with.” “Oxytocin trumps cortisol — do stress management that actually makes you happy.” “I’m not here to help you lose weight. I’m here to help you get healthy.” “Remove yourself from the people who define you and get to know yourself again.” CONNECT WITH JENNY: Website: rightwellnessco.com Instagram: @rightwellness.co ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What happens when you’ve completed the entire prescribed path—degree, career, marriage, kids—and suddenly ask “now what?” Sanjai Mehta shares his profound journey of becoming himself at 60, the exact age his father died. From following expectations to finding freedom in service, charity work, and redefining what sales really means. What You’ll Learn: How to reconcile multiple identities (parent, partner, employee, person) without losing yourself The difference between heart-based selling and transactional sales tactics Why 57% of B2B buying decisions happen before you even talk to a salesperson How childhood trauma shapes personality patterns across generations The BOLD coaching framework for breaking limiting beliefs Why serving others creates congruence between who you are and what you do How to pivot from materialistic success to meaningful fulfillment Key Focus Areas: Identity & Congruence – Aligning your values with your professional identity Heart-Based Selling – Moving from transactional to relational business relationships Service Leadership – Finding fulfillment through serving others (not selling to them) Second Half of Life – What happens after you’ve checked all the “success” boxes Intergenerational Trauma – How parents’ experiences shape our life paths Blue Bike Foundation – Education through skills development for underserved youth The BOLD Method – Beliefs, Ownership, Liberation, Delivery coaching framework Sanjai’s Journey: Born in Kenya to Indian parents who lost half their belongings in transit Father died suddenly at 60 when Sanjai was 14 Followed the prescribed path: school → degree → job → marriage → kids Just turned 60 himself—now finally “becoming me” Host of “Success Matters” podcast (75+ episodes) Chair of Blue Bike Foundation charity board Sales coach specializing in heart-based, consultative approaches Redefining success beyond materialistic measures Perfect If You’re: Feeling like you’ve followed “the plan” but wondering “what’s next?” Struggling with sales roles that feel incongruent with your values Looking to give back but don’t know where to start Interested in mentoring or coaching others Tired of transactional business relationships Seeking examples of how to pivot in your 50s/60s Wanting to understand how childhood experiences shape adult patterns Ready to explore what success means beyond material achievements Sanjai’s Philosophy: “I’m not a salesperson—I’m a business person who serves people” “Your role is to serve others, whether internal or external clients” “Success is more than just materialistic aspects” “If you can marry your values with your identity, success comes easier” “We never know how close or far we are from someone—build your network” “It’s not what you know but who you know” BLUE BIKE FOUNDATION: Helping children through education and skills development across Europe and beyond 90% of funds go directly to projects (only 10% admin) Projects include: business workshops, filmmaking, football clubs, feeding programs in Kenya Recently collected 500+ letters of encouragement for students worldwide Contact: [email protected] | Website: bluebikecharity.org ABOUT SUCCESS MATTERS PODCAST: Sanjai’s show exploring what success means beyond material wealth Creating space for guests to share their stories Inspiring trajectory changes through authentic conversations ABOUT SANJAI META: Podcast Host | Sales Coach | Charity Board Chair | Mentor Specializing in heart-based selling and consultative business relationships Based in London, UK CONNECT WITH SANJAI: Podcast: Success Matters LinkedIn:   / sanjaimehta   Charity: bluebikecharity.org ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on: LinkedIn: /connectorqueen RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 80: Stop Waiting for Perfect Conditions | Solo Backpacking Europe at 35 Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom Ep. 75: Dr. Ginny Baro – How to Give Your Brain Purpose BONUS: We play Six Degrees of Separation and discover K is only 2 people away from Oprah Winfrey! #HeartBasedSelling #LifeAfter60 #SecondHalfOfLife #BecomingYourself #SalesCoaching #CharityWork #ServantLeadership #IdentityAndSuccess #BluebikeFoundation #ConsultativeSelling #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen #SuccessMatters #BOLDMethod Subscribe for weekly episodes exploring transformation, redefining success, and the courage to become yourself at any age!

