Leading With Heart

Getting organized isn't just about being efficient, it's one of the most powerful self-care and leadership moves you can make.

In this conversation, leadership expert and founder of This Little Consulting Firm, Kelsey Sumner, shares how reclaiming control over your time, energy, and chaos can completely change the way you lead and live.

After facing burnout during her time on active duty, Kelsey discovered that true leadership begins when you stop reacting to fires and start creating intentional systems that support your vision, and your well-being.

Inside this episode, we break down:

• Why organization is one of the most overlooked leadership skills (and a radical act of self-respect)
• How to take the very first steps to regain control when you’re overwhelmed and underwater
• Simple strategies you can implement today to create breathing room and momentum
• A powerful reminder that no matter how much is left undone, you are already enough.
  
  

This conversation will leave you feeling energized, equipped, and inspired to stop surviving and start leading with heart, clarity, and confidence.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Kelsey Sumner:

https://thislittleconsultingfirm.com/

Workbook: https://thislittleconsultingfirm.kit.com/products/overwhelm-to-action-workbook?promo=TLCF15

Use the link above for 15% off the workbook

Join the Strong and Resilient Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/336774597179247

SHOW NOTES: https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode68

Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen), or on Instagram @themilitaryyogi

More about Christina Mattison and the Leading with Heart Podcast
Hey there! I'm Christina Mattison, an Air Force Officer, yoga teacher, dedicated wife, and proud mother of two. But most importantly, I'm here as a wellness and leadership coach for women in the military. I want you to know something: It doesn't have to be this way.

I've walked in your combat boots, and I understand the chaos that often accompanies military life. But I'm here to share a powerful truth with you: You have the innate ability to transform your own life. I've personally experienced this transformation, and I've witnessed it in the lives of countless clients I've had the privilege to guide.

Welcome to the Leading With Heart podcast your ultimate resource for discovering how to infuse joy, peace, and true success into every facet of military life.

**The views and opinions expressed within this podcast episode are those of the individual, and do not necessarily represent those of the Department of Defense or its components.

Have you ever felt like you’re doing all the “right” things eating well, sleeping, exercising and still running on empty?

You're not broken. You're likely just overlooking the hidden energy leaks that most of us never learned how to manage.

In part 3 of this powerful 4-part series on energy management, I’m taking us beyond the physical and diving deep into the emotional and mental realms of our wellbeing, the ones we rarely talk about, but desperately need to.

You’ll learn: 

• How emotional suppression quietly drains your energy
• Why multitasking and mental clutter leave you stuck in survival mode
• What “micro releases” are and why your body is begging for them
• Simple shifts you can make today to reclaim your emotional clarity and mental focus

From regulating emotions in leadership to breaking the cycle of overstimulation, this episode will help you start living and leading with intention, resilience, and presence.

Because your internal world sets the tone for everything else.

Press play now and take the first step toward protecting your energy from the inside out.

RESOURCES:

We are looking for podcast guests!!! If you feel like you would be a good fit for the show apply here: https://airtable.com/apprsrb6yGRh4pQzG/pagB74PahrS9pbA0B/form

Girl, Take a Deep Breath Challenge: https://fabulous-pioneer-9504.kit.com/17915b78f7

Sleep Challenge: https://fabulous-pioneer-9504.kit.com/products/bedtime-bliss-blueprint-your-7-day

Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themilitaryyogi

Podcast Website: www.leadingwithheartpodcast.com

SHOW NOTES: https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode67

Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen), or on Instagram @themilitaryyogi

More about Christina Mattison and the Leading with Heart Podcast
Hey there! I'm Christina Mattison, an Air Force Officer, yoga teacher, dedicated wife, and proud mother of two. But most importantly, I'm here as a wellness and leadership coach for women in the military. I want you to know something: It doesn't have to be this way.

I've walked in your combat boots, and I understand the chaos that often accompanies military life. But I'm here to share a powerful truth with you: You have the innate ability to transform your own life. I've personally experienced this transformation, and I've witnessed it in the lives of countless clients I've had the privilege to guide.

Welcome to the Leading With Heart podcast your ultimate resource for discovering how to infuse joy, peace, and true success into every facet of military life.

**The views and opinions expressed within this podcast episode are those of the individual, and do not necessarily represent those of the Department of Defense or its components.

