Change Is Hard

Change Is Hard

By Audrey BlairBusinessCareers
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Change Is Hard episodes

  • [EP 21] Good Stress vs Bad Stress

    Stress is often seen as the enemy, something to be avoided at all costs. But what if stress could actually work for you instead of against you? In this episode, I break down the difference between good stress (eustress) and bad stress (distress) and share how you can harness stress to fuel your growth instead of draining your energy.


    In this episode, we cover:
    ✅ What is good stress (eustress), and how does it help you?
    ✅ How bad stress (distress) can drain your energy and lead to burnout
    ✅ The impact of stress on leadership, decision-making, and team dynamics
    ✅ Strategies to reframe stress, set boundaries, and create recovery zones
    ✅ How to make stress a tool for growth rather than a roadblock


    Key Takeaways:
    👉 Not all stress is bad—some stress pushes you to perform and grow.
    👉 Your perception of stress determines its impact—reframing stress as a challenge can help.
    👉 Leaders need to model healthy stress management to avoid passing stress onto their teams.
    👉 High achievers thrive under pressure—but it’s crucial to balance performance with recovery time.


    🎧 Listen now and learn how to make stress work for you, not against you!

    📢 Enjoyed this episode? Follow, subscribe, and share with a colleague who needs this!

    💬 Join the Conversation:
    What’s one area of stress in your life that you can reframe as a challenge instead of a burden? DM me on LinkedIn or tag me in a post—I’d love to hear your thoughts!


    Ready to elevate your leadership? Book a call with me: https://bit.ly/4jHcSrT


    Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreytblair/

    21 min
  • [EP 20] Why Pivoting Feels Risky—And Strategies to Overcome It

    Breaking Through Mindset Barriers to Pivot with Confidence

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • Why pivoting feels risky and uncertain (and how to overcome the fear)
    • The three biggest mindset blocks that keep leaders from making a move:
    • How to reframe your fears and start seeing opportunities instead of roadblocks
    • Practical strategies to take action, even when the next step isn’t clear
    • How to shift from identifying with your job title to seeing the value in your skill set
    • Why small, low-risk actions can build momentum toward a bigger pivot
    • The power of support and coaching in making a successful transition


    Key Takeaways:

    • Your career isn’t a ladder—it’s a jungle gym. Moving sideways (or even backward) can ultimately push you forward in the long run.
    • The biggest risk isn’t failure; it’s staying stuck in a place that no longer serves you.
    • You don’t have to quit your job tomorrow—start with small steps like networking, exploring new skills, or taking on side projects.
    • Pivoting isn’t about knowing every step in advance. It’s about trusting yourself to figure things out along the way.


    Resources & Next Steps:

    • Download my free resource on pivoting with confidence
    • Want to work with me 1:1 to navigate your pivot? Book a call: bit.ly/3PcWjGk
    • Subscribe to Change is Hard for more insights on leadership, career shifts, and personal growth.

    27 min
  • [EP 19] The Power of the Pivot: Making Bold Moves with Confidence

    Feeling stuck, uninspired, unclear on your future, or just “blah” about work? You’re not alone. Pivoting isn’t just about change—it’s about adapting, thriving, and making intentional moves toward a future that excites you. In this episode, I break down what pivoting really means, the signs that it’s time for a shift, and how to navigate your next move with confidence.

    I’ll share real-life client stories and my own personal journey of career pivots, from retail to IT, consulting, and ultimately, coaching.

    Whether you’re thinking about what’s next, feeling like you’ve outgrown your current role, or unsure about your future, this episode will help you reframe your thinking and take the first step toward your next big move.

    What You’ll Learn:
    ✅ Why pivoting is necessary for leadership growth
    ✅ Signs that it’s time to make a career shift
    ✅ How to pivot without making impulsive decisions
    ✅ The power of small, strategic moves in shaping your future
    ✅ Real client success stories of meaningful pivots

    Resources & Next Steps:
    🔹 Ready for your own pivot? Let’s talk. Book a call with me

    bit.ly/4jHcSrT
    🔹 Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreytblair/
    🔹 Subscribe for more leadership and career growth insights

    27 min
  • [EP 18] Getting Your Dreams Out Of Storage with Kristen B. Hubler

    In this episode of Change Is Hard, I sit down with Kristen B. Hubler, change management expert and author of The Impossible Box. We discuss how to move past fear, redefine failure, and create a real roadmap to achieving those long-held dreams. Kristen shares her personal story of loss and transformation, the importance of seeing yourself as the person you want to become, and how to pivot when life throws curveballs. If you've been waiting for "the right time" to chase a goal, this episode will give you the push you need.


    What You’ll Learn:
    ✅ Why "one day" isn’t a plan—and how to start now
    ✅ How to map out your goals in a way that actually works
    ✅ The secret to staying motivated when things get hard
    ✅ Why identity matters more than willpower
    ✅ How to pivot when life changes your plans


    Links & Resources for Kristen:
    📖 Get Kristen’s book, The Impossible Box: https://a.co/d/goYPDSy 
    🌎 Visit Kristen’s website: www.kristinbhuebler.com
    📲 Follow Kristen on Instagram: @workshopsbykristen

    🖲️Follow Kristen LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbhubler/

    Follow Me On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreytblair/

    Sign up for free resources and updates: bit.ly/auditanddeclutter

    🎧 Listen & Subscribe: [Insert podcast platform links]

    💡 Loved this episode? Don't forget to Follow!

    Leave a review and share it with someone who needs a little motivation!

