Connect Inspire Create

Cheryl Einhorn is the founder of Decisive, a decision sciences company that trains people and teams in complex problem solving and decision-making skills using the AREA Method. AREA is an evidence-based decision-making system that uniquely controls for and counters cognitive bias to expand knowledge while improving judgment. Cheryl developed AREA during her two decades as an award-winning investigative journalist writing for publications ranging from The New York Times to Foreign Policy Magazine, Barron’s and Harvard Business Review.

Ever wonder why some people make decisions easily while you agonize?

Cheryl Einhorn introduces her AREA method that helps counter cognitive biases while expanding knowledge and improving judgment.

• AREA stands for Absolute information, Relative information, Exploration, and Analysis
• Decision-making isn't a solo activity but built on a collaborative backbone
• Cognitive biases like confirmation bias and liking bias narrow our focus and limit effectiveness
• There are five problem-solver profiles: Adventurer, Detective, Listener, Thinker, and Visionary
• Each profile has different strengths and potential blind spots in decision-making
• Understanding different profiles acts as a "trust accelerator" in relationships
• Seeking input from profiles different from your own can help overcome analysis paralysis

Take the free problem-solver profile quiz at app.areamethod.com and learn more about Cheryl's work at areamethod.com. Look for her upcoming book "The Human Edge: Better Decisions in the Age of AI" in spring 2026.

Where to find Cheryl:

Website: https://www.areamethod.com/

Other links: https://app.areamethod.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylstrausseinhorn/

She is the author of three books: Problem Solved, A Powerful System for Making Complex Decisions with Confidence and Conviction, about personal and professional decision-making, and Investing In Financial Research, A Decision-Making System for Better Results about financial and investment decisions. Her new book about Problem Solver Profiles and the psychology of decision-making, Problem Solver, Maximizing Your Strengths To Make Better Decisions, was published in the Spring of 2023.

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Support the show

I’m Carol Clegg, a life coach offering gentle accountability coaching and I am a curious conversationalist.

If you enjoy reflection, fresh perspectives, and honest dialogue, this space is for you.

If you’d like to experience this work in community, I host a complimentary monthly Accountability Circle  a supportive space to pause, gain clarity, and choose a gentle next step forward. More info at https://carolclegg.com/accountabilitycircle

For those ready for deeper, more consistent support, I also offer a 60-day Accountability Package, designed to help you move from scattered ideas to steady, sustainable momentum.

You can learn more at carolclegg.com

Let’s connect on LinkedIn and Instagram, or join my LinkedIn Group Flourish: A Community for Women Business Owners

Dorien Morin-van Dam is a seasoned social media strategist with nearly 15 years of experience helping brands grow through smart, sustainable strategies. A Certified Social Media Manager and Agile Marketer, she also consults on AI strategy for small businesses, showing teams how to use AI in marketing responsibly and effectively. Dorien turns organic content and emerging tech into measurable results, speaks internationally, and hosts the Strategy Talks video podcast. 

Dorien shares her expertise on creating effective short-form videos that captivate audiences across different social media platforms, revealing the transformation from content creator to storyteller. 

She offers valuable insights on platform-specific strategies and the power of immersive retreats for developing video skills in a supportive environment.

• The key transformation happens when you move from "having to create content" to recognizing storytelling opportunities around you

• You don't have to publish everything you create – practice builds confidence and technical skills without pressure

• Focus your primary content creation efforts on the platform giving you the highest ROI, then repurpose strategically

• LinkedIn videos work best at around two minutes and focused on a single tip or idea

• Creating in community accelerates learning through shared "aha moments" and collaborative problem-solving

• AI tools like ChatGPT can serve as strategic thinking partners for solopreneurs developing content plans

Connect with Dorien on LinkedIn, explore upcoming retreats or visit her website at moreinmedia.com to learn more about her social media strategy and AI teaching services.

Where to find Dorien

Website: https://www.moreinmedia.com/

Podcast: https://www.moreinmedia.com/strategytalks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moreinmedia/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/moreinmedia/

Retreats: https://www.socialcontentretreats.com/

Let me know what you’d like to hear more about on the show

Support the show

I’m Carol Clegg, a life coach offering gentle accountability coaching and I am a curious conversationalist.

