Becoming You (after Winning Wednesday)

What happens when you realize helping people doesn’t require medical school? Rashmi Ketha pivoted from premed to data science to product management, discovering that generalists often find success later but build more resilient careers. From managing 95+ mentees to working on Chase’s mobile app, here’s why embracing dynamic timelines beats rushing to specialize. What You’ll Learn: Why generalists succeed later but build more sustainable careers than specialists How to separate emotional reactions from your identity during setbacks The mindset shift that transforms panic into “things happen when they’re meant to” Why mentoring 95+ people creates abundance mindset vs. scarcity thinking 5 counterintuitive mental health tips that actually work Key Moments: 3:31 – Mindset shift: “If it’s not meant to happen today, it’ll happen some other time” 9:51 – Career pivot: “I know I want to help people, but is med school the only way?” 17:07 – Identity vs. experience: “This is what I’m experiencing, but this is not who I am” 22:03 – Future self reflection: “5-year-old me would be very proud of current me” 28:03 – Abundance mindset: Why helping others doesn’t diminish your own opportunities Rashmi’s Journey: Premed major → Data science degrees → Product manager at Chase mobile app Verizon rotational program gave exposure to different business applications Personal startup experience bridged technical skills with customer problems 95+ mentees spanning high school to college students Three life pillars: Gratitude, curiosity, and resilience Perfect If You’re: Feeling behind peers who seem to have clear career paths Struggling with the pressure to specialize vs. explore different interests Managing career pivots and questioning if you’re on the “right” path Learning how to process emotions without reactive responses Interested in product management career transitions Rashmi’s Philosophy: “Range” by David Epstein: Generalists vs. specialists mindset shift “The world is abundant – we don’t need to fight over crumbs” “Take time to process emotions before reacting to conflicts” “Gratitude, curiosity, and resilience as life’s three pillars” BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: “Range” by David Epstein – Why generalists triumph in a specialized world “The Slight Edge” – Small daily decisions compound into major life changes ABOUT RASHMI KETHA: Product Manager at JP Morgan Chase mobile app | Former Verizon data scientist | Startup founder | Mentors 95+ students | Advocates for generalist career paths and abundance mindset CONNECT WITH RASHMI: LinkedIn: Rashmi Ketha   / rashmiketha   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   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: Things happen when they’re meant to anyway 00:56 Career update: Verizon to Chase mobile app product manager 03:01 Letting go of panic as first reaction 04:19 College struggle: Navigating beliefs and career uncertainty 07:45 Accepting that success has dynamic timelines 09:32 Iterative career path: Premed to data science to product 13:00 Mental fortitude during valleys and setbacks 16:23 Separating external stimulation from identity 18:36 Envisioning future self: How far out to plan? 24:12 Five counterintuitive mental health tips 28:51 Abundance mindset: Why the world has enough for everyone 30:37 Final thoughts on creative outlets and transformation RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 70: Zan Carver – From Overweight Kid to Wall Street Bodybuilder Ep. 69: Julian Curi – From Failed Actor to Viral Paper-Cut Filmmaker Original: Rashmi Ketha – Winning Wednesday 2020 (First appearance:    • Press the Start Button | STEAM, Data Scien…  ) #ProductManagement #CareerPivot #DataScience #GeneralistVsSpecialist #MentalHealth #ChaseApp #JPMorgan #Mentoring #CollegeToCorporate #STEMCareers #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for career pivot stories that prove there’s no single path to success!

