In this episode, I interview Alyshia Ochse, an actress and author known for her roles in 'True Detective', 'The Other Black Girl' and her podcast 'That One audition'.

We discuss Alyshia's book 'Life Letters', and its powerful role in shaping my own life decisions and career change from corporate to a creative field. We emphasize the importance of embracing creativity, setting specific intentions, trusting oneself, and tackling fears.

We also call for harnessing creativity in diverse fields, valuing the journey of self-discovery, and the importance of remaining open to change and embracing vulnerability. Alyshia also shares experiences and insights from her personal journey, acting career, and her love for empowering others through her stories and concepts.

Alyshia Ochse is a Los Angeles-based actress, bestselling author, podcast host, entrepreneur, and mother, who is likely most recognized for her role as "Lucy," opposite Matthew McConaughey, from the Golden Globe nominated HBO series TRUE DETECTIVE.

We talk about:

• [0:00] Intro

• [2:52] Her letter writing event she brought people to

• [4:51] Alyshia's feelings on creativity

• [12:40] My own reflection on her book and the power of setting intention

• [17:55] Being right on time

• [25:41] Openness and creativity

• [31:22] Understanding that we are all creatives

• [36:57] Creativity and starting with the mirror

• [42:57] Alyshia's 2024 letters

• [46:36] Alyshia's 'do the dang thing' goal

Connect with Alyshia

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyshiaochse/

• https://alyshiaochse.com/about/

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-maldonado-smith-a506805/

• Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/

Welcome to 2024! I'm starting off our new year of Creating the Vision with my thoughts on how to cultivate a growth mindset in 2024 and beyond. We often think that a new year has to bring massive changes right off the bat, but that's simply not true.

Since I was a kid, I understood the importance of consistent learning as part of growth, and it's something I have taken in my work, business, parenting, and relationships.

We cover five steps towards cultivating a growth mindset, which are embracing challenges, reframing feedback as a positive, valuing effort and persistence, cultivating curiosity, and practicing positive self talk.

For each step, I recommend an action tip, a journaling prompt, and a helpful resource that you can implement starting today – you can choose all of them, or one of them, the power is in your hands.

We talk about:

• [0:00] Intro

• [2:36] What is one new thing you learned today

• [3:46] How to cultivate a growth mindset

• [4:37] #1 Embrace Challenges

• [6:37] #2 Reframe feedback as a positive

• [10:17] #3 Value effort and persistence

• [15:27] #4 Be Curious

• [18:50] #5 Practice positive self talk

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-maldonado-smith-a506805/

• Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/

In the last episode of 2023, I want you to acknowledge and celebrate this year's achievements, despite any hardships or failures. It's so important to live authentically and strive for better versions of ourselves each and every year.

My challenge for you: find your word for 2024. Why? Choosing a 'word of the year' can act as a personal motivator or guide throughout the good and hard moments.

I'm grateful for your support this past year, and am excited for what 2024 holds. My end of 2023 words for you are this: seize the opportunity to evolve and write down your goals. Create YOUR vision.

We talk about:

• [0:00] Intro

• [0:38] A Reflection on 2023

• [1:13] Celebrating Personal Achievements

• [2:46] The Power of Living Authentically

• [3:36] Gratitude for YOU, my Podcast Community

• [4:33] Setting Intentions and Your Word for 2024

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-maldonado-smith-a506805/

• Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/

In this episode of 'Creating the Vision', I speak with Beth Norcross, the founder of the Center for Spirituality in Nature. Beth shares her perspective on the interconnectedness of nature and spirituality, suggesting that aligning with nature can bring us back to a centered state in times of chaos.

Through various examples, she highlights how the natural world often holds lessons to be resilient and adapt in difficult times. She also emphasizes how spending time with nature is not only crucial for our mental wellbeing but also for developing an understanding of our place within the Earth's ecosystem. Beth also discusses her TEDx Talk and the upcoming book set for publishing in 2025 on the spiritual wisdom of trees, emphasizing that the process of writing it helped her understand her message better.

We talk about:

• 0:00 Intro

• 6:33 How her journey brought her here

• 11:02 In these challenging times geopolitically and environmentally, what can we do to become recentered?

