Finding Brave

Why do promising sales conversations so often fail to turn into actual business? The people interested in your product or service aren't always the ones making the buying decisions. To win their business, you need to help those buyers make a compelling case to the people who control the budget.

My guest today is Mark Phinick, founder and B2B Deal Coach at Let's Make It Rain. His extensive sales experience includes senior leadership roles at IBM and HCL, along with work across startups, public companies, and sectors such as cybersecurity, AI, IT operations, software, and services. He now helps founders and sales teams navigate complex buying decisions and turn promising opportunities into actual business. Mark is also the author of When Deals Go Quiet: Navigating the Silence Between Interest and Decision in Enterprise Sales.

In our conversation, Mark explains why selling today is less about persuasion and more about helping buyers make the case for change within their organizations. We discuss how to identify who actually makes the decision, communicate the business value of your offering, and show why the cost of doing nothing may be greater than the risk of moving forward.

We also explore what to do when a deal stalls, how to tell genuine buying intent from polite interest, and why asking better questions matters more than pushing harder. Whether you're selling a service, pitching an idea, or navigating a major business decision, join us for a practical look at how to move conversations toward meaningful action.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Mark Phinick and today's topic: why strong sales pitches may still fail to win business. [01:01]
• Why selling today is less about persuasion and more about helping buyers navigate decisions. [04:07]
• How to help interested buyers make a business case to the executives who approve the investment. [05:01]
• Using discovery questions to build a business case around the cost of inaction. [12:42]
• The tools for making a compelling case to executives: why a short decision memo works better than brochures, data sheets, or long presentations. [14:09]
• Understanding how competition, existing vendor relationships, and a buyer's readiness to change influence purchasing decisions. [16:23]
• How to communicate your value clearly and concisely when you have limited time. [28:07]
• Why successful selling is a learnable skill, with practical advice for networking and assessing whether a potential client is ready to move forward. [30:23]
• How honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations and established trust can help move stalled deals forward. [35:27]

For More Information:

Mark Phinick on LinkedIn

Mark Phinick on Hubble Social

Let's Make It Rain

When Deals Go Quiet: Navigating the Silence Between Interest and Decision in Enterprise Sales

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode

Kathy's book Breakdown, Breakthrough

———————

READY FOR A BREAKTHROUGH TO ACHIEVE MORE SUCCESS, IMPACT AND FULFILLMENT IN YOUR CAREER & LEADERSHIP TODAY?

Work with Kathy and get hands-on, transformative CAREER & LEADERSHIP GROWTH COACHING SUPPORT today

Join me today in one of my top-requested career and leadership growth 1:1 coaching programs and take 10% off this week with coupon code 'BRAVEPOD10' as my thank-you for tuning in!

Click the links below for more information and register today to save 10%:

– 60-minute Career Consultation

– Jumpstart Your Career Success (3 sessions)

– Career & Leadership Breakthrough program (6 sessions)

– Build Your Confidence, Success and Impact (10 sessions)

———————

Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today!

In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here.

If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible.

Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources

Kathy's TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment

Kathy's other Free assessments, including Dominant Action Styles Quiz

———————

Sponsor Highlight

I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today!

Audible Offer

Amazon Music Offer

Quotes:

"The people who find you are not the ones who fund you." — Mark Phinick [0:04:55]

"It's our job to equip [buyers] to carry forward a business case that executives will act on without us in the room." — Mark Phinick [0:05:03]

"We have to translate the features and functions of our offering: a service, a program, a product, into the language and the outcomes that matter to the leadership team." — Mark Phinick [0:10:14]

"The easier that we can make it for the operator to show the executives why they need to make this decision now, the more that they will engage it." — Mark Phinick [0:16:08]

"What we're talking about is decision readiness, and 'Is the group ready?' Is there an individual that's ready to own the decision to change?" — Mark Phinick [0:20:54]

"At least you have clarity [on whether the buyer is ready to move forward], which is all we ever want to get out of these discussions." — Mark Phinick [0:35:05]

Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube!

Don't forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!

What becomes possible when we focus not only on our own success, but also on elevating the people and communities around us? In this episode, I'm joined by Chris Cooper, founder of The Elevation Collective and host of The Business Elevation Show, to explore how we can elevate ourselves, elevate others, and amplify good.

Chris is a leadership and business elevation strategist, behavioral strategist, mentor, coach, and speaker with more than three decades of experience. Through Chris Cooper's Business Elevation, he helps organizations develop leaders, empower teams, and build highly engaged cultures. He is also co-author of The Power to Get Things Done (Whether You Feel Like It or Not).

In our conversation, Chris reflects on growing up in the steel town of Scunthorpe and the formative moment when he realized he wanted a different path from the one expected of him. He explains why leadership energy shapes organizational culture, why great leaders light a fire within people rather than underneath them, and how meaningful work can truly help people and businesses thrive and transform.

We also discuss why human connection and discernment matter even more as AI grows more powerful, how The Elevation Collective brings heart-led leaders together, and why difficult moments can signal a new direction. Tune in to discover how purposeful action, relationships, and a longer view of life can help you create a positive impact on the world.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Chris's background and what it means to elevate yourself, others, and amplify good. [05:52]
• Discover why he believes great leaders need to 'light a fire within' people and company culture. [10:53]
• Explore why AI literacy and human connection will become increasingly valuable. [13:29]
• Learn how The Elevation Collective became an incubator and amplifier for good. [21:07]
• Understand how Chris recognizes the 'light' in others and why purposeful work matters. [25:54]
• Uncover how to find more meaning without abandoning financial stability and focus. [33:41]
• Hear how a long-term view can transform what feels possible now and later in life. [39:00]
• Find out where to explore Chris's work and free 10 Elevations guide. [41:36]

For More Information:

Chris Cooper

Chris Cooper on LinkedIn

The Elevation Collective

The Business Elevation Show

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

The Power to Get Things Done (Whether You Feel Like It or Not)

Finding Brave Podcast Episode 333: How Leaders Can Harness AI Without Losing Their Humanity

Kathy's book Breakdown, Breakthrough

Clever Fox

10 Elevations to Thrive and Do Good

———————

READY FOR A BREAKTHROUGH TO ACHIEVE MORE SUCCESS, IMPACT AND FULFILLMENT IN YOUR CAREER & LEADERSHIP TODAY?

Work with Kathy and get hands-on, transformative CAREER & LEADERSHIP GROWTH COACHING SUPPORT today!

Join me today in one of my top-requested career and leadership growth 1:1 coaching programs and take 10% off the price this week with coupon code 'BRAVEPOD10" as my thank-you for tuning in!

Click the links below for more information and register today to save 10%:

– 60-minute Career Consultation

– Jumpstart Your Career Success (3 sessions)– Career & Leadership Breakthrough program (6 sessions)– Build Your Confidence, Success and Impact (10 sessions)

———————

Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today!

In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here.

If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible.

Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources

Kathy's TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment

Kathy's other Free assessments including Dominant Action Styles Quiz

———————

Sponsor Highlight

I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today!

Audible Offer

Amazon Music Offer

Quotes:

"A key theme through my career is a realization that it's all about energy." — Chris Cooper [0:12:53]

"Don't worry that AI is going to take your job. Just worry that somebody who understands AI will take your job." — Chris Cooper [0:15:23]

"You can't end poverty if you're in poverty yourself." — Chris Cooper [0:22:41]

"Do everything you can to lift that energy. And finding something purposeful to do as well, that's also great." — Chris Cooper [0:28:17]

"What is important is the difference that I make while I'm in this world." — Chris Cooper [0:35:10]

"One day you'll look back on [those hard times] and be proud that you spiraled up rather than [allowing] yourself to spiral down." — Chris Cooper [0:36:31]

Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube!

Don't forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!

"Augment, don't abdicate." This is one of the key principles that today's guest brings to AI: use it to strengthen human expertise and decision-making, not surrender judgment to it. In this episode, I'm joined by Bennett Borden, Founder and CEO of Clarion AI Partners, to explore why AI adoption is a leadership and human-judgment challenge, not simply a technology rollout.

Bennett is a lawyer and data scientist who advises global enterprises and leading AI developers on deploying AI systems that create real business value while managing risk. Known for translating complex AI developments into practical insights, he helps executives and policymakers understand how to move forward responsibly.

In our conversation, Bennett shares how his path from intelligence work to law and data science shaped his belief that data reflects human conduct and should be handled with care. We discuss the promise and risks of generative and agentic AI, the importance of guardrails, and why he urges us to treat factual answers from AI like testimony from a hostile witness: question the source, seek other viewpoints, and ask for proof.

We also explore Bennett's "Iron Man, not Terminator" approach to using AI to extend human capability rather than replace it. He shares questions leaders can ask to identify pain points, imagine new possibilities, and think more carefully about where AI can add the most value. Tune in for a timely discussion on how to make the most of AI while keeping humanity, responsibility, and care at the center.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Bennett Borden and the question of how leaders can harness AI without losing their humanity. [00:56]
• Bennett's core AI principles: AI adoption is a leadership problem before it is a technology problem, augment rather than abdicate, and manage risk responsibly. [03:40]
• How Bennett's study of history led him into intelligence work and data science. [04:58]
• Why Bennett sees data as a reflection of human conduct and something that must be handled responsibly. [09:10]
• How automated decision-making systems shape hiring, credit, recommendations, and other parts of daily life. [12:23]
• Why AI models need legal, ethical, and technical guardrails to reduce harm. [15:12]
• Bennett's top concern around AI: the rise of agentic AI, emergent behavior, and the need for stronger controls. [23:09]
• How to question AI outputs, set rules, and avoid accepting answers without proof. [25:47]
• Bennett's "Iron Man, not Terminator" approach to using AI to extend human capability. [27:42]
• Practical questions leaders can ask to identify pain points, imagine new possibilities, and use AI with greater care. [33:16]

For More Information:

Bennett Borden on LinkedIn

Clarion AI

———————

READY FOR A BREAKTHROUGH TO ACHIEVE MORE SUCCESS, IMPACT AND FULFILLMENT IN YOUR CAREER & LEADERSHIP TODAY?

Work with Kathy and get hands-on, transformative CAREER & LEADERSHIP GROWTH COACHING SUPPORT today!

Join me today in one of my top-requested career and leadership growth 1:1 coaching programs and take 10% off the price this week with coupon code 'BRAVEPOD10' as my thank-you for tuning in!

Click the links below for more information and register today to save 10%:

– 60-minute Career Consultation – Jumpstart Your Career Success (3 sessions) – Career & Leadership Breakthrough program (6 sessions) – Build Your Confidence, Success and Impact (10 sessions)

———————

Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today!

In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here.

If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible.

Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources

Kathy's TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment

Kathy's Amazing Career Project video training course & 6 Dominant Action Styles Quiz

———————

Sponsor Highlight

I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today!

Audible Offer

Amazon Music Offer

Quotes:

"The cool thing that [data science] really inculcated in me was that data is a reflection of human conduct, and I've always taken that perspective throughout my career." — Bennett Borden [0:09:27]

"It's not just data; it's literally these little, almost precious gems of human experience that exist out in the world. I have a great deal of respect and honor for the data." — Bennett Borden [0:09:43]

"[LLMs aren't] just a model of our language. It's really a model of all human knowledge, because we use language to express every idea that we understand in the universe." — Bennett Borden [0:17:03]

"[AI] really is the most transformative and disruptive technology, at least since electricity. It will change every aspect of our lives, and we are just at the very, very beginning of seeing what that is. And already, we are seeing massive change." — Bennett Borden [0:19:18]

"I also tell people to treat [AI models] like a hostile witness that you're cross-examining on the stand." — Bennett Borden [0:27:06]

"The real question is, what can you do today that you could never have done before? How can you take your secret sauce as a commercial entity, as a human, and augment it and extend it and make it come to life with this incredible technology." — Bennett Borden [0:35:50]

Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube!

Don't forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!

Despite what the headlines suggest, most professionals aren't as far behind on AI as they think they are. In this episode, I'm joined by Raman Rai, an award-winning AI product and deployment leader, to explore what it really takes to thrive as AI transforms the workplace.

Raman has helped organizations move AI from strategy into real-world adoption, working with Fortune 100 companies, early-stage founders, and leadership teams. Formerly at PwC and Google, she also helped scale one of the UK's largest enterprise GenAI programs, reaching more than 200,000 people globally in partnership with OpenAI, Microsoft, and Harvey. Her work focuses on the human side of AI adoption, helping organizations build trust, embrace meaningful change, and ensure AI creates greater access and opportunity for more people.

In our conversation, we discuss why so many professionals feel overwhelmed by AI and why those feelings are both understandable and more common than you may think. Raman explains why no one has all the answers yet, why learning AI on your own terms matters more than trying to keep up with every new development, and how leaders can introduce AI in ways that help people adapt with confidence. We also explore what it really means to become AI-literate and why understanding your own workflow is the key to finding meaningful opportunities to use AI.

Finally, we examine how bias emerges in AI systems and why representative data and diverse perspectives are essential to building better technology. Raman also shares the biggest mistakes leaders make when introducing AI, why investing in people is just as critical as investing in technology, and how organizations can adopt AI with purpose. Join us for this timely conversation and discover how to stay brave, valuable, and visible in the age of AI.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Raman Rai and today's conversation about thriving in the age of AI. [01:00]
• Why most professionals are not as behind on AI as they think. [04:24]
• Understanding AI adoption rates and what global AI usage really looks like. [06:29]
• Practical ways organizations can successfully introduce AI in the workplace. [08:50]
• Identifying high-value AI use cases that improve everyday workflows. [13:04]
• Why we're still in the early stages of AI adoption and what that means for the future. [16:14]
• Practical ways to reduce AI anxiety and learn at your own pace. [22:06]
• Why AI should support your thinking, not replace it. [25:55]
• Understanding AI bias and how representative data and diverse teams can help address it. [32:15]
• The biggest mistakes leaders make when implementing AI and how to avoid them. [35:14]

For More Information:

Raman Rai

Raman Rai on LinkedIn Raman's article in AI Insider - Why Enterprise AI is Failing and 5 Changes That Actually Deliver ROI

Kathy's Forbes article - Why AI Adoption is Failing Inside Many Companies

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Connect with Raman Rai on Hubble Social

Connect with Kathy on Hubble Social

———————

Ready to Take Your Professional Life and Leadership to the Next Level FAST?

READY FOR A BREAKTHROUGH TO ACHIEVE MORE SUCCESS, IMPACT AND FULFILLMENT IN YOUR CAREER & LEADERSHIP TODAY?

Work with Kathy and get hands-on, transformative CAREER & LEADERSHIP GROWTH COACHING SUPPORT today!

Join me today in one of my most-requested career and leadership growth 1:1 coaching programs and take 10% off the price this week with coupon code 'BRAVEPOD10" as my thank-you for tuning in!

Click the links below for more information and register today to save 10%:

• 60-minute Career Consultation
• Jumpstart Your Career Success (3 sessions)
• Career & Leadership Breakthrough program (6 sessions)
• Build Your Confidence, Success and Impact (10 sessions)

———————

Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today!

If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible.

———————

Sponsor Highlight

I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today!

Audible Offer

Amazon Music Offer

Quotes:

"One thing that I really just want to specify is it might feel like everyone is using AI, but in fact, it's only 16% of the world." — Raman Rai [0:06:29]

"Create ways [to] learn AI on your own terms, in your own life, on your own workflows, without feeling like it's being enforced by anybody, because that's what I think will give people a real grounded sense of what AI actually is and what it does." — Raman Rai [0:24:19]

"I always encourage people to do the work yourself, pen to paper, and then use AI as a reviewer. Don't allow it to take away your thinking." — Raman Rai [0:29:10]

"If you are using AI, make sure you're using data that is representative of the work that you're doing, especially if you're building for multiple users across multiple countries. " — Raman Rai [0:34:12]

"When you're investing in AI, what you're ultimately doing is you're investing in your people." — Raman Rai [0:35:06]

"What do we need [AI] for, what problem are we actually solving, and where do we want to go as a company?" — Raman Rai [0:35:22]

Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube!

Don't forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!

Disruption is often viewed as something to avoid or manage. But what if it could become one of the most effective catalysts for meaningful change? In this episode of Finding Brave, I sit down with Dr. Patrick Leddin to unpack why disruption is not the enemy many of us believe it to be, and how learning to work with it can truly transform our lives and careers.

Dr. Patrick Leddin is a former Airborne Ranger infantry officer, entrepreneur, global keynote speaker, and longtime Vanderbilt University faculty member whose research focuses on how leaders and organizations can thrive through disruption. He is also the host of The Disruption Lab with Patrick Leddin, PhD, and the co-author, with James Patterson, of the New York Times bestselling book Disrupt Everything―and Win. Drawing on years of research and conversations with leaders across industries, Patrick shares what he's learned about embracing change and using disruption as a force for good.

In our conversation, Patrick shares what he's hearing from leaders as AI reshapes organizations and creates new opportunities and uncertainties. Through research, business case studies, and his own experiences in the military and the business world, he explores what it means to thrive in ambiguity when the rules are being rewritten in real time. He explains why the most disruptive thing you can do sometimes is say "no" to change and why taking time to discern the right response can make all the difference when facing uncertainty.

He also shares insights on navigating career disruption in the era of AI-driven change, developing the strengths of a Positive Disrupter, and building teams that can adapt when the future feels uncertain. Listen in for a refreshing and uplifting perspective on embracing disruption and what happens when you view it as an invitation to rethink what's possible.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introduction to Dr. Patrick Leddin and the growing impact of disruption and AI. [00:51]
• How leaders are approaching AI and navigating uncertainty. [04:17]
• The Vanderbilt class that led to Disrupt Everything―and Win. [08:44]
• James Patterson's career journey and the power of positive disruption. [10:04]
• How Tractor Supply Company leveraged disruption to drive innovation and growth. [14:22]
• Lessons from Patrick's military experience and thriving in ambiguity. [16:35]
• Why emotions and discernment matter when responding to disruption. [20:18]
• Understanding the different roles people can play during disruption, and why the most disruptive thing you can do sometimes is say "no" to change. [28:21]
• How to navigate career disruption and AI-driven change. [36:54]
• Positive Disrupter strengths and building teams that embrace change. [43:54]

For More Information:

Dr. Patrick Leddin

Dr. Patrick Leddin on LinkedIn

Dr. Patrick Leddin on Instagram

Dr. Patrick Leddin on YouTube

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Dr. Patrick Leddin's podcast, The Disruption Lab with Patrick Leddin, PhD

Dr. Patrick Leddin and James Patterson's book, Disrupt Everything―and Win

Dr. Patrick Leddin's book The 5 Week Leadership Challenge

Kathy's appearance on Patrick's Podcast, The Disruption Lab, Disrupt Career Reinvention with Forbes Contributor Kathy Caprino

Kathy's Forbes article featuring Dr. Leddin and James Patterson - World Business Forum Experts Offer Strategies For Navigating Change

———————

READY FOR A BREAKTHROUGH TO ACHIEVE MORE SUCCESS, IMPACT AND FULFILLMENT IN YOUR CAREER & LEADERSHIP TODAY?

Work with Kathy and get hands-on, transformative CAREER & LEADERSHIP GROWTH COACHING SUPPORT today!

Join me today in one of my top-requested career and leadership growth 1:1 coaching programs and take 10% off the price this week with coupon code 'BRAVEPOD10" as my thank-you for tuning in!

Click the links below for more information and register today to save 10%:

60-minute Career Consultation Jumpstart Your Career Success (3 sessions)Career & Leadership Breakthrough program (6 sessions)Build Your Confidence, Success and Impact (10 sessions)

———————

Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today!

In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here.

If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 power and confidence gaps in the most effective way possible.

Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Resources

Kathy's TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment

Kathy's 6 Dominant Action Styles Quiz

———————

Sponsor Highlight

I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today!

Audible Offer Amazon Music Offer

Quotes:

"One thing that has been helpful to me personally, whether it was starting a business and running a business or being in the military, was the ability to thrive in ambiguity." — Dr. Patrick Leddin [0:16:49]

"The disruptions that a lot of people are running into in their lives right now, there isn't necessarily a playbook for it, there aren't standard procedures, and the rules are being rewritten almost in real time." — Dr. Patrick Leddin [0:20:34]

"Disruption sometimes blows things up and breaks stuff, and I don't like that. Nobody really does. But maybe it's fertile ground for something new and different." — Dr. Patrick Leddin [0:21:02]

"Sometimes the most disruptive thing you can do is go after change. Sometimes the most disruptive thing you can do is chase stability. When everybody else is chasing change, you say no." — Dr. Patrick Leddin [0:30:18]

"We have the ability, unlike any other animal in the animal kingdom, to dream up this amazing future, and then begin to manifest." — Dr. Patrick Leddin [0:46:44]

"Disruption is going to come at you, but you're wired to handle it." — Dr. Patrick Leddin [0:47:34]

Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube!

Don't forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please subscribe, leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!

Often, our most important growth comes from letting go of who we think we're supposed to be. And for many women, their 40s can be a transformative decade of reexamining long-held expectations and getting closer to who they really are. In this episode of Finding Brave, I have the pleasure of sitting down with journalist and author Stacey Lindsay to explore why this often misunderstood decade deserves a more honest and deep exploration.

Stacey is the author of the new book Being 40: The Decade of Letting Go—and Embracing Who We Are and a senior editor at Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper. Through extensive research and personal reflection, Stacey explores why the 40s can be such a pivotal decade for women.

In our conversation, Stacey shares what inspired her to write the book and why she became fascinated by women's experiences in their 40s. I'm truly honored to be featured in Stacey's important and eye-opening book.

Today we discuss the courage required to tell the truth about our lives, the challenges of letting go of societal pressures, and the reality that this stage of life can be both difficult and deeply liberating. We explore the many transitions that often converge during this decade, from changing bodies and evolving careers to caregiving responsibilities and shifting personal priorities.

Stacey also reflects on the importance of reconnecting with ourselves, embracing vulnerability, and finding comfort in the stories of others. At its heart, this conversation is about giving ourselves permission to live more authentically and release the expectations that no longer serve us.

Tune in for an insightful and uplifting discussion about aging, identity, and what it means to fully embrace who you are becoming.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Stacey Lindsay and her new book, Being 40. [01:59]
• What Stacey found most daunting about the writing process. [07:55]
• The inspiration behind Stacey's book: why she wanted to write about women in their 40s. [12:13]
• The expectations women carry and what becomes possible when they let them go. [17:58]
• What surprised Stacey most during her conversations with women. [19:54]
• How our mothers and early role models continue to shape us into midlife. [23:26]
• Why our culture is starving for warmth, connection, and genuine human interaction. [29:41]
• Stories of self-acceptance, letting go, and embracing who we are. [32:21]
• How women across generations are helping each other find greater clarity and self-acceptance. [35:36]

For More Information:

Stacey Lindsay

Stacey Lindsay on Instagram

Stacey Lindsay on LinkedIn

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Stacey's book Being 40: The Decade of Letting Go—and Embracing Who We Are

Her book on Audible

Kathy's feature in A Guide to Living in the Unknown, from the Architects of Change section in Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper

———————

Ready to Take Your Professional Life and Leadership to the Next Level FAST?

READY FOR A HUGE SHIFT TO ACHIEVE MORE SUCCESS, IMPACT AND FULFILLMENT IN YOUR CAREER & LEADERSHIP?

Work with Kathy and get hands-on, transformative CAREER & LEADERSHIP GROWTH COACHING SUPPORT today!

Join me today in one of my top-requested career and leadership growth 1:1 coaching programs and take 10% off the price this week with coupon code 'BRAVEPOD10' as my thank-you for tuning in!

Click the links below for more information and register today to save 10%:

– Jumpstart Your Career Success (3 sessions)

– Career & Leadership Breakthrough program (6 sessions)

– Build Your Confidence, Success and Impact (10 sessions)

———————

GOT A BURNING CAREER QUESTION? Ask me on Hubble!

I'm thrilled to be part of the Hubble Expert Advisory group, a space for straightforward guidance and help from top experts on business, entrepreneurship, startups, and career and leadership growth.

For folks who haven't worked with me yet but are seeking guidance on careers, leadership, and making a bigger impact, feel free to book a brief advisory call via Hubble here >> Hubble | One conversation can change everything

———————

Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today!

In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here.

If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible.

Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources

Kathy's TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment

———————

Sponsor Highlight

I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today!

Audible Offer

Amazon Music Offer

Quotes:

"I'm feeling so many things as a woman right now: as a woman just in her 40s, as a woman in society, unlearning so many things, [and] – I know other women are feeling this." — Stacey Lindsay [0:06:18]

"I think this evolution that women have been going through forever is just fascinating. I think the feminist movement goes through a different wave every day, right? We take three steps forward, two steps back, all of us, but we persevere." — Stacey Lindsay [0:12:51]

"When we really look at the things that we've been carrying that never served us and will never serve us—ideas about how we should look, how we should be, how we should mother, how we should act—when we start to put those down, I found we actually free up a lot more energy to put toward our strength, to face the hard stuff, and then find more joy." — Stacey Lindsay [0:18:27]

"Another thing I deeply hope somebody takes from this book is a companionship with oneself, ultimately. We can become cleaved from ourselves in many ways when we are checking all the boxes, thinking we're doing all the right things." — Stacey Lindsay [0:21:13]

"What has gotten me closer to myself is the company of another woman's story. Sometimes that's through a movie, sometimes that's through a book, many times [it's] through a Mary Oliver poem." — Stacey Lindsay [0:21:45]

"I finally embraced the fact that this is who I am, this is how I am, this is the way I operate. I don't want to apologize anymore. There's this radical coolness about this decade." — Stacey Lindsay [0:33:15]

Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube!

Don't forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!

What if many of the behaviors we dismiss as laziness or "not getting it together" are actually signs that someone's brain works differently? In this episode of Finding Brave, Kathy Caprino welcomes Kristen Pressner, a trailblazing people leader helping reshape conversations around neurodiversity, ADHD, and human potential. As Chief People Officer for prominent multinational, Nokia, Kristen is a sought-after voice on equity and inclusion and regularly appears on international "Top HR Influencer" lists.

Following the global impact of her TEDx talk, Are you biased? I am, which challenged audiences to confront unconscious bias with greater honesty and self-awareness, Kristen returned to the TEDx stage with a new question: Why is it that so many people just 'can't get it together'? The talk explores how neurodivergent traits are often misunderstood and has sparked conversations across families, workplaces, and the ADHD community. It also led to Kristen joining the World Economic Forum's Global Brain Economy Initiative, launched at Davos.

In this conversation, Kristen shares how her family's experiences with ADHD transformed the way she understands motivation, behavior, and potential. She explains why many neurodivergent traits are misunderstood as character flaws and how traditional expectations can unintentionally create shame. Kristen also unpacks the biological differences between neurotypical and ADHD brains, including the role dopamine plays in focus and action, and how to build neuro-inclusive workplaces that help people thrive.

Additionally, Kristen highlights the extraordinary strengths that often accompany neurodivergence, from creativity and innovation to future thinking and problem-solving. Tune in for a powerful conversation about neurodiversity, leadership, and creating a more brain-friendly world!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Kristen Pressner, her TEDx talks, and her revelations around unconscious bias as an HR leader. [02:02]
• How the pandemic exposed hidden struggles with ADHD and neurodivergence within Kristen's family. [08:45]
• Diagnostic criteria, why ADHD is often misunderstood, and how neurodivergence exists on a broader spectrum than many realize. [12:15]
• Biological differences between neurotypical and ADHD brains, and why different brains need different strategies to thrive. [15:07]
• The necessary conditions for focus and productivity in ADHD minds: challenging, novel, fun, or do-or-die urgent. [20:23]
• Reframing "hard" and "easy" tasks and recognizing the unique strengths linked to neurodivergence. [22:50]
• How reducing shame and building brain-friendly conditions helped Kristen's family move from surviving to thriving. [23:57]
• Kristen's advice for parents: reducing shame, recognizing strengths, and helping neurodivergent kids thrive. [31:33]
• Her vision for more flexible, neuro-inclusive workplaces that help people thrive. [35:09]
• Where to learn more about Kristen's work and why spreading awareness around neurodiversity matters. [40:19]

For More Information:

Kristen Pressner

Kristen Pressner on LinkedIn

Kristen Pressner on Instagram

Kristen Pressner on Facebook

Kristen Pressner on X

Kristen Pressner on TikTok

Be a Brain Friend TEDx on Instagram

Be a Brain Friend TEDx on Facebook

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Kristen's TEDx talk, Why is it that so many people just 'can't get it together'?

Kristen's TEDx talk on unconscious bias, Are you biased? I am

HR Leaders Podcast with Chris Rainey, How To Create a Neurodiversity-Friendly Workplace

LinkedIn Post, The #1 Skill in the Age of AI (It's not what you think)

Direct link to free Neurodiversity Learning Pathway

The World Economic Forum's Global Brain Economy Initiative

———————

Ready to Take Your Professional Life and Leadership to the Next Level FAST?

Work with Kathy and get hands-on, transformative CAREER & LEADERSHIP GROWTH COACHING SUPPORT today!

Join me today in one of my top-requested career and leadership growth 1:1 coaching programs, and break through to a new, more rewarding career, professional and leadership experience and chapter. And take 10% off the price this week with coupon code 'BRAVEPOD10" as my thank-you for tuning in!

Click the links below for more information and register today to save 10%:

– Jumpstart Your Career Success (3 sessions)

– Career & Leadership Breakthrough program (6 sessions)

– Build Your Confidence, Success and Impact (10 sessions)

———————

GOT A BURNING CAREER QUESTION? Ask me on Hubble!

I'm thrilled to be part of the Hubble Expert Advisory group, a space for straightforward guidance and help from top experts on business, entrepreneurship, startups, and career and leadership growth.

For folks who haven't worked with me yet but are seeking guidance on careers, leadership, and making a bigger impact, feel free to book a brief advisory call via Hubble here >> Hubble | One conversation can change everything

———————

Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today!

In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here.

If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible.

Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources

Kathy's TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment

Kathy's Amazing Career Project video training course & 6 Dominant Action Styles Quiz

———————

Sponsor Highlight

I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today!

Audible Offer

Amazon Music Offer

Quotes:

"I thought ADHD was nine-year-old boys bouncing off the wall, and that isn't how it manifested in my house at all." — Kristen Pressner [0:14:11]

"How it manifested in my house is [through] things that most of us would call character flaws: not getting it together, running around looking for your keys—not adulting." — Kristen Pressner [0:14:18]

"I saw all this potential in my family, and then all of this appeared to me to be laziness, not giving a hoot, not trying, not applying themselves, and that's character flaws." — Kristen Pressner [0:14:49]

"I have wind at my back, because the world was made for me, and they've got invisible wind in their face, because it wasn't made for them." — Kristen Pressner [0:19:58]

"It feels like they're making easy things really hard. [But they] make hard things look really easy, like connecting dots others wouldn't connect, or anticipating the future in ways I couldn't do." — Kristen Pressner [0:23:11]

"Our research shows that the accommodations in the workplace that enable someone to be much more effective cost less than 500 bucks. No one's asking to work from Fiji." — Kristen Pressner [0:37:36]

Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube!

Don't forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats!

Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!

You can be confident and capable, and still hold yourself back. So what's actually stopping you from moving forward? In this episode of Finding Brave, Kathy Caprino welcomes back returning guest Dr. Cindy McGovern to explore why confidence alone does not drive change, and why we often hold ourselves back even when we know we're ready to move forward.

Known as the "First Lady of Sales," Dr. Cindy is a bestselling author and consultant who believes every person already has the skills to get what they want in life and work. In her latest book, The Permission Mission: Reclaiming The Power To Trust Your Own Voice, she challenges the idea that we need approval from others, showing how many of us are still waiting for permission, shaped by past experiences and internalized beliefs.

In this conversation, Dr. Cindy introduces the idea of "backup singers," the internal voices that influence how we see ourselves and what we believe we're allowed to pursue. She explains how these voices create a pause right at the edge of growth, not because we lack ability, but because we have learned to question whether we are allowed to move forward. Through honest examples and a real-time, live coaching session, the episode reveals how even highly successful people can feel blocked by patterns they do not always recognize.

You'll also hear practical strategies for identifying these internal influences, understanding where they come from, and deciding which ones no longer serve you. If you're ready to stop waiting and start trusting your own voice, this episode will help you take that first step!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A warm welcome back to Dr. Cindy McGovern, her new book, The Permission Mission, and the focus on trusting your own voice. [02:02]
• Why people wait for permission and how this shows up even in confident, high-achieving professionals. [05:00]
• The concept of "backup singers" and how internalized voices shape our decisions and self-perception. [07:18]
• Why confidence can exist in some areas while permission-seeking persists in others. [08:14]
• A live coaching example on reclaiming your voice: naming your "backup singers", cleaning out your emotional closet, and choosing which voices to listen to. [11:45]
• Recognizing why you continue to listen to internal "backup singers" and learning how to quiet competing voices to hear and trust your own instincts. [20:22]
• How to begin reclaiming your voice by questioning where self-doubt was learned and why it persists. [24:30]
• Three powerful strategies for reclaiming and trusting your own voice: listen to your instincts, practice speaking up before speaking up, and be honest with yourself. [31:12]

For More Information:

Dr. Cindy McGovern

Dr. Cindy McGovern on LinkedIn

Dr. Cindy McGovern on Facebook

Dr. Cindy McGovern on Instagram

Dr. Cindy McGovern on YouTube

Dr. Cindy McGovern on TikTok

Dr. Cindy McGovern on X

Orange Leaf Consulting

Orange Leaf Academy

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Dr. Cindy's latest book, The Permission Mission: Reclaiming The Power To Trust Your Own Voice

———————

READY FOR A HUGE SHIFT TO ACHIEVE MORE SUCCESS, IMPACT, AND FULFILLMENT IN YOUR CAREER & LEADERSHIP?

Work with Kathy and get hands-on, transformative CAREER & LEADERSHIP GROWTH COACHING SUPPORT today!

Join me today in one of my top-requested career and leadership growth 1:1 coaching programs and take 20% off the price this week with coupon code 'FBRAVE20 as my thank-you for tuning in!

Click the links below for more information and register today to save 20%:

– Jumpstart Your Career Success (3 sessions) – Career & Leadership Breakthrough program (6 sessions) – Build Your Confidence, Success, and Impact (10 sessions)

———————

GOT A BURNING CAREER QUESTION? Ask me on Hubble!

I'm thrilled to be part of the Hubble Expert Advisory group, a space for straightforward guidance and help from top experts on business, entrepreneurship, startups, and career and leadership growth.

For folks who haven't worked with me yet but are seeking guidance on careers, leadership, and making a bigger impact, feel free to book a brief advisory call via Hubble here >> Hubble | One conversation can change everything

———————

Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today!

In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here.

If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible.

Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources

Kathy's TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment

Kathy's Amazing Career Project video training course & 6 Dominant Action Styles Quiz

———————

Sponsor Highlight

I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today!

Audible Offer

Amazon Music Offer

Key Quotes from Today's Show:

"We all have these backup singers in our heads, and it's the ones we choose to listen to and the ones we choose not to listen to: they're calling the shots." — @1stladyofsales [0:07:39]

"I could be very confident in one area and still waiting for permission in another." — @1stladyofsales [0:08:51]

"Once you start quieting all these competing priorities in your own head and listening to all of this, you start actually listening to what you want." — @1stladyofsales [0:22:11]

"Our emotions are our GPS, and we tend to turn them off. Why do we do that? Where did we learn to turn them off?" — @1stladyofsales [0:25:44]

"Remember, you're doing what's best for you, and if you're your best, it's better for everybody, and you're not doing anybody any favors by being totally burned out, totally exhausted. It's not good for anybody." — @1stladyofsales [0:33:35]

"Your self-worth is not up for negotiation. That's not part of the problem here. That's never been part of the problem. The only permission you need is your own." — @1stladyofsales [0:36:50]

Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube!

Don't forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!

What if the thing that's been standing in our way financially is actually just a part of us that's trying to protect us? In this episode, Kathy welcomes former financial adviser, somatic money coach, and author, Catherine Morgan, back to the show to talk about money blocks and fears, and why financial issues aren't often caused by a lack of discipline or desire, but rather because body patterns cannot be healed through mindset shifts alone.

Catherine is the founder of The Money Panel® and is on a mission to empower one million people towards greater financial equity by addressing the emotional and psychological patterns that keep people stuck financially. She offers nervous-system-focused, somatic approaches that help her clients heal their relationship with money. Catherine believes that financial freedom can only be achieved when the trauma responses that drive financial behavior are addressed.

In our conversation, Catherine reflects on her personal financial journey and discusses how our earliest childhood experiences inform our relationships with money. She explains how language cues give us information about financial trauma, the importance of allowing yourself to feel your emotions, and the power of collective financial freedom. Catherine also introduces the concept of Money Protective, Desiring, and Neutral Parts and shares how meeting these parts with curiosity, not judgment, leads to healing. She encourages listeners to 'have a discussion' with the different parts of us relating to money so that these parts can work together, instead of being in conflict.

Catherine breaks down why money blocks are not mindset failures; they are body memories that need to be healed somatically. When these blocks are healed using somatic tools, we can teach our bodies that wealth is safe and finally achieve our financial goals. To end, you'll hear about Catherine's upcoming Wealth Resonance® Program and Kathy's part in it. Tune in to discover how acknowledging our Protective Parts with compassion can transform the way we handle our money!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introduction to Catherine Morgan, her own financial journey, and why money is one of the most accurate reflections of our relationship with ourselves. [02:56]
• How our earliest experiences affect our relationship with money and why we need to look at those memories with compassion. [08:05]
• Catherine walks us through how language cues link to money beliefs and how we can use them to understand trauma. [17:00]
• What the Reticular Activating System (RAS) is and the role it plays in our relationship with money. [20:51]
• The importance of allowing yourself to feel and show emotion, and why collective financial freedom is so powerful. [27:26]
• Misconceptions about content creation and how Catherine thinks the value of our economy will evolve during the AI revolution. [32:02]
• The one framework Catherine wants to teach listeners: Money Parts (Protective, Desiring, and Neutral) and how to manage them. [37:46]
• Catherine tells us about her upcoming money coaching sessions and what we can learn from her program, The Body of Wealth. [47:09]
• An invitation to join Wealth Resonance with Catherine and Kathy, and a bit about what you can expect from it. [51:04]

For More Information:

Catherine Morgan

Catherine Morgan on LinkedIn

Catherine Morgan on Facebook

Catherine Morgan on Instagram

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

The Great Release - A free 2-day event to help you install a new money operating system

Wealth Resonance® 8 Week Program

Catherine's Podcast, It's Not About the Money

——————— Info about upcoming programs from Catherine Morgan Catherine's FREE Event - The Great Release - May 14th and 18th, 2026The Great Release is a free, live two-part experience happening on 14th May and 18th May 2026. In Session 1 (14th May, 7 pm (UK)), Catherine guides you through an EFT release practice and Heart Breathing to shift the pattern your body has been holding around money. In Session 2 (18th May), you build your Personal Money Map — a one-page blueprint of your specific money pattern, with a daily practice to take it forward. It's completely free, it's live, and everything you create is built from your own experience. Register here: [LINK]

———————

Wealth Resonance® 8-Week Money Somatics Program with Catherine Morgan (including a bonus event - The Power To Receive - with Kathy)

Join Catherine in May 2026 in her transformative program that helps clients heal their relationship with money through nervous system-focused approaches, incorporating Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and trauma-informed practices to create lasting financial change.

EXCLUSIVE BONUS: Join Wealth Resonance® and you will also receive an exclusive one-hour live training with Kathy: The Power to Receive - Shifting the patterns that limit your visibility, confidence, and expansion

CLICK HERE to learn more >> Weath Resonance® Program

______________________

READY FOR A HUGE SHIFT TO ACHIEVE MORE SUCCESS, IMPACT, AND FULFILLMENT IN YOUR CAREER & LEADERSHIP?

Work with Kathy and get hands-on, transformative CAREER & LEADERSHIP GROWTH COACHING SUPPORT today!

Join me today in one of my top-requested career and leadership growth 1:1 coaching programs and take 20% off the price this week with coupon code 'FBRAVE20 as my thank-you for tuning in!

Click the links below for more information and register today to save 20%:

– Jumpstart Your Career Success (3 sessions)– Career & Leadership Breakthrough program (6 sessions)– Build Your Confidence, Success, and Impact (10 sessions)

———————

Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today!

In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here.

If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible.

Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources

Kathy's TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment

Kathy's Amazing Career Project video training course & 6 Dominant Action Styles Quiz

———————

Sponsor Highlight

I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today!

Audible Offer

Amazon Music Offer

———————

Quotes:

"I think money is the deepest, most reflective, most interesting, most challenging conversation that we can have with ourselves because money is such a representation of how we feel about ourselves [and] how we treat ourselves." — Catherine Morgan [0:04:36]

"So much of our early experiences around money have formed before the age of six. In fact, our whole belief system has been formed before the age of six." — Catherine Morgan [0:20:16]

"It is important to feel, it is important to be vulnerable, it is important to understand that we are shifting into a completely new way of being with money." — Catherine Morgan [0:30:35]

"We're moving away from independent financial freedom to collective financial freedom." — Catherine Morgan [0:30:55]

"Holding space for all those [Money] Parts together is just a wonderful experience." — Catherine Morgan [0:45:11]

"Money is the deepest, darkest conversation that we have, and it's the most important one." — Catherine Morgan [0:49:59]

———————

Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube!

Don't forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!

Note from Kathy: I'm excited to bring back one of the most popular episodes of Finding Brave in recent months — a conversation that has stayed with me over time.

Listening again, I'm reminded how relevant and instrumental Jeffrey Allen's insights and teachings are, especially in moments when we're questioning our direction, purpose, or next step. Enjoy!

_________________________________________________

Why would someone walk away from a lucrative, 15-year career in software engineering? For Jeffrey Allen, it came down to one thing: learning to prioritize the "spirit mind" over the "material mind." That perspective shift gave him the inner clarity—and the bravery and courage—to finally move into a life and career of deeper purpose.

Jeffrey is a spiritual teacher and energy healer whose work has empowered 1.6 million people through Mindvalley's Healing Programs and through his own courses, trainings and years of individual and group work with thousands of people around the globe. His mission is to make access to our higher consciousness and to energy healing practices available to all—helping people release pain, deepen relationships, and live with genuine purpose. Alongside his wife, Hisami, he co-created Awakening Your Spirit Mind, a five‑week online training designed to help people reconnect with their true essence, tune into their connected consciousness beyond logic, and live more from joy and inner wisdom.

Today, we weave together themes of career, leadership, personal growth, and performance as well as deep healing and growth, in a discussion about making the brave leap to deeper purpose in our lives and work. Jeffrey details his own transition from a successful 15-year career as a software engineer to a renowned energy healer and teacher – a move propelled by a "visceral" feeling of emptiness despite great outward success. He urges us to heed our inner guidance, observing that we're in an energy climate today where people are becoming more authentic, so our desires and priorities naturally evolve through growth and change.

The discussion underscores the power of recognizing our two minds: the material mind, rooted in logic yet tangled with emotion and regret, and the spirit mind, which offers universal wisdom, a peaceful presence, and love. Jeffrey goes on to explain the difference between material mind spirituality and spirit mind, why our beliefs should be based on our experiences, and details a three-step (plus a bonus fourth) process to shift out of your material mind.

Join this riveting conversation to discover how you, too, can take a brave leap to fully live your life purpose.

Key Highlights From This Episode:

• Introducing the title, topic, and guest for today's conversation: the brave leap to live your life purpose. [01:25]
• What it takes to honor our deep callings and the brave leap to purpose. [07:20]
• A discussion unpacking our internal guides and guidance, and how listening to our internal guidance shifts us to experience integrated awareness. [14:30]
• Reframing what we experience as "mistakes" we've made, as an energetic breakthrough instead. [26:10]
• The power of two minds: the material mind versus the spirit mind. [30:00]
• Jeffrey helps explain the difference between material mind spirituality and spirit mind spirituality. [38:30]
• Why your beliefs should be based on your own experiences. [42:50]
• The spirit mind: a holistic, unconditional love observation space. [43:30]
• Three steps to shift out of your material mind. [46:20]
• The fourth step to finding the beautiful moments every day in life and why that's essential to our best lives. [53:20]

For More Information:

Jeffrey Allen

Jeffrey Allen on Facebook

Jeffrey Allen on Instagram

Jeffrey Allen on YouTube

Jeffrey Allen on LinkedIn

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Explore Jeffrey and Hisami's courses on Energy Training, Awareness Training, and Spirit Mind Training.

Follow this link for more information on Mindvalley Personal Development Programs.

Jeffrey and Hisami Allen's Course – Awakening Your Spirit Mind:

Jeffrey Allen lives in Tokyo with his wife, Hisami, and together they've created a transformational course and community called Awakening Your Spirit Mind. This deeply inspiring and life-affirming program encompasses the concept of "Spirit Mind Living" – and teaches participants with detailed chapter lessons, videos, visualizations, meditations and more to help participants reconnect with their true essence and remember how consciousness truly works – and how to open yourself up to a whole new mindset and lifestyle to navigate the massive collective energy shift happening on the planet right now.

What is Spirit Mind Living? Learn more HERE

To register for the course, click HERE

Jeffrey's brand new course - "5 Days to Calm Your Mind and Meet Your Spirit" offers a taste of Spirit Mind experientially, and is FREE for the Finding Brave community and listeners. Learn more here.

———————

Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today!

In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here.

If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible.

Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources

Kathy's TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment

———————

Sponsor Highlight

I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today!

Audible Offer

Amazon Music Offer

Quotes:

"I always tell people if you want to have a really fun first date with somebody, don't talk." — Jeffrey Allen [0:06:06]

"I think that's the way money is actually set up to work for us. If we focus on helping people and giving, it's natural that abundance and money is going to flow back to us." — Jeffrey Allen [0:08:49]

"We can really only see what's part of our belief system." — Jeffrey Allen [0:14:50]

"The energy of spirit mind is this sense of peaceful presence, love, this universal wisdom." — Jeffrey Allen [0:32:47]

"The spirit mind is always connected. It's not even connected. It just is this universal consciousness and love." — Jeffrey Allen [0:39:25]

"Let it be okay that you have two minds. This is such a powerful shift because then you don't have to change the mind that's bothering you. You don't have to change it." — Jeffrey Allen [0:50:36]

Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube!

Don't forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!