What happens when life keeps taking the people you love most? At 16, Jill lost her brother in a car accident. At 30, her mother to cancer. Later, both sons battled addiction. Instead of breaking, she transformed her pain into purpose, becoming a therapist at 47. Here’s her raw story of resilience and the mindfulness techniques that saved her sanity. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses death, addiction, miscarriage, and anxiety. What You’ll Learn: How to transform fear into faith during life’s darkest moments Why supporting addicted children requires unconditional love (not enabling) Practical anxiety management techniques from a therapist who lives them How going back to school at 47 changed everything about her identity Marriage wisdom that kept 35 years strong through multiple crises Key Moments: 8:17 – Timeline of devastating losses: Brother, mother, father all gone 20:52 – “I had to learn how to put fear into faith” 23:46 – Breathing technique: Hands on chest, three deep breaths to de-escalate 32:53 – “Marriage is hard work – anyone who says it’s not is lying” Jill’s Resilience Journey: Brother killed at 23 in car accident when she was just 16 Mother died of cancer after only 3.5 years with first grandchild Both sons struggled with addiction – she chose love over tough love Earned Master’s in Social Work at 47 with 4.0 GPA despite family chaos Built successful therapy practice helping others with similar struggles About to become grandmother – new chapter of purpose and joy Perfect If You’re: Dealing with anxiety after experiencing major losses Supporting adult children through addiction or mental health struggles Considering career changes later in life (40s, 50s+) Learning to manage fear without letting it control your decisions Struggling with perfectionism vs. self-acceptance Jill’s Mindfulness Arsenal: “I cannot take on this fear” – daily car conversations with higher power Hands on chest breathing: Three deep breaths to de-escalate panic “Be where your feet are” – presence over worry about future Acceptance: “This is who I am, perfectly imperfect” Faith over fear: “Let the cards fall where they may” ABOUT JILL JONAS: Licensed Social Worker & Psychotherapist | Late-bloomer who found her calling at 47 | Specializes in anxiety, addiction, and life transitions | 35-year marriage survivor | Soon-to-be grandmother CONNECT WITH JILL: LinkedIn:   / jill-jonas-lsw-certified-life-coach-960b7378   ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Raw conversations about the moments that break us open and reshape who we become. Hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Instagram:   / connectorqueen   LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: “I was 16 when my brother was killed” 01:04 Introduction: 10-year friendship through Six Degrees of Separation 02:52 “Be Where Your Feet Are” – mindfulness that changed everything 07:14 Timeline begins: 1980 through present day 08:17 Age 16: Brother killed in car accident – everything changed 10:40 1993: Mother dies of cancer on same date as brother (April 19th) 12:38 2008: Both sons caught in addiction – unconditional love tested 14:00 Master’s degree at 47: Overcoming “I’m not smart enough” beliefs 20:52 Fear to faith: “I cannot take on this fear” – car conversations 23:22 Practical anxiety tools: Breathing, walking, laundry distractions 31:50 35-year marriage truth: “It’s hard work, not perfect” 41:12 Pre-grandma time capsule: Excitement over apprehension #MentalHealth #TherapistLife #AddictionRecovery #AnxietyManagement #Mindfulness #CareerChange #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for new episodes that prove your biggest breakthrough comes from embracing all parts of who you are!

What happens when you realize the values you’ve lived by your whole life aren’t actually yours? Anna Hanzelka went from black-and-white thinking rooted in childhood beliefs to becoming a “values detective” – questioning everything from family traditions to cultural programming. Here’s her raw conversation about deconstructing limiting beliefs and designing a life that actually aligns with who you are. What You’ll Learn: How to deconstruct limiting beliefs without losing what actually serves you The meditation that reveals: “What in me is dying? Being born? Always been the same?” Why “should,” “have to,” and “supposed to” are red flag words to watch for How to give yourself the “gift of time” for authentic self-reflection Why treating yourself with curiosity instead of shame changes everything Key Moments: 3:25 – “You have to do deconstruction work to really become yourself” 6:00 – Moving from black-and-white thinking to living in the gray 14:12 – Meditation practice: What’s dying, being born, always been the same? 17:06 – “Carefree timelessness” – why undistracted time creates clarity 40:31 – Red flag words: “I have to, I’m supposed to, I should” 45:51 – “If I had to pick one value for my life, it would be love” Anna’s Transformation Journey: Raised with rigid black-and-white thinking from church and cultural programming