Ever Better Today

The extraordinary Laura Roeder is a CEO who started her first business at the age of 22.

During our discussion, Laura talks about how her parents inspired her to start a business, why she can't imagine working for anyone else, and how she balances her work-life with her life-life, while caring for a two-year-old child.

As she's grown MeetEdgar, a company that helps businesses and individuals manage their social media management through a very cool tool, Laura hasn't taken venture capital. She's invested profits back into the company and grown it from the ground up. She discusses the benefits of this approach and how it's often discounted when startups are planning their strategy.

If you're considering a life or career transition, you may be interested in my Discover What's Next coaching program. Send me an email at [email protected] and we will schedule a 1-hour complimentary consultation.

Key Takeaways:

[3:44] Laura shares her early influences and her journey of entrepreneurship.

[6:49] MeetEdgar, a timesaver tool designed to help people re-purpose their content, was self-funded by Laura's first business.

[11:18] Laura explains the pros and cons of having an entirely virtual company.

[16:27] Laura learned about running a business through small business owners who were generous with their time.

[20:19] What can parents do to foster an entrepreneurial spirit in their children?

[25:21] Laura spends her time doing what she loves, including being a guest on podcasts.

[32:00] The traditional model for becoming a CEO assumes there is someone else taking care of the home and family.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Meet Edgar

@meetedgar on Twitter

Scaling Up, by Verne Harnish

Ever Better

Discover What's Next Coaching

[email protected]

@EverBetterU on Twitter

I met Jessica Handler one night as I was walking through a restaurant in Washington, D.C. with my brother, Peter Conners. Peter was in D.C. to attend the Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference and to speak on a panel about the relationships between authors and editors – he is both. Afterwards we decided to head out to dinner at a place where you would naturally expect to find writers…a restaurant called Busboys and Poets. It was there that I connected with Jessica and her cousin, Erika Goldman, Publisher of Bellevue Literary Press.

Jessica's memoir, Invisible Sisters, is her story of growing up with two sisters, Susie and Sarah, who both had fatal medical conditions, and how her family did their best to cope. Through this book, Jessica honors their memory and the challenges that her parents experienced.

Her second book, Braving the Fire, is a guide to writing about grief and loss. Jessica now uses her experiences, wisdom, and talents to help others heal through writing.

In our discussion Jessica reads passages from her books, shares her incredible life journey, and discusses the craft of writing. Jessica is married to a writer and shares what it's like to have two writers in the same house.

If you're considering a life or career transition, you may be interested in my Discover What's Next coaching program. Send me an email at [email protected] and we will schedule a 1-hour complimentary consultation.

Key Takeaways:

[5:36] Living with two writers in one house.

[10:46] Transparent to the client is a purified way to say blood, sweat and tears.

[11:22] The memoir, Invisible Sisters, is about how Jessica learned to live sister-less.

[18:02] Braving the Fire: Acceptance and the Miracle Ticket.

[29:29] The act of taking the chaos of life, and making it into the order which is life.

[34:36] Get out your journal, or pull out an index card and just write!

[44:56] Jessica reads the end of Invisible Sisters.

[52:24] Decatur Book Festival.

[55:46] Be a good literary citizen.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Jessica Handler

Association of Writers and Writer's Program

BOA Editions

Bellevue Literary Press

Discover What's Next Coaching

[email protected]

@EverBetterU on Twitter

This is part two of my three part series on how to change jobs or careers like a PRO!

PRO stands for Preparing, Researching, and Opportunity Seeking – three steps to guide your thought processes and activities to make a professional shift.

In Podcast 65 I gave you five ways for preparing, and today, I'm going to share my recommended method for Researching. You can check out all PRO information at EverBetteru.com/PRO.

If you'd like personal coaching to work through these stages send me an email at [email protected] and we'll schedule some time to chat about where you are in your life and what you'd like to achieve.

Think about researching as it relates to what you want to do in your life. This is a YOU-centered activity. How cool is that? How often do you take the time to stop and think about what would work best for you?

