Conversations with Lillian Zarzar

This episode is filled with insights and practical advice, and I’m excited to help you discover new ways to lead—and manage—change with confidence and clarity.

I’m joined by Jim Canterucci, the author of Personal Brilliance, past president of NSA Ohio, and founder of Transition Management Advisors. Jim and I explore the heart of change leadership and uncover the tools that truly help organizations—and individuals—navigate change successfully, both in major initiatives and in the day-to-day decisions that keep us growing.

We discuss why it’s crucial to start any communication with a clear "why," how to build ownership and engagement among teams, and the emotional side of change that touches us all.

Jim shares breakthrough strategies for moving from resistance to creativity, and together we highlight actionable steps that anyone can use, whether you’re leading a team, working on the front lines, or aiming to bring more brilliance into your everyday life.

Moments

00:00 "Foundation for Everyday Change"

03:44 "Defining and Communicating the Why"

08:30 "Evaluating Change Leadership Capacity"

11:16 "Meaningful Feedback Over Surface Questions"

15:14 Engaging Solutions Through Collaboration

17:49 Building Habits for Everyday Engagement

20:18 "Lessons from WWII Leadership"

26:22 "Leading Change Breakthrough Together"

28:25 "Everyday Tools for Change"

31:59 Questioning Change with Purpose

34:10 "Four Catalysts of Personal Brilliance"

37:44 "Mindset for Adaptability and Productivity"

Here are 3 key takeaways that stood out to me:

• Start with "Why": Jim Canterucci emphasizes that every change effort—big or small—should begin by communicating the "why" behind it. When people understand the reason for a new direction, they're far more likely to embrace it and contribute creatively to its success.
• Move from Emotion to Logic: Change triggers emotions and uncertainty. The "change breakthrough analysis" tool helps teams move from emotional reactions to logical understanding, ensuring everyone feels heard and supported while focusing on solutions and innovation.
• Empower Frontline Leaders: The most effective change messengers are supervisors—your organizational "sergeants." By separating supervisor and employee communications initially, you empower supervisors to lead and support their teams with genuine ownership and engagement.

Lillian Zarzar is an international speaker, author and coach who specializes in helping you to overcome the barriers that block you from self-expression.

Lillian believes that the ability to communicate effectively is the foundation of personal growth. Without it, you can neither express what you want nor can you offer others your wisdom.

Lillian's desire is to help you tap into your wisdom and follow your purposeful course. With belief and dedication, you enhance your personal growth, you engage with others meaningfully, and you embark on your road to self-mastery.

Connect with Lillian Zarzar

[email protected]

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Copyright 2026 Lillian Zarzar

Join me as we explore what it truly means to become a great leader and unlock the potential within ourselves and our teams!

I’m thrilled to welcome bestselling author and leadership expert Ash Seddeek as my guest. As the co-founder of the Executive Greatness Institute and the founder of the Top 1% Sellers Academy, Ash brings a wealth of knowledge about how leaders can create clarity and meaning, especially during challenging times.

In our conversation, we talk about Ash’s experience with renowned organizations like Cisco and Oracle, and we discuss his philosophies on leadership, communication, and empowering teams to perform at their very best.

Whether you’re interested in developing your own executive presence, building a strong leadership brand, or learning practical strategies for inspiring others—even in the midst of crisis—this episode is full of insights and actionable advice.

Moments

00:00 Leadership Clarity in Crisis

03:51 "Transforming Leaders Through Communication"

08:27 "Ownership: Be Your Own CEO"

12:28 Unlocking Organizational Alpha Potential

13:46 "Step Back to Move Forward"

19:26 Own It, Win It, Crush It

20:35 "Leadership Wisdom and Clarity"

Key Takeaways:

• Clarity is King in Times of Crisis: Leaders must address the three big questions on everyone’s mind – Where have we been? Where are we now? Where are we going? This has a huge impact on reducing anxiety and bringing stability to teams.
• Empowerment Drives Excellence: Ash stresses the importance of seeing yourself as the "CEO of your role," fostering ownership and initiative at every level. When employees own their space, they act with more confidence and create greater impact.
• Executive Presence is Human: True executive presence isn’t about flawless presentations–it’s about authentic, human conversations and connecting through storytelling and vulnerability. The goal isn’t just to communicate, but to inspire.

Connect with Lillian Zarzar

[email protected]

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Lillian Zarzar is an international speaker, author and coach who specializes in helping you to overcome the barriers that block you from self-expression.