Study abroad in Austria exposed her to different cultural values beyond “beer, football, and Jesus” Learned to question family values – what’s actually hers vs. inherited beliefs Developed “values detective” mindset – taking limiting beliefs “to court” for evidence Created monthly values check-ins to stay aligned with authentic self Embraces perfectionism as superpower instead of something to fix Perfect If You’re: Feeling trapped by “shoulds” and expectations that don’t feel authentic Raised in religious/rigid environments and questioning inherited beliefs Struggling with perfectionism and self-criticism Want to learn practical self-reflection techniques that actually work Ready to design a life based on YOUR values, not others’ programming Anna’s Values Toolkit: “Am I meeting my constructed self with curiosity and kindness?” Take limiting beliefs “to court” – what’s the evidence this is true? Monthly values check-ins: What needs to die, be born, stay the same? Love as the ultimate filter: “Does this serve love?” “Carefree timelessness” for authentic reflection without distractions BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: “The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control” – Reframing perfectionism as a superpower “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey – Keeping the end in mind ABOUT ANNA HANZELKA: Values detective | Former black-and-white thinker turned gray-area explorer | Advocates for conscious value selection over inherited programming | Believes in treating yourself with the same love you’d show a friend | Tea party enthusiast with her cat Patches CONNECT WITH ANNA: LinkedIn:   / annachanzelka   ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring how we evolve from inherited beliefs to conscious choice. Originally “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19, now evolved into stories of authentic transformation. Hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Instagram:   / connectorqueen   LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: “Beer, football, and Jesus” vs. family and nature values 01:05 Introduction: College friends reunited for values deep-dive 02:27 Consciously choosing values vs. inheriting them unconsciously 05:57 Deconstructing limiting beliefs: It’s not just about religion 07:53 Study abroad revelation: Other cultures, other options exist 11:37 Self-reflection with curiosity and kindness, not shame 14:11 Meditation practice: What’s dying, being born, always the same? 16:22 Giving yourself the gift of undistracted time 19:17 Thriving on change: Creating chaos for growth 23:41 Self-development vs. believing you’re broken and need fixing 26:45 Aligning and designing your life around authentic values 30:20 Deciding what “counts”: Natural abilities vs. struggle validation 36:27 “Enjoy the process” – laptop sticky note wisdom 40:00 Red flag words: Should, have-to, supposed-to awareness 45:10 Love as the ultimate value filter for life decisions 50:45 Thanks for watching & listening! RELATED EPISODES: Winning Wednesday: Irene DeRouen – Living a Life Full of Meaning Future episodes on values, authenticity, and conscious living #ValuesWork #Deconstruction #LimitingBeliefs #Authenticity #SelfReflection #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #ConsciousLiving #ReligiousDeconstruction #PersonalValues #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for new episodes that prove your biggest breakthrough comes from embracing all parts of who you are!

What happens when being “real” costs you convenience but saves your soul? Steven Edelson went from carefree college days to managing three kids under 5, but his philosophy stayed the same: authenticity over conformity, relationships over rules. Here’s his raw conversation about parenting imperfect children as an imperfect parent, and why genuine connection trumps everything else. What You’ll Learn: Why being authentic is harder but more fulfilling than being fake How to parent three different personalities without losing yourself The “mortar matters more than bricks” philosophy for relationships Why you should choose family over career advancement every time How to practice compassion (literally “suffering with”) instead of just sympathy Key Moments: 7:08 – “I’d rather be Stephen and face consequences than be fake for convenience” 14:21 – “Education is a matter of the heart, not just the mind” 15:53 – “The mortar matters” – relationships hold the rules together 31:22 – “It’s easier to skip disciplining, but that’s our responsibility” 44:22 – “There’s freedom in surrendering your freedom for others” 50:26 – “There’s no career worth being a bad parent or spouse” Steven’s Evolution: College philosophy student who studied abroad in Italy and prioritized deep friendships Admissions director turned teacher who chose authenticity over sales tactics Married to Anya (nurse) after reconnecting post-college Father of three under 5: Peter (4), Amelia (2.5), Kiara (13 months) Educator for 10 years believing relationships matter more than rules Lives by principle: Truth and charity must coexist, never choose between them Perfect If You’re: Struggling with authenticity vs. fitting in at work or social situations New parents feeling overwhelmed by multiple young children Teachers/educators wanting to build genuine connections with students Anyone choosing between career advancement and family priorities Learning to accept imperfection in yourself and others Steven’s Life Philosophy: “Never being fake – you’re killing yourself when you suppress who you are” “Compassion means to suffer WITH someone, not just feel sorry for them” “The mortar (relationships) matters more than the bricks (rules)” “No career is worth being a bad parent, spouse, or worse version of yourself” “Freedom comes from surrendering your freedom for people you love” WISDOM FROM THE TRENCHES: St. Don Bosco motto: “It’s not enough to love students – they must know you love them” Practical parenting: Each child needs different approaches at different developmental stages Marriage truth: Imperfect parents will wound their children unintentionally – compassion required Career vs. family: Deathbed regrets are always about relationships, not promotions Authenticity principle: Truth and charity can always coexist with wisdom and prudence ABOUT STEVEN EDELSON: High school teacher & administrator | Father of three under 5 | Philosophy major turned educator | Believes relationships trump rules | Practices radical authenticity in professional settings | Married to Anya (nurse) | Lives in Tappan, NY CONNECT WITH STEVEN: Message through comments and we’ll pass it along! ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring how life’s biggest challenges shape who we become. Originally “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19, now evolved into stories of authentic transformation. Hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Instagram:   / connectorqueen   LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: “Never being fake – you’re destroying who you are” 02:52 Italian lesson & study abroad memories 05:25 Euphoria in friendship: Surprising each other abroad 09:12 Admissions director to full-time teacher transition 10:41 Being real to people in business vs. scripted responses 12:38 Patience in the process: No agenda with human beings 15:50 “The mortar matters” – relationships hold rules together 18:47 Pre-COVID to now: Added two more kids during pandemic 23:00 Three small kids with individual needs and challenges 26:28 Shift from traveling couple to family-building mode 27:47 Puddle of challenges you choose to accept with children 31:20 Easier to skip disciplining but responsibility to help guide 35:14 Self-compassion and self-awareness as imperfect parents 39:19 Kids as extension of you vs. detached parenting approach 44:17 Freedom in detachment: Caring about others’ success over your own 47:32 Final thoughts: Authenticity, truth with charity, family over career 54:37 Thanks for watching & listening! #Parenting #Authenticity #Education #TeacherLife #FamilyFirst #ThreeUnderFive #Relationships #ParentingPhilosophy #WorkLifeBalance #AuthenticLiving #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for new episodes that prove your biggest breakthrough comes from embracing all parts of who you are!

What happens when brutal honesty leads to unexpected friendship? Joe Arrigo admits he “really didn’t like” Katrina after their first podcast – then 6 months later they became close friends. Here’s his unfiltered take on creating bold content that sparks conversation without crossing the line, plus why turning 30 changes everything about knowing your worth. What You’ll Learn: How to stir the pot for meaningful conversation without getting canceled Why you should audit your life and cut people who don’t support your growth The “masculine writing style” that makes people take you seriously How to respond to trolls with composure (hint: neutral acknowledgment works) Why examining your inherited beliefs is crucial for authentic living Key Moments: 4:15 – “I really didn’t like you after the first podcast… now we’re besties” 10:46 – “We couch things from fear of being cancelled or questioned” 17:52 – Content strategy: “Stir the pot but leave ambiguity for discussion” 28:18 – “I didn’t know my worth until I was 34… turning 30 changes everything” 37:01 – “Audit your surroundings – get rid of people who don’t support you” 39:03 – “Take stock of your thoughts – where do they actually come from?” Joe’s Evolution: Age 20s: Sought comfortable, safe, easy life without major aspirations Turning 30: Everything questioned – body aching, life perspective shifted completely Current at 34: Finally knows his worth, focused on career challenges and growth Author: “Marble and Sculptor” – examining personality types and self-transformation Content creator: Recruiter who creates philosophical LinkedIn content about workplace dynamics Philosophy enthusiast: Believes in “masculine writing style” – no hedging, clear convictions Perfect If You’re: Creating content online but afraid of negative feedback or getting