While you're researching, think about what you want to do in the short-term and long-term, keeping in mind that each job is a stepping stone to something else. With every new position you'll gain experience, broaden your network, and learn more about what you like to do – and are good at – and identify responsibilities you'd rather stay away from!

As you think about the type of place where you'd like to work, the culture, and the day-to-day responsibilities you'd like to have, you'll find that information will start flowing to you from companies that offer those opportunities.

The more clearly you can envision your next stop you'll be more directed in your conversations and research, and you'll start uncovering positions that you might never have known existed.

Also be open to finding or creating a role for yourself within your current company. That's an option that's often overlooked.

Get started by writing your positioning statement. I'm going to walk you through 10 unfinished sentences – and you'll write the ending. It's just a little like Mad Libs.

Answers might come easily for some and you might find others impossible right now! But as you focus on researching and thinking about your background and your aspirations, the answers will become more clear.

Set up a meeting with yourself on your calendar for two weeks from you first attempt at creating your positioning statement so that you can update your answers and start to fill in more blanks. You'll find that even if you weren't consciously thinking about your answers, some answers will have become clear to you.

Here are a few things you should know about the Positioning Statement.

There are no right or wrong answers! This is all about what works best for YOU at this point in time. And, this will provide you with guidance and clarity as you to start into the next phase of Opportunity Seeking.

You may want to do 2 or 3 positioning statements if you don't have a specific focus yet.

As you work through these prompts you'll have to think about what your day-to-day life might be like and that will help you to narrow your focus. Examples from people in two very different careers follow the template to illustrate sample answers.

Here's the Positioning Statement:

I will work for an organization that helps: __________________________________

My role will be to: __________________________________________

My job title will be: ____________________________________

The most important thing about this job is that I will be able to: _____________________

My co-workers will be: _______________________________________________________

Supervising others is: ______________________________________

This organization is located in: ______________, or _____________________, or ________________.

I will work from: (home / an office building / a co-working space) _____________________________.

I will work _______ hours and earn $ ___________ per week.

I prefer a daily schedule working from _________ to ___________.

I need to learn more about: ______________________________________________. After you've created one or more positioning statements, start researching those areas you need to learn more about. Here's how:

In Podcast 65 I discussed setting up job alerts. After creating your positioning statement, you should review them to see if they reflect the position you just described. If not, create new ones and start closely reading descriptions that are sent to you for the answers.

Don't get rid of the older alerts. You set those up for a reason. They reflected your thinking at the time and they may still lead you to the perfect job. Sometimes, even after we've done a lot of thinking and analysis, we find that our first reaction demonstrates how we truly feel about something.

You should also create your wish list of 3 or more organizations that match your positioning statement. Consider that the more specific your statement, the fewer organizations there might be that match your criteria.

Also consider that if you can't identify a particular organization that meets all your needs, you may want to start your own venture. But that's a topic for another podcast.

To learn more about job titles, salaries, day-to-day responsibilities, I recommend searching YouTube and Podcasts. You'll find video and audio recordings from people that have similar jobs or work for the companies on your wish list and you'll be able to refine and update your positioning statement.

For example, if you search YouTube for "Foster care parents" you'll get over 300,000 videos on the topic and if you search iTunes podcasts for foster care you get dozens of relevant podcasts.

And, if you search YouTube for "fashion industry marketing manager" you'll get over 464,000 videos. And the search "fashion marketing" in iTunes results in dozens of podcasts.

You don't need to watch thousands of videos. Checking out just a few will help you to think of more questions, and hopefully get some answers, and you'll be one step closer to our next phase – opportunity seeking.

If you spot someone in a video or podcast who you connect with – you now have a great opening line to ask them for an informational interview. You can send an email saying: "I watched your video on YouTube about fashion marketing. I'm researching the next step in my career and would like to ask you a few questions about what you discussed in the video. Could I speak with you for 15 minutes next week over the phone?"

Review all the steps in Preparing, Researching, and Opportunity Seeking (PRO) here.

If you'd like 1:1 coaching through your job or career change, send me an email at [email protected] and we'll schedule time to chat.

Key Takeaways:

[:58] 5 Steps to help you prepare for a transition or career change.