• 18:29 What is her suggestion for people who are clueless in how to get started

• 23:20 How I find grounding and connection

• 25:10 How nature can help someone through loss

• 32:07 Ways in which we can be more like nature

• 36:18 Her TedX talk experience

• 39:02 Authoring a book

• 40:11 Opening our view outside of ourselves to see the impact we have on nature

• 45:10 What is her your do the dang thing goal

Connect with Beth

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctrforspiritualityinnature/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqsJYDZJ30x4SJJRyTbuO5g/featured?view_as=subscriber

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerforspiritualityinnature/

• https://www.centerforspiritualityinnature.org/

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-maldonado-smith-a506805/

• Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/

In this episode of 'Creating the Vision', I speak with Liz Toombs, known for her remarkable work in decorating sorority interiors and having her designs on over 100 campuses across 25 states.

Liz shares about her journey in interior design, starting from her childhood interest rooted from her realtor grandfather to realizing her passion for designing sorority houses. Liz talks about the unique challenges of designing sorority houses, needing to reflect the culture and vibe of the specific sorority chapter while also creating spaces that are welcoming and timeless.

She also discusses resilience in the face of doubts and challenges, emphasizing the importance of human-centric company values and creating work-life balance. Looking to the future, Liz contemplates expanding into product lines and stepping into real estate.

We talk about:

• [0:00] Intro

• [1:40] Liz's Journey into Interior Design

• [2:25] Real Estate 'Springboarding' her Career

• [3:22] The Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship

• [3:58] The Connection Between Interior Design and Real Estate

• [5:13] Creating a Homey Atmosphere in Sorority Houses

• [6:22] The Process of Designing for Sororities

• [8:20] The Unexpected Path to Specializing in Sorority Houses

• [12:00] Liz's Favorite House She's Ever Designed

• [13:33] Staying True to the Path You're Meant For

• [20:44] Future Goals and Reflections

• [24:28] Advice if You Want to Start This Work Too

• [25:27] Liz's 'Do The Dang Thing' Goal

Connect with Liz

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pdrinteriors/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pdr_interiors

• http://www.pdr-interiors.com

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-maldonado-smith-a506805/

• Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/

In this episode of 'Creating the Vision', I share with you my best tips and tricks for staying organized during the chaotic holiday season.

I start by sharing the statistics about clutter, strategies for decluttering, and emphasize the value of planning. I share my personal checklist on getting organized for the holidays, setting a budget, and the importance of using a calendar to manage events.

We also cover delegating tasks, using technology for organization, and establishing daily routines among other practical tips. The episode concludes with a gentle reminder about acknowledging emotions, leaning into them, and seeking happiness during this festive season.

We talk about:

• [0:00] Intro

• [1:05] Stats on organization

• [2:45] A checklist for getting organized

• [4:00] Set a budget

• [6:25] Use a calendar

• [7:30] Declutter and organize

• [10:50] Delegate tasks

• [12:20] Create a system for everything

• [15:40] Declutter regularly

• [16:00] Use technology

• [16:40] Establish daily routines

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-maldonado-smith-a506805/

• Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/

This episode provides you with insights on resilience - a quality not inherently born but developed over time. Drawing from personal experiences and extensive readings, I unpack the importance of resilience and how everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can cultivate it.

We talk about five key steps to becoming more resilient, including creating an action plan, getting started, harnessing affirmations and positive self-talk, identifying stressors and triggers, and persistently moving forward. These concepts are applicable to parents and leaders, guiding them to inspire resilience in their children and teams. We also cover how to handle upcoming holiday stressors, advocating for self-care and reaching out for support from others.

We talk about:

• [0:00] Intro

• [0:50] Understanding Resilience

• [2:00] Steps to Becoming Resilient

• [2:05] Creating an Action Plan

• [2:40] The Importance of Goal Setting

• [3:00] Learning from Personal Experiences

• [4:25] #1 Create a plan

• [5:45] #2 Make your action plan happen

• [6:40] #3 The Power of Affirmations

• [9:55] #4 Identifying Stressors and Triggers

• [15:35] # 5 The Importance of Perseverance

• [18:00] Building Resilience in Children

• [24:25] Resource guides

• [28:10] Tips for Dealing with Stress During Holidays

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-maldonado-smith-a506805/

• Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/

In this episode, personal stylist Paul Julch, founder of Urbanite Suburbanite, and I explore the philosophy of personal style, the importance of living with purpose, and delicacy in decluttering one's clothes.