What happens when your body forces the pause your ambition never would? Morgan Short spent 10+ years climbing to Senior Director in B2B SaaS, measuring her worth entirely by her output — until a rare neuroendocrine tumor landed her in the ER and sent her on a journey of radical unbecoming. Two weeks into going fully solo, she’s rewriting what success looks like from the inside out. What You’ll Learn: Why hustle culture is a lie we tell ourselves — and how to stop feeding it What a medical crisis can reveal about identity beyond your job title How “making healing a to-do” keeps you stuck in the same patterns Why rest doesn’t need to be earned — and what happens when you finally believe it How to start building your personal brand while still in a 9-to-5 Key Focus Areas: Unbecoming – Unlearning the lies of hustle culture and corporate identity Identity Beyond Output – Who are you when you stop producing? Solo Entrepreneurship – The real fears (health insurance, income) and real rewards Authentic Storytelling – Helping creatives be seen and tell their true story Personal Brand Building – How to get your feet wet while keeping your day job Morgan’s Approach: Former Senior Director of Content Marketing in B2B SaaS Rare neuroendocrine tumor diagnosis that forced a life-changing pause Now solo — helping entrepreneurs and creatives see themselves clearly and show up fully Building a business around discovery, authentic storytelling, and calling in dream clients Philosophy rooted in slow, steady, sovereign living Perfect If You’re: Burning the candle at both ends and wondering when it ends Questioning whether your job title is your whole identity Thinking about leaving corporate but terrified to take the leap A creative who’s wildly talented but hiding from being seen Ready to rewrite your version of success on your own terms Morgan’s Philosophy: “See yourself clearly, tell your story confidently, and call in what’s unmistakably yours.” “We are not products. My healing is not a to-do list.” “Rest does not need to be earned.” “Why not you? Other people do it.” ABOUT MORGAN SHORT: Content Marketer | Storytelling Strategist | Solo Entrepreneur | Helping creatives and entrepreneurs step into their full expression and tell their authentic story CONNECT WITH MORGAN: LinkedIn:   / morgan-short-9a101b82   Website: https://www.artisthenewwallstreet.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artisthenew… ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” — stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn: / ConnectorQueen #ConnectorQueen #CorporateBurnout #HustleCulture #CareerChange #WomenInBusiness #SoloEntrepreneur #PersonalBrand #AuthenticStorytelling #BecomingYou #WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealth #Entrepreneurship #ContentMarketing #PodcastLife #Leadership

What happens when you run away at 5 years old and find your voice 40+ years later? Lynda Sunshine West transformed from an abuse survivor with a stifled voice into a bestselling author publisher who’s empowered thousands to share their stories. From red carpet interviews to collaboration books, discover how confidence equals freedom. What You’ll Learn: How doing 6,000+ live videos rebuilt confidence after decades of silence The collaboration book model that creates instant bestselling authors Why sharing your story makes a greater impact than keeping it in your head How to turn personal trauma into a mission that serves millions The “confidence = freedom” formula that changes everything Key Moments: Mission: Empowering 5 million women and men to share their stories with the world Background: From abusive childhood to first marriage that mirrored the trauma Breakthrough: Discovering how much positive impact her voice could make Method: 6,000+ live videos that rebuilt the confidence she had at age 5 Result: Bestselling author publisher helping others become published authors Lynda’s Journey: Ran away at 5 years old – gone an entire week from abusive environment Decades of stifled voice through childhood trauma and difficult first marriage Self-discovery journey led to speaking up and making positive impact 6,000+ live videos rebuilt confidence and created massive influence Red carpet interviewer and bestselling book publisher Collaboration book creator helping others become bestselling authors instantly Perfect If You’re: Considering writing a book but don’t know where to start Have a story to share but worried no one will care Looking for ways to amplify your voice and message Interested in collaboration books vs. solo authoring Want to turn your experience into impact for others Lynda’s Wisdom: “When we lift up each other, we are raising the vibration on this planet” “Confidence = Freedom” “Nothing Happens Without Action” “The more I was engaged and consistent, the more impact I made” ABOUT LYNDA SUNSHINE WEST: Bestselling author publisher | Red carpet interviewer | Mission: Empower 5 million people to share their stories | Creator of collaboration books that make instant bestselling authors CONNECT WITH LYNDA: LinkedIn:   / lyndasunshinewest   Become a Bestselling Author: http://www.ActionTakersAuthor.com ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom Ep. 74: Jenna Pershin – Finding Your Sunshine in the Darkness Ep. 73: Devon McCarroll – 2 Years Sober & The Courage to Question Everything #BookPublishing #BestsellingAuthor #AbuseRecovery #Storytelling #CollaborationBooks #RedCarpetInterviewer #VoiceYourStory #ConfidenceBuilding #PersonalBrand #AuthorLife #BookWriting #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for weekly episodes that prove your story has the power to change the world!