[2:02] Researching is a you-centered activity.

[4:28] Create Your Positioning Statement.

[10:38] Next steps: Create your wish list of organizations and research using YouTube and Podcasts.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Ever Better

Ever Better Podcast Episode #65

Discover What's Next Coaching

[email protected]

@EverBetterU on Twitter

Beca Lewis is a world-class life shifter! She's been a dancer and choreographer and a certified financial planner. And, she's currently an artist, writer, life coach, and a podcaster. She's so interested in how people navigate life changes that she created a podcast called Shift the Story!

Her blended family includes 8 adult children and 5 grandchildren. She stays in touch with all generations of her blended family through mastering whatever social media her grandchildren are using. Beca and I believe you are never too old to learn something new - including social media!

Beca has an Etsy store where she sells art that features inspirational words. For example, "What your perceive to be reality, magnifies" and "stretch your imagination muscle towards the power of good." And, her self-help books are filled with inspirational words of wisdom. In the 60+ interviews I've done for Ever Better, no one has discussed how to get started on Etsy and what it's like to have an Etsy store. This is a great option for those of you who love to create jewelry, who knit, do needlepoint, draw, paint, or create other items that you could sell. She says it's much easier than eBay.

Beca has a very high energy level and she and I had a great time chatting and laughing and I know you'll take away some nuggets from this very wise and creative woman!

if you are considering a transition in your life, you may be interested in my Discover What's Next coaching program. Allow me to help you create a more fulfilling future. Sign up for a 1-hour complimentary consultation.

Key Takeaways:

[6:08] Why did Beca name her podcast Shift the Story?

[9:09] The first step to shift your story is to be willing.

[14:28] Beca shares information about her Etsy store.

[19:33] Beca is a 'shifty' and prolific author.

[23:59] Beca embraces technology so people she loves can reach out to her.

[29:28] Finding inspiration through books, podcasts and conversations.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Shift

Beca Lewis

The Truth 4 Today

Beca Lewis on Etsy

Ever Better

Ever Better Podcast Episode #3 with Jesse Mejia

Ever Better Podcast Episode Episode #63 with Lorraine Ladish

Discover What's Next Coaching

[email protected]

@EverBetterU on Twitter

Stephanie Dodier was a vice president at a major retailer in Canada at age 35. She traveled the country opening stores and training employees, and felt like she had her life under control. But one day as she got up to speak at a meeting, her body gave out and she landed in the hospital. Her doctor broke the news that she hadn't had a heart attack as everyone assumed. She had experienced a panic attack.

This led Stephanie to examine her life and habits - and to rework just about everything! Today she is 100 pounds lighter, a weight loss coach and clinical nutritionist, and works from wherever she likes (aka "digital nomad.") She recently published a lifestyle book called Keto Connector.

In our discussion, Stephanie shares what caused her panic attack, her path since then, and ideas about shifting your life.

Key Takeaways:

[7:35] Stephanie is a Digital Nomad, an entrepreneur who can work from anywhere.

[10:17] Stephanie had a panic attack which was the catalyst for her lifestyle change.

[16:17] Returning to school to finish her Health Science degree.

[19:33] An 8-day silence led Stephanie to desire a life of freedom.

[22:32] How Stephanie provides health care to clients online.

[27:00] A diet should include real food and a portion of protein, fat, and carbs in every meal.

[31:34] What is KETO?

[35:57] If you balance the Yin and the Yang, transformation is possible.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Stephanie Dodier

The Beyond the Food Show

KETO Connector

10% Happier by Dan Harris

Ever Better

Discover What's Next Coaching

[email protected]

@EverBetterU on Twitter

How do you navigate through transitions in your life? If you're like most people, no matter how excited you may be for a change, you also feel a tinge of fear underneath the surface. Taking time to prepare and plan for a transition can ease uncertainty and doubt. In this podcast, I discuss preparing for a job or career change and the steps also apply to other transitions.

PRO stands for Preparing, Researching, and Opportunity seeking. Today's podcast focuses on the first part of the transition framework, Preparing. Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss future shows on Researching and Opportunity Seeking. But first - let's get prepared!