canceled Approaching or past 30 and questioning your life direction Struggling with inherited beliefs vs. authentic personal values Want to write with conviction but worried about offending people Learning to respond professionally to criticism and trolls Joe’s Content Philosophy: “All you have to do is say something semi-bold and leave it vague for discussion” “I confirm their comment but don’t agree – ‘That’s certainly one idea out there'” “Most people forget your post in a week – take a long-term perspective” “You need a healthy ego to put yourself out there and not fall apart” “Examine your thoughts – do you believe that or is it just a meme from parents/school?” LIFE-CHANGING BOOKS MENTIONED: “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin – Completely rewrote his second book after reading this “Marble and Sculptor” by Joe Arrigo – His first book on personality types and self-transformation Carl Jung’s work – Original source material on deep thinking and isolation Nietzsche – “Masculine writing style” with clear convictions, no hedging ABOUT JOE ARRIGO: Recruiter turned philosopher | Author of “Marble and Sculptor” | LinkedIn content creator focused on workplace psychology | Believes in examining inherited beliefs | Advocates for “stirring the pot” through thoughtful conversation | Currently 34 and finally knows his worth CONNECT WITH JOE: Instagram:   / advisrenterprises   LinkedIn:   / joe-arrigo   Calendly: https://calendly.com/advisr/pick-my-b… YouTube:    / @ghostofjung   Business: https://www.advisrenterprises.com/ Blog: https://joe-recruiter.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B42PTVZL/ ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Raw conversations exploring how brutal honesty and authentic transformation shape who we become. Originally “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19, now evolved into deeper stories of personal evolution. Hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro: “I really didn’t like you after the first podcast” 01:52 From Winning Wednesday to Becoming You evolution 06:20 Personal evolution throughout life and inherited beliefs 10:43 Toeing the line: Fear of being canceled vs. authentic expression 12:00 “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin completely changed his writing 17:52 Content strategy: How to stir the pot for meaningful conversation 25:22 Success using LinkedIn: Why successful people don’t know how to use it 34:20 “Everyone can’t be like you” – Gratitude for differences 37:00 Audit your life: Get rid of people who don’t support your growth 41:35 Reckless abandon with deep thinking: Philosophy vs. modern repackaging Joe’s 1st appearance:    • Myers-Briggs at Work | Using Personality T…   #ContentCreation #LinkedInStrategy #PersonalGrowth #Philosophy #CareerGrowth #AuthenticExpression #SelfReflection #Mindset #PersonalityTypes #ProfessionalDevelopment #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for new episodes that prove your biggest breakthrough comes from embracing all parts of who you are!

What happens when life forces you to choose between your dream career and family? Charlie Barker was living his best life in sports broadcasting until his sister’s cancer diagnosis changed everything. He walked away from his Florida dream job to care for her – and the very next day got a call that launched his sales career. Here’s how he turned fear into his biggest motivator and why kindness beats everything else. What You’ll Learn: How to turn fear from debilitating force into career fuel Why “there’s a million jobs but only one sister” mindset changes everything The power of taking a breath before reacting to difficult situations How near-death experiences completely shift your priorities Why working to live (not living to work) creates better success Key Moments: 3:24 – Sister’s cancer diagnosis: “There’s a million jobs but only one sister” 6:05 – Near-death experience 6 months after son’s birth changed everything 8:15 – “Fear is my motivating factor for success in sales” 12:25 – “You can only eat the apple one bite at a time” 15:26 – “Be open to change – I never planned on cybersecurity” 22:01 – Advice to younger self: “Just be nice to people” 23:43 – “When you’re tense, take a breath before reacting” Charlie’s Transformation Journey: Started in sports broadcasting in South Florida – dream job in his field Sister’s breast cancer diagnosis forced career pivot to move back to Minnesota Karma moment: Got perfect job offer the day after giving notice to help family Son Andrew born – discovered his life purpose was being a dad Near-death experience from internal bleeding shifted all priorities Cybersecurity sales leader – turned fear into positive motivating force Success through kindness – believes niceness gets you farther than anything Perfect If You’re: Facing major life decisions between career and family Struggling with fear and anxiety in high-pressure sales roles Looking for motivation techniques that actually work long-term Learning to respond vs. react in stressful work situations