Lillian believes that the ability to communicate effectively is the foundation of personal growth. Without it, you can neither express what you want nor can you offer others your wisdom.

Lillian's desire is to help you tap into your wisdom and follow your purposeful course. With belief and dedication, you enhance your personal growth, you engage with others meaningfully, and you embark on your road to self-mastery.

Copyright 2026 Lillian Zarzar

Why do you think people are less likely to take action when they hear a general announcement versus a direct request?

Have you ever sat in a meeting where everyone nods in agreement about what needs to be done, only to show up a week later and realize… absolutely nothing happened? You’re not alone.

The Problem with Announcements

We’ve all heard it: someone at work (or home!) says, “We need to do this,” everyone agrees, and then… crickets. Lillian shares that making an announcement isn’t enough—it’s not action, and it’s not accountability.

One-Way Communication Doesn’t Get Results

Without assigning specific responsibility, announcements often leave everyone thinking someone else will take the lead. This is true whether you’re running a meeting, leading a team, or just wanting the dishes washed at home.

How to Move from Idea to Action

Take my advice...

• Stop just announcing—start asking.
• Clearly delegate and spell out who will do what by when.
• Use phrases like “I have a request,” or “Please take care of this by [date/time],” to hold people (and yourself!) accountable.

Make It Happen

If you want things checked off your list (and not just talked about), it’s time to switch from vague announcements to clear, actionable requests.

Lillian Zarzar is an international speaker, author and coach who specializes in helping you to overcome the barriers that block you from self-expression.

Lillian believes that the ability to communicate effectively is the foundation of personal growth. Without it, you can neither express what you want nor can you offer others your wisdom.

Lillian's desire is to help you tap into your wisdom and follow your purposeful course. With belief and dedication, you enhance your personal growth, you engage with others meaningfully, and you embark on your road to self-mastery.

Connect with Lillian Zarzar

[email protected]

LinkedIn

Facebook

Copyright 2026 Lillian Zarzar

Whether you’re a leader, an entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to live more authentically, this episode is packed with wisdom, heartfelt stories, and practical guidance to help you break through your own barriers and start living from a place of greater presence and love.

I’m thrilled to bring you a deeply transformative episode with my special guest, Dr. Ron Stotts—a three-time bestselling author, inspirational speaker, and an expert blending thousands of years of ancient wisdom with today's psychological breakthroughs and cutting-edge neuroscience.

In our conversation, Dr. Ron Stotts introduces us to his concept of "the big mind," sharing how tapping into this space can help us access our true potential, both personally and professionally. We talk about the importance of healing our inner child, integrated whole-brain thinking, and why emotional self-awareness is essential for evolving into the best version of ourselves.

Moments

00:00 "Big Mind for Leadership Flow"

05:37 Evolving Leadership Beyond Old Norms

10:01 "Breathing, Healing, Becoming Journey"

11:13 "Life Rigged in Your Favor"

17:25 "Quiet Mind, Conscious Leadership"

19:34 "Healing Deep Scars in Vietnam"

23:59 Shortcut to Empowerment and Enlightenment

24:59 "Embrace Self-Love Today"

Key Takeaways:

• The Path to “Big Mind”: Dr. Stotts emphasizes the importance of integrated whole-brain thinking—moving past just logic to access creativity, presence, and solutions from a deeper inner place.
• Healing the Inner Child: Our ability to lead and live fully is often blocked by unresolved emotional patterns from childhood. True evolution starts with self-awareness, emotional healing, and learning to truly love and accept yourself.
• Presence Over Perfection: Success isn’t about micromanagement or control. It’s about being present, curious, and open to opportunities—trusting that everything coming your way is an opportunity to grow.

My favorite quote from Dr. Stotts:

“All you literally need to do is be present and curious. From that state, you’re accessing the best of who and what you are.”

Connect with Lillian Zarzar

[email protected]

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Facebook

Lillian Zarzar is an international speaker, author and coach who specializes in helping you to overcome the barriers that block you from self-expression.

Lillian believes that the ability to communicate effectively is the foundation of personal growth. Without it, you can neither express what you want nor can you offer others your wisdom.

Lillian's desire is to help you tap into your wisdom and follow your purposeful course. With belief and dedication, you enhance your personal growth, you engage with others meaningfully, and you embark on your road to self-mastery.

Copyright 2026 Lillian Zarzar

Credibility is linked to believing in yourself and trusting your life experiences.

Are you one of those people who get the jitters before speaking in front of a crowd? Do butterflies swarm your stomach, and does your heart race when all eyes are on you?

