Do The Thing

What happens when a 56-year-old corporate executive says, “Why not me?” and launches a startup that scales, thrives, and exits in 4 years?Geetha Sreedhar did exactly that.In this unforgettable Do the Thing episode, Stacey Lauren talks with Geetha about the bold moves behind her startup journey, her principles for building powerful teams, what female founders really need to scale and sell, and why her post-exit life is far from retirement.They also dig into global travel, cross-cultural storytelling, and Geetha’s new mission: funding the next wave of women-led innovation through How Women Invest.Whether you’re in mid-career reinvention or dreaming of what comes after your big exit, Geetha brings the clarity, strategy, and lived wisdom that will light your fire.00:02 – Meet Geetha: From MBA to window office to startup CEO06:45 – Navigating corporate politics, promotions, and advocacy13:20 – Building a tech startup from scratch (and selling it in 4 years)22:10 – How to prep your business for a clean, profitable exit30:35 – Post-exit life: travel, legacy, and empowering women investors

YouTube: https://youtu.be/e81XzgFMweU

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-not-me-geetha-sreedhar-on-startup-exits-bold-pivots/id1618590178?i=1000741731437

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/29sRWKSHU44lEPUrqspDNl

What if the best negotiations start with asking: “What am I missing here?”In this powerful episode of Do the Thing, Stacey Lauren sits down with real estate developer and author Walker Thrash, the mind behind The Deal Maker’s Will. Known for pioneering public-private projects and building trust-first partnerships, Walker shares how he approaches negotiation as a creative, community-centered process rooted in curiosity, clarity, and shared vision.Whether you're doing million-dollar deals or navigating life decisions, this conversation is full of wisdom for anyone ready to do the thing better.Learn why Walker wrote a business novel instead of a how-to book, and what it taught him about leadership, legacy, and listening.00:01 – How Stacey met Walker via John Lee Dumas' Podcasters Paradise05:25 – What public-private partnerships really look like (and why trust matters)12:40 – Preparing for a meeting: the most underrated negotiation skill25:55 – “What am I missing?”: the question that changes everything43:10 – Writing The Deal Maker’s Will and distilling 7 core rules of negotiation

YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZPukg8Bbnx0

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-deal-makers-will-walker-thrash-on-vision-driven/id1618590178?i=1000739557832

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HC7t5a37jk6LPMHtE3nEO

How do you turn fear into fuel and presence into power?

In this high-energy, heart-centered episode of Do the Thing, Stacey Lauren welcomes the unforgettable Dr. Gary Wohlman, also known as The Presentation Doctor. With decades of experience in transformational coaching, Gary shares how full-body expression, playful embodiment, and somatic storytelling can unlock the deepest parts of your voice, your purpose, and your presence.

Whether you're a speaker, coach, or simply someone who's been playing small, this episode will have you laughing, reflecting, and wildly rethinking what it means to “do the thing” on a stage, or in life.

What you’ll learn:

- How somatic tools can shift trauma patterns

- Why "multi-sensory messaging" works in the age of distraction

- How to rewrite your holding-back story with laughter and movement

- The PEA Formula for powerful speaking

- How healing and hilarity go hand in hand

00:02 – How Stacey and Dr. Gary met: Entrepreneurs Gone Wild & My People Parties

06:40 – His 5S Speaking Method: Short, Simple, Strong, Specific, Spontaneous

11:30 – From stage fright to becoming “The Presentation Doctor”

17:55 – Somatic healing, Monty Python techniques & trauma ridiculization

32:20 – PEA Framework: Points, Examples, Application = Memorable Messaging

YouTube: https://youtu.be/FGxl8sIbISg

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-stage-fright-to-spotlight-dr-gary-wohlman-on-embodied/id1618590178?i=1000737475416

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3LmAV0KYsCPNegKjDE2orK

Dr. Jim Heid spent 30 years practicing full-spectrum family medicine, delivering babies, staying up all night, and walking with patients through every season of life. But when burnout hit and identity questions bubbled to the surface, he realized it was time to do the thing himself.

Now a coach helping others rediscover their deepest sense of purpose, Jim shares how he transitioned out of traditional medicine, what he's learned about imposter syndrome and storytelling, and why cycling has become a metaphor for personal growth, celebration, and sustainable success.

