Fearless and Flawed: Women In Charge

Ready to decode the unspoken rules of global communication... and maybe finally understand what “we’ll see” really means?

Meet Csenge Fazekas, intercultural trainer and founder of Cultural Origami, who helps expats, teams, and curious humans navigate the glorious (and sometimes totally confusing) mess of culture clashes, communication breakdowns, and time zone tangles. From her Hungarian roots to life in Spain—with a stopover in multicultural Belgium—Csenge’s story is all about embracing difference, asking better questions, and learning how not to take things so personally.

In this episode, we dive deep into cultural values, dinner party timing disasters (looking at you, Cairo), and the silent codes that shape how we connect, critique, and celebrate each other. Whether you’ve moved countries or just married someone from a different zip code, this one will have you nodding, laughing, and rethinking your RSVP strategy.

Key Takeaways:

🌍 Direct doesn’t mean rude – Understanding communication styles can save your feelings and your friendships.

🌍 Time is not universal – 8PM in Spain? That means 10. Maybe.

🌍 Culture is everywhere – You don’t need a passport to have a culture clash; it can happen at your own dinner table.

🌍 Don’t assume. Ask. – Csenge’s golden rule: curiosity is the ultimate cultural superpower.

🌍 And yes, we talk dessert – Because who doesn’t want to know what creamy-chocolatey treat wins in Madrid?

If you’ve ever felt lost in translation—or just want to understand people better—this episode is your permission slip to get it wrong, learn out loud, and laugh your way through the mess. Hit play and join the convo with Csenge Fazekas.

Want to work with Csenge or learn more about Cultural Origami?

Head over to fearlessandflawed.com for all the links, guest details, and ways to connect.

We’ve got everything waiting for you in the show notes!

You know those big, bold moves that start with a little nudge—and maybe a cupcake? That’s exactly how Susan Kellerman went from baking Christmas cookies in Madrid to running one of the city’s most beloved American-style dessert businesses: Tasty Cakes.

But this isn’t your average “follow your dream” story. Susan moved from the US to Spain, taught music full-time, and somehow ended up elbow-deep in frosting with a business that now serves Madrid’s expat crowd (and plenty of sweet-toothed locals too). She didn’t have a plan—just passion, grit, and one fearless friend who refused to let her say no to starting.

In this episode, Susan spills the real tea (and maybe a little vanilla extract) on what it’s really like to run a product-based business in a country that doesn’t exactly crave cupcakes. From time management chaos to cultural baking clashes, she shares the behind-the-scenes moments that make entrepreneurship messy, magical, and totally worth it.

Key Takeaways:

🧁 Why “just one order” from a friend can change your entire career

🧁 The real hustle behind pretty pastries—think spreadsheets, not sprinkles

🧁 What happens when your product doesn’t fit the local taste (hint: you don’t change it)

🧁 Ingredient drama, expat marketing, and running a business in your second language

🧁 Why Susan refuses to sacrifice quality—even if it means growing slower

Susan’s story is a delicious reminder that building something meaningful doesn’t require a million-dollar plan—just the guts to show up, the smarts to learn as you go, and the courage to keep baking your way forward (even when the frosting melts).

Hungry for more? Visit tastycakesmadrid.com and get a slice of the magic yourself.

Is planning a family vacation stressing you out before you’ve even booked the flights?

You’re not alone—and this episode of Fearless and Flawed is your permission slip to stop overwhelm-booking and start travel-planning with purpose.

Whether you're juggling school holidays, dietary restrictions, sensory needs, or just trying to keep everyone happy without losing your mind—this conversation is for you.

This week, we're joined by Brianna Hawes, a travel advisor who’s reimagining what family travel can look like: more adventure, less anxiety. As a mom, a certified autism travel specialist, and a planning obsessive (the kind of person who lives for digging into flight schedules and hotel reviews), Brianna brings both personal experience and pro-level expertise.

We dive into:

• Why most family vacations feel like more work, not a break—and how to flip the script
• The hidden cost of “do-it-yourself” travel planning (spoiler: it’s not just money—it’s your sanity)
• What soft adventure travel is and why it’s the sweet spot between relaxing and exploring
• How to create trips that work for everyone—even when family interests are wildly different
• Travel tips for families with neurodivergent kids (including sensory-friendly airports and autism-certified resorts)
• Why dreaming about travel is not a waste of time—and how planning ahead supports mental health
• The real difference between a travel agent and a travel advisor in 2025—and why it matters

Brianna also shares a personal travel horror story (involving wildfires, flight delays, rental car drama, and hotel chaos) that solidified her mission: to help families travel with confidence, clarity, and a whole lot more joy.

And if you’ve ever:

• Googled “best family-friendly resorts” and ended up with 74 tabs open

• Been paralyzed by too many choices (and conflicting reviews)

• Traveled with kids and returned home more exhausted than when you left

Then get ready—because this episode will shift the way you think about travel forever.

PLUS: Tips on creating forever memories, even if you don’t leave your time zone. ✨

Whether you're dreaming about zip-lining through rainforests or just looking for a hotel that won’t make you cry, this one’s for every woman trying to keep the magic in the family vacation—without sacrificing her own peace.

Listen now and find out how Brianna Hawes is helping families travel smarter, not harder.

🌴 Want more of Brianna’s travel wisdom? Check out her Facebook group: Adventures and Family Travel for tips, destination ideas, and the occasional dreamy flight deal.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinfamilytravel/

What if the thing holding you back… is a truth you’re too scared to say out loud?

In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Carrington—master certified coach and founder of the Life Attunement Coaching Method—for a conversation that’s part life story, part soul tune-up, and entirely unforgettable.

Elizabeth has been coaching for nearly 30 years (before it was even cool) and has helped high-achieving women stop hiding behind “having it all together” and start living in full alignment—with their voice, their power, and their wild, sacred truth.

She opens up about the moment she knew she had to end her 13-year relationship—and how helping other women do the same held up a mirror to her own life. From childhood dreams of traveling the world to deep healing from chronic illness, Elizabeth’s story is a masterclass in what it means to choose yourself—over and over again.

We cover:

✨ What coaching really is (and what it isn’t)

✨ Why your body often knows before your brain does

✨ The hidden cost of staying in something that looks “fine on paper”

✨ How to start listening to your intuition—without blowing up your life overnight

✨ Daily practices to reconnect with your truth (no crystals required)

If you’ve ever felt the nudge to shift—but couldn’t explain why—this one’s for you. It’s raw, grounded, and full of the kind of wisdom that gives you chills (the good kind).

Because sometimes, freedom starts with a whisper: This isn’t it.

Inspired by Elizabeth’s story? Don’t keep it to yourself. Share this episode with a friend who’s standing at a crossroads—and make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss next week’s deep, real, and fearless conversation.

Ever found yourself doomscrolling at 2 AM, knowing you should be asleep but somehow unable to put your phone down? Or feeling like you’re constantly running on empty—despite knowing all the “right” things you should be doing for your health?

In this episode of Fearless and Flawed, Renee Mosier, a wellness coach specializing in sleep, stress management, and recovery, breaks down why we sabotage our own well-being—and how to turn things around (without a complete lifestyle overhaul).

We dive into:

✨ The science of sleep—what’s actually keeping you up at night (hint: it’s not just caffeine)

✨ Revenge bedtime procrastination—why we stay up late on purpose and how to break the cycle

✨ Doomscrolling detox—small steps to reduce late-night phone binges (without going cold turkey)

✨ Breathwork for stress relief—how a simple four-second breathing technique can instantly shift your state

✨ Why most wellness goals fail—and how to set ones you’ll actually stick to

Renee also shares her own wake-up call—a sudden health crisis that changed her perspective on wellness forever—and why rest is just as important as hustle when it comes to success.

If you’re tired of feeling exhausted (literally and figuratively), this episode will help you take back control—one small step at a time.

Want more of Renee’s wellness insights? Connect with her on LinkedIn!

Ever walk into a room and immediately feel off—or, on the flip side, totally at peace? That’s not an accident. Interior designer and psychology-of-space expert Anna Costa believes that the way we design our surroundings has a direct impact on how we think, feel, and function.

In this episode of Fearless and Flawed, Anna takes us on a journey from growing up in a one-room apartment in Russia (where "personal space" wasn’t a thing) to redefining what interior design should be—functional, livable, and made for real life (yes, even if your dining table is currently doubling as a laundry station).

We dive into:

✨ The science behind how space influences our mood and productivity

✨ Why clutter is secretly stressing you out—and what to do about it

✨ How corporate spaces and homes alike can be optimized for creativity and calm

✨ The biggest design mistakes people make (hint: it’s not just about color)

✨ How to balance beauty with actual livability—because, let’s be real, that white couch isn’t surviving kids and red wine

If you’ve ever felt like your home or office isn’t working for you, this episode will change the way you see your space—and maybe even yourself.

Want to transform your space with Anna’s expertise? Visit idbyanna.com to learn more!

aSome people follow a straight path. Sairan Aqwari? She carves her own.

From teaching engineering and leadership to working at the UN to becoming a certified coach, Sairan’s career is a masterclass in reinvention. But her story isn’t just about career shifts—it’s about having the courage to ask, "What else am I capable of?"

After years of excelling in technical fields, Sairan realized that being great at math and engineering wasn’t the limit of her skills. She had a passion for mentorship, leadership, and making a real impact—especially for younger women. That realization led her to ditch a PhD, step onto the speaking stage, and ultimately embrace coaching as her calling.

In this episode, we dig into the big leaps, the unexpected pivots, and the moments of self-doubt that shaped her journey. Sairan shares how she went from following the “safe” path to building a career that actually lights her up—and how you can do the same.

Key Takeaways:

🔥 How to recognize when it’s time to pivot (and actually do it)

🔥 Why technical skills are great—but human connection is greater

🔥 The power of mentorship and leadership in building a legacy

🔥 Why walking away from the wrong path can lead you to the right one

If you’ve ever felt boxed in by expectations, this episode is your permission slip to break the mold and build something bold.

🎧 Hit play and get inspired!

You know that feeling—the one where life’s throwing curveballs, and you start wondering, Is this really it? For Robin Brodsky, that moment came while sitting in a Harvard job she hated, fantasizing about popping a tire just to skip the workday. (Relatable, right?)

But Robin’s story isn’t just about leaving a soul-crushing job—it’s about the power of reinvention. After being laid off twice (including on 9/11, while working at Logan Airport), battling toxic workplaces, and navigating a nightmare condo purchase that nearly derailed her sanity, Robin made a choice: She wasn’t going to let life keep driving. She was grabbing the damn wheel.

Fast forward to today—Robin’s living in Spain’s stunning Basque Country, leading curated travel experiences for solo female adventurers through her company, All Set to Jet. It’s more than a trip; it’s a confidence boost, a safe space, and a reminder that traveling alone doesn’t mean you’re on your own.

In this episode, Robin spills all the tea—on bad bosses, real estate disasters, the joy of solo travel, and how she built a business around helping women feel comfortable and empowered while seeing the world.

Key Takeaways:

✈️ When a “dream job” turns into a nightmare – How Robin pivoted (again and again) until she found her true passion.

✈️ Solo travel myths (and why most of them are total BS) – The real fears women face and how Robin helps squash them.

✈️ Turning setbacks into stepping stones – From career nosedives to personal breakthroughs.

✈️ Building a business with heart – Why All Set to Jet isn’t just another group tour.

✈️ Health, happiness & the power of place – How living in Spain literally healed Robin’s body and mind.

Robin’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to pack your bags, rewrite your story, and chase what actually makes you happy. Whether you’re dreaming of your next adventure or stuck wondering what’s next in life, this episode is your permission slip to go for it.

Ready to jet? Find your next adventure at allsettojet.com. Because life’s too short for boring trips—and even shorter for shitty jobs.

Ever feel like self-care is just another chore on your never-ending to-do list? Same. That’s why this week on Fearless and Flawed, we’re hanging with Transformational Coach Michele Julian, whose first step to “waking up” involved a literal wake-up call—a motorcycle accident. (Spoiler: she survived, ditched the corporate sales gig, and dove headfirst into healing her own body and mind.)

If you’ve been hustling for that quick fix—like dropping five pounds only to gain six—Michele’s got news: There’s no 30-day solution for real change. Instead, she’s all about picking a card first thing in the morning, journaling about your random epiphanies (or donut regrets), and silencing the “shame monster” with a big dose of no-bad-parts compassion. Because, as Michelle puts it, all those “flaws” you stress over? They’re pure gold waiting to be mined.

In This Episode, We Chat About:

• Rewiring Self-Care Myths: Why you don’t have to sweat your booty off at 5 AM to be “worthy.”
• Daily Rituals that Actually Stick: Think card-pulling, mindset shifts, and baby steps that pack a punch.
• No Bad Parts (For Real!): How befriending your anxiety, anger, or people-pleaser streak might be your secret weapon.
• Healing vs. Quick-Fixing: Tapping into your own inner guru instead of hopping onto the next 30-day bandwagon.
• Turning Flaws into Fuel: Yes, even the parts of you that you’re certain need “fixing” can be the spark for your biggest breakthroughs.

Michele’s warmth, wit, and zero-BS wisdom will have you embracing your messiness, cranking up the inner goddess vibes, and realizing your best life is an everyday practice—not a one-and-done sprint. So, grab your journal, pull a card, and join us for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious and eye-opening.

Connect with Michele: Check out JulianGoddessCoaching.com or find her on Instagram at @JulianMethod—and get ready to ditch the guilt and own your glorious imperfections. Because flaws aren’t flaws at all; they’re the fuel for your most fearless moves!

You know that one idea—the one that pops into your head and refuses to leave? The one that makes you say, Wait… why doesn’t this exist already?

 For Sarah Neal, it was simple: Why can’t a greeting card come with cake? And just like that, InstaCake Cards was born—because who wouldn’t want to rip open an envelope and find a party inside?

But here’s the thing: dreaming up a brilliant idea is the easy part. Turning it into an actual, functioning, money-making business? That’s where things get messy (sometimes literally, when you’re in the business of cake). Sarah didn’t just whip up a novelty—she built a full-fledged company, learning (sometimes the hard way) how to navigate manufacturing, cash flow, inventory nightmares, and all the fun legal headaches no one tells you about.

In this episode, she’s bringing the real, no-BS truth about product-based businesses—what worked, what flopped, and what she wishes someone had warned her about before she started.

Key Takeaways:

🎂 Test before you invest – How Sarah made sure her “cake in a card” idea wasn’t just cute, but actually sellable.

🎂 Not all growth is good growth – Why saying no can be just as powerful as saying yes.

🎂 Scaling is a beast – The unseen struggles of growing a product-based business (spoiler: it’s nothing like scaling a service).

🎂 Legal drama and brand protection – What to do before someone tries to rip off your idea.

🎂 Cash flow & inventory chaos – The mistakes that nearly broke the business (and how she fixed them).

Sarah’s journey is proof that success isn’t about perfection—it’s about creativity, adaptability, and sheer, stubborn persistence. Whether you’re hustling a product, running a service-based biz, or just starting to dip your toes into entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with the kind of insights you need.

Want to see her in action? Check out instacakecard.com. Because let’s be real—everything is better with cake.