In my classes at Columbus State Community College and Ohio University, I explain how these three Cs—confidence, credibility, and composure—interchange and support one another to create stability, grace, and poise when communicating.

Here are a few takeaways from the episode:

Confidence:

This starts from within. It’s closely linked to self-esteem and strengthened every time you push past mistakes and learn from your experiences. Criticism? Remember, opinions are just perspectives, not ultimate truths.

Credibility:

Authenticity is your superpower. The more you believe in your message, skills, and the wisdom you’ve gained from life’s experiences, the more others will trust what you share.

Composure:

Staying calm stems from knowing your worth and the value you bring. Nervousness can be channeled positively through self-talk, focusing less on what others might think and more on sharing your message clearly and confidently.

Treat the audience as if you’re speaking to one person. Focus on delivering your message to that individual, and watch your composure soar.

Ready to challenge yourself and grow in these three areas?

Lillian Zarzar is an international speaker, author and coach who specializes in helping you to overcome the barriers that block you from self-expression.

Lillian believes that the ability to communicate effectively is the foundation of personal growth. Without it, you can neither express what you want nor can you offer others your wisdom.

Lillian's desire is to help you tap into your wisdom and follow your purposeful course. With belief and dedication, you enhance your personal growth, you engage with others meaningfully, and you embark on your road to self-mastery.

Connect with Lillian Zarzar

[email protected]

LinkedIn

Facebook

Copyright 2026 Lillian Zarzar

I sit down with Rachel Brooks, the inspiring author of Chasing Perfection and creator of the Confident Woman newsletter. Rachel opens up about her deeply personal journey—sharing how she hit rock bottom while chasing impossible standards, and the turning point that led her to true healing and self-love.

Together, Rachel and I explore the challenges of facing our fears, the importance of going within, and how to quiet our inner critic so we can live with more presence and authenticity. Rachel speaks honestly about the devastating losses she’s endured, including the tragic death of her father, and how those experiences shaped her capacity for forgiveness, compassion, and personal growth.

This conversation is filled with practical wisdom for anyone who has felt the pressure to perform or who’s seeking a path back to themselves. I hope our discussion encourages you to pause, reflect, and realize the power you hold to rewrite your own story.

Moments

00:00 "When Enough Is Enough"

04:25 Face Your Fears

08:48 "Just Be: Embracing Existence"

10:49 "Reflecting on Purpose and Identity"

14:24 "Purpose Beyond People-Pleasing"

17:33 Brother's Loss, Father's Tragedy

21:03 "Embrace, Process, and Grow"

24:06 "Healing Journey of Self-Reflection"

26:35 "Question Norms, Embrace Awareness"

Here are my favorite takeaways:

Pause and Surrender

True transformation begins when you hit your breaking point and allow yourself time to rest, pause, and surrender. Sometimes, as Rachel Brooks shared, stopping and reflecting are the only ways forward.

Face Your Fears—Reframe Your Narrative

“The thing you fear the most loses power when you turn and face it.” Rachel recommends reframing negative self-talk by challenging old stories and consciously rewriting your narrative—turning “I am not enough” into powerfully affirmative “I am” statements.

Presence and Self-Compassion are Keys to Healing

Cultivating presence (through breathing, meditation, and acceptance) will help quiet your fears and increase clarity. Healing isn’t just about moving beyond trauma, but also about embracing self-love and the understanding that you’re not alone.

Connect with Lillian Zarzar

[email protected]

LinkedIn

Facebook

Lillian Zarzar is an international speaker, author and coach who specializes in helping you to overcome the barriers that block you from self-expression.

Lillian believes that the ability to communicate effectively is the foundation of personal growth. Without it, you can neither express what you want nor can you offer others your wisdom.

Lillian's desire is to help you tap into your wisdom and follow your purposeful course. With belief and dedication, you enhance your personal growth, you engage with others meaningfully, and you embark on your road to self-mastery.

Copyright 2026 Lillian Zarzar

Hey everyone, it’s Lillian Zarzar here! Thank you so much for your support through an incredible first season of the podcast. As we wrap up 2025 and head into the new year, I am thrilled to announce that we’re kicking off January with an inspiring interview with Rachel Brooks. Plus, I’ll be bringing on even more amazing guests, all here to share their wisdom and help you make 2026 your best year yet. Thank you for listening and get ready for a season full of growth, insight, and inspiration!

Copyright 2026 Lillian Zarzar

Connect with Lillian Zarzar

[email protected]

LinkedIn

Facebook

Lillian Zarzar is an international speaker, author and coach who specializes in helping you to overcome the barriers that block you from self-expression.

Lillian believes that the ability to communicate effectively is the foundation of personal growth. Without it, you can neither express what you want nor can you offer others your wisdom.

Lillian's desire is to help you tap into your wisdom and follow your purposeful course. With belief and dedication, you enhance your personal growth, you engage with others meaningfully, and you embark on your road to self-mastery.

What are the potential consequences of using terms like "do better" or "improve" without specifics?

How often have you heard (or said), “You need to do better” or “You have to improve your performance”?

It’s easy to assume others will understand what we mean, but as I discuss, vague language just breeds confusion. Clarity is everything, both for being understood and holding each other accountable.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

• Be Specific: Instead of using general terms like “improve” or “do better,” clearly outline what needs to be done. Specific, actionable steps lead to real progress.
• Check for Understanding: After giving instructions or feedback, ask the other person to repeat what you asked in their own words. This ensures your message was received as you intended.
• Write It Down: Provide numbered steps or written instructions. This makes expectations concrete and easier to follow, keeping everyone on the same page.

How do you make your requests and feedback clear? I’d love to hear your experiences!

Lillian Zarzar is an international speaker, author and coach who specializes in helping you to overcome the barriers that block you from self-expression.

Lillian believes that the ability to communicate effectively is the foundation of personal growth. Without it, you can neither express what you want nor can you offer others your wisdom.

Lillian's desire is to help you tap into your wisdom and follow your purposeful course. With belief and dedication, you enhance your personal growth, you engage with others meaningfully, and you embark on your road to self-mastery.

Connect with Lillian Zarzar

[email protected]

LinkedIn

Facebook

Copyright 2026 Lillian Zarzar

What personal values do you think most clearly define you?

From the moment you’re born, so many labels are placed upon you—your name, your gender, your family, even down to the time and place of your birth. But are you only your physical traits or the roles you play in life? Or are you shaped by your interests, your relationships, your experiences, and your values?

In the episode, I reflect on how we are all complex beings, constantly evolving and redefining ourselves as we grow and interact with the world. We’re influenced by our families, our careers, our hobbies, and the communities we join. Even our health and the challenges we overcome become part of our identity.

But here’s the most powerful takeaway: You are the architect of your own life. With every choice, lesson, and action, you are designing and defining who you are. Your definition is dynamic, enriched by what you value and whom you connect with.

Lillian Zarzar is an international speaker, author and coach who specializes in helping you to overcome the barriers that block you from self-expression.

Lillian believes that the ability to communicate effectively is the foundation of personal growth. Without it, you can neither express what you want nor can you offer others your wisdom.

Lillian's desire is to help you tap into your wisdom and follow your purposeful course. With belief and dedication, you enhance your personal growth, you engage with others meaningfully, and you embark on your road to self-mastery.

Connect with Lillian Zarzar

[email protected]

LinkedIn

Facebook

Copyright 2026 Lillian Zarzar

What steps are you taking toward fulfilling your calling if your current position does not support it?

Here are a few takeaways I share in the episode:

• A career goes beyond just holding a job. It’s a long-term commitment where you continually build skills and grow within a particular field. It comes from what I call an “internal locus of control." It's your dedication and drive to pursue your chosen discipline.
• A calling, meanwhile, is even deeper. It comes from a place of purpose and alignment with your true mission in life. Sometimes you discover your calling after you’ve already started on your career path, but it’s that persistent nudge you can’t ignore, urging you toward what truly fulfills you.
• Contribution is at the heart of everything. Whether you see yourself in a job, a career, or a calling, you play a vital role in your organization, community, and beyond. Your impact can be measurable and linear, or long-lasting and far-reaching, depending on the path you choose.

Reflective Questions for You:

• How does your current position support your career ambitions?
• Do you feel a calling in your work?
• What unique contribution are you making right now?

What’s Next? As you move through your day, I encourage you to reflect honestly on where you are and where you want to go. Are you living your dream, or is there something more you want to strive for?

Lillian Zarzar is an international speaker, author and coach who specializes in helping you to overcome the barriers that block you from self-expression.

Lillian believes that the ability to communicate effectively is the foundation of personal growth. Without it, you can neither express what you want nor can you offer others your wisdom.

Lillian's desire is to help you tap into your wisdom and follow your purposeful course. With belief and dedication, you enhance your personal growth, you engage with others meaningfully, and you embark on your road to self-mastery.

Connect with Lillian Zarzar

[email protected]

LinkedIn

Facebook

Copyright 2026 Lillian Zarzar