    1 hr 4 min
  • [EP 17] The 4 Ps of Leadership Influence

    In this episode of Change Is Hard, I’m diving into my Leadership Development Framework: The 4 Ps of Leadership Influence. These four pillars—Performance, Productivity, Promotability, and Pivot—are at the heart of what I teach my clients as they navigate their leadership journeys.

    Whether you’re aiming to elevate your career, step into a bigger role, or handle unexpected challenges with confidence, mastering these 4 Ps can make all the difference.

    Here’s a quick look at what I’ll cover:

    • Performance: How delivering results consistently builds trust and credibility.
    • Productivity: Why working smarter, not harder, is the key to avoiding burnout.
    • Promotability: What it takes to show you’re ready for the next big opportunity.
    • Pivot: The secret to staying resilient and relevant in a fast-paced world.

    • I share real-life examples from leaders I’ve coached, so you’ll walk away with actionable insights you can apply right now.

      Which of the 4 Ps resonates most with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s connect on LinkedIn or continue the conversation by leaving a comment.


      Resources & Links

      • Connect with me on LinkedIn: Audrey Blair
      • Learn more about my coaching programs: Schedule a Call

      • Thanks for listening, and as always, remember—Change might be hard, but we can do hard things!

        20 min
      • [EP 16] From Start to Strong: How to Reignite Your Fitness Journey

        In this episode of Change Is Hard, I sit down with endurance coach, triathlete, and marathon swimmer Amy Height to talk about rediscovering fitness, building resilience, and why showing up for yourself matters more than anything.

        Amy shares her personal story of transformation—from feeling stuck in her body to finding joy in movement—and how she now helps others make fitness and wellness part of their lives. Our conversation dives into the parallels between running and life, especially when it comes to tackling challenges, overcoming discomfort, and finding the motivation to keep going.

        Here’s what you’ll take away:

        • Why starting small leads to lasting change.
        • How fitness builds mental resilience (and why that’s a game-changer for leaders).
        • The importance of accountability and letting yourself be seen in your efforts.
        • Simple ways to fit movement into a busy life—even if you’re just starting out.

        • Whether you’re looking to get back to something you used to love or build new habits, this episode is a reminder that change—though hard—is always worth it.

          I hope you find it as inspiring as I did. Listen now and let me know your thoughts!



          Amy Height is a UESCA certified endurance running coach, NASM certified personal trainer and Institute for Integrative Nutrition certified holistic health coach. With 15+ years in the fitness and wellness sphere, she offers a whole-person approach to coaching. Amy competes in the Ironman triathlon 70.3 distance, road races of various distances and open water marathon swimming. Outside of the fitness world, Amy is a theatrical stage manager, copywriter, creative consultant and voice actor. She lives in Denver, Colorado and works with clients around the world. Learn more at amyheight.com. 


          1 hr 1 min
        • [EP 15] Navigating the Trust Continuum for Effective Leadership

          Hey there! I'm excited to bring you the latest episode of the "Change Is Hard" podcast. Today, I'm diving into the topic of trust and its critical role in leadership and team success. We'll explore the varying approaches to trust, from giving it freely to requiring it to be earned, and how each approach impacts team dynamics. Join me as we uncover the nuances of building trust, effective communication, consistency, and self-trust. Get ready for invaluable insights on navigating the trust continuum and leading with confidence. Let's dive in!

          29 min
        • [EP 14] Pole Pole: Sarah's Journey to the Summit of Kilimanjaro

          Welcome to Change Is Hard, where we delve into the challenges and triumphs of personal growth and transformation. In today's episode, we have an inspiring conversation with Sarah Shumway, who shares her incredible journey of ascending and descending Mount Kilimanjaro.

          From braving illness and discomfort to reaching the awe-inspiring summit, Sarah shares her struggles and triumphs and reflects on the invaluable support and camaraderie she experienced. Join us as we explore the physical and mental endurance required for such a feat and the powerful lessons Sarah has brought back to her daily life. Get ready to be inspired by the resilience, gratitude, and newfound perspectives that Sarah has gained from her unforgettable adventure.

          1 hr 5 min
        • [EP 13] Getting Out of a Funk: My Journey to Finding Momentum and Mindset Alignment

          Feeling stuck? It happens to the best of us. In my latest podcast episode, I open up about finding myself in a bit of a funk and share some insights on how to break free. Listen to the full episode for a deeper dive into navigating a funk and finding your way back to productivity.

          Key takeaways from the episode:

          1. Don't underestimate the power of taking small, consistent actions. Celebrate each small victory and build momentum towards your larger goals.

          2. Schedule your tasks on your calendar to stay focused and honor the time you set out for yourself. Protect this time as you would protect a meeting with someone else.

          3. Reach out for help and talk through what's on your mind. Whether it's a friend, colleague, or coach, sharing your struggles out loud can provide valuable clarity and perspective.

          Feeling the mid-year overwhelm? You're not alone. Let's chat and break through this together. #ChangeIsHardPodcast #PersonalGrowth #OvercomingStruggles #ProductivityTips

          18 min
        • [EP 12] Finding Joy Through Sorrow: Interview with Jenni Hopkins

          Such an incredibly transformative conversation! Jenni shares her personal story through a deep, debilitating depression to finding her purpose and the value she can give to the world. There are so many great nuggets here that I hope you enjoy.

          • The power of small steps
            • Authenticity and vulnerability as strengths
              • Trusting instincts and acting with integrity
              • Get your inspiring gear here ... https://jenniearle.com


                Book a consult call here ... https://calendly.com/audreyblair/consult

                54 min

              About Change Is Hard

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