Carrie, It's Not That Serious

Reconnecting with your true self doesn’t mean giving up your ambition—in fact, it may be the secret to real, sustainable success. What if being a deeply connected, powerful woman is actually the path to thriving, not just surviving?

In this episode, Carrie Hunter sits down with Carlijn Krijger, founder of Superwoman, to unpack why so many high-achieving women end up exhausted, anxious, and disconnected despite “doing everything right.” Carlijn Krijger shares her personal journey from accomplished veterinarian student and model to burnout, and the radical shifts that allowed her to reclaim her energy, inner wisdom, and femininity. Together, they challenge the myth that stress is the price of success, dig into the real definition of stress, and explore how closing open loops from your past can free up massive energy and ease.

Key highlights include:

• Why “losing ourselves” happens so gradually (and how to spot it)
• The surprising truth about what most women are really searching for
• How investing in yourself and being willing to ask for help change everything
• Stress, femininity, and redefining success on your own terms

Episode Overview:

00:00 Meet Carlijn Krijger and her “Superwoman” mission

02:04 Childhood insights and early passions

03:12 The hidden costs of looking perfect on the outside

04:55 How women slowly lose themselves

06:50 Decoding the real search for self

09:17 Why seeking help and mentorship matters

11:49 Challenging the stress-success myth

12:12 What stress really is (and how we misconceive it)

15:19 How women are miseducated about energy and focus

17:00 Can you be successful and not stressed?

18:11 What femininity truly means

20:54 Embodying femininity, leadership, and power

22:34 Blending force and intelligence: the male-female synergy

23:32 Wrap-up and next steps

Slowing down isn’t a weakness; it’s the foundation for true, sustainable strength. What happens when the drive to stay strong and “power through” leaves you burned out and disconnected from yourself?

In this energizing episode, Carrie Hunter sits down with leadership coach and author Kristen Stockton, who shares how losing her job upended her sense of identity—and led to a radical rethinking of what strength really means. The conversation dives into practical ways women can break the cycle of constant busyness, the hidden power of rest, and how to build genuine, sustainable leadership amid life’s many tensions. Learn why progress sometimes demands pressing pause, and discover tools to reset, realign, and rise.

Key highlights:

• Kristen Stockton shares her journey behind the book When Strength Isn’t Enough and the lessons she learned from losing her job and redefining self-worth.
• Why rest makes so many ambitious women anxious—and how reframing it is essential for growth.
• The metaphor of breath and pacing: why treating your life like a marathon (not a sprint) changes everything.
• Practical frameworks for restoring balance, owning your story, and finding courageously honest community.
• A touching story of a seashell that grounds Kristen Stockton during life’s toughest moments.
• What “Women in Power” really means—lightning bolt energy and striking at the heart of what matters.

Timestamped Overview

[00:00] Welcome back & book inspiration

[02:14] Losing identity & finding purpose after job loss

[04:22] Hiding pain behind busyness

[05:33] The importance of breath & life pacing

[08:06] Rest, guilt, and reframing stillness

[11:32] Building a sustainable rhythm

[16:32] What is sustainable leadership for women?

[17:00] Tension, polarities & flourishing in hard moments

[21:50] Taking off the mask and naming tension

[22:50] Where to find Kristen’s work

[25:21] Seashell story & finding grounding in the ordinary

[29:51] Women in Power: What it means to Kristen

[31:33] Closing thoughts & community

Reconnect with your truest self and break free from burnout—being strong isn’t always enough. What happens when high-capacity women carry the weight of everything for too long?

On this episode, executive coach and author Kristen Stockton dives into the hidden costs of over-functioning and self-abandonment, especially for women in leadership. Carrie Hunter and Kristen Stockton unpack the ways performance and responsibility sneakily fuse with self-worth, explore childhood roots of these patterns, and share real-life stories about burnout, identity, and reclaiming sustainable leadership. If you’ve ever looked successful on the outside but felt overwhelmed inside, this honest, empowering conversation is a must-listen.

Timestamped Overview

[00:00] Introduction + Kristen’s background[02:08] Kristen’s childhood, independence, and creativity[03:56] Early roots of strength and challenges[07:03] When strength turns into survival mode[12:32] Why women normalize unsustainable functioning[13:06] Self-abandonment and the weight of responsibility[17:00] Over-functioning—what it really looks like[18:58] Personal stories of burnout and societal expectations[24:13] Closing + preview of part 2

Discover why neurodivergent children don't need fixing—they need understanding and support. What if, instead of focusing on deficits, we celebrated strengths and helped kids (and adults) embrace who they truly are?