In this wide-ranging episode with Stacey Lauren, you’ll hear about:

- What it really means to coach the person, not the problem

- How Jim helps people reconnect with who they are (beyond their job title)

- The hidden cost of ignoring your own wisdom

- Why hydration, spreadsheets, and community matter more than you think

- A new definition of doing the thing... without the burnout

Learn more: https://jimheidcoaching.com

Connect on Instagram: @repurposemanjim

00:00 — From family doctor to life coach: Jim’s career pivot

07:35 — “Coach the person, not the problem” — birth stories + breakthrough coaching

14:10 — Why identity struggles show up post-retirement

25:00 — Cycling, burnout, and celebrating the hilltops

39:40 — Imposter syndrome, storytelling, and “just doing the thing”

YouTube: https://youtu.be/aG-iw_P2WdU

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-delivering-babies-to-breakthroughs-dr-jim-heid/id1618590178?i=1000735897389

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2AT6XtKqUNma3wFV0hLSmX

At just 15 years old, Derin Sezgin is already reshaping the world and he's not waiting for permission. In this inspiring Do the Thing interview, host Stacey Lauren meets Derin after their shared appearance at the United Nations and dives into how he's mobilizing youth across 35+ countries through SDG Youth Connect, a nonprofit raising awareness and action for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).From building interactive games that teach climate action to helping young people tell their stories on global stages, Derin shares how courage, creativity, and collaboration are the keys to a better future, and how every one of us can make a difference.Whether you’re a student, nonprofit founder, activist, or parent, this episode will ignite your belief in what’s possible when young people step up and do the thing.In this episode, you’ll learn:- What the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) actually are and why they matter- How Derin turned a school project into a global nonprofit- The gap between awareness and action and how to close it- How AI and digital access are changing global education- What stops people from sharing their stories and how to startLearn more at: https://sdgyouthconnect.orgContact Derin: [email protected]:01 — Stacey introduces Derin and their UN connection4:38 — Why awareness is the gateway to action10:42 — How Derin scaled SDG Youth Connect to 35+ countries18:30 — The digital divide and ethics of AI in sustainability28:00 — Why youth storytelling is the key to global change

Fred Smith is a combat veteran, strategist, and founder of SpeedScaling.com—but that’s only the surface. In this raw and expansive conversation with Stacey Lauren, Fred shares what it means to live intentionally, work through trauma, and use every life experience (from door-to-door sales to rebuilding billion-dollar brands) as fuel for purpose-driven leadership.

You’ll hear about:

Learn more at: SpeedScaling.com

YouTube: https://youtu.be/A5mAA72iufI

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-combat-vet-to-ethical-empire-builder-fred-smith/id1618590178?i=1000733458403

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2jPvHQhf6iwB6maporC8vsJoin the community: DoTheThingCollaboration.com

Timestamps:00:00 – How Fred went from combat to corporate03:00 – PTSD, performance, and the truth behind the grind10:00 – What finding your voice really looks like20:00 – From "businessman" to "humanitarian"34:00 – Advice for veterans, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs ready to step into their purpose

When first responders carry trauma like armor and silence becomes a survival strategy, how can we support those who show up for us day after day, crisis after crisis? In this powerful expert panel, hosted by Stacey Lauren and brought together by Kathryn Severns Avery of Restoration Ranch Colorado, you'll hear stories that rarely get told, truths that will reshape your understanding, and ideas that could spark nationwide change.This isn’t just conversation. It’s the beginning of a movement. Whether you’re a first responder, a family member, or simply someone who wants to help the helpers… this panel is for you.Panelists Stacey Lauren Kathryn Severns Avery Lynette Shaw Mare Brighton Todd Madison Jeff Santelli Robert (Bob) GrayTopics include:PTSD and cumulative trauma in police, fire, EMS, and medical staffRetirement identity loss and the question: “Who am I now?”Why first responders often won’t ask for help—and how to reach them anywayThe power of safe spaces, storytelling, and collective healingA vision for equine therapy, healthy meal programs, 24-hour child care, and moreA new challenge model designed to create awareness, fund missions, and change livesTimestamps00:00 — Introduction02:00 — Kathryn’s Story09:00 — Breaking the Silence30:00 — The Challenge Model59:00 — If Only They Knew…

YouTube: https://youtu.be/-wRCIFzPDRU

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/they-serve-us-but-who-serves-them-first-responders/id1618590178?i=1000732453710

