Beyond The Quo

" AI is moving faster than your policies… the question isn’t which tool to use, but which decisions should be human, assisted, or automated. "
Welcome to 'Beyond the Quo' with Stacey Luces, your go-to podcast for navigating midlife reinvention. In this episode she dives deep into the essential strategies leaders need to thrive amid constant disruption. Drawing parallels to the renowned phrase 'winter is coming' from Game of Thrones, Stacey discusses how disruptions in technology, generational workforce dynamics, executive burnout, and inclusion are inevitable in today's world. 
Gain insight into practical tools and frameworks, such as decision audits, multi-generational strategies, and mental wellness tactics, that can transform these challenges into growth opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this episode equips you with actionable steps to lead with clarity, courage, and conviction. Don't miss out on Stacey's valuable experience and practical tips to redefine success on your terms and lead courageously in times of disruption.
🎧 In this episode:
•        00:35 Disruption is Here: Engagement, Trust, and Technology
•        01:40 Leadership in Disruption: Clarity, Courage, and Conviction
•        03:52 Four Major Disruptions and Growth Strategies
•        04:26 AI and Technology Acceleration
•        04:43 Generational Shifts in the Workplace
•        05:59 Executive Burnout and Mental Health
•        06:28 Inclusion and Culture in a Polarized World

💡 Key Takeaways:
•        Disruption is inevitable — Leaders who thrive won’t be the ones with the biggest budgets or longest resumes, but those with clarity, courage, and conviction inside disruption.
•        AI is moving faster than policy — The leaders who win are those who set guardrails and reframe AI as a lever, not a threat.
•        Generational differences are opportunities, not barriers — ROI and engagement skyrocket when leaders build bridges instead of policies around stereotypes.
•        Burnout is a signal, not a weakness — Protecting systems and rhythms protects people, and culture is as much a product as any service you deliver.
You’ve already done the quo—now it’s time to go beyond.
🔥 Feeling inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself!
•        Subscribe, share and follow Beyond the Quo and I’d deeply appreciate your five-star rating so more people can listen and learn!
✨ Connect with Stacey: staceyluces.com IG @Stacey.Luces LinkedIn @StaceyLuces 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"What if your biggest competition isn’t the person next to you - it’s who you were yesterday?”
Welcome to 'Beyond the Quo' with Stacey Luces. In this episode, we welcome Mary Sol González—a visionary leader whose career spans four continents, and someone who has dedicated her life to building bridges, creating opportunities, and redefining what leadership looks like for the Hispanic community and beyond. Mary Sol is the President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Chamber of Commerce, representing Broward and Palm Beach Counties and she’s been recognized with numerous awards, including Hispanic Woman of Distinction 2024, Latina of Influence 2024, and even the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
They discuss authenticity, courageous leadership, and the importance of leaving a legacy. Mary Sol shares her rich experiences spanning four continents, insights as the President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Chamber of Commerce, and her personal journey of navigating life changes. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with lessons on purposeful living and embracing change.
🎧 In this episode:
•        03:54 Leadership Journey
•        07:00 Balancing Life and Legacy
•        15:03 Healthy Competition and Community Support
•        19:54 A Radical Shift at 50
•        24:56 Perspective and Gratitude
•        33:59 Redefining Success
•        38:19 Advice for Men and Women
💡 Key Takeaways:
•        Authenticity is the foundation of legacy - To leave something meaningful behind, leaders must live and act in alignment with their true values.
•        You don’t have to do it alone - Fear builds walls, but mentorship, community, and collaboration open doors to possibility and transformation.
•        Change is inevitable…embrace it - From personal reinvention at 50 to navigating global moves, courage and flexibility transform disruption into opportunity.
•        Redefine success on your terms - Whether at home, in business, or in community, true success comes from purpose, relationships, and resilience—not external validation.
You’ve already done the quo—now it’s time to go beyond.
🔥 Feeling inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself!
•        Subscribe, share and follow Beyond the Quo and I’d deeply appreciate your five-star rating so more people can listen and learn!
✨ Connect with Stacey Luces: LinkedIn @StaceyLuces IG @Stacey.Luces or staceyluces.com
✨ Connect with Mary Sol González: LinkedIn @mary-sol-gonzalez-30417830 IG @Marysolboca or www.myhhcc.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“When you settle for small talk, you settle for low-quality relationships. But research proves that high-quality relationships—not titles or money—are what create real success and fulfillment.”
Welcome to 'Beyond the Quo' with Stacey Luces, your go-to podcast for navigating midlife reinvention. Join Stace in this episode as she addresses the common struggle of small talk at networking events and in daily interactions. With over 25 years of experience as an executive coach and business strategist, she provides actionable strategies to elevate conversations from superficial to meaningful. Learn how to connect deeply, build trust, and create opportunities through authentic dialogue. Discover the power of vulnerability, active listening, and curiosity in fostering true relationships, both in professional settings and at home.
🎧 In this episode:
•        00:32 The Problem with Small Talk
•        00:59 Build Meaningful Connections
•        03:26 Case Study: Maria's Transformation
•        06:52 Importance of Quality Relationships
•        09:06 Strategies for Deeper Conversations
•        19:14 Practical Tips for Networking and Leadership

💡 Key Takeaways:
•        Small Talk Doesn’t Build Real Connection - While small talk feels safe and fills silence, it often leaves conversations feeling transactional and forgettable. To build influence, trust, and authentic relationships—in leadership, networking, or at home—we must go beyond surface-level exchanges.
•        Meaningful Questions Create Impact - Asking deeper, curiosity-driven questions (e.g., “What’s something you’re excited about right now?” instead of “How was your weekend?”) shifts the energy of a conversation. These moments reveal values, passions, and stories that foster genuine connection and opportunities.
•        Connection Requires Vulnerability and Active Listening - True relationships are built when we share something real about ourselves and listen actively. Vulnerability signals safety, humanizes us, and deepens trust—whether with colleagues, clients, or family members.
•        Every Conversation Is an Opportunity - Conversations that move from polite to personal open doors for influence, opportunity, and deeper bonds. At work, they help you stand out and be remembered. At home, they strengthen relationships. In both cases, they shift you from running on autopilot to creating meaningful moments that last.
You’ve already done the quo—now it’s time to go beyond.

🔥 Feeling inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself!
•        Subscribe, share and follow Beyond the Quo and I’d deeply appreciate your five-star rating so more people can listen and learn!
✨ Connect with Stacey Luces: LinkedIn @StaceyLuces IG @Stacey.Luces 
Staceyluces.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You can have the vision, the credentials, and the drive, and still sabotage yourself in the moments that matter most.
Welcome to Beyond the Quo with Stacey Luces, Leadership Strategist, Power Reset Coach, and former Fortune 100 executive turned reinvention guide for women leaders.
In this episode, Stacey dives deep into the hidden patterns of self-sabotage that keep high-achievers stuck in cycles of procrastination, perfectionism, and playing small. With raw honesty and practical tools, she explores why we do it, the true cost on our careers and lives, and how to finally break the cycle. Whether you’re overcommitting, doubting yourself, or struggling with boundaries, Stacey offers insights and strategies to help you step out of your own way and lead with clarity, confidence, and influence.
💡 Key Takeaways:
•        Self-Sabotage Is Sneaky – It often shows up as over-preparing, overcommitting, or perfectionism, not just failure.
•        Fear Drives the Pattern – Fear of failure, fear of success, and comfort-zone thinking are at the root of sabotage.
•        The Cost Is High – Missed promotions, financial losses, burnout, and strained relationships are all side effects.
•        Five Strategies Work – Awareness, interruption, micro-actions, boundaries, and accountability can shift the cycle.
•        Patterns Can Be Broken – Self-sabotage isn’t a flaw, it’s a learned pattern. And once you see it, you can change it.
You’ve already done the quo. Now it’s time to go beyond.
🎙️ Feeling inspired?
Share this episode, leave a five-star review, and help others find their way back to themselves.
✨ Connect with Stacey Luces: staceyluces.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You can hold grief in one hand and ambition in the other, and still lead powerfully through both.

Welcome to Beyond the Quo with Stacey Luces—Leadership Strategist, Power Reset Coach, and former Fortune 100 executive turned reinvention guide for women in midlife. 

In this episode she dives into the theme of transitions. Stacey reflects on the challenges of midlife transitions, both expected and unexpected, and offers powerful strategies to navigate these changes gracefully. Whether it's dealing with empty nesting, aging parents, or professional shifts, she provides insights into cutting old contracts, making room for grief and ambition, and building a supportive life structure. Tune in for practical advice and personal reflections that will help you redefine success and live authentically through life's many transitions.

🎧 In this episode:
•        02:29 Personal Stories of Transition
•        10:25 Understanding Unspoken Contracts
•        23:12 Making Room for Grief and Ambition
•        33:09 Building a Support System
💡 Key Takeaways:
•        Cut the Old Contracts – Many of us operate under unspoken agreements about performance, worth, and success. Identifying and rewriting these outdated “contracts” can free us from perfectionism, people-pleasing, and control patterns.
•        Make Room for Grief and Ambition – Midlife transitions often carry unprocessed grief. Avoid skipping grief in the name of grit; instead, create space to acknowledge loss while still pursuing goals.
•        Design a Supportive Life – Success isn’t just about performance; it’s about intentionally designing a life and support system (power circle) that can sustain you through personal and professional transitions.
•        Transitions Are Gateways, Not Failures – Change isn’t a sign of weakness or distraction, it’s an invitation to evolve, redefine success, and build the next version of yourself with greater authenticity.
You’ve already done the quo. Now it’s time to go beyond.

🎙️ Feeling inspired?
Share this episode, leave a five-star review, and help others find their way back to themselves.

✨ Connect with Stacey Luces: staceyluces.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“What happens when the Caribbean girl from a small street in Trinidad ends up leading billion-dollar global deals? You’re about to find out.”
In this episode of Beyond the Quo, host Stacey Luces welcomes trailblazer Denise Fariel Williams to discuss redefining success on personal terms, living authentically, and leading courageously. Together, they dive into their Caribbean roots, the unique challenges and triumphs of women leaders, and the importance of building supportive, diverse communities. Denise shares her journey from Trinidad to scaling billion-dollar businesses and highlights the significance of maintaining authenticity amidst corporate demands. Join Stacey and Denise for a raw, inspiring conversation filled with laughter, hard truths, and key strategies for those seeking to navigate midlife challenges and carve their own paths to success.
🎧 In this episode:
•        01:49 Caribbean Leadership and Women in Business
•        04:39 Navigating Success Without a Roadmap
•        08:23 Challenges and Triumphs of Caribbean Women
•        11:25 Redefining Success and Authentic Living
•        27:40 Women Supporting Women in the Corporate World
•        30:48 Supportive Partnerships: A Personal Story
•        32:39 Overcoming Perfectionism and Self-Doubt
•        46:41 Joy and Connection
•        54:15 Legacy and Leadership

💡 Key Takeaways:
•        Legacy Is Lived, Not Just Left: Denise’s story reminds us that legacy begins with the bold decisions we make today—whether that’s choosing a nontraditional path, leaving a harmful situation, or co-creating something no one has seen before.
•        You Can Be Brilliant and Still Need a Circle: Success doesn’t make you less human. Denise talks about mentorship, friendship, and intentional partnership as essential—not optional—parts of leadership.
•        Redefining Power Means Redefining Rest: From burnout and over-functioning to finding joy in dancing, laughter, and love—this episode reframes rest not as weakness but as a requirement for sustainable leadership.
•        Caribbean Identity Is a Global Asset: Denise’s career is proof that your cultural roots aren’t baggage—they’re blueprints. From Central Trinidad to boardrooms around the world, she shows that island wisdom can scale internationally.
You’ve already done the quo—now it’s time to go beyond.

🔥 Feeling inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself!
•        Subscribe, share and follow Beyond the Quo and I’d deeply appreciate your five-star rating so more people can listen and learn!
✨ Connect with Stacey Luces: staceyluces.com
•        Free Global Community - Rising Beyond Power Collective: https://www.skool.com/risingbeyondglobalcommunity/about
✨ Connect with Denise Fariel Williams:
LinkedIn @denise-williams-59839b50 ; IG @DeniseFariel

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“You can’t lead with power if you’re ghosting yourself. Let’s talk about why yes to everything is costing you more than time.”
Join Stacey Luces in this enlightening episode of 'Beyond the Quote' as she reveals why so many of us feel constantly exhausted and explores the true culprit - lack of boundaries. Drawing from personal experience and professional insights, Stacey delves into the significance of establishing personal, relational, career, and leadership boundaries. Discover practical strategies for reinforcing your limits, regain your personal power, and break free from chronic stress. Learn why maintaining clear boundaries is not only crucial for your well-being but also for fostering healthier relationships and professional environments. Don't miss out on Stacey's tips for making impactful 'two-millimeter shifts' that can transform your life!
💡 Key Takeaways:
•        Lack of Boundaries Is a Power Leak: Being tired all the time isn’t always about age or hormones - it’s often about constantly saying “yes” to things that drain you. Boundaries aren’t about being rude; they’re about reclaiming your energy, time, and self-worth.
•        Boundaries Are Contextual - and Radical Self-Respect: Whether personal, relational, professional, or leadership-based, boundaries look different depending on your life season. But all of them share this: they are declarations of self-respect and signals of what you will and will not tolerate.
•        Busy Isn’t a Badge. It’s a Red Flag: Many high-achieving women confuse overextension with excellence. But hustle without rest isn’t leadership - it’s self-abandonment. If your weekends are jammed and your inbox rules your life, it’s time for a boundary reset.
•        Boundary-Setting Is a Leadership Power Move: Leaders who model strong boundaries not only protect their well-being but also cultivate healthier team cultures. In fact, companies with boundary-conscious leaders see higher retention, trust, and performance.
🎧 In this episode:
•        00:42 The Real Culprit: Lack of Boundaries
•        02:11  Consequences of No Boundaries
•        03:16 Boundary Check: Personal, Relational, Career, and Leadership
•        12:12 Personal Boundaries: The Foundation of Self-Trust
•        23:47 Relationship Boundaries: Preserving Connection
•        33:03 Work Boundaries: Leading vs. Lifeguarding
•        40:32 Leadership Boundaries and Trust
You’ve already done the quo—now it’s time to go beyond.
🔥 Feeling inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself!
•        Subscribe, share and follow Beyond the Quo and I’d deeply appreciate your five-star rating so more people can listen and learn!
✨ Connect with Stacey Luces: staceyluces.com
•        Free Global Community - Rising Beyond Power Collective: https://www.skool.com/risingbeyondglobalcommunity/about

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If your resume says “thriving” but you feel tired, this one’s for you. 
Welcome to Beyond the Quo with Stacey Luces—Leadership Strategist, Power Reset Coach, and former Fortune 100 executive turned reinvention guide for women in midlife. In this final solo episode of a three-part series, Stacey Luces delves into the main themes of redefining success, living authentically, and leading courageously. Stacey discusses the importance of setting personal definitions of success, embracing authenticity, and leading both oneself and others with courage. Drawing on personal anecdotes and insights from her work with clients, Stacy offers actionable strategies for midlifers grappling with burnout, identity crises, and work-life balance. She also explores how to lead with intention, align actions with core values, and create a meaningful legacy. Tune in for practical tips, reflective prompts, and an empowering discussion on leading a life of purpose and integrity.
🎧 In this episode:
•        00:26 Redefining Success on Your Own Terms
•        01:04 Living Authentically: Core Values and Boundaries
•        01:25 Leading Courageously: Beyond the Corporate Setting
•        02:27 Midlife Reflections: Success, Guilt, and Redesigning Life
•        20:22 The Cost of Staying Silent and Micro Moves for Change
•        24:17 Guardianship Over Yourself
•        25:35 Leading with Integrity
•        39:21 The Importance of Support Systems

💡 Key Takeaways:
•        True leadership starts with self: Leading courageously isn’t just about your job title or role—it’s about reclaiming sovereignty over your own life. It starts by leading yourself with clarity, honesty, and intention before influencing others.
•        Redefining success and leading authentically go hand in hand: Many successful professionals are stuck in a "status quo life"—comfortable, but unfulfilled. Redefining success on your own terms means moving beyond external measures (titles, income) to internal alignment (peace, purpose, presence).
•        Micro-moves drive massive change: Stacey emphasizes that transformation doesn’t require a 180-degree pivot. Courageous leadership can begin with small, intentional actions like a weekly power hour, journaling prompts, or saying no to things that drain you.
•        The cost of not leading with intention is burnout and disconnection: When you’re living for the applause or prioritizing others over your own needs, you risk resentment, emotional numbness, and burnout. Reconnecting to your truth and showing up vulnerably—even in leadership—is essential.
You’ve already done the quo. Now it’s time to go beyond.
🎙️ Feeling inspired?
Share this episode, leave a five-star review, and help others find their way back to themselves.
✨ Connect with Stacey Luces:
•        Website: staceyluces.com
•        Join the Global Community: https://www.skool.com/risingbeyondglobalcommunity/about

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever looked around at your life and thought, “How did I get here?”
The title, the house, the family might all be there—but somewhere along the way, you disappeared.

Welcome to Beyond the Quo with Stacey Luces—Leadership Strategist, Power Reset Coach, and former Fortune 100 executive turned reinvention guide for women in midlife. In this episode, Stacey gets real about what it means to live authentically when success feels performative and burnout is lurking beneath the surface.
She shares personal stories, client breakthroughs, and practical strategies to help you realign with your core values, lead more truthfully at work, and build resilience in a world that rewards masks over meaning.
Whether you're navigating a career pivot, raising teens while caring for aging parents, or simply craving more joy and peace—this conversation will meet you right where you are.
🎧 In this episode:
•        04:10 — The Importance of Core Values
•        11:47 — Strategies for Living Authentically
•        24:43 — Understanding Core Values and Respect
•        26:50 — Making Tough Decisions for Authenticity
•        28:04 — Leading with Authenticity at Work
•        30:49 — The Power of Vulnerability
•        33:30 — Advocating for Your Needs
•        40:05 — Creating a Joy File and Normalizing Hard Seasons

💡 Key Takeaways:
•        Authenticity isn’t perfection—it’s alignment. Living by your true values boosts satisfaction and reduces anxiety.
•        Burnout often stems from disconnection—not just doing too much, but doing what doesn’t fit.
•        Leading with authenticity is a power move—especially in work and relationships.
•        Your peace is worth the discomfort of setting boundaries, making bold decisions, and living your truth.
You’ve already done the quo. Now it’s time to go beyond.
🎙️ Feeling inspired?
Share this episode, leave a five-star review, and help others find their way back to themselves.
✨ Connect with Stacey Luces:
•        Website: staceyluces.com
•        Join the Global Community: https://www.skool.com/risingbeyondglobalcommunity/about

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Success isn’t what it used to be— some power moves to level up"
Welcome to 'Beyond the Quo' with Stacey Luces, your go-to podcast for resetting your power and navigating midlife reinvention. In this solo episode, Stacey delves into a three-part series focusing on redefining success on your own terms, living authentically, and leading courageously. Drawing from her own experiences and expert insights curated from hundreds of leaders she has coached, Stacey offers actionable strategies to help you reclaim your personal power, redefine success, and create a fulfilling life. Join her as she explores the challenges and triumphs of midlife transformation, sharing practical advice and inspiring stories to help you live beyond the quo.
🎧 In this episode:
•        00:42 Redefining Success on Your Own Terms
•        01:10 Living Authentically
•        01:28 Leading Courageously
•        04:39 The Concept of Feeling Stuck
•        18:18 Overcoming Fear and Identity Crisis
•        21:16 Practical Steps for Reinvention
•        29:44 Redefining Wealth and Success
•        32:16 The Importance of Peace and Authenticity
•        40:01 Building Your Power Circle
•        51:35 Crafting Your Own Definition of Success

💡 Key Takeaways:
•        Redefining Success Is Personal and Necessary
Success is no longer about checking traditional boxes—it’s about alignment, authenticity, and how you feel living your life. The redefinition must be anchored in who you are now, not who you were 20 years ago.
•        Micro Moves Create Massive Shifts
You don’t have to burn everything down to start again. Tiny, intentional “micro shifts” in your habits, mindset, or environment can lead to transformation over time. Think: optometrist lens flips.
•        Midlife Is Messy—and That’s the Magic
From being sandwiched between caring for kids and aging parents to managing changing bodies, shifting identities, and financial pressure—midlife is complex. But this mess can be the fertile ground where legacy, power, and clarity are born.
•        You Deserve Peace, Not Just Productivity
Performing “being okay” is not the same as being okay. One of the greatest signs of success at this stage is cultivating peace—quiet mornings, nourishing conversations, boundaries, and a life that fits your soul, not just your resume.

You’ve already done the quo—now it’s time to go beyond.

🔥 Feeling inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself!
•        Subscribe, share and follow Beyond the Quo and I’d deeply appreciate your five-star rating so more people can listen and learn!
✨ Connect with Stacey Luces:
•        Free Global Community - Rising Beyond Power Collective: https://www.skool.com/risingbeyondglobalcommunity/about
 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.