What happens when you run away at 5 years old and find your voice 40+ years later? Lynda Sunshine West transformed from an abuse survivor with a stifled voice into a bestselling author publisher who’s empowered thousands to share their stories. From red carpet interviews to collaboration books, discover how confidence equals freedom. What You’ll Learn: How doing 6,000+ live videos rebuilt confidence after decades of silence The collaboration book model that creates instant bestselling authors Why sharing your story makes a greater impact than keeping it in your head How to turn personal trauma into a mission that serves millions The “confidence = freedom” formula that changes everything Key Moments: Mission: Empowering 5 million women and men to share their stories with the world Background: From abusive childhood to first marriage that mirrored the trauma Breakthrough: Discovering how much positive impact her voice could make Method: 6,000+ live videos that rebuilt the confidence she had at age 5 Result: Bestselling author publisher helping others become published authors Lynda’s Journey: Ran away at 5 years old – gone an entire week from abusive environment Decades of stifled voice through childhood trauma and difficult first marriage Self-discovery journey led to speaking up and making positive impact 6,000+ live videos rebuilt confidence and created massive influence Red carpet interviewer and bestselling book publisher Collaboration book creator helping others become bestselling authors instantly Perfect If You’re: Considering writing a book but don’t know where to start Have a story to share but worried no one will care Looking for ways to amplify your voice and message Interested in collaboration books vs. solo authoring Want to turn your experience into impact for others Lynda’s Wisdom: “When we lift up each other, we are raising the vibration on this planet” “Confidence = Freedom” “Nothing Happens Without Action” “The more I was engaged and consistent, the more impact I made” ABOUT LYNDA SUNSHINE WEST: Bestselling author publisher | Red carpet interviewer | Mission: Empower 5 million people to share their stories | Creator of collaboration books that make instant bestselling authors CONNECT WITH LYNDA: LinkedIn:   / lyndasunshinewest   Become a Bestselling Author: http://www.ActionTakersAuthor.com ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom Ep. 74: Jenna Pershin – Finding Your Sunshine in the Darkness Ep. 73: Devon McCarroll – 2 Years Sober & The Courage to Question Everything #BookPublishing #BestsellingAuthor #AbuseRecovery #Storytelling #CollaborationBooks #RedCarpetInterviewer #VoiceYourStory #ConfidenceBuilding #PersonalBrand #AuthorLife #BookWriting #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for weekly episodes that prove your story has the power to change the world!

Are you stuck in the daily grind wondering “why does this matter to me?” This episode is your roadmap to reconnecting with your WHY and designing a career that energizes you instead of burning you out. What You’ll Learn: The 5-step framework to discover your authentic purpose (not someone else’s definition of success) How to identify your “red thread” – the pattern that connects your career highlights Why hitting milestones without meaning leads to burnout How to translate your purpose into your current role and lifestyle The art of change management that accelerates your growth The 5 Steps to Find Your Purpose: Step 1: Gather Your Stories – Think of 3 powerful moments: when you felt proud, in flow, and making impact Step 2: Mine for Clues – What were you doing? Who were you with? What strengths were you using? How did you feel? Step 3: Find Your Themes – Circle repeating words, skills, and feelings that emerge from your stories Step 4: Draft Your North Star – Create a clear statement: “I feel most on purpose when I’m using __ to help __ achieve ___” Step 5: Test & Tweak – Ask: Does this energize me? Feel true when things get hard? Would I be proud if this were my legacy? Guest Insights: Jess & Allison share how this process helped them design their business with intention and create a North Star they return to whenever they question their direction. Key Takeaways: Self-awareness keeps you grounded during complexity and change You don’t have to be “one thing” – be a few things that align with your purpose Stop leading by default and start leading by design In a distracted world, your North Star refocuses your efforts on what matters About Becoming You: Inspiring conversations with professionals who’ve navigated career transitions, found their authentic voice, and built meaningful impact. Hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. New episodes drop weekly! CONNECT WITH US: LinkedIn: @ConnectorQueen Free Personal Brand Starter Kit: [https://katrinafuhrman.com/connector-…] Book a Strategy Call: [  / connectorqueen  ] Listen on your favorite podcast platform GUESTS: Jess – [  / jessicamjacobs  ] Allison – [  / allison-wright-544534  ] TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction: The Purpose Problem 03:15 Why “checking boxes” leads to burnout 07:22 The 5-Step Purpose Framework 15:30 Real examples of purpose in action 22:45 How to test your North Star statement 28:10 Designing vs. defaulting in your career 35:20 Wrap-up & final insights HASHTAGS: #PurposeDriven #CareerChange #PersonalBrand #ProfessionalDevelopment #PodcastLife #LinkedIn #Networking #CareerAdvice #BecomingYou #Leadership #ChangeManagement #WorkLifePurpose Subscribe for weekly episodes that help you become the most authentic version of yourself professionally!