If you enjoy reflection, fresh perspectives, and honest dialogue, this space is for you.

If you’d like to experience this work in community, I host a complimentary monthly Accountability Circle  a supportive space to pause, gain clarity, and choose a gentle next step forward. More info at https://carolclegg.com/accountabilitycircle

For those ready for deeper, more consistent support, I also offer a 60-day Accountability Package, designed to help you move from scattered ideas to steady, sustainable momentum.

You can learn more at carolclegg.com

Let’s connect on LinkedIn and Instagram, or join my LinkedIn Group Flourish: A Community for Women Business Owners

Dawn Krusch, organizational psychologist and leadership development specialist, reveals how mindfulness practices bridge the gap from separateness to togetherness by first understanding ourselves and our own needs. Through her personal experience of receiving a "download" during deep meditation that led to launching Psych Around the Globe, Dawn demonstrates how inner work creates the foundation for meaningful connection with others.

• Between 30,000-50,000 thoughts pass through our minds daily, each transmuted through our emotional center
• Connection begins with understanding yourself, your values, and learning to trust your inner guidance
• Active listening requires being truly present rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak
• Effective communication means recognizing others process your words through their unique experiences
• Self-doubt appears universally across cultures, often from thinking others are more focused on us than they are
• Vulnerability about our mistakes and biases creates pathways for others to connect authentically
• Empathy is a skill that can be continuously developed through practice and curiosity
• Psychological resilience builds in layers through daily practices and self-compassion
• All we truly have is this moment – be proud of yourself for navigating life's challenges

Connect with Dawn at psycharoundtheglobe.org or on LinkedIn

I invite you to share what you're taking away from today's conversation on my LinkedIn page for the podcast called Connect, Inspire, Create. If you're looking for tools to build powerful habits around a lifelong positive mindset, reach out to explore how I can support you as a mindset and accountability coach. Connect with me on LinkedIn at Carol Clegg or visit carolclegg.com.

Let me know what you’d like to hear more about on the show

Support the show

I’m Carol Clegg, a life coach offering gentle accountability coaching and I am a curious conversationalist.

If you enjoy reflection, fresh perspectives, and honest dialogue, this space is for you.

If you’d like to experience this work in community, I host a complimentary monthly Accountability Circle  a supportive space to pause, gain clarity, and choose a gentle next step forward. More info at https://carolclegg.com/accountabilitycircle

For those ready for deeper, more consistent support, I also offer a 60-day Accountability Package, designed to help you move from scattered ideas to steady, sustainable momentum.

You can learn more at carolclegg.com

Let’s connect on LinkedIn and Instagram, or join my LinkedIn Group Flourish: A Community for Women Business Owners

What if the patterns you keep experiencing aren't just coincidences, but signs of a deeper loop you're stuck in? Leadership strategist James Robbins had this revelation when he discovered he was living what he calls a "copy-paste life" – experiencing the same challenges, emotions, and even physical ailments on the same dates year after year.

Our conversation explores how we get trapped in these loops and, more importantly, how to break free from them. 

At the heart of this discussion is courage – the courage to speak your truth and the courage to be authentically yourself, even when it means facing anxiety or potential rejection. This brings us to what Robbins calls an "appointment with your soul"—a concept inspired by Jungian psychoanalyst Dr. James Hollis. Our soul summons us to conversation, but most people avoid this appointment because it's easier to stay distracted with the busyness of life. 

Take time today to ask yourself: What conversation is your soul trying to have with you that you've been avoiding?

Discover The Call to Climb — a modern fable blending inspiration, inner work, and timeless Andean wisdom to help you uncover your true calling and live with purpose. Learn more at https://iwillclimb.com."

Where to find James Robbins

Website: https://www.jamesrobbins.com | Instagram: @James.r.robbins | YouTube: youtube.com/@james.r.robbins

Episode Highlights with James Robbins

• Discover how recurring patterns in life may signal a deeper “copy-paste loop” keeping you stuck.
• Learn why plateaus in business or personal life often reflect inner set points, not just strategy gaps.
• Explore the courage it takes to speak your truth and live authentically, even when anxiety arises.
• Hear James explain the concept of an “appointment with your soul”—and why most of us avoid it.
• Understand why anxiety isn’t a red flag but, as James Hollis says, “the price of the ticket to life.”
• Gain a practical first step: create quiet space in nature (or in daily stillness) to ask yourself what you truly want—without judgment.

Let me know what you’d like to hear more about on the show

Support the show

I’m Carol Clegg, a life coach offering gentle accountability coaching and I am a curious conversationalist.

If you enjoy reflection, fresh perspectives, and honest dialogue, this space is for you.

If you’d like to experience this work in community, I host a complimentary monthly Accountability Circle  a supportive space to pause, gain clarity, and choose a gentle next step forward. More info at https://carolclegg.com/accountabilitycircle

For those ready for deeper, more consistent support, I also offer a 60-day Accountability Package, designed to help you move from scattered ideas to steady, sustainable momentum.

You can learn more at carolclegg.com

Let’s connect on LinkedIn and Instagram, or join my LinkedIn Group Flourish: A Community for Women Business Owners

Ever wondered what happens when women truly see themselves through fresh eyes? Liz Hansen, owner of Chicago Boudoir Photography, reveals the transformative magic that occurs in her studio every day.

"Is that me?" It's the question Liz hears most often when women first see their unedited photos during a boudoir session. That moment of recognition, seeing yourself as beautiful, powerful, and sensual exactly as you are has changed the lives of over 2,000 women who've stepped in front of Liz's camera since 2018.

What began as Liz's own personal transformation through a boudoir session has evolved into a mission-driven business that goes far beyond photography. With an all-female staff and a commitment to creating a safe, affirming environment, she's built not just a successful studio but a thriving community of over 10,000 women who support each other in embracing confidence.

Liz shares powerful insights about entrepreneurship that apply to any purpose-driven business: "Ready is not a state of being—it's a decision." Whether stepping in front of a camera or launching a new venture, waiting until you feel completely prepared might mean never taking that first step. Her approach of serving just one client per day ensures a "queen for the day" experience while maintaining a sustainable business model.

For women hesitant about trying boudoir photography, Liz's message is simple: you don't need to change anything about yourself to be worthy of celebration through beautiful imagery. And for entrepreneurs struggling with the challenges of building something meaningful, she offers hard-earned wisdom: "Starting a business is the work of a lifetime. It's like having a newborn baby and trying to get it to grow up and be self-sufficient."

Connect with Liz at chicagoboudoir.com to explore free resources on empowerment or to learn more about creating your own transformative boudoir experience.

Let me know what you’d like to hear more about on the show

Support the show

I’m Carol Clegg, a life coach offering gentle accountability coaching and I am a curious conversationalist.

If you enjoy reflection, fresh perspectives, and honest dialogue, this space is for you.

If you’d like to experience this work in community, I host a complimentary monthly Accountability Circle  a supportive space to pause, gain clarity, and choose a gentle next step forward. More info at https://carolclegg.com/accountabilitycircle

For those ready for deeper, more consistent support, I also offer a 60-day Accountability Package, designed to help you move from scattered ideas to steady, sustainable momentum.

You can learn more at carolclegg.com

Let’s connect on LinkedIn and Instagram, or join my LinkedIn Group Flourish: A Community for Women Business Owners

Ever feel like something invisible is holding you back in business, despite your best efforts? You're not alone. In this enlightening conversation with spiritual coach and master healer Cheryl Stelte, we uncover how subconscious blocks silently limit our growth and potential.

Cheryl reveals that true transformation happens not at the surface level of mindset work, but by accessing the physical sensations and emotions stored in our subconscious. "Subconscious blocks are encoded in the right side of the brain through physical sensations and emotions, not through linear memories," she explains. 

This understanding unlocks why traditional approaches often fall short for ambitious women entrepreneurs.

Cheryl Stelte, spiritual coach and master healer, shares how clearing subconscious blocks can transform both life and business by raising our "safety ceiling" and allowing us to step into our authentic power.

• Subconscious blocks are stored as physical sensations and emotions in the right brain, not through linear memories

• Many midlife women were conditioned not to process emotions properly, creating blocks that limit business growth

• Our "safety ceiling" determines how far we feel safe expanding our business and stepping into our power

• Full abdominal breathing changes brain function and creates a doorway to access the subconscious

• Client success story of a woman who finally launched her business after being stuck for 10 years

• When we heal ourselves, all our relationships naturally transform and improve

• Simple daily practice: breathe deeply into your lower abdomen for 6-8 seconds in and out, asking your body what's in your way

Where to connect with Cheryl:

https://cherylstelte.kartra.com/page/powerful-mediations

Website: https://starofdivinelight.com/

LinkedIn  

Instagram 

Let me know what you’d like to hear more about on the show

Support the show

I’m Carol Clegg, a life coach offering gentle accountability coaching and I am a curious conversationalist.

If you enjoy reflection, fresh perspectives, and honest dialogue, this space is for you.

If you’d like to experience this work in community, I host a complimentary monthly Accountability Circle  a supportive space to pause, gain clarity, and choose a gentle next step forward. More info at https://carolclegg.com/accountabilitycircle

For those ready for deeper, more consistent support, I also offer a 60-day Accountability Package, designed to help you move from scattered ideas to steady, sustainable momentum.

You can learn more at carolclegg.com

Let’s connect on LinkedIn and Instagram, or join my LinkedIn Group Flourish: A Community for Women Business Owners

Have you ever noticed how certain words lose their meaning when we hear them too often? Kristan Swan calls these "wallpaper words" – terms like success, gratitude, and grace that become background noise rather than powerful concepts that guide our lives. 

In our conversation, Kristan reveals how reclaiming these definitions for ourselves is the first step toward authentic living and sustainable business practices.

Kristan Swan shares her journey from landscape design to business coaching, revealing how childhood transitions shaped her ability to navigate different environments and recognize the "rules of engagement" in new situations.

• Reflecting on "wallpaper words" like success and grace that have lost meaning through overuse

• Exploring the importance of defining success for yourself rather than adopting cultural definitions tied to financial achievement

• Discovering your "spiritual autobiography" through reflective writing prompts that examine life turning points

• Using journaling as a tool for discernment without judgment to recognize patterns in decision-making

• Learning to say "may I get back to you on that" to create space between requests and responses

• Building self-knowledge leads to self-trust, which creates confidence and joy

• Understanding your decision-making style helps you operate with integrity and "do less harm

Where to find Kristan

Website: https://kristanswan.com/

Substack - https://substack.com/@kristanswan

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristanbrowne/

Let me know what you’d like to hear more about on the show

Support the show

I’m Carol Clegg, a life coach offering gentle accountability coaching and I am a curious conversationalist.

If you enjoy reflection, fresh perspectives, and honest dialogue, this space is for you.

If you’d like to experience this work in community, I host a complimentary monthly Accountability Circle  a supportive space to pause, gain clarity, and choose a gentle next step forward. More info at https://carolclegg.com/accountabilitycircle

For those ready for deeper, more consistent support, I also offer a 60-day Accountability Package, designed to help you move from scattered ideas to steady, sustainable momentum.

You can learn more at carolclegg.com

Let’s connect on LinkedIn and Instagram, or join my LinkedIn Group Flourish: A Community for Women Business Owners

Sara Nay, CEO of Duct Tape Marketing, reveals how small businesses can break free from marketing overwhelm by creating focused strategies aligned with their business goals. Having consulted thousands of business owners since 2010, Sarah shares her journey from intern to CEO and how the company is evolving its approach in the age of AI.

• Small businesses often burn out trying to "do all things on all channels at all times" without proper tracking
• Marketing works when you have a clear strategy based on business goals and focus on manageable priorities
• The marketing strategy pyramid starts with auditing current efforts before planning new initiatives
• Work in quarterly sprints and allow time for marketing initiatives to show results
• Create "mountaintop metrics" to get a bird's eye view of performance before diving into details
• Use AI to handle repetitive tasks while preserving the human touch in strategic thinking
• SEO is rapidly changing due to AI - focus on answering questions people ask rather than just keywords
• Focus your marketing efforts on areas that light you up and bring you joy

If you're feeling overwhelmed with marketing, you're not alone. Start by identifying your four to six biggest growth priorities and work on those over the next quarter to stay focused and reduce overwhelm.

Preorder your copy of 

Connect and find out more about Duct Tape Marketing here

Connect with Sara Nay on LinkedIn

YouTube

Let me know what you’d like to hear more about on the show

Support the show

I’m Carol Clegg, a life coach offering gentle accountability coaching and I am a curious conversationalist.

If you enjoy reflection, fresh perspectives, and honest dialogue, this space is for you.

If you’d like to experience this work in community, I host a complimentary monthly Accountability Circle  a supportive space to pause, gain clarity, and choose a gentle next step forward. More info at https://carolclegg.com/accountabilitycircle

For those ready for deeper, more consistent support, I also offer a 60-day Accountability Package, designed to help you move from scattered ideas to steady, sustainable momentum.

You can learn more at carolclegg.com

Let’s connect on LinkedIn and Instagram, or join my LinkedIn Group Flourish: A Community for Women Business Owners

Brittany Smith shares her entrepreneurial journey co-founding Jump Ahead Pediatrics with her business partner Janki Patel, from a pivotal meeting with school administrators to celebrating 100 employees and expanding their healthcare staffing business.

• Started as occupational therapists providing clinic services before pivoting to school staffing
• Built their business partnership on trust and complementary working styles
• Balanced business growth while raising three children
• Found self-care in small moments like early morning routines
• Recently hit milestone of 100 employees and expanding into adult healthcare facilities
• Learning to pause and celebrate achievements rather than always focusing on next goals
• Taking small steps every day toward business goals creates meaningful growth over time

Connect with Jump Ahead Pediatrics on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn as they continue to expand their staffing services for schools and healthcare facilities.

Let me know what you’d like to hear more about on the show

Support the show

I’m Carol Clegg, a life coach offering gentle accountability coaching and I am a curious conversationalist.

If you enjoy reflection, fresh perspectives, and honest dialogue, this space is for you.

If you’d like to experience this work in community, I host a complimentary monthly Accountability Circle  a supportive space to pause, gain clarity, and choose a gentle next step forward. More info at https://carolclegg.com/accountabilitycircle

For those ready for deeper, more consistent support, I also offer a 60-day Accountability Package, designed to help you move from scattered ideas to steady, sustainable momentum.

You can learn more at carolclegg.com

Let’s connect on LinkedIn and Instagram, or join my LinkedIn Group Flourish: A Community for Women Business Owners

In today's digital landscape, podcasting has emerged as a powerful medium for coaches and entrepreneurs looking to build real, authentic connections. It's not just about sharing expertise—it's about creating meaningful relationships with your audience and potential clients in a way that words on a screen often can’t.

In this episode, I'm joined by Demetria Zinga, founder of Soul Podcasting Collective—a boutique agency helping purpose-driven women entrepreneurs launch and grow podcasts with strategy and soul. Demetria shares how podcasting offers a unique opportunity to find and express your authentic voice, blending heart-led storytelling with business-building impact.

Before diving into tech and tools, Demetria emphasizes the importance of the planning phase—getting clear on your message, audience, and purpose. This foundational work sets the stage for a show that not only resonates with listeners but also aligns with your mission.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why podcasting is an authentic and impactful tool for entrepreneurs
• How to clarify your message and align your podcast with your purpose
• Tips for navigating the early planning stages of podcasting
• What to do when you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or burned out
• The soul behind strategy—and why both matter

Listen to our conversation and get inspired to take your next steps in podcasting.

 Connect with Demetria Zinga:

• Visit her website: soulpodcasting.com
• Tune into Soul Podcasting: Listen to the show
• Explore her tools & resources: Podcasting Resources

Let me know what you’d like to hear more about on the show

Support the show

I’m Carol Clegg, a life coach offering gentle accountability coaching and I am a curious conversationalist.

If you enjoy reflection, fresh perspectives, and honest dialogue, this space is for you.

If you’d like to experience this work in community, I host a complimentary monthly Accountability Circle  a supportive space to pause, gain clarity, and choose a gentle next step forward. More info at https://carolclegg.com/accountabilitycircle

For those ready for deeper, more consistent support, I also offer a 60-day Accountability Package, designed to help you move from scattered ideas to steady, sustainable momentum.

You can learn more at carolclegg.com

Let’s connect on LinkedIn and Instagram, or join my LinkedIn Group Flourish: A Community for Women Business Owners