Planning for work-life balance and eventual retirement Charlie’s Life Philosophy: “There’s a million jobs on Earth but I only have one sister” “Fear can be debilitating or it can be your motivating factor” “Work to live, don’t live to work” “Kindness gets you so far in life – be nice to people” “Take a breath, step back, don’t react on emotion” BOOK MENTIONED: “Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It” – About forgiving yourself and embracing your future self “The Gift of Fear” – Learning to trust your intuition and use fear as a tool LIFE LESSONS FROM CHARLIE: Career pivots happen: What looks like a setback might be setting you up for something better Family first principle: Some decisions are easy when you know your priorities Fear as fuel: Turn anxiety into motivation by using it to drive performance One bite at a time: Break overwhelming goals into manageable daily steps Kindness matters: In harsh business world, nice people are remembered and rewarded ABOUT CHARLIE BARKER: Cybersecurity sales leader | Former sports broadcaster | Father who discovered his purpose | Believes fear can be a positive motivating force | Advocates for work-life balance | Lives in Texas | Son Andrew turns 14 tomorrow | Cancer survivor family member CONNECT WITH CHARLIE: LinkedIn:   / charliebarker21   ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Stories of transformation through life’s unexpected turns. Originally “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19, now evolved into deeper conversations about how pivotal moments reshape who we become. Hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Instagram:   / connectorqueen   LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: “Million jobs but only one sister” 01:01 Introduction: Debut episode of Becoming You podcast 02:44 Sister’s breast cancer diagnosis changes everything 04:38 From broadcasting to sales: The karma moment 05:54 Birth of son Andrew followed by near-death experience 07:52 Fear as motivating factor in sales success 12:25 Managing progress: “Eat the apple one bite at a time” 14:26 Future self visualization and staying open to change 17:49 Life after retirement: Not wanting to work at 79 20:06 “Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It” excerpt 21:18 Advice to younger self: Be nice to people 23:43 Managing stress: Take a breath before reacting 25:09 Final thoughts: Believe you can be whatever you want 26:23 Thanks for watching and listening RELATED EPISODES: Winning Wednesday: Allison Wright – Managing How You Show Up at Work Future episodes on career transitions, family priorities, and sales success #CareerChange #SalesMotivation #FamilyFirst #WorkLifeBalance #CybersecuritySales #FearIntoFuel #Kindness #ParentingPriorities #CareerPivot #LifePurpose #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for new episodes that prove your biggest breakthrough comes from embracing all parts of who you are!

Sixty episodes. One year and change of showing up every Wednesday with something worth saying. And for the finale of Winning Wednesday’s first chapter, the universe sent exactly the right guest. Elise Neel, VP of New Business Incubation at Verizon, professional tap dancer turned 5G frontier explorer, WAVE co-lead, mother of three, wife, and self-described lover of music and movement, closes out this season with the kind of conversation that makes you want to get intentional about every single thing — your time, your talent, your calendar, and your Wednesday. What You’ll Learn: What New Business Incubation at Verizon actually does — and why leading a team of explorers building toward a 3-to-10-year horizon feels like a roller coaster you chose to get on Why you don’t find time for what matters — you decide it matters and plan accordingly How auditing your last 30 days of calendar time reveals whether you’re living your values or just thinking you are Why WAVE’s 13,000 members across 32 countries represent far more than a women’s group — and how intersectionality makes it relevant to everyone Why knowing thyself is the first and most critical step to building a career that actually fits Key Focus Areas: New Business Incubation – What it’s like to lead frontier technology development at a Fortune 15 — from aerial robotics to distributed energy — with a timeline of three to ten years and permission to dream The Roller Coaster Metaphor – Why Elise describes her daily leadership life as exhilarating — and why that word encompasses the waiting, the anxiety, the click-click-click, and the whoosh of getting it right Calendar as Mirror – Why going back through the last 30 days of your time and sitting with what you find is the most honest leadership development exercise available Elise’s Approach: VP of New Business Incubation at Verizon — leading a team building software businesses that harness the future of 5G and mobile edge compute Former professional tap dancer with a home studio who still dances to decompress, create, and move — because the body and the mind are not separate Co-lead of WAVE, Verizon’s