I’m taking a short break from publishing new episodes of Conversations That Grow, but it’s not goodbye.

This podcast has become a personal passion project, and I’m using this time to reset, record new conversations, and shape the next chapter with fresh intention.

If you’ve been listening, thank you. Truly!

And if you’d like to be a guest or know someone with a story to share about leadership, growth, or influence through conversation, I’d love to hear from you.

New episodes will be back soon.

🎧 Explore past conversations: www.conversationsthatgrowpodcast.com

📬 Connect or pitch a guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

What if the critical voice telling you "you're not good enough" isn't actually yours? In this raw and transformative conversation, emotional mastery coach Lenora Edwards reveals how she discovered that her decades-long eating disorder and crippling self-doubt were driven by inherited voices from her past - not her authentic self. She shares her breakthrough moment in a dentist's chair that led to developing the SHIFT Protocol, a practical method for identifying whose voice is really speaking in your head and trading limiting thoughts for empowering ones. If you've ever struggled with imposter syndrome, emotional overwhelm, or feeling stuck despite your success, this episode offers a powerful roadmap for reclaiming control of your inner dialogue and, ultimately, your life.

• Why the limiting beliefs holding you back aren't actually "yours" and where they really come from
• The 5-step SHIFT Protocol for transforming negative thoughts in real-time
• How to distinguish between inherited shame voices and your authentic inner wisdom
• Why trading thoughts works better than trying to transform them completely
• The difference between confidence and certainty in leadership situations
• Practical strategies for setting boundaries without people-pleasing or emotional overwhelm

Guest Links:

• Lenora's Website: https://driventobebetter.com/
• Lenora's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenora-edwards-m-s-941b1452/

Conversations that Grow Ecosystem:

• Conversations that Grow Home: https://conversationsthatgrowpodcast.com/
• Podjunction: https://podjunction.com/

One conversation changed everything for Jim Carlough. Fresh out of college and newly elected to city council, he expected the usual political favours. Instead, he got life-changing advice that would shape his entire leadership philosophy. In this episode, Jim shares how a simple question asked every night for over 40 years became his compass through challenging business turnarounds, difficult decisions, and building high-performing teams. From transforming struggling sales teams to navigating integrity challenges in corporate America, Jim reveals why some pillars of leadership are simply non-negotiable.

Guest Links:

• Jim's Website: https://www.jimcarlough.com/
• Jim's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcarlough/
• mPulse: https://mpulse.com/
• Jim's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Six-Pillars-Effective-Leadership-Roadmap/dp/B0DQWT93V7

Conversations that Grow Ecosystem:

• Conversations that Grow Home: https://conversationsthatgrowpodcast.com/
• Podjunction Home: https://podjunction.com/

Carly Pepin thought moving from LA to Australia would solve her problems. She was wrong. In this raw conversation, she reveals the moment she realised geography wasn't the issue – her internal world was.

From blaming her environment to discovering authentic leadership, Carly shares how facing personal trauma unlocked massive business growth. We explore why some people will always hate your leadership (and why that's actually good), the dangerous "should" trap that kills entrepreneurial growth, and how your deepest personal roadblocks are secretly limiting your business scaling.

Links referenced in this episode:

• westcoastgrowthadvisors.com

Want help creating your own podcast? Visit us at podjunction.com or reach out to Sadaf directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

The principal theme of this podcast episode centres on the notion that mere job performance is insufficient for career advancement. I engage in a dialogue with Andrea Wasserman, founder of Executive Express, who elucidates the invisible rules that govern professional progression, particularly for new graduates. Andrea emphasizes the critical importance of communication and executive presence, asserting that individuals must actively showcase their achievements to cultivate recognition in increasingly competitive environments. Furthermore, we explore the concept of "style flexing," which entails adapting one's approach based on the dynamics of the workplace. This conversation serves as a vital resource for listeners seeking to enhance their influence and navigate the complexities of career development effectively.

Links referenced in this episode:

• theexecutiveexpress.com
• linkedin.com/in/andreawasserman
• instagram.com/theexecutiveexpress
• tiktok.com/@theexecutiveexpress
• substack.com/@theexecutiveexpress

Want help creating your own podcast? Visit us at podjunction.com or reach out to Sadaf directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

This podcast episode revolves around the crucial distinction between one's identity and the business they operate, with a particular emphasis on the necessity of dissociating personal worth from business performance. I elucidate the pivotal realisation that many entrepreneurs conflate their self-esteem with their business success, leading to emotional turmoil during challenging times. By learning to view the business as an independent entity, we foster a healthier mindset that enables more rational decision-making and mitigates emotional distress. Throughout the discussion, I share personal anecdotes that illustrate the evolution of my entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the support of mentors and loved ones in navigating the complexities of business leadership. Ultimately, we explore how embracing uncertainty and prioritising personal well-being can lead to sustained growth and fulfillment in both business and life.

Links referenced in this episode:

• www.cjammarketing.com
• linkedin.com/in/bedadjamshidi

Want help creating your own podcast? Visit us at podjunction.com or reach out to Sadaf directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

In this revealing episode of Conversations That Grow, serial entrepreneur Jose Berlanga shares 40 years of hard-won business wisdom. From surviving a childhood accident that left him with third-degree burns to building and losing multi-million dollar companies, Jose's candid insights on leadership, growth pains, and finding purpose will change how you think about business success.

Find Jose's books on Amazon:

• The Business of Home Building
• Dirt Rich
• Look out for "Quantum Entrepreneurship" coming soon

If you're thinking about using conversations to grow your own business through podcasting but don't have time to handle all the moving parts, we can help! Visit podjunction.com to learn more.

📱 CONNECT WITH SADAF: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

In this episode of Conversations That Grow, we speak with Meredith Walker, founder of Fortifying Roots and strategic consultant. Meredith shares her extraordinary journey from becoming a caregiver at 23 for her quadriplegic mother to developing leadership expertise that transforms businesses.

Meredith reveals how this profound personal experience shaped her approach to authentic communication and decision-making. She explains her philosophy that "80% of people's day-to-day work is controllable, but the 20% is where you unlock their true creativity potential that drives your business forward."

We explore how leaders can set clear expectations while leaving room for creativity, why focusing on controllable factors during challenging times builds resilience, and how understanding what motivates each team member creates alignment with company goals.

Meredith also shares her passionate commitment to mentoring youth, helping them see their potential beyond current circumstances. Her inspiring message reminds us that our circumstances don't define success - our decisions do.

Links referenced in this episode:

• fortifyingroots.com
• mwalkerthetalker.com
• podjunction.com

📱 CONNECT WITH SADAF: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

In this episode of Conversations That Grow, Chris Vaughan shares how his father's simple advice—"happiness is the goal"—transformed his entire approach to business and life. After climbing the corporate ladder and "flying high" in consulting, Chris realized he was achieving everyone else's goals but his own.

This powerful conversation explores how Chris applied his philosophy background to create a purpose-driven consulting firm that helps nonprofit associations rediscover their authentic mission. He reveals the surprising blind spots organizations have (most have never experienced their own member journey!), why "we've always done it this way" blocks transformation, and how leaders create organizations in their own image—for better or worse.

Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or seeking more meaning in your work, Chris's insights on aligning success with happiness will challenge how you measure achievement. Perfect for entrepreneurs, consultants, and leaders who want to grow without losing their soul in the process.

Links referenced in this episode:

• sequenceconsulting.com
• podjunction.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Sequence Consulting

Want help creating your own podcast? Visit us at podjunction.com or reach out to Sadaf directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

In this conversation with Michael Davis, founder of Speaking CPR, we explore how truly listening can transform your business and leadership. Michael reveals how he discovered that clients valued him most for his listening skills, not his expertise, changing his entire approach to business.

We dive into practical techniques for becoming a better listener, including the power of seeking clarity, embracing silence, and using storytelling to create "mental movies" that engage emotions, not just intellect. In a world where everyone is rushing to speak, Michael shares why slowing down to understand others makes you stand out "like a magnet."

Whether you're leading a team, building client relationships, or simply wanting to communicate more effectively, this episode offers valuable insights that can immediately improve how people respond to you.

Links referenced in this episode:

• speakingcpr.com
• podjunction.com
• 52storytellinginsights.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Speaking cpr

Want help creating your own podcast? Visit us at podjunction.com or reach out to Sadaf directly on LinkedIn.

Connect with Sadaf: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/