Welcome back to Leading With Heart! In Part 2 of our 4-part mini-series on energy management, we're diving into one of the most essential, and often overlooked  pieces of the puzzle: your physical energy.

In this episode, I’m walking you through the practical shifts that can help you build, manage, and protect your physical energy,  so you can operate in your performance zone more often, and steer clear of survival and burnout. Because let’s be honest… when your body is depleted, it’s nearly impossible to lead, show up well, or simply feel good.

We’ll talk about:

• Why sleep is your most powerful recovery tool, and the hidden ways you might be sabotaging it
• How mini movement breaks throughout the day can restore your focus and calm your nervous system
• The importance of intentional fueling (without overhauling your entire nutrition plan)
• The critical but underrated role of hydration in performance, clarity, and mood

I also give you a simple Physical Energy Audit, 4 powerful questions to help you identify your biggest energy leaks and take aligned action.

Whether you're in a high-stress leadership role, balancing a full plate at home, or just feeling exhausted and wondering why... this episode will meet you right where you are.

Listen in, take a deep breath, and let’s work together to bring your energy back online.

RESOURCES:

Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themilitaryyogi

Podcast Website: www.leadingwithheartpodcast.com

SHOW NOTES:https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode66

Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen), or on Instagram @themilitaryyogi

More about Christina Mattison and the Leading with Heart Podcast
Hey there! I'm Christina Mattison, an Air Force Officer, yoga teacher, dedicated wife, and proud mother of two. But most importantly, I'm here as a wellness and leadership coach for women in the military. I want you to know something: It doesn't have to be this way.

I've walked in your combat boots, and I understand the chaos that often accompanies military life. But I'm here to share a powerful truth with you: You have the innate ability to transform your own life. I've personally experienced this transformation, and I've witnessed it in the lives of countless clients I've had the privilege to guide.

Welcome to the Leading With Heart podcast your ultimate resource for discovering how to infuse joy, peace, and true success into every facet of military life.

**The views and opinions expressed within this podcast episode are those of the individual, and do not necessarily represent those of the Department of Defense or its components.

In this episode of Leading With Heart, I’m sitting down with Isabel Churchill, a military spouse, former senior project manager, and now a master Reiki teacher and global mentor with over 3,000 active students. Her journey from clinical psychotherapy and government leadership in Canada to running her own holistic healing business is full of insight, wisdom, and radical transformation.

We’re chatting about what it means to lead with feminine energy, not as a gendered concept, but as a powerful skillset rooted in compassion, intuition, and collaboration.

Isabel shares her personal story of divorce, rediscovery, and starting over, how losing everything she thought she was became the catalyst for building something more aligned, authentic, and successful than she ever imagined. As a military spouse navigating frequent moves and identity shifts, Isabel’s resilience and heart-centered approach to leadership is nothing short of inspiring.

We also explore:

• The difference between masculine and feminine energy in leadership (and why you need both)
  How soft skills like compassion, gut instincts, and collaboration are actually power skills
• What it looks like to lead without the title—and why it matters
• Isabel’s biggest lessons in self-worth, healing, and doing the hard things scared

Whether you’re leading a team or simply trying to lead your own life with more intention, this episode will open your heart and mind to a new way of defining success.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Isabel Churchill:

Website: www.isabelschurchill.com/english

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelchurchill1111/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isabelchurchill1111

Join the Strong and Resilient Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/336774597179247

SHOW NOTES: https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode65

Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen), or on Instagram @themilitaryyogi

More about Christina Mattison and the Leading with Heart Podcast
Hey there! I'm Christina Mattison, an Air Force Officer, yoga teacher, dedicated wife, and proud mother of two. But most importantly, I'm here as a wellness and leadership coach for women in the military. I want you to know something: It doesn't have to be this way.

I've walked in your combat boots, and I understand the chaos that often accompanies military life. But I'm here to share a powerful truth with you: You have the innate ability to transform your own life. I've personally experienced this transformation, and I've witnessed it in the lives of countless clients I've had the privilege to guide.

Welcome to the Leading With Heart podcast your ultimate resource for discovering how to infuse joy, peace, and true success into every facet of military life.

**The views and opinions expressed within this podcast episode are those of the individual, and do not necessarily represent those of the Department of Defense or its components.

In the high-demand, always-on lifestyle of the military, burnout can feel inevitable. But what if there was another way to approach it?