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6w6m91FCAW0MHVqCjp4Zmk

In this special panel episode of Do The Thing, host Stacey Lauren brings together an extraordinary lineup of leaders, veterans, therapists, nonprofit founders, and media innovators to launch the Billion Dollar Activation Campaign, a bold initiative to raise $1B for causes that matter through the power of challenges and shared action.This panel marks the official kickoff of a challenge-led movement focused on supporting veterans, first responders, and their families by helping them reconnect with their voice, community, and purpose.These aren’t just stories. They’re blueprints.You’ll hear raw truth, actionable frameworks, and the origin story of the new film project At Liberty, a collaboration fueled by real people doing the thing.Meet the Panelists:Kathryn Avery – Founder, Restoration RanchAshley Braund – Founder, Courageous Hearts CollectiveRyan Berman – Author, Courageous; Founder, Courageous Inc.Stacey Lauren – Host of Do The Thing, creator of the challenge modelCourtney Lawless – Career strategist, veteran advocateGeorge Makrinos – Filmmaker, veteran, creator of At LibertyRyan Montis – Veteran & mindset coachStacy May – Licensed Marriage & Family TherapistFred Smith – Corporate executive, Marine veteranLance Strong – Equine therapist, Army veteranMichael Wood – Founder, Turning SteelInside this Episode:- How challenges restore connection, purpose, and trust- Why silence is the enemy, and how to break it- What it really looks like to transition from service to significance- How nonprofits, creators, and companies can co-lead solutions- The story behind the At Liberty film and the movement it’s sparkingThis panel is for anyone who believes in collective action and is ready to stop talking and start doing.Learn more & join the mission: https://dothethingcollaboration.comExplore the film project: https://atlibertyfilm.comTimestamps:0:34 — Stacey introduces the Billion Dollar Activation Campaign3:03 — Fred Smith shares his combat story and corporate transition5:50 — Kathryn Avery on founding Restoration Ranch after loss12:18 — Michael Wood on storytelling and launching Turning Steel16:00 — Ashley Braund on serving teens of first responders22:40 — Ryan Berman on corporate courage and breaking the silence30:27 — Ryan Montis and H (Eliseo) on veteran purpose & challenge spaces40:00 — Courtney Lawless on job search trauma and hiring gaps49:00 — Lance Strong on horsemanship as trauma recovery56:55 — George Makrinos on the origin of At Liberty and creative service

YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5IL9JVG2uw

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-collective-action-panel-veterans-first-responders/id1618590178?i=1000731998391

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/13D6Hd8QhtXAIQ2thkBAIT

In this powerful episode of Do The Thing Podcast, Stacey Lauren interviews Asia Pimentel, an extraordinary destination photographer whose journey from rejection to recognition is packed with lessons on courage, creativity, and doing the thing even when you're terrified.Asia shares how she:- Was told she had “no talent” in her first photography job- Chose not to believe it and started her own business anyway- Built a thriving wedding photography brand with just one camera- Attracted high-level clients like Virgin Unite and photographed gatherings on Necker Island- Shifted her mindset around money, creativity, and purpose- Continues to grow through every comfort zone, fear, and self-doubtIf you've ever struggled with imposter syndrome, overthinking, or starting something new, this episode will move you.

In this extraordinary episode of Do The Thing Podcast, Stacey Lauren speaks with Olga Rudnieva, the powerhouse behind Superhumans Center, a state-of-the-art clinic in Ukraine providing surgery, prosthetics, and full rehabilitation to victims of war.Olga’s story isn’t just inspiring, it’s proof of what happens when you stop waiting and start doing. With no prior experience in prosthetics or hospital development, she returned to a war-torn country, crash-tested her vision, and built a movement that now serves thousands.This conversation dives into how to take action even when the path is unclear, how to build in the midst of chaos, and why collaboration beats isolation every time.Watch to learn:- What it means to say “yes” before you feel ready- How to build a mission-driven team that grows with you- Why bold ideas need relentless crash-testing- What it takes to create global partnerships under pressure- And how implementation, not ideas, is what changes livesTimestamps:2:02 — How Olga responded when war broke out while she was abroad8:14 — The moment a question changed everything: “What if we built a center?”15:40 — Building with no blueprint: how they got started with nothing24:09 — The real reason sharing your idea publicly is essential39:42 — Why helping one person is always worth it—and how it scales

YouTube: https://youtu.be/9xt28qPK_csApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-olga-rudnieva-built-a-world-class-medical/id1618590178?i=1000724185897Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/54UNY4TYtm8aoy8tBKWdK9