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In this special episode of Finding the Upside, we spotlight the Revive and Thrive 2025 Event, held at the Archer Hotel in Florham Park this past June. Experience the power of storytelling in this dynamic, rapid-fire episode featuring courageous women who shared their transformation from writing a chapter in a collaborative book project.
At the event, in just 7 minutes each, authors Cassandra Lennox, Tricia Speas, Lisa Cain, Angela Hoover, Misty Lyon, and Heather Romanski shared their deeply personal journeys—from writing to publishing their stories as part of a collaborative book project. In this episode, we give you a sneak peak into their talks. What began as a goal to become a published author quickly evolved into a powerful path to healing, confidence, connection, and clarity.
From breaking silence to breaking barriers, these women reveal how sharing your truth—on paper and out loud—can reshape your life. If you’ve ever thought about writing your story, this episode will inspire you to believe that not only is it possible… your story truly matters.
Show Notes:
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…
Episode Show Notes
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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.
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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.
In this special episode of Finding the Upside, we bring you straight to the heart of the REVIVE & THRIVE event, recorded live at the Archer Hotel in Florham Park. With the incredible Angela Hoover as our Guest Host, this powerful panel shares their insights on leading, living in alignment and finding calm in the chaos.
Angela is joined by four bold and brilliant voices who are reshaping the way we think about leadership, purpose, and personal power:
Tricia Brouk – Award-winning director and author of Your Voice Matters, sharing insights on how influence begins the moment you choose to speak with purpose—and why not all stages are created equal.
Sal Rametta – Entrepreneur and brand architect who gets real about emotional fitness, legacy building, and the mindset work behind sustainable success.
Stacey Uhrig – Trauma-informed coach and speaker, offering a grounded framework for emotional resilience and the real work of healing anxiety from the inside out.
Chitra Rochlani – Transformation guide, intuitive coach, and podcast host of The Warrior Mindset, speaking on alignment, awareness, and the whispers that call us to our true purpose.
This panel answered the audience’s questions live after they gave their talks at the event. This episode is rich with personal stories, practical wisdom, and vulnerable truth-telling—from pivoting careers and pricing your worth to honoring your emotional health and supporting the men in our lives with compassion. This episode will leave you inspired to listen to the whispers, own your story, and lead from a place of alignment. Let’s start!
Show Notes:
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…
[0:28] Introducing The Expert Speaker Panel
[1:31] The Most Challenging Thing About Getting Your Message Out There
[2:46] You Can Create Your Own Stage
[6:45] It Comes Down To Commitment
[7:51] What Keeps Their Mindset Strong During Tough Times
[13:40] Being A Speaker Is Like Being THIS
[21:37] The Closer You Get To Your True Spirit, The More of THIS Starts to Happen
Episode Show Notes
Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram
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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.
Unlock your leadership potential with the Rebel Leader Assessment! Take my Leadership Skills evaluator quiz 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.
In this episode of Finding the Upside, I’m wrapping up the three-part Rebel Leader series with something every leader faces — disruption. One of the most important things to master as a leader is reconnection, especially after there’s been some disruption. Let’s face it in — today’s world of corporate business is unfortunately, riddled with volatility, including reinvention, restructuring, changes in ownership and bankruptcies. When these situations occur, it is critical for leaders to ensure that they can reconnect and rebuild trust with their teams.
Because here’s the truth: real leadership isn’t just about showing up strong. It’s about what you do when everything’s been shaken.
Whether you're a CEO navigating turnover, a team leader post-reorg, or someone working in a fractured culture, this episode is for you. I break down how disruption fractures trust, silences voices, and breeds fatigue and what rebel leaders must do to rebuild.
Reconnection isn’t soft, it’s strategic. And in a world still recovering from burnout and breakdowns, it’s also your competitive edge. Tune in to this episode and learn how to rehumanize leadership.
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…
[0:50] Disruption is Inevitable in Business
[2:22] Patrick Lencioni - Five Dysfunctions of Teams
[4:02] What happens after to teams after disruption
[6:36] Encourage Healthy Conflict
[9:47] Reinforce the Behavior You Want to See
[10:54] Culture Isn’t a Soft Skill
Episode Show Notes
Harvard Business Review Articles:
How High-Performing Teams Build Trust
How to Build Trust Especially in Remote Teams Through Effective Communication? A Personal Journey in Product Management Leadership
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.
Today on Finding the Upside, I’m continuing the Rebel Leader Series with PART 2: You’ve awakened the rebel—now what? Today I am giving you real talk on what happens when you actually start leading differently. I get into the truth of what it feels like to lead with authenticity in systems still clinging to outdated leadership norms. If you’ve wondered how you lead without losing yourself, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: the mold was never made for most of us. Especially not women, neurodivergent thinkers, people of color, or anyone who leads with heart.
I am diving into the reality: the pressure to conform, the double standards that still exist, and why leading from alignment isn’t just brave, it’s strategic. You’ll learn what authentic leadership actually looks like, how to stand in your values, and why integrity is your biggest power move. This episode is for anyone ready to ditch bad leadership and show up in a real way. Let’s get into it…
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…
[1:21] Why The Default Leadership Style Does Not Work
[2:41] This Model Doesn’t Serve People
[3:40] Leading From Alignment
[4:45] The Pressure To Conform Is Real
[6:27] What Does Performance Mean To You
Episode Show Notes
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.
If there was a time for rebel leadership, it certainly is now! I’m on a mission to lease. All the rebel leaders to help me change the world of work forever.
In today’s shorty episode of Finding the Upside, I’m kicking off a brand new three-part series on Rebel Leadership. This first episode is all about unleashing the rebel leader within and redefining what leadership really means.
Forget the outdated model of leadership. The world needs something different now. Something real. I dive into why traditional models no longer serve us and how rebel leaders, those who lead with presence, connection, intuition, and truth, are the ones that will create our new model.
This episode is a rallying cry for the quiet disruptors, the nonconformists, and the leaders without titles. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what it looks like to lead from your authentic self and why your unique way of showing up is not only powerful but necessary. Let’s dive in!
Show Notes:
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…
[0:24] How To Unleash The Rebel Leader Within
[0:52] What Does it Mean to Lead Now?
[1:23] We Are In The Middle of A Leadership Revolution
[2:24] Celebrate The Rebel In You
Episode Show Notes
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.
You know that moment when life shifts beneath you—and you're forced to ask, “What now?” This episode is all about those moments, and the women who chose to rise, lead, and speak with intention through them.
Join me as I revisit three unforgettable conversations with women who are rewriting the rules of leadership:
Marla Corson traded corporate chaos for clarity, stepping away from a demanding role to build something of her own, on her terms.
Julie McManus opens up about losing a job she loved, the identity crisis that followed, and how choosing to say yes to the unknown led her to places she never imagined.
Tricia Brouk, award-winning director and speaker coach, shares why your voice always matters and how real influence starts at the kitchen table, not the keynote stage.
Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting to explore your next chapter, this episode will inspire you to reflect, step up, and use your voice with intention.
Plus, hear how belonging, empathy, and purpose can reshape how we show up—at home, at work, and in our communities.
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…
[1:08] Marla Corson on Redefining Leadership
[4:16] THIS Is a Blind Spot For Good Leadership
[9:08] Julie McManus on Embracing The Unexpected
[11:27] There Are A Lot Of People Experiencing THIS Right Now
[16:10] Tricia Brouk on Why Your Voice Matters
[19:58] What It Means To Be An Influential Voice
Episode Show Notes
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.
What if burnout isn’t a badge of honor but a boundary that's been broken?
In this shorty episode of Finding the Upside, I tackle one of the most dangerous misconceptions still thriving in our culture: that burnout is the price of ambition and a sign of success. Spoiler alert - it’s not.
Burnout is a boundary violation. And it’s one we often let happen to ourselves.
I dive into how our hustle-driven, always-on culture, especially in corporate America, has glorified exhaustion and blurred the lines between dedication and self-betrayal. Drawing from both personal experiences and brain science, I break down the hidden costs of ignoring your limits, the red flags that signal boundary erosion, and why chronic stress has become a disguised “norm.”
You’ll walk away with actionable strategies, like conducting a “resentment audit” and reframing boundary-setting as a commitment to greater presence and productivity—at work and at home. Plus, I offer real-world examples of how leaders and team members alike can model boundary-respecting cultures that actually boost performance and retention.
This episode is a wake-up call for anyone caught in the burnout cycle, and a reminder that self-respect starts with what you say “no” to. Tune in for a powerful reset!
Show Notes:
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…
[0:46] Burnout Is Everywhere
[1:42] What Is A Boundary Violation
[2:32] The Signs of Boundary Violation
[4:18] Chronic Stress Can Be Disguised as Routine
[6:41] Strategies to Set Healthy Boundaries
Episode Show Notes
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.
What if the key to transforming your work and your life starts with one bold question: “What if I don’t have to sacrifice who I am to succeed?”
In this episode of Finding the Upside, I sit down with a purpose-driven coach and fellow rebel-with-a-cause, TJ Bennett—creator of The DeSuckify Work podcast and newsletter, and a man on a mission to help people rediscover joy and meaning in their work.
TJ shares his own evolution from 25 years in advertising to his leap into coaching, where he now guides individuals and organizations to align work with their purpose, finding their why. We discuss the realities of walking away from what’s familiar to pursue what’s authentic, and the fears that come with untethering from steady paychecks and unfulfilling career paths.
This episode is a deep dive into the culture of work - what's broken, what’s possible, and how values-based leadership can radically shift both company culture and individual fulfillment. We unpack everything from the myth of “stability” to how Gen Z is showing up unapologetically curious and values-driven. We also challenge traditional hiring models, discuss why performative company values are a liability, and offer practical insight into helping the next generation (and ourselves) define purpose - not by title, but by strength, impact, and joy.
Whether you're a leader trying to achieve cultural change, a professional feeling out of alignment, or someone simply craving more authenticity in the workplace - this conversation will light a fire under your seat and remind us: Work shouldn’t require us to trade our soul for a salary.
This is also a call to corporate leaders defining these environments to do a better job -- to start normalizing the power of showing up whole, living your values out loud, and finding the upside in a new way of working. Discover how to join in on the movement to ‘Desuckify Work’ and help ‘Change the World of Work Forever.’
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…
[1:49] TJ Bennett’s Journey
[11:41] The Pendulum Swing of Purpose and Meaning
[14:48] THIS Still Lingers in the Workplace
[24:19] The Instagram Effect
[31:56] Generation Z’s Resistance and What We Can Learn From Them
[41:26] The Competitive Landscape Has Changed
Episode Show Notes
TJ Bennett | Instagram
TJ Bennett | Facebook
TJ Bennett | LinkedIn
The DeSuckify Work Podcast | Podcast
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 felt like you weren’t enough—despite everything you’ve achieved? In this episode of Finding the Upside, we’re diving into a deeply human experience: the journey from questioning your worth to fully recognizing and embracing your expertise. I explore the powerful shift from feeling “not enough” to recognizing and embracing the knowledge and value we already possess. Inspired by the talk I’m giving at the upcoming 2025 Revive and Thrive Empowerment Summit, I share real-life examples to show that even the most accomplished among us wrestle with self-doubt.
Whether you’re climbing the career ladder, navigating a career change, building a business, or just finding the courage to start something new, self-doubt can sneak in at any stage. But here’s the truth—it doesn’t have to hold you back. We explore why self-doubt is so common; how moments like job loss, semi-retirement, or business building can shake our confidence; and how to begin rewriting the internal narrative that says you’re “not enough.”
This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a toolkit. I’ll walk you through practical, proven strategies to transform self-doubt into confidence, so you can lead, create, and show up with greater clarity and conviction. Tune in and learn how to reframe your story, tap into your true value, and finally step into the expert you already are.
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…
[0:34] How To Re-Write The Narrative of Self-Doubt
[1:52] Feelings of Self-Doubt Are Really Common
[2:21] Even Wildly Successful People Wrestle with This - Real World Examples
[4:05] The Strategies to Dealing with These Feelings
[8:38] The Transition From Feeling Not Enough to Recognizing Your Worth Is a Journey
Episode Show Notes
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Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn
Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website
Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube
REVIVE & THRIVE 2025 – Get Ready to Transform!
Join us this June 6th and 7th at the Archer Hotel in Florham Park for another life-changing event. 2-days of transformation, connection, and empowerment.
TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE! Grab your seat at https://mariadr.com/event
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.
Right now purpose and impact are becoming non-negotiable and the companies that thrive are those that give more than they take. In this episode of Finding the Upside, I dive into the power of the giveback model. a business approach that embeds contribution into the very fabric of a company’s mission, not just as a side effort, but as a strategic pillar.
From brands like TOMS, Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s, we explore how organizations are shifting from traditional ROI to Return on Impact and why this model creates deeper employee engagement, stronger communities, and fiercely loyal customers. But this episode isn’t just for business owners. It’s for anyone who spends, shops, or supports.
And I share an exciting teaser about the upcoming MDR Brands Giveback Program. Our new initiative launching this June that will be announced at the Revive and Thrive Empowerment Summit. Supporting causes close to my heart, this program is our commitment to making business better, on purpose. Details about the Revive and Thrive Empowerment Summit can be found in the show notes.
If you’ve ever asked, can businesses and consumers really make a difference - the answer is yes. Listen now to my thoughts on creating legacy, alignment, and what it means to be a leader who gives a damn.
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…
[0:59] What is a Give Back Model?
[4:06] It’s Not Just About Donations. It’s About ADVOCACY
[6:14] This Has to Be REAL, Not Performative
[8:13] Share What You Do To Impact - Create Momentum
[11:07] The LAUNCH of the MDR Brands Give Back Program
Episode Show Notes
Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram
Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook
Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn
Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website
Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube
REVIVE & THRIVE 2025 – Get Ready to Transform!
Join us this June 6th and 7th at the Archer Hotel in Florham Park for another life-changing event. 2-days of transformation, connection, and empowerment.
TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE! Grab your seat at https://mariadr.com/event
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.
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