In this first episode of a powerful 4-part mini series, I’m talking about energy management, a smarter, more sustainable way to navigate stress, prevent burnout, and take better care of your mental and physical well-being.

Drawing from my recent experience speaking to the 823rd RED HORSE Squadron at Hurlburt Field, I’m introducing the idea that it’s not about constantly operating at 100%, it’s about learning when and how to protect your energy so you can lead effectively, live intentionally, and stay grounded through the chaos.

Whether you're active duty, a military spouse, or a leader in any high-stress environment, this episode offers a fresh, empowering framework for showing up with more clarity and less burnout.

Listen in to start managing your energy, not just your time, and join us for the next few weeks as we go deeper into this essential series.

RESOURCES:

The Power of Full Engagement - Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz

Cycle Syncing Workshop: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen/posts/1217309999125698/

Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themilitaryyogi

Podcast Website: www.leadingwithheartpodcast.com

SHOW NOTES: https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode64

Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen), or on Instagram @themilitaryyogi

More about Christina Mattison and the Leading with Heart Podcast
Hey there! I'm Christina Mattison, an Air Force Officer, yoga teacher, dedicated wife, and proud mother of two. But most importantly, I'm here as a wellness and leadership coach for women in the military. I want you to know something: It doesn't have to be this way.

I've walked in your combat boots, and I understand the chaos that often accompanies military life. But I'm here to share a powerful truth with you: You have the innate ability to transform your own life. I've personally experienced this transformation, and I've witnessed it in the lives of countless clients I've had the privilege to guide.

Welcome to the Leading With Heart podcast your ultimate resource for discovering how to infuse joy, peace, and true success into every facet of military life.

**The views and opinions expressed within this podcast episode are those of the individual, and do not necessarily represent those of the Department of Defense or its components.

What happens when you find something you love, something that lights you up, and you decide to build it into something bigger, something meaningful? Whether you're active duty, a veteran, or figuring out life beyond service, passion projects can be a powerful way to create impact, fulfillment, and opportunity.

In this episode, I'm sitting down with Jason Anderson, our first ever male guest on Leading with Heart, to talk about how finding and building a passion project can transform your career, mindset, and life. Jason brings a fresh perspective from the Army, adding to the diverse voices we’ve featured from the Navy, Space Force, and beyond.

We chat about:
 - How to identify a passion project that aligns with your skills and values
 - The balance of pursuing your passion inside and outside of the military
 - Lessons learned from navigating career shifts and finding fulfillment in unexpected places

Whether you're in uniform, transitioning out, or simply seeking more purpose in what you do, this conversation will leave you thinking about the next step in your journey.

Ready to explore your own passion project? Hit play now!

RESOURCES:

Connect with Jason Anderson:

veteranpcs.com

https://www.instagram.com/veteranpcs

https://www.facebook.com/VeteranPCS/

https://www.youtube.com/@VeteranPCS

https://www.tiktok.com/@veteranpcs

Join the Strong and Resilient Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/336774597179247

SHOW NOTES: https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode63

Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen), or on Instagram @themilitaryyogi

More about Christina Mattison and the Leading with Heart Podcast
Hey there! I'm Christina Mattison, an Air Force Officer, yoga teacher, dedicated wife, and proud mother of two. But most importantly, I'm here as a wellness and leadership coach for women in the military. I want you to know something: It doesn't have to be this way.

I've walked in your combat boots, and I understand the chaos that often accompanies military life. But I'm here to share a powerful truth with you: You have the innate ability to transform your own life. I've personally experienced this transformation, and I've witnessed it in the lives of countless clients I've had the privilege to guide.

Welcome to the Leading With Heart podcast your ultimate resource for discovering how to infuse joy, peace, and true success into every facet of military life.

**The views and opinions expressed within this podcast episode are those of the individual, and do not necessarily represent those of the Department of Defense or its components.

In today’s world, where multitasking, screen overload, and chaos seem to be the norm, how do we find a sense of calm? In Episode 62 of Leading with Heart, I kick off a powerful new series dedicated to helping you regulate your emotions in a fast-paced, overstimulated world.

This episode is all about finding peace when life feels overwhelming. Whether you’re managing work stress, juggling family responsibilities, or just trying to navigate life’s challenges, this mini-episode is packed with tools to help you stay grounded.

I’ll share three practical techniques you can start using today:
Breathwork, Mindfulness and Grounding

This