From maximizing your wardrobe usability according to your lifestyle, budget, and body type, to recognizing the emotional connection with clothes, learn to develop a distinct, sustainable fashion sense beyond fleeting trends.

Discover how the act of mindful shopping can change your life, why personal style sings the song of your personality, and how to pass on cherished fashion heirlooms as a legacy. This episode also brims with empowering discussions on defining your personal and professional ambitions, and the inherent beauty of intentional choices.

We talk about:

• [0:00] Intro

• [3:20] How he helps his clients create a vision for their wardrobe

• [6:25] Thoughts on creating a uniform

• [15:55] Shopping with intentionality - in person and online

• [20:30] The frustration of fluctuating sizing

• [28:15] Giving your clients the power to keep on after they finish working

• [33:00] Where do you start with people

• [37:00] Effects of COVID

• [40:45] When challenged with your wardrobe, the goal could be to sit with what you have

• [44:30] Doing a closet audit

• [50:05] Keeping clothing for sentimental reasons

• [53:50] Trying to move away from fast fashion even when it's so easily accessible

• [1:07:30] What is his 'do the dang thing' goal

Connect with Paul

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbsuburbstyle/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UrbaniteSuburbanite

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/urbsuburbstyle/

• Website: https://urbsuburbstyle.com/

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-maldonado-smith-a506805/

• Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/

In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Purta, a marriage coach, wife and mother of three who helps parents enhance their communication skills for better relationship dynamics.

Michelle shares the critical role of setting a shared vision in marriage, and the importance of having open and honest conversations about individual and collective goals. We highlight how the dynamics of marriage is not just about doing everything together but allowing each other to have separateness in interests.

I also share my perspective of a realistic view of marriage, especially in my own relationship, and evoke the idea that while every person's goal is to find a life partner, the work doesn't stop there. Instead, it requires continuous effort, communication, and shared goals to keep the relationship thriving.

Michelle also shares about her free masterclass that guides couples in setting their visions, maintaining open communication, and nurturing their relationships.

We talk about:

• [0:00] Intro

• [1:50] The #1 conversation couples need to have but aren't having

• [3:55] Advice for couples on how to approach creating a family vision

• [11:35] What to do if your visions as a couple aren't aligned

• [19:55] How to be vulnerable if you're not used to it

• [22:30] Changing the conversations about our feelings so that the next generation has a different experience

• [27:50] When your goals or visions change within your partnership

• [26:55] Steps to actively move towards our visions

• [40:30] Developing strong communication within our partnership

• [51:15] Michelle's 'do the dang thing' goal

Connect with Michelle

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellepurtacoaching

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marriageandmotherhood

• Website: https://www.michellepurta.com/work-with-me

• The Marriage and Motherhood podcast: https://www.michellepurta.com/podcast

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-maldonado-smith-a506805/

• Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/

In this episode, I discuss the pivotal role of self-trust in our lives and its implications on our future. I openly share my personal experiences that have paved the road on my entrepreneurial, motherhood, and life journeys.

We delve deep into the fears and self-doubts that often hold us back and lead us to undervalue our worth. Bridging vital research on the power of vision boards, I will guide you through how instilling faith in ourselves can usher in myriads of opportunities.

We are not striving for perfection but progress, and to do this, we must learn to trust in ourselves and the process. Our journey starts now, let's create and live the life we've always dreamt of.

We talk about:

• [0:00] Intro

• [1:35] Why is it so hard to trust ourselves

• [2:30] Are we really creating our vision if we are playing small?

• [2:50] My own personal struggle with trusting myself and feeling worthy

• [4:10] My 'trust' challenge for you

• [6:10] Write your goals down

• [6:45] Make a vision board

• [7:55] Trust the process

• [8:25] How to create the vision for your life

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-maldonado-smith-a506805/

• Website: https://mmsconsultingfirm.com/