Finding The Upside

Success often comes with a price, and for many, it’s the weight of relentless expectations, burnout, and the loss of connection to who we truly are. In this episode of Finding the Upside, I’m joined by Marla Corson, a powerhouse leader who shares her journey of stepping off the corporate treadmill and into a life driven by purpose and passion.

Marla reflects on her transition from a demanding leadership role at Amazon, where she managed teams of thousands, to launching her own consulting business. We explore the challenges of corporate culture, the pressure to conform, and the profound realizations that come from stepping back and asking, “What do I really want?”

This episode is about more than career transitions—it’s about challenging norms, embracing vulnerability, and finding the courage to lead authentically. Marla offers her insights that will resonate with anyone striving to create a life and career that feels meaningful, aligned, and impactful.

Tune in for a powerful conversation that will inspire you to reflect, reconnect with your values, and start charting your own course toward fulfillment.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

Episode Show Notes 

Marla Corson | Instagram 

Marla Corson | Facebook⁠  

Marla Corson | LinkedIn

Marla Corson | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

Have you ever automatically believed something just because you heard, saw or read it? In this shorty episode of Finding the Upside, I dive into the hidden traps of misinformation and explore the issues around navigating the plethora of information that often is designed to entertain vs inform. This is meant to challenge you to rethink how you process information, question your biases, and build the skills needed to separate truth from manipulation. Taking steps to sharpen your critical thinking and break free from the influence of fake news and bias is essential in today’s reality? Here you will uncover strategies that can help you navigate today's information overload. Plus, get valuable resources to start vetting the information you consume like a pro. Listen now! 

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

The resources mentioned in today’s episode: 

Ad Fontes Media: 

https://adfontesmedia.com

Ad Fontes Media is a public benefit corporation based in Colorado. Being a public benefit corporation means we are a for-profit business with a stated public mission, which is to rate all the news to positively transform society. Fundamentally, we want to help bring people together. Misleading, inaccurate, and highly polarizing media content has driven so many of us apart. This affects everything from our familial relationships to our ability to create legislative solutions to our biggest challenges. 

News Literacy Project:

https://newslit.org

News literacy is the ability to determine the credibility of news and other information and to recognize the standards of fact-based journalism to know what to trust, share and act on.

The News Literacy Project, a nonpartisan education nonprofit founded in 2008, is building a national movement to create systemic change in American education to ensure all students are skilled in news literacy before they graduate high school, giving them the knowledge and ability to participate in civic society as well-informed, critical thinkers.

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page

Everyone has a story…it’s not an accident why storytelling has become the thing that connects us to each other. When we hear a story that resonates, we can relate to that person and their circumstance and it is the vehicle that allows us to understand.  In this episode of Finding the Upside, I’m bringing you my conversation with Cassandra Lennox—a talented writer, coach, and dedicated mom of four who’s driven by the belief that words hold incredible power. Cassie shares how her journey began with simple poems as a young girl evolved into a career helping others find and tell their own stories. We dive deep into her approach to writing, the tools she uses to get past writer’s block, and the importance of embracing vulnerability to create a real, lasting impact. Cassie’s insights are not just for writers—she talks about how storytelling can connect us, inspire change, and leave a legacy that ripples outward. Cassandra shares that being an author is accessible to everyone and gives you practical advice and heartfelt motivation to find the courage to share your own story. Join me for this inspiring conversation that might be just the spark you need to begin creating your own legacy through words! 

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

Episode Show Notes  

Join Cassandra's Unleash Your Story Online Workshop HERE

Cassandra Lennox | Instagram

Cassandra Lennox | Facebook

Cassandra Lennox | LinkedIn 

Cassandra Lennox | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | ⁠Youtube⁠

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

Your Strength Can Move Mountains.  Sparked by an unexpected moment of inspiration, today's shorty episode of Finding the Upside offers words of encouragement for anyone feeling the weight of transition, doubt, or challenge. Tune in to discover how to tap into the strength within you, create hope, and build a sense of belonging for yourself and others. Listen now for a quick dose of inspiration to fuel your day and your journey forward!

Show Notes: 

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

Isn’t it crazy that we define ourselves on what we do instead of who we are? Even more insane is that so many of us place so much value on material things and belongings. This tendency can leave us trapped to live a life that doesn’t allow us to truly live and discover who we are.  In this episode of Finding the Upside, I sit down with Jenny Lincoln, who completely redefined her life by stepping off the traditional path and embracing a nomadic, minimalist lifestyle. Jenny takes us inside her journey, from a high-powered career in management to a life that’s lighter, more intentional, and full of unexpected lessons. We break down the choices she made to shed not only material attachments but also the expectations that were keeping her feeling boxed in. Jenny’s story is one of courage, self-discovery, and the kind of freedom that can only come when you let go of what you “should” do—and start listening to what you need. This conversation is packed with insights on the power of releasing attachment, tuning in to what’s true for you, and allowing yourself the space to grow, evolve. Tune in and discover what can happen when we move our focus from DO and HAVE to just BE. Start listening now! 

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

Episode Show Notes

Jenny Lincoln | Instagram 

Jenny Lincoln | Facebook⁠  

Jenny Lincoln | LinkedIn

Jenny Lincoln | Website

Every opportunity starts with COURAGE ... Download Jenny’s CREATE COURAGE ebook for FREE & step boldly into your Courage Zone HERE 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

Have you ever thought about what might happen if we look at ADHD as a superpower, not a deficit?  Our society often creates a perception that looks at differences as bad or less than, and that is actually very untrue! Embracing ADHD could be the key to unlocking hidden strengths and talents in ways never expected -- for yourself, your friends and family, your teams. In this episode, I sit down with two incredible guests for a conversation that will challenge your understanding of ADHD and success. Jane Carino is a recent college grad and young professional on her way to a thriving career.  She shares a powerful story about her journey from struggling in an educational system that didn’t fit her to thriving in the working world, and how leaning into the strengths that she possesses has become her greatest asset. Annika Ahlstrom is an ADHD and Executive Function Coach and works with students and professionals.  She offers eye-opening insights into why neurodivergent people often feel left behind in our institutional systems of school, and at times still our workplaces, and what we can ALL do to change that. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone with ADHD that has struggled to find your place, Jane’s perspective and story will inspire you to see your challenges as opportunities to help you embrace your unique strengths. You don’t want to miss this conversation—it might just change how you see yourself or others you know. Start listening now!

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

Episode Show Notes 

Annika Ahlstrom | Instagram 

Annika Ahlstrom | Website

Get access to Annika’s Seeing My Time® program HERE! 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

Today on Finding the Upside, I have a special episode as we start off the next season of the series, One Tough Chick.  In this special series, I interview women entrepreneurs who have bossed up big…they share their journey of starting a business and all the challenges and lessons learned on their path to being a female boss. In today’s episode, I take you beyond the studio and into the gardens of Natalie Fockel in middle Tennessee. Natalie is a Garden Consultant and I  dig into her unique story—a journey from hobbyist to certified expert, with an approach that revolutionizes the way we think about gardening. From innovative techniques that transform small spaces into thriving ecosystems, to her unique mission that’s changing lives, Natalie’s passion is contagious. You won’t want to miss seeing her methods in action across three different garden spaces that she designed and planted. Touching on the sustainable, farm to table and homesteading movements, we break down how growing your own produce is accessible to anyone, no matter where you leave and how much space you have. Tune in now and uncover how Natalie is helping others find the upside in sustainability and self-sufficiency. Listen now! 

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

Episode Show Notes 

Natalie Fockel | Instagram

Kingdom Soil Garden Co | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

Too often accessing childcare is looked at as a personal/family issue.  It’s not…it’s an economic one.  The childcare crisis in America is holding back not just families, but our entire economy.  In this episode of Finding the Upside, I dive into an issue that is finally gaining the attention it needs—accessible childcare for all. This isn’t just a family problem; it’s a critical economic issue affecting millions of women and families across the U.S. Join me as I challenge the current system, share real stories, and bring in the insights of leading voices like Reshma Saujani who is advocating to put accessible childcare and paid leave on the agenda at federal and state level. Explore why the lack of support is pushing women out of the workforce and understand what we can do to shift the narrative. What if we made childcare a national priority and invested in families? What would happen if we shifted the focus to having women in the workforce as an economic need? It’s time to push for structural changes—paid family leave, government-subsidized child care, and workplace flexibility. My hope is that this episode will inspire you to think differently and take action. This focus on this topic and need for this conversation is one we can’t afford to ignore.

Show Notes: 

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

Episode Show Notes 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Episode Resources  

Reshma Saujani - to learn more about her and her advocacy work click HERE

PaidLeaveAI - to learn what paid leave benefits are available to you click HERE

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

Ever wondered why some tasks feel like a struggle or why some teams just click? In this episode of Finding the Upside, I sit down with Mandy Keene, an expert in assessments and one of the creators of the platform Understand Me. We dive deep into the power of tools like DISC, StrengthsFinder, and Enneagram to transform team dynamics and improve communication. Listen in on this discussion as we explore how these assessments help leaders, teams, and even families better understand themselves and each other. This is about more than just business—it’s about creating environments where everyone can be their best selves and understand what makes them thrive. If you're ready to unlock the potential of yourself and your teams, this episode is a must!

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

Episode Show Notes 

Mandy Keene | Instagram 

Mandy Keene | Facebook 

Get access to Understand.Me personality assessments HERE! 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

Ever wonder why your to-do list never seems to get any shorter? In this episode of Finding the Upside, I’m sharing the time management secrets my business coach taught me that completely changed how I approach my day. I’ll reveal the three surprising hacks that helped me find more time, get more done, and finally stop feeling overwhelmed. Join me as I dive into why keeping a time journal blew my mind, how time blocking became my productivity game-changer, and why eliminating those small inefficiencies unlocked hours I didn’t even know I had. Plus, I’ll be real with you about my own struggles with change—and how pushing past my resistance made all the difference. If you’re ready to take back control of your time, you won’t want to miss this episode!

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

Episode Show Notes 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.