If Only

How Living In The Question Can Transform Your Life: A Conversation with Becky Thoroughgood

Unleash the transformative power of curiosity and embrace the mystery of life as host Brenda McGregor interviews the inquisitive and determined acupuncturist Becky Thoroughgood, who navigates her natural desire to have all the answers, discovering for herself and her patients the profound healing potential of living in the question.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Harness the power of inquisitiveness to open up new avenues for personal growth and enrichment.
• Dive into different acupuncture therapies and their potential to improve health and vitality.
• Break down the philosophy of Chinese medicine into relatable nuggets of wisdom.
• Witness the transformative power of daily practices like writing and creative activities to expand the questions and lead to self-discovery.

Becky is a wonderful blend of empathy, intelligence, and an unyielding curiosity for life's deeper questions. Rooted in her journalism background, she has an uncanny knack for storytelling which she brilliantly applies in her work as an acupuncturist and wellness coach. Becky's life took an unexpected turn 25 years ago - an overwhelming battle with insomnia and a weakened immunity led her to seek help from acupuncture. This personal journey ignited in her a passion for East Asian medicine that ran deep. Today, she holds a master’s degree in acupuncture and is a certified health and wellness coach. A respected guru of holistic health, Becky's wisdom has been featured in several prominent health journals.

Resources:

Becky Thoroughgood Contact Information

LinkedIn

Website

Phone: 717-303-8579

Email: [email protected]

Quote and books Becky shared: “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.” — Rainer Maria Rilke

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/big-magic/

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

https://juliacameronlive.com/books-by-julia/the-artists-way-a-spiritual-path-to-higher-creativity-audiobook/

Ready to break through your own “If Only”?
Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.

Unlocking Body-Mind-Spirit Balance with Acupuncture: A Conversation with Lynn Schwartz

Lynn Schwartz's life took an unexpected turn when she stumbled upon an ad for a real estate career, but she knew deep down that something was still missing. It wasn't until she experienced the transformative power of acupuncture that she found her true calling. Now, Lynn helps others unlock their inner observers and find balance between their body, mind, and spirit. Her story serves as a reminder to listen to our hearts and follow our passions, even if it takes an unexpected twist. What unexpected twist will lead you to your true calling?

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore the impact of assuming responsibility for crafting a meaningful life.
• Delve into the many ways acupuncture enhances physical, mental, and spiritual health.
• Understand how to dismantle generational cycles and establish healthier patterns.
• Grasp the significance of creating a network of supportive and inspiring people.
• Adopt techniques for self-observation and embracing responsibility for your well-being.

Allow us to introduce Lynn Schwartz, a skilled classical five-element acupuncturist committed to the deep-reaching benefits of this ancient healing art. After obtaining her degree from the Traditional Acupuncture Institute and serving as a faculty member at Tai Sophia, Lynn continued to cultivate her knowledge and practice through various roles, including the co-founder of the Classical Acupuncture and Healing Center. Lynn's personal connection to acupuncture and her dedication to fostering positive change has led to numerous speaking engagements and educational opportunities. She is a believer in the transformative potential of acupuncture to balance the body, mind, and spirit.

Resources:

Lynn Schwartz: LinkedIn

Ready to break through your own “If Only”?
Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.

Discover how Sonja Der, a speech-language pathologist turned business owner, defied expectations, and built a thriving coaching business with tenacity and a determination to succeed, in this insightful episode of the If Only podcast.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Unearth the power of feedback and how it catalyzes personal progress.
• Discover the formidable strength in empowering women and tapping into their immense potential.
• Delve into reflective tactics for personal growth, illuminating the path to inner success.
• Learn how to foster robust relationships and network with purpose and intention.
• Understand the triad of success - time, commitment, and tenacity - in cultivating a thriving business. List 2:

Sonja Der is the fascinating and unstoppable force behind Bridge Performance Coaching, a venture that sprouted from her passion for leadership development. With a background in the medical field as a Speech Language Pathologist, Sonja has taken her love for coaching beyond her previous professional sphere. The fruits of her labor are reflected in her innovative trademarked process, now known as CoachCruiting. Her relentless dedication has assisted countless small businesses, particularly those employing between 35 to 50 people, to help them overcome growth obstacles. An outgoing networker, Sonja finds joy in making rewarding professional matches, elevating workplace cultures, and helping businesses to thrive.

Resources:

Sonja Der LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-der/

Ready to break through your own “If Only”?
Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.

On this episode of If Only, entrepreneur Carmelita Chichester discusses the benefits of entrepreneurship and the importance of trusting oneself. But just as the conversation gets intriguing, a shocking interruption leaves Chichester in a difficult situation, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats. What will happen next? Tune in to find out.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Unlock the secret to maintaining authenticity in your personal and work life.
• Recognize the vital role of self-assurance and embracing risks in your career.
• Refine your communication techniques for addressing sensitive issues and promoting understanding.
• Break free from the fear of failure and seize leadership positions.
• Dive into the world of entrepreneurship and the value of trusting your instincts.

With a background in industrial engineering and a wide range of expertise in business process improvement, Carmelita Chichester has not only made a name for herself, but built a strong foundation for her family and her businesses. Carmelita's journey from managing national cybersecurity projects to founding her own businesses, including Affinitas LLC, offers immense inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. Her determination, creativity, and insight into the value of trusting oneself make her the perfect mentor for anyone seeking to build their own business empire.

Resources:

https://www.affinitasinc.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmelitac20/

Ready to break through your own “If Only”?
Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.

Unconventional Paths to Career Success: Yvonne Atterberry-Brooks

Have you heard the myths about achieving success and fulfillment in your career and personal life?

Myth #1: There is only one path to achieve your goals.

Myth #2: You have to sacrifice your passions for a steady income.

Myth #3: You need to have everything figured out before pursuing your dreams.

But the truth is, there are alternative paths to achieve your goals and find fulfillment.

Our guest, Yvonne Atterberry-Brooks, will share how identifying passions and consistently pursuing them can lead to a fulfilling career and personal life.

Don't fall for the myths, join us to discover the truth. In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the significance of balancing passions and consistency to attain success.
• Learn how to navigate and conquer challenges faced by women in corporate environments.
• Gain insight into aligning personal values with organizational objectives for a fulfilling career.
• Explore the benefits of strategic partnerships and collaborations in creating a positive impact.
• Uncover non-traditional pathways for achieving personal and professional aspirations.

Meet Yvonne Atterberry-Brooks, a compassionate problem-solver with decades of experience working in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Yvonne built her career in the Department of Health and Human Services, honing her skills in team building and project management. Now retired, she channels her energies into supporting causes close to her heart, volunteering with organizations such as the Zonta Club and Laces Education. Through sharing her story of overcoming obstacles and adapting plans, Yvonne inspires others to find unconventional ways to achieve success on their own terms.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-atterberry-brooks-53b24a11/

Ready to break through your own “If Only”?
Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.

Beyond 'If Only': Cassie Bond on Proactive Career Growth

If you're feeling frustrated and stuck in your career because your attempts to communicate, balance your work and life, and proactively seek advancement have not yielded the desired results, then you are not alone!

In this episode, you will hear solid, real life experience to help you to:

• Advance your career by actively pursuing personal growth and opportunity creation.
• Inspire a positive workplace rooted in trust and mutual respect.
• Acknowledge the value of candid communication and sustained discussions.
• Bounce back from rejection and tailor your strategies for victory.
• Strike a balance in your professional and personal life while fully engaging in the present.

My special guest is Cassie Bond:

With a reputation for excellence in her field, Cassie Bond serves as the Vice President of Commercial Strategy at Lodging Dynamics Hospitality Group. In this role, she leads all efforts for revenue generation, focusing on sales, revenue, and digital marketing. Cassie's extensive experience in revenue management has earned her recognition as an industry expert, and she is frequently invited to speak at events and contribute to publications. In 2018, she was honored as the HSMAI Corporate Revenue Management Professional of the Year, and in 2022, she was named one of the top 50 women leaders of DC by Women We Admire. A strong advocate for peer growth and women's leadership, Cassie is committed to supporting women with the hospitality industry.

Resources:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-bond-chrm-crme-69721111/

Ready to break through your own “If Only”?
Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.

Say hello to Mary Jordan, a determined and passionate entrepreneur who made a bold leap from her biotech background to launch her own lingerie boutique, Bra La La. Mary boasts extensive experience of over 15 years in biotechnology, working with highly respected institutions such as NIH. Driven by a desire to make a positive impact on women's lives, Mary established Bra La La which focuses on providing personalized services to help women find their perfect fit.

Join Mary as she discusses her inspiring journey of career transition and the lessons she's learned along the way. If you're feeling overwhelmed and discouraged because you've taken the necessary steps to make your career transition, but the results have been minimal and you can't seem to break through to your desired outcome, then you are not alone!

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Delve into the fascinating shift from biotechnology to lingerie enterprise management.
• Grasp the significance of tailored customer service experiences in retail businesses.
• Find out how to establish an encouraging space for breast cancer survivors to thrive.
• Master the equilibrium of managing work, personal life, and community engagement.
• Realize the importance of adapting business tactics during challenging times like the COVID-19 outbreak.

The key moments in this episode are:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction
• 00:01:12 - Mary's Background
• 00:09:00 - Starting Bra La
• 00:11:52 - Bra La Experience
• 00:15:11 - Maple Lawn
• 00:17:53 - Overcoming Fear
• 00:19:49 - The Nurses Project
• 00:24:26 - Giving Back
• 00:27:01 - Work-Life Balance
• 0:34:29 - Inspiration

Resources:

https://bra-la-la.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-jordan-b8aa067/

Ready to break through your own “If Only”?
Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.

My guest today is Diane Devaney, a powerful change agent who owns and leads an award winning advertising, marketing and PR firm in Maryland Diane is an expert in strategic marketing and integrated communications, and leads her company with a hands-on approach, always staying accessible to all clients and employees. She grew her company by producing high-quality, cost-effective concepts, programs and materials, with marketing strategies and communication plans that produce client-driven results.

In addition to her professional awards, Diane has been honored by several publications as well as business and community organizations, including winning a BRAVA award, Maryland Top 100 Women, MBE awards, community service awards and others. She serves on the board of the Better Business Bureau and on the advisory board of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce.

Diane shares with us today her If Only.

A number of years after Diane founded her company, she recognized the difference that was made once she shifted her mindset and actions from working in the business to on her business. If Only that mind shift had occurred earlier in her career, she would have created the monumental growth she achieved that much sooner.

Resourcees:

https://devaneyagency.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-devaney-5369767/

Ready to break through your own “If Only”?
Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.

This first episode focuses on the "If Only" of If Only I Were Smarter. My guest is my mom, Kathaleen Klotz, a private practice psychotherapist who shares about how she broke free of her "If Only" to create a life she loves.

Resources:

Kathaleen Klotz, LCSW-C Provides individual therapy to clients. Clients present with a variety of issues including symptoms and diagnoses. She specializes in trauma, couple’s, aging and health issues.

Ready to break through your own “If Only”?
Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.

Trailer for new podcast: If Only.

Ready to break through your own “If Only”?
Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.