Key Takeaways:

[03:21] 5-Steps to take when you are preparing for a career or job change.

1. Create a separate gmail account.

2. Write a short biography before updating your resume.

3. Check your personal style and make needed updates.

4. Subscribe to daily or weekly job alerts.

5. Do something outside of your comfort zone.

[13:08] Why would someone attend a Toastmasters meeting?

[14:32] Could taking a dance class really change my life?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Indeed

LinkedIn

Idealist

Ever Better

Ever Better Podcast Episode #3 with Jesse Mejia

Ever Better Podcast Episode Episode #63 with Lorraine Ladish

Discover What's Next Coaching

[email protected]

@EverBetterU on Twitter

Phyllis Piano is an energetic woman with a thirst for life...and great wine! Her first novel, Hostile Takeover: A Love Story was recently awarded the Gold Seal by the Independent Book Publishers Association! The story draws from her experience as a corporate communications executive, merging office intrigue with romance. Her second book is with her publisher, her third is with her editor, and she's already started on her fourth! Phyllis is also an avid bread baker, food blogger, world traveler, and has homes in the U.S. and the UK.

Phyllis shares how she rediscovered herself, after years of being too busy at work. She now wakes up at 5 a.m. thinking about recipes and writing and the people that she mentors. She says that it's good to live a little bit in your head, to let your imagination run wild, and to be true to who you are. After spending decades writing for the corporations that employed her, she feels a sense of freedom from being able to explore her creativity. She says, "Be your own voice. You have to be yourself."

How did she begin her first novel? She says, "Chapter 1, page 1. I just started writing."

If you are considering a transition in your life, you may be interested in my Discover What's Next coaching program. Allow me to help you create a more fulfilling future. Request a complimentary consultation.

Key Takeaways:

[5:00] Proof that Phyllis can do anything she puts her mind to, including her lifelong dream of becoming a writer.

[12:52] How Phyllis rediscovered herself, after leaving the corporate world.

[17:43] Now on her fourth book, Phyllis still edits her writing 10-15 times.

[24:26] The backstory of A Hostile Takeover: A Love Story.

[27:28] Phyllis is an Ever Better Woman.

[33:52] The magic time when you live in your head.

[34:52] Sharing a movie and a bottle of Pinot Noir in California.

[39:33] Don't be too busy to enjoy life.

Mentioned in this episode:

Phyllis J. Piano

Ever Better

Discover What's Next Coaching

[email protected]

@EverBetterU on Twitter

Lorraine Ladish embodies the 'Ever Better' state of mind! She uses her bi-cultural background, experience, and energy, to inspire people to embrace age with grace and vibrancy. She's a self-described 21st-century communicator who founded Viva Fifty Media and the Viva Fifty! online community.

A sought-after writer and brand ambassador, Lorraine who has written almost 20 books, including the moving story of her life experiences, Reach: From Single Mom on Welfare to Digital Entrepreneur.

During this episode, Lorraine shares the touching story of how a dance studio kept her grounded during rough times, provided her proof that kindness has no boundaries, and opened the door to an opportunity that changed her life. Lorraine's mantra of "It's never too late," is a reflection of her belief in a person's ability to accomplish anything at any age.

Work with me to Discover What's Next for you. In my one-on-one coaching program, we work together to unearth your hidden talents, uncover opportunities, and start creating a more fulfilling future.

Key Takeaways:

[3:02] Lorraine has a blended family, and both she and her husband are writers.

[7:46] Shortly after Lorraine published her book, I'm Pregnant! Now, What? (Estoy Embarazada, Y Ahora Que?: Confidencias Para La Nueva Madre), she moved to the U.S. from Spain.

[9:36] Lorraine shares the touching story which inspired her book, Reach.

[18:24] Lorraine's love of dance offered her solace and opportunity.

[21:23] Speaking four languages, Spanish, English, SEO and HTML.

[26:21] You are never too old for social media.

[30:03] Viva Fifty is a bilingual website for people over 50.

[38:35] How Viva Fifty Media generates income for Lorraine and her family of 5.

[41:52] Tips from Lorraine's forthcoming book, Your Best Age.

[46:02] Lisa created the '10 ways to discover your voice' guide.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Viva Fifty!

Lorraine C. Ladish

@vivafifty on Twitter

@lorrainecladish on Twitter

@lorrainecladish on Instagram

Estoy Embarazada, Y Ahora Que?: Confidencias Para La Nueva Madre, by Lorraine C. Ladish

REACH! From Single Mom on Welfare to Digital Entrepreneur, by Lorraine C. Ladish

Your Best Age, by Lorraine C. Ladish (Forthcoming)

Ever Better

Discover What's Next Coaching

Contact Lisa:

[email protected]

@EverBetterU on Twitter

Steve Garguilo is a man who knows how to make things happen! In our discussion, he shares how he starts with an idea and then works towards getting it done. He's developed what he calls "a bias for taking action" and now he's helping other people do the same. You'll also hear Steve share some of the ideas from his recently published book: Surge: Your Guide to Put Any Idea Into Action.

Steve and his friends Matt Kane and Sergiy Skoryk collaborated on the book after creating an adult summer camp focused on making things happen, aptly named Action Camp.

One of Steve's secrets to his success is staying connected to like-minded people who hold each other accountable for getting things done. Hearing him talk about organizing and giving TEDx talks, driving the Mongol Rally through Europe and Mongolia, starting Action Camp, and writing his book will make you start planning your "action list!"

Are you thinking about taking action but having trouble getting started? Check out my Discover What's Next Coaching program and set up a complementary consultation so that we can chat about your next steps.

Key Takeaways:

[4:56] Steve and his friends became obsessed with taking action, the science of action and what motivates people to act.

[7:58] TEDx is a program for independent organizers designed to bring TED into local communities.

[8:54] Examples of what can happen when you adopt a bias for action.

[14:45] Steve describes Action Camp, an adult summer camp focused on taking action.

[23:56] International adventures like these feed Steve's insatiable curiosity.

[28:31] Steve shares his upcoming adventures, including hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

[31:43] How to take small actionable steps.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Steve Garguilo

Surge: Your Guide to Put Any Idea Into Action by Steve Garguilo, Matt Kane and Sergiy Skoryk

Action Camp

I Want to Draw a Cat For You

Ever Better

Discover What's Next Coaching

[email protected]

@EverBetterU on Twitter

Nancy Stevens, is a Lifestyle, Health, and Wellness Coach who lives with her family in Nashville, TN. Nancy teaches a variety of fitness classes and is most drawn to the mind/body connection of yoga. She made the shift to life coaching after feeling drawn to provide more personal one-on-one guidance. During our conversation, Nancy shares what it means to be mindful, how to be successful at keeping up a self-care practice, and examples of client breakthroughs.

She speaks with many people who feel numbed and removed from their personal needs. In our discussion, she offers self-care tips that she uses with her clients to help get their life back in balance. These include:

• Creating a signature color or style. Ask yourself, "What says 'this is me?'
• Craft a vision for your life
• Give yourself permission to do something good for you
• Ask yourself "What do I need that I'm not getting. What can I do to make a change?
• Stay hydrated
• Go to bed early
• Add your most important self-care activities to your calendar like a weekly pilates class, a monthly hair appointment, or a pedicure.

Key Takeaways:

[5:20] How Nancy made the shift from being a Yoga Teacher to a Lifestyle Coach. [9:58] What it means to be mindful, and how to apply the practice. [13:16] Taking care of the body through movement and hydration. [22:12] The importance of maintaining social connections. [30:19] Nancy shares real-life stories of client breakthroughs. [40:45] How to say no, kindly.

Quotes from Nancy:

"Mindfulness is being present, aware, and connected to the present moment."

"Going to bed early is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself."

"Ask yourself, what do I need that I am not getting?"

Mentioned In This Episode:

Nancy Stevens Coaching @lifecoachnancy Ever Better Podcast EP042 with Maggie Huffman discussing Aura-Soma Discover What's Next Coaching @EverBetterU