Women’s Association with 13,000+ members across 32 countries — finding the time by deciding it matters and planning accordingly Mother of three, wife, follower of Christ, extrovert, music lover — and a firm believer that we are not just one thing Wins Wednesday on horseback — riding her daughters’ horse after their lessons and letting whatever the week built up exhale through the animal Perfect If You’re: A corporate leader who wants to understand what innovation actually looks like inside a Fortune 15 — the blessing and the challenge of it Someone who keeps saying they don’t have time for what matters — and is ready to hear a different framework A woman navigating a big organization and wondering if advancing is worth it — Elise gives an honest, nuanced answer Anyone who needs permission to audit their own calendar and make changes accordingly Elise’s Philosophy: “You will know what is really important to you by the way you spend your time.” “You don’t find time for these things — you decide they are part of the time you need to spend.” “I was created on purpose for a purpose — and that gives me my own unique value proposition.” “The moment we start looking like everybody else it diminishes your value.” “Know thyself — figure out what you’re the best at and bring that to work.” A NOTE ON THIS EPISODE: This was the final episode of Winning Wednesday before Katrina paused the show to focus on her corporate career and help other businesses produce and launch their own podcasts. Three years later, she returned to hosting — and renamed the show Becoming You. Sixty episodes. One community. One connector queen. And a whole lot more story still to tell. ABOUT ELISE NEEL: VP, New Business Incubation | Verizon | WAVE Co-Lead | Former Professional Tap Dancer | Mother of Three | Frontier Technology Explorer | Helping teams build the future — one exhilarating roller coaster ride at a time CONNECT WITH ELISE: LinkedIn:   / eliseneel   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What happens when a high-performing sales leader who’s been running nonstop finally gets forced to slow down — and discovers she’s been suffering without even knowing it? Tina Gravel, channel sales executive, published author, public speaker, and women’s leadership champion, brings one of the most refreshingly honest conversations in the Winning Wednesday catalog. From her chapter in the pandemic leadership anthology to her conviction that partnering makes the world go round, Tina covers the full spectrum — business strategy, mental health at work, authenticity in leadership, and the simple morning ritual that sets her up to win every day. What You’ll Learn: Why Tina’s confidence is real now — but wasn’t always — and what the difference between a facade and genuine self-assurance actually feels like What the pandemic forced Tina to confront when the travel stopped and the stillness set in — and why she’s grateful for it Why channel sales is the most leveraged growth strategy available to companies — and how new logos are the only metric that really matters Why joining a women’s group is the single best move for any woman who doesn’t yet feel her voice is being heard Why gratitude first thing in the morning — before anything else — is the foundation of getting after it Key Focus Areas: Contagion as a Leadership Concept – Why what you show up with is what your team will feel — and how to be authentic without burdening the people who need your steadiness The Pandemic Existential Crisis – How being grounded for the first time in years forced Tina to face things she’d been running from — and what the spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional work of recovery actually looked like Channel Sales as Leverage – Why no company can hire enough people to do what partnering can — and why new logos are the measure that matters Women Finding Each Other – Why Tina didn’t gravitate toward women’s organizations until she felt the direct experience of being asked to shrink — and what changed when she did Gratitude List, Then Get After It – Why starting the day with what you’re grateful for is the practice that makes everything else possible Tina’s Approach: Channel sales executive whose entire career was built on making the number — until she started feeling the pull toward disadvantaged women and local board work and realized a new purpose was forming One of 25 contributors to the pandemic leadership anthology Leading Through the Pandemic — her chapter a personal account of what enforced stillness revealed Public speaker on advancing women whose keynotes were cancelled one by one at the start of COVID — and who found meaning in the pause anyway Believes numbers are the great equalizer in sales — and that partnering is the great equalizer in business growth Starts every morning with a gratitude list — and finishes by getting fully after it, no half measures Perfect If You’re: A sales leader exploring channel as a growth strategy and wanting a practitioner’s perspective on what actually works A woman in a big role who’s been asked — innocently or not — to be a little less of yourself to fit in Someone who’s been running so fast you haven’t stopped to check whether you’re running toward something or away from it Anyone who needs a workout accountability story that will make you laugh and get back in the gym Tina’s Philosophy: “I was suffering and I didn’t even know it — I was just so used to it.” “Contagion is real — what you show up with is what you will cause your team to feel.” “Partnering makes the world go round — especially today where staffing is so hard.” “If you don’t feel like your voice is being heard — join a women’s group. Someone there has already been through this.” “Make a gratitude list — and then get after it. Really get after it.” ABOUT TINA GRAVEL: Channel Sales Executive | Public Speaker | Published Author | Women’s Leadership Champion | Helping companies grow through partnership, leverage, and the conviction that you’re never going to win alone CONNECT WITH TINA: LinkedIn:   / tinagravel   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What does it look like to spend 32 years at one company — starting with MCI before it became Verizon — and still show up every day like you have something left to prove? Shelly Ashwill-Powers, senior Verizon leader, WAVE champion, and the woman known for her Woohoo energy, brings a masterclass in longevity, leadership, and paying it forward. From Bill McGowan breaking up the Bell monopoly to Hans Vestberg’s fourth stakeholder philosophy, Shelly has watched Verizon evolve through every era — and distilled it all into one conviction: you’re never going to win alone. What You’ll Learn: Why Shelly has stayed at one company for over 32 years — and what she’s found there that kept her Why you can’t apply for the job when it posts — and how far in advance top professionals are actually working toward their next opportunity Why happy at home and happy at work aren’t separate goals — they’re the same goal How to make sure your above-and-beyond contributions actually get counted — and why your performance plan is the tool most people underuse Why women in leadership need to stop seeing each other as competition — and what happens when they do Key Focus Areas: 32 Years, One Company – What keeps a top professional loyal across decades — and what Verizon’s leadership evolution taught Shelly about finding what you love in each era The Fourth Stakeholder – Why Verizon’s mission to solve global problems requires leaders who attack tough issues — and why society belongs at the table alongside customers, employees, and shareholders Earn the Right Before the Job Posts – Shelly’s career development philosophy: be the obvious choice months or years before the role is even available Women Paying It Forward – Why the fixed mindset that there aren’t enough seats at the table is the real obstacle — and how shifting it changes everything Win-Win Wednesday – Why being happy at home is the foundation of being successful at work — and why giving yourself permission to take a break is a leadership skill Shelly’s Approach: 32-year Verizon veteran who started at MCI fresh out of college and never left — because she fell in love with what the company stands for and kept finding new reasons to stay Senior leader who takes personal check-ins, over-communication, and genuine interest in employee wellbeing as seriously as any business metric Champion for WAVE and the WOW development program — passionate about women earning the right to compete for top opportunities through preparation, not luck Believes the correlation between employee satisfaction and customer satisfaction always points to the same actions — and leads accordingly Known for her Woohoo energy and a hat to match Perfect If You’re: A professional who wants to understand what long-term career success at one company actually looks like from the inside A woman in mid-career who’s been going above and beyond and wondering why it isn’t translating to advancement A leader trying to figure out how to stay close to the front lines from a senior position Someone who keeps work and home in separate mental buckets — and is starting to sense they might be connected Shelly’s Philosophy: “You’re never gonna win alone.” “You can’t apply for the job when the job is posted — you have to be working toward that next opportunity months and years in advance.” “There needs to be leaders that will attack the tough issues and innovate to make our lives better while we’re on this planet.” “Being happy at home is really important to being happy at work — that’s my win-win Wednesday.” “It’s our obligation to ensure equal representation across key opportunities — not just at Verizon, around the world.” ABOUT SHELLY ASHWILL-POWERS: Senior Verizon Leader | WAVE Champion | WOW Program Advocate | 32-Year MCI/Verizon Veteran | Female Leadership Champion | Woohoo Energy Certified | Helping the next generation of leaders earn their seat at the table — long before the job ever posts CONNECT WITH SHELLY: LinkedIn:   / shellyashwill   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen