Internally Guided Life

In this episode of Internally Guided Life, I sit down with intuitive healer, leadership coach, and author Catherine Crestani for a powerful conversation on worthiness, quiet leadership, and the courage to choose yourself.

Together, we explore the transformational journey of self-discovery, how Catherine walked away from a successful business to reclaim her well-being, heal from burnout, and awaken to her true path. We discuss the subtle yet profound power of non-reaction, the value of self-awareness in leadership, and why your inherent worth is not tied to achievement.

Catherine shares her deeply personal story of unraveling patterns of unworthiness, finding clarity through spiritual connection, and listening to the signs life (and the body) is always offering. You’ll also hear us discuss the changing face of leadership: how empowering others starts with empowering yourself, and how the future of leadership is rooted in collaboration, integrity, and inner healing.

Whether you’re a soul-led entrepreneur, an emerging leader, or simply seeking deeper meaning, this conversation will remind you that you're already enough and that trusting yourself is the first step toward radical change.

Listen now and reflect on:

• How to shift from burnout to soul-led leadership
  

• The hidden wisdom in your body’s messages
  

• Building self-trust after loss or failure
  

• Redefining leadership through inner worthiness and collaboration
  

• The healing power of choosing yourself first

  
  

Meet the Guest:

Catherine Crestani is a leadership coach, intuitive healer, podcaster, author, and international speaker. After years in allied health, she built multiple successful companies before walking away to prioritize her health, family, and soul’s calling. Now, Catherine empowers others, especially mothers and women leaders, to lead with clarity, self-trust, and aligned purpose.

She is the host of the Willow Healing Matters podcast and Substack, where she shares stories of transformation and spiritual empowerment. Her latest book, Pillars for Life: A Guide to Spiritual Ethics and Practice for Light Workers, Healers, Psychics, Mediums, Shamans, Energy Workers, and All Souls Called to Shine Their Light, is a must-read for anyone walking the path of conscious service and soul-aligned business.

Catherine’s work blends energy medicine, intuitive wisdom, real-life leadership, and deep compassion to guide clients through healing, growth, and spiritual expansion.

Connect with Catherine Crestani:

• Website + App + Resources: https://willowhealing.org
  

• Podcast: Willow Healing Matters
  

• Instagram: @willowhealingmatters
  

• Substack: Willow Healing Matters
  

• YouTube: Willow Healing on YouTube
  

• Book: Pillars for Life – Available now on her website
  

Meet the Host:

Kayla Sweet is the host of Internally Guided Life and an expert in burnout prevention, transformational leadership, self-care, and personal growth. As a life coach, she specializes in helping people reclaim their worthiness and purpose, guiding them to create fulfilling lives with balance and ease. With a background in psychology, mindfulness, and transformational leadership, Kayla empowers her community to align with their authentic selves, develop their strengths, and embrace intentional growth.

Connect with Kayla:

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

LinkedIn

Linktree

Subscribe to Kayla’s email list, read the blog, and explore free resources:

Visit Internally Guided Leadership

Episode Credits:

Intro & Outro Music: By artist Goat On The River, produced by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/ 
Podcast recorded by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/

On this episode of Internally Guided Life, I’m joined by Dr. Christiane Schroeter, a powerhouse of energy, insight, and intentionality. Christiane is a Top 1% podcaster, bestselling author, professor, and business coach who helps people achieve big results through her signature Petite Practice™ method, an approach rooted in small, consistent actions that lead to major transformation over time.

Together, we unpack how sustainable success isn't about doing more, but about doing less with greater clarity. We explore how to overcome perfectionism, prevent burnout, and bring our whole selves to both our personal and professional lives. Christiane shares how she discovered her superpower and how you can, too, using creative tools like her interactive "Discover Your Superpower" workbook and quiz.

This episode is for you if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by a big goal, burned out by hustle culture, or unsure how to bring more purpose and momentum into your everyday routines. You’ll walk away with clear, compassionate strategies for building accountability, reclaiming your energy, and turning small shifts into long-lasting change.

Topics We Cover:

• The Petite Practice™ framework: how small steps drive sustainable success
  

• Managing perfectionism and setting realistic goals
  

• Creating joyful routines that support balance and productivity
  

• The power of accountability and community support
  

• Christiane’s newest book and how to discover your own superpower
  

• Simple strategies for burnout prevention and energy recovery
  

Meet the Guest

Dr. Christiane Schroeter is a Business & Wellness Coach, Professor, and bestselling author who empowers entrepreneurs to create big results through small, strategic actions. With a Ph.D. in Health Economics and a tenured role at a top-ranked U.S. university, she blends academic rigor with real-world application.

As host of the globally ranked Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, Christiane shares high-performance strategies rooted in wellness, business growth, and personal empowerment. Her Petite Practice™ framework has helped countless women avoid burnout while achieving aligned success. Her first book, How to Master Your Goals, hit #1 on Amazon, and her latest interactive guide, Discover Your Superpower, invites readers into a playful and powerful process of self-discovery.

She’s also a sought-after keynote speaker and content creator with thriving communities on Instagram and YouTube.

Connect with Christiane

Take the Superpower Score Quiz: hellohappynest.thrivecart.com/pitching-podcast-video/?coupon=PODCASTMOM A free video action guide on pitching yourself to podcasts

Explore her books, including Discover Your Superpower: https://christianeschroeter.com

Listen to the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast: Available on all major platforms

Follow Christiane on Social Media: Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TikTok

Meet the Host:

Kayla Sweet is the host of Internally Guided Life and an expert in burnout prevention, transformational leadership, self-care, and personal growth. As a life coach, she specializes in helping people reclaim their worthiness and purpose, guiding them to create fulfilling lives with balance and ease. With a background in psychology, mindfulness, and transformational leadership, Kayla empowers her community to align with their authentic selves, develop their strengths, and embrace intentional growth.

Connect with Kayla:

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

LinkedIn

Linktree

Subscribe to Kayla’s email list, read the blog, and explore free resources: Visit Internally Guided Leadership

Episode Credits:

Intro & Outro Music: By artist Goat On The River, produced by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/ 

Podcast recorded by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/ 

Photography by Jen Robison

In this heartfelt episode of Internally Guided Life, Kayla Sweet sits down with Jenny Lytle, BSN, RN, a compassionate registered nurse, coach, and author of Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: The Compassionate Nurse’s Step-by-Step Guide to Personalized Stress Relief. Together, they unpack the real meaning of self-care and the journey from burnout to balance through small, consistent actions rooted in love, not guilt.

Jenny shares her powerful story of transformation, from caregiving burnout to coaching others through her Becoming Method®, a step-by-step approach to personalized stress relief for nurses, caregivers, and busy professionals. You’ll hear the honest truth about what happens when we ignore our needs, how to tune into your body’s warning signs, and why joy and passion belong at the top of your to-do list.

This conversation is your reminder that:

• You don’t need permission to care for yourself.

• You don’t have to earn your rest.

• You deserve a life that feels better than just “fine.”
  

Tune in for practical, soul-centered tools that can be used immediately, whether you're in healthcare or simply holding it all together for everyone else.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why burnout in caregiving roles is so common—and preventable

• How to personalize your self-care plan for real impact

• The surprising power of small, daily choices

• What it really means to “become” your best self

• Ways to reclaim time, energy, and joy
  

Special Gift for Listeners:

Get a FREE digital copy of Jenny’s book Self-Care Isn’t Selfish at www.selfcareisntselfish.com

Meet Jenny Lytle, BSN, RN:

With over 30 years of nursing experience, Jenny Lytle knows firsthand the emotional toll of caregiving. After losing her own mother, also a nurse, Jenny realized that self-neglect was a silent epidemic among women in service-based roles. Now a coach and author, she empowers nurses, caregivers, and overwhelmed professionals to prioritize their well-being without guilt.

Her Becoming Method® combines practical tools with compassionate insight to help people manage stress, prevent burnout, and reconnect with their passion and purpose.

She hosts the Becoming YOUR Best with Jenny Lytle podcast and offers digital and print resources that inspire sustainable self-care for women who serve the world.

Connect with Jenny:

Website

Guest Profile

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Meet the Host:

Kayla Sweet is the host of Internally Guided Life and an expert in burnout prevention, transformational leadership, self-care, and personal growth. As a life coach, she specializes in helping people reclaim their worthiness and purpose, guiding them to create fulfilling lives with balance and ease. With a background in psychology, mindfulness, and transformational leadership, Kayla empowers her community to align with their authentic selves, develop their strengths, and embrace intentional growth.

Connect with Kayla:

⁠Facebook⁠

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠TikTok⁠

⁠LinkedIn⁠

⁠Linktree⁠

Subscribe to Kayla’s email list, read the blog, and explore free resources:

⁠Visit Internally Guided Leadership⁠

Episode Credits:

Intro & Outro Music: By artist Goat On The River, produced by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/ 

Podcast recorded by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/ 

What if forgiveness isn’t about them, it’s about you?

In this deeply moving and practical episode of Internally Guided Life, Kayla sits down with forgiveness and transformation coach Katharine Giovanni to explore the profound healing power of forgiveness. With her signature blend of humor, honesty, and wisdom, Katharine shares her personal journey through addiction recovery, grief, breast cancer, and the pain of a tumultuous childhood: experiences that ultimately led her to uncover and teach a step-by-step system for radical forgiveness.

Together, Kayla and Katharine peel back the layers of what it truly means to forgive. They break down common myths, such as the belief that forgiveness equals reconciliation or approval. Katharine teaches that forgiveness is a selfish act that clears energetic clutter, activates your intuition, and unlocks your capacity for deeper joy, presence, and authenticity.

This conversation is both vulnerable and empowering, offering practical steps to help you move from resentment to release. Whether you’re struggling to forgive someone else or yourself, this episode will help you reconnect with your inner guidance and shift your life from the inside out.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why forgiveness is for you, not the other person
  
• A step-by-step process to start forgiving, even if it feels impossible
  
• How unresolved anger creates energetic and emotional blockages
  
• Why forgiving your younger self can be one of the most freeing acts of all
  
• How clearing resentment makes room for clearer intuition and aligned decisions
  

About Katharine Giovanni

Katharine Giovanni is a three-time award-winning best-selling author, international speaker, and Transformation Mentor. She’s written twelve books, including her most recent, The Ultimate Path to Forgiveness: Unlocking Your Power. Widely recognized as a pioneer in the independent concierge industry, Katharine has since channeled her expertise into helping others break free from emotional pain, shame, and self-limiting patterns.

Her personal story is one of profound transformation. A suicide survivor and breast cancer warrior with over 36 years of sobriety, Katharine brings unmatched authenticity to her work. She’s known for her ability to teach others how to forgive the “unforgivable,” trust their intuition, and live more connected, intuitive, and joyful lives.

Whether through her books, speaking engagements, or coaching, Katharine’s work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a second chance at joy, and she’s here to help you find yours.

Connect with Katharine Giovanni

• Website: www.KatharineGiovanni.com
  

• Instagram: @katharinegiovanni
  

• Facebook: Katharine Giovanni
  

• LinkedIn: Katharine Giovanni
  

• YouTube: Katharine Giovanni
  

• TikTok: @katharinegiovanni
  

Grab her book The Ultimate Path to Forgiveness and discover more of her work at KatharineGiovanni.com

Connect with Kayla:

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

LinkedIn

Subscribe to Kayla’s email list, read the blog, and explore free resources:

Visit Internally Guided Leadership

Access all of Kayla’s resources and offerings in one place:

Visit Kayla’s Linktree

Kayla Sweet is the host of Internally Guided Life and an expert in burnout prevention, transformational leadership, self-care, and personal growth. As a life coach, she specializes in helping women reclaim their worthiness and purpose, guiding them to create fulfilling lives with balance and ease. With a background in psychology, mindfulness, and transformational leadership, Kayla empowers her community to align with their authentic selves, develop their strengths, and embrace intentional growth.

Episode Credits:

Intro & Outro Music: By artist Goat On The River, produced by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/ 
Podcast recorded by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/

Do you constantly feel like you're never quite good enough, no matter how much you achieve? Is your inner critic running the show, leaving you burnt out and overwhelmed in your pursuit of excellence?

In this compelling episode, host Kayla M. Sweet speaks with clinical psychologist, perfectionism recovery coach, and author Dr. Tara Cousineau, PhD, about the hidden toll perfectionism takes on wellbeing and self-worth. Drawing from her powerful book, The Perfectionist’s Dilemma: Learn the Art of Self-Compassion and Become a Happy Achiever, Tara shares how perfectionism often stems not from ambition, but from deep needs for acceptance, safety, and approval. Kayla and Tara explore how perfectionism can become an exhausting cycle that prevents people from experiencing joy, rest, and genuine success.

Tara explains the three primary types of perfectionism—self-oriented, socially prescribed, and other-oriented—and how each impacts our behavior, relationships, and ability to lead effectively. She introduces her EVOLVE Method, a six-step process for transforming perfectionism into inner leadership through mindfulness, body awareness, and self-compassion.

Throughout the episode, Tara offers science-backed strategies and personal reflections on building a more compassionate inner life. She shares the importance of tuning into physical cues, creating a new relationship with the inner critic, and practicing mindfulness in simple, sustainable ways. Her approach empowers listeners to lead not through control or performance, but through presence, inner trust, and authenticity.

This episode is especially valuable for high achievers, leaders, and anyone who struggles with never feeling like they’ve done enough. Listeners will walk away with new tools, powerful insights, and the reassurance that healing from perfectionism is not only possible, but transformational.

About Dr. Tara Cousineau
Dr. Tara Cousineau is a clinical psychologist, meditation teacher, and perfectionism recovery coach with over two decades of experience helping high achievers create sustainable inner change. She is the author of The Perfectionist’s Dilemma: Learn the Art of Self-Compassion and Become a Happy Achiever, a book that blends science, ancient wisdom, and practical tools to support emotional healing and self-leadership.

In addition to her private practice, Tara serves as a part-time staff psychologist at Harvard University’s Counseling and Mental Health Services. Her work focuses on self-compassion, inner leadership, and breaking free from the exhausting cycle of perfectionism. She integrates mindfulness, energy psychology, and body-based awareness practices into her method, helping individuals and organizations cultivate resilience, authenticity, and true success from the inside out.

Connect with Dr. Tara Cousineau
Visit perfectionistsdilemma.com to learn more about Tara’s work, take the Inner Critic Quiz, explore her Happy Achiever tools, and watch the book trailer.

Follow her on Instagram at @drtaracousineau
Connect on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/tara-cousineau-phd

About the Host

Kayla Sweet, MA, is a Gallup-certified strengths coach, transformational leadership expert, and the host of Internally Guided Life—a soulful podcast for heart-centered people ready to heal, grow, and live with bold purpose. With a background in psychology, mindfulness, and transformational leadership, Kayla supports women and conscious leaders on their journey of inner healing, self-discovery, and personal transformation.

Connect with Kayla:

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

LinkedIn

Internally Guided Life Podcast Page

Internally Guided Leadership.

Visit Kayla’s Linktree

Episode Credits:

Intro & Outro Music: By artist Goat On The River, produced by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/ 

Podcast recorded by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/ 

What if leadership wasn’t about titles, control, or hustle—but about presence, self-awareness, and purpose?

In this special episode of the Internally Guided Life podcast, I’m sharing my full Conscious Leadership presentation from the KHRA 2025 Annual Conference. This talk is for anyone who feels called to lead differently—whether you’re in HR, people management, entrepreneurship, or simply navigating your own growth as a leader in life and work.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why we need a new kind of leadership in today’s world

• What conscious leadership really means—and what it doesn’t

• The power of self-awareness as the foundation for sustainable, effective leadership

• How inner growth transforms your leadership presence and your relationships

• Practical ways to begin cultivating conscious leadership in your own life and career

I believe leadership is no longer just about strategy—it’s about soul. And conscious leadership asks us to go inward before we go outward. It invites us to lead from alignment, from truth, and from within.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting to find your voice, this episode will help you reconnect with what truly matters and give you a grounded framework for leading with more clarity, confidence, and compassion.

Keywords: conscious leadership, self-awareness, inner growth, internally guided, mindful leadership, values-based leadership, emotional intelligence, personal development, HR leadership, burnout prevention, leadership development

Mentioned in this episode:
Visit internallyguidedleadership.com to learn more about my coaching, workshops, and leadership development offerings.
Subscribe to the Internally Guided Life podcast for more episodes that help you lead, live, and grow from within.

If this episode resonates, please share it with a fellow leader, and leave a review to help others find this work.

You are already worthy. And you are already a leader. The invitation is simply to lead from within.

About the Host

Kayla Sweet, MA, is a Gallup-certified strengths coach, transformational leadership expert, and the host of Internally Guided Life—a soulful podcast for heart-centered people ready to heal, grow, and live with bold purpose. With a background in psychology, mindfulness, and transformational leadership, Kayla supports women and conscious leaders on their journey of inner healing, self-discovery, and personal transformation.

Through her work in burnout recovery, emotional healing, self-care, shadow work, and strengths-based leadership, Kayla helps her community overcome self-doubt, reconnect to their values, and create meaningful lives rooted in balance, wholeness, and authenticity. Her mission is to remind you that you are already worthy, and that true success begins within.

Kayla’s coaching blends research-based practices, intuitive wisdom, and deep empathy to help her clients reclaim their voice, build resilience, and align with who they were always meant to be.

Loved this episode?

Share it with a friend who needs to hear it, and help us spread the message of healing, growth, and purpose.

Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more heart-centered listeners discover Internally Guided Life and join our growing community.

Connect with Kayla:

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

LinkedIn

Internally Guided Life Podcast Page

Want more soul-nourishing support?

Subscribe to Kayla’s email list, explore the blog, and access free resources for personal growth and burnout recovery at Internally Guided Leadership.

Explore all offerings in one place:

Visit Kayla’s Linktree

Episode Credits:

Intro & Outro Music: By artist Goat On The River, produced by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/ 
Podcast recorded by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/

In this episode, host Kayla Sweet is joined by productivity coach and educator Cindy Baker for a rich and compassionate discussion on how to build ADHD-friendly systems that work. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD or simply find yourself procrastinating, struggling to focus, or overwhelmed by the demands of your day, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you find clarity, improve productivity, and stay connected to your purpose.

Cindy brings her full heart and expertise, sharing how her own ADHD diagnosis changed everything—and how she now helps others stop judging themselves and start working with their brains instead of against them. Together, we explore her Focus Sprint Strategy, how to prioritize tasks with intention, and why self-awareness is the key to overcoming procrastination.

We also dive into why self-care, community support, and compassionate thought work are not just helpful extras—but foundational to true, sustainable productivity. Cindy’s holistic approach, rooted in her background in education, counseling, and ministry, makes her coaching truly one of a kind.

This episode is your invitation to let go of perfectionism and start focusing on what matters most—without burnout.

About Cindy

Cindy Baker, founder of CBC – Cindy Baker Coaching, is a speaker, coach, and productivity educator with a passion for helping entrepreneurs and creatives build systems that support success and well-being. With over 19 years of experience in education and a master's in counseling, she offers a uniquely holistic, faith-fueled approach to productivity.

After receiving her own ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, Cindy reframed her experience and developed powerful strategies that now help her clients increase focus, reduce overwhelm, and stay aligned with their purpose.

Cindy’s Free Gift

Cindy’s free mini-course:https://waitnomore.net

Stay Connected with Cindy:

Website: www.cindybakercoaching.com

Free Facebook Group: Productivity for Profits

Facebook Page: Profitable Productivity for Entrepreneurs

Instagram: @cbc_cindybakercoaching

YouTube: @cbc-cindybakercoaching

LinkedIn: Cindy Baker

Meet the Host

Kayla Sweet, MA, is a Gallup-certified strengths coach, transformational leadership expert, and the host of Internally Guided Life—a soulful podcast for heart-centered people ready to heal, grow, and live with bold purpose. With a background in psychology, mindfulness, and transformational leadership, Kayla supports women and conscious leaders on their journey of inner healing, self-discovery, and personal transformation.

Through her work in burnout recovery, emotional healing, self-care, shadow work, and strengths-based leadership, Kayla helps her community overcome self-doubt, reconnect to their values, and create meaningful lives rooted in balance, wholeness, and authenticity. Her mission is to remind you that you are already worthy, and that true success begins within.

Kayla’s coaching blends research-based practices, intuitive wisdom, and deep empathy to help her clients reclaim their voice, build resilience, and align with who they were always meant to be.

Loved this episode?

Share it with a friend who needs to hear it, and help us spread the message of healing, growth, and purpose.

Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more heart-centered listeners discover Internally Guided Life and join our growing community.

Connect with Kayla:

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

LinkedIn

Internally Guided Life Podcast Page

Want more soul-nourishing support?

Subscribe to Kayla’s email list, explore the blog, and access free resources for personal growth and burnout recovery at Internally Guided Leadership.

Explore all offerings in one place:

Visit Kayla’s Linktree

Episode Credits:

Intro & Outro Music: By artist Goat On The River, produced by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/ 
Podcast recorded by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/

What if everything you’ve been told about thriving only scratches the surface?

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of Internally Guided Life, I’m joined by transformation facilitator, coach, and podcast host Heather Stewart for a powerful conversation about the real path to thriving—not the curated highlight reel or the productivity-driven version, but the soul-deep, harmony-rooted, self-honoring kind of thriving.

Together, we unpack the truth: thriving isn’t about achieving more, doing it all, or fitting into someone else’s version of success. It’s about coming into alignment with who you really are—beyond the titles, roles, and expectations—and creating a life that feels nourishing, purposeful, and spacious enough for joy.

Heather shares her journey from CPA to creator of the Thriving Life Method™, and how she learned to weave together the many parts of herself—from wellness and spirituality to business and creativity. Through her story, we explore the courage it takes to change, the evolution of identity, and the freedom found in living a more integrated life.

If you’ve ever felt the tension between who you are and who you’re becoming—this episode is for you. It’s a loving reminder that thriving doesn’t mean getting it all right. It means showing up honestly, following your curiosity, and living in a way that honors all of you.

Meet Heather Stewart:

Heather Stewart is a dynamic force in the world of transformation. With a background in corporate finance as a CPA and an unshakable devotion to holistic wellness, Heather has spent the last decade helping women in midlife rediscover their purpose, reclaim their joy, and rewrite the script of what’s possible.

As the creator of The Thriving Life Method™, Heather helps overwhelmed overachievers reconnect with their inner wisdom and design lives of intention, passion, and balance—from the inside out. Her signature framework focuses on six core areas: Body, Emotion, Community, Occupation, Money, and Engagement—offering a roadmap to wellness and wholeness that actually works in real life.

Heather is also the host of Back to Me: Exploring Wellness Your Way, a podcast that invites listeners to rediscover themselves beyond the roles they’ve been handed. Her work has been featured in Women’s World Magazine, ELLE Canada, and Yahoo Finance, and her story continues to inspire thousands around the world to trust their path—even when it looks wildly different than they imagined.

Learn more & download her free Thriving Life Roadmap at:

https://heatherstewart.coach/tlm-map-download

Connect with Heather:

Website: https://heatherstewart.coach

Podcast: Back to Me Podcast

Instagram: @heatherstewartcoaching

Facebook: Heather Stewart Coaches

LinkedIn: Heather Stewart

YouTube: Heather Stewart Coaching

🎙 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who needs to hear it!⭐ Leave a review to help more people discover Internally Guided Life

Connect with Kayla:

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

LinkedIn

Internally Guided Life Podcast Page

Subscribe to Kayla’s email list, read the blog, and explore free resources:

Visit Internally Guided Leadership

Access all of Kayla’s resources and offerings in one place:

Visit Kayla’s Linktree

About the Host:

Kayla Sweet is the host of Internally Guided Life and an expert in burnout prevention, transformational leadership, self-care, and personal growth. As a life coach, she specializes in helping people reclaim their worthiness and purpose, guiding them to create fulfilling lives with balance and ease. With a background in psychology, mindfulness, and transformational leadership, Kayla empowers her community to align with their authentic selves, develop their strengths, and embrace intentional growth.

Episode Credits:

Intro & Outro Music: By artist Goat On The River, produced by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/ 
Podcast recorded by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/

Have you ever felt like parts of yourself are hidden beneath the surface—parts that feel too messy, too intense, or too unworthy to be seen? What if those very parts hold the key to your deepest wisdom, power, and authenticity?

In this episode of Internally Guided Life, I sit down with Emily Nascimento for a deep, soulful conversation about shadow work—the courageous process of reclaiming the parts of ourselves we’ve learned to suppress. Rooted in Jungian psychology, shadow work invites us to explore the aspects of our psyche that we’ve pushed into the unconscious—our fears, wounds, and insecurities, yes, but also our greatest strengths, creativity, and unclaimed brilliance.

Why does this matter? Because the more we suppress, the more these hidden parts shape our thoughts, behaviors, and leadership from the shadows. The more we embrace and integrate them, the more we step into our full, wholehearted, and empowered selves.

This conversation isn’t about just talking about shadow work—it’s about guiding you through it. We explore:

• What shadow work is and why certain parts of ourselves were exiled—and how to welcome them home

• Shadow work exercises to identify, engage with, and integrate these hidden aspects of self
• The connection between shadow work and leadership—how self-awareness helps us lead with integrity and prevent self-sabotage
• How to recognize triggers and projections—clues from the external world that point to our own wholeness

• How shadow work frees up energy, allowing us to move through life with greater confidence, clarity, and authenticity

Shadow work isn’t just about facing our darkness—it’s about reclaiming our light. It’s the work of self-liberation, of coming back to the fullness of who we are meant to be. It’s about stepping beyond fear and into bold authenticity.

Whether you’re just starting your shadow work journey or looking for deeper shadow work exercises, this episode will give you the insights and practical tools you need to begin integrating your shadow and stepping into your full power.

This is the work of coming home to yourself. This is the path to inner freedom. Are you ready to explore your shadow?

About Emily Nascimento
Emily is a coach, facilitator, and ceremonialist dedicated to the intersection of psychospiritual development and leadership. She believes that our most sacred gift to the world is our own healing and soul-embodiment. Through somatic coaching, soul-purpose work, and leadership development, Emily helps people live and lead from a place of deep integrity, purpose, and wholeness.

Resources and Links

Shadow Work Exercises: Leading from Wholeness – Free Worksheet

Visit Emily’s Website

Subscribe to Holding Threads on Substack

Support the Show & Stay Connected

🎙 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who needs to hear it!

⭐ Leave a review to help more people discover Internally Guided Life

Connect with Kayla:

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

LinkedIn

Internally Guided Life Podcast Page

Subscribe to Kayla’s email list, read the blog, and explore free resources:

Visit Internally Guided Leadership

Access all of Kayla’s resources and offerings in one place:

Visit Kayla’s Linktree

Kayla Sweet is the host of Internally Guided Life and an expert in burnout prevention, transformational leadership, self-care, and personal growth. As a life coach, she specializes in helping women reclaim their worthiness and purpose, guiding them to create fulfilling lives with balance and ease. With a background in psychology, mindfulness, and transformational leadership, Kayla empowers her community to align with their authentic selves, develop their strengths, and embrace intentional growth.

Episode Credits:

Intro & Outro Music: By artist Goat On The River, produced by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/ 
Podcast recorded by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/ 

Episode Description

What does it take to command a room—not through force, but through presence, confidence, and deep listening? In this episode of Internally Guided Life, I sit down with leadership consultant and The Facilitation Advantage co-author Therese Miclot to explore the foundations of leadership presence and confidence.

We discuss how self-awareness, mindset, and the ability to truly listen can transform not only how others perceive you but also how you show up in leadership and life. Whether you're leading a team, speaking up in meetings, or simply wanting to cultivate a stronger presence in your daily interactions, this conversation is packed with insights to help you step into your power.

Therese shares her deeply personal journey into leadership development and we dive into practical strategies for building confidence, making an impact through communication, and ensuring that your voice is heard—without feeling like you need to dominate the conversation.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to show up more boldly, communicate more effectively, and lead with authenticity.

What You'll Take Away from This Episode:

• The true meaning of leadership presence—and why it’s not about having all the answers

• The hidden power of deep listening and why it can elevate your leadership instantly

• Simple but powerful communication strategies to command attention and respect

• Why confidence isn’t about speaking more, but choosing your words intentionally

• Practical steps to own your voice in meetings and professional spaces

Meet the Guest:

Therese Miclot is a leadership consultant, facilitator, and co-author of The Facilitation Advantage, a practical guide to developing stronger leadership, confidence, and influence. With a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and over two decades of experience, she has helped Fortune 500 companies and startups alike transform their leadership pipelines.

Her passion for leadership development stems from personal experience—watching her mother struggle under poor management after the sudden loss of her father. This inspired her to create resources that equip leaders to foster supportive, empowering environments where people thrive.

Now, as the Director of Facilitation Excellence at Proteus International, she helps professionals step into their power, communicate with clarity, and lead with confidence.

Connect with Therese:

🌐 Website: Therese Miclot's Website

🔗 LinkedIn: Therese Miclot

📖 Get the Book: The Facilitation Advantage

Resources & Next Steps for Listeners:

• Choose one concept from the episode and implement it in your leadership practice this week

• Connect with Therese on LinkedIn for ongoing insights and leadership tips

• Take the free self-assessment at thefacilitationadvantage.com

• Grab a copy of The Facilitation Advantage for deeper learning and practical tools

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• Internally Guided Life Podcast Page

  
  

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Kayla Sweet is the host of Internally Guided Life and an expert in burnout prevention, transformational leadership, self-care, and personal growth. As a life coach, she specializes in helping women reclaim their worthiness and purpose, guiding them to create fulfilling lives with balance and ease. With a background in psychology, mindfulness, and transformational leadership, Kayla empowers her community to align with their authentic selves, develop their strengths, and embrace intentional growth.

Episode Credits:

Intro & Outro Music: By artist Goat On The River, produced by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/ 
Podcast recorded by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/