In this insightful episode, Sara Hartley joins Carrie Hunter to share wisdom on reframing parenting for neurodivergent kids, reshaping generational habits around emotional regulation, and building a culture of self-advocacy. Hear about Sara Hartley's Purposefully Me book series, her personal stories about letting go of control, and how women can lift each other up—plus a surprising family connection to a holiday classic!

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Welcome back & context on neurodivergent kids01:24 Sara Hartley on strengths-based support02:48 Understanding and advocating for neurodivergent kids03:32 Overcoming shame and reframing "laziness"05:27 Changing language to help children thrive06:31 Helping parents break generational cycles07:36 Why emotional regulation is rarely taught09:37 The myth of perfect parenting & practicing self-compassion11:10 Parenting from fear vs. connection13:18 How motherhood changes self-perception14:43 Redefining success and connection16:42 Letting go of control as a parent18:43 Where to find Sara Hartley’s work and resources20:55 About the Purposefully Me series22:24 Show notes, book discount, and school adoption idea23:56 Fun fact: Sara Hartley’s family—and Jingle Bells26:04 What WIP (Women in Power) means to Sara Hartley27:41 The importance of women supporting women28:43 Closing and call to action

Discover how shifting from reaction to intentional response can transform not only parenting, but your entire approach to emotional well-being. What happens when parents—and kids—learn to navigate overwhelm, neurodiversity, and daily challenges with empathy and practical strategies instead of blame or frustration?

The conversation focused on Sara Hartley's personal and professional journey with ADHD and neurodiversity, both as a healthcare executive and as a mom raising two neurodivergent children. A key theme that emerged was the power of emotional regulation, with practical insights into Sara’s ALIGN Shift Method—a tool designed to help families pause, regulate, and respond with compassion during chaotic, real-life moments.

The discussion explored the cultural pressures around perfectionism, invisible emotional loads, and why many parents struggle to ask for help. Several points were raised, including the changing landscape of conscious parenting, the nuances of adult ADHD, and concrete ways to foster emotional safety and resilience in your home.

This episode offers both inspiration and actionable takeaways for anyone seeking to support themselves and their children with more humanity and less shame.

Timestamped Overview

[00:00:06] Introduction to Sara Hartley and her work[00:01:30] Reflecting on childhood neurodiversity and early challenges[00:03:15] Feeling different, the search for belonging, and finding connection[00:06:09] Recognizing ADHD in adulthood and parenthood[00:11:27] Parenting neurodivergent children and the impact of late diagnoses[00:13:17] Societal pressures, emotional overload, and invisible parental burdens[00:18:13] The creation and purpose of the Align Shift Method[00:19:56] Step-by-step walkthrough of emotional regulation using ALIGN[00:26:27] Closing and invitation to continue in Part 2

Harnessing the power of your mind can redefine your future—just ask Cherilynn Castleman, who turned a life-altering setback into an unwavering vision for empowerment.

In this inspiring episode, Carrie Hunter explores how Cherilynn Castleman reframed her own adversity, developed practical habits for resilience, and now uses those lessons to empower others, especially women, to become "too good to be ignored." The discussion dives into strategies for effective self-talk, actionable daily visualization exercises, embracing AI without losing humanity, and concrete steps for building confidence and presence in any field. Whether you're seeking motivation, actionable career guidance, or real talk about overcoming fear, this episode delivers insight and tools you can use right now.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Personal storytelling and the power of listening02:11 Life-changing adversity and the “perfect day” exercise06:24 Redefining strength, courage, and self-talk12:01 Blending AI fluency with human connection17:08 Simple ways to start using AI21:16 Becoming too good to be ignored: the 3 Cs26:00 Cherilynn Castleman’s mission to empower 1 million women by 203029:54 Living life as a daring adventure32:04 What it means to be an empowered woman33:33 Closing remarks and how to connect further

When you believe you’re “too good to be ignored,” the world starts to open its doors—and Cherilynn Castleman is here to show you how.

In this dynamic episode, Carrie Hunter sits down with executive sales coach, author, and global speaker Cherilynn Castleman, who is on a mission to empower 1 million women to rise, lead, and thrive by 2030. Discover why your childhood self may hold the keys to your confidence, and how mastering the art of connection—not convincing—transforms your impact both in business and life. Key highlights include insights on building unshakeable presence, practical strategies for using AI and LinkedIn to grow your network, and why sales is everyone’s gateway skill. If you want the secrets to being bold, authentic, and impossible to overlook, you’ll want to hear every minute.

Timestamped Overview

[00:00] Meet Cherilynn Castleman & her mission for women[00:55] Childhood influences & confidence[03:33] The “good enough isn’t” mindset[06:11] Overcoming fears and being too good to ignore[07:12] Lessons from an international sales journey[09:57] Resilience—handling rejection and cold calling[12:28] Modern networking strategies with LinkedIn & AI[15:31] Connection: giving value and building relationships[18:05] Sales as a gateway skill for everyone[20:06] Connecting, not convincing—transforming your approach[22:13] Reframing sales questions & triggering connection[25:33] The power of great listening[25:42] Closing, next episode preview, and community info

A simple reminder can spark hope, confidence, and change—what if the jewelry you wear could do the same?

In this inspiring episode, Carrie Hunter sits down with Katia Rudnick, the creative force behind Katia Designs, whose jewelry and apparel are designed to deliver powerful, personal messages with every piece. Katia Rudnick shares the transformative stories behind her brand, from the life-changing customer letters she calls "love notes," to how the mantra "All Is Well" became both her personal anchor and her customers' lifeline. Learn how intentional reminders, thoughtful design, and a sense of humor have made Katia Designs a movement—not just a brand.

Key moments include: the importance of reminders, customer stories that brought tears, deciding what messages women most need, the art and power of meaningful gifting, building a brand with purpose beyond competition, and why confidence is central to being a woman in power.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Welcome and finding personal reminders

00:26 Katia Rudnick on mantras that ground her

01:18 Customer love letters and unforgettable stories

02:41 How jewelry becomes a lifeline during tough times

04:30 Crafting messages for each collection

06:00 The magic and meaning behind gifting

07:14 Why Katia Designs stands out—it's more than jewelry

08:23 The power of reminders and emotional connection

10:38 Staying true to mission while growing the business

12:18 The heart behind repeat customers

14:44 Katia Designs new collections and where to find them

16:18 Expanding into apparel: shirts, scarves, and more

19:43 What legacy does Katia hope to leave?

20:50 If every woman could wear one reminder, what would it be?

22:48 What “woman in power” means to Katia Rudnick

24:45 Closing remarks and where to connect

Sometimes the reminders we need are the ones we can wear every day. What if your jewelry could inspire you to new heights, not just accessorize your life?

In this uplifting episode, Carrie Hunter welcomes Katia Rudnick, founder and CEO of Katia Designs, to explore how one small spark of curiosity turned into a global brand known for beautifully intentional jewelry. They dive into Katia Rudnick's journey from a creative childhood in Soviet Russia, to building her company from a Boca Raton garage, all the way to empowering women with wearable messages of encouragement. Discover how following your bliss, listening to your gut, and choosing the right message for the moment can change your outlook—and maybe your entire path.

Episode Timestamped Overview

00:00 – Introduction and personal connection to Katia Designs

01:35 – Welcoming Katia Rudnick & her background

02:25 – Katia Rudnick's childhood and creative roots

03:50 – Carrying childhood resilience into adulthood

05:57 – The garage beginnings of Katia Designs

07:21 – Pursuing creative sparks and the birth of the business

11:05 – Finding passion and overcoming fear

13:17 – Creating emotional reminders, not just jewelry

14:13 – Mindfulness, meditation, and the power of messages

16:08 – Why choosing the right reminder matters

18:41 – Customer rituals and the impact of the brand

19:38 – Wrap-up and preview of Part 2

True authority comes from owning your story, not just your résumé — but why do so many accomplished women find it hard to be seen for who they truly are?

Carrie Hunter and personal branding mentor Barbara Pike Gonzales unpack the difference between self-promotion and genuine authority, how early conditioning and corporate life shape women’s comfort with visibility, and why authenticity (not perfection) is the real lever for influence. They also explore wellness as a visibility strategy, identity shifts after leaving corporate, and how to build reputation outside traditional roles — plus a fun detour into Formula 1 leadership lessons.

Timestamped Overview00:00 - Why experienced women struggle with visibility04:08 - Worth, visibility, and why women undervalue recognition08:49 - Becoming “known” for who you already are10:29 - Self-promotion vs. genuine authority16:27 - Visibility, wellness, and personal power19:30 - Identity shifts & hurdles when moving from corporate23:20 - Barbara Pike Gonzales’s offerings and how to connect27:07 - Formula 1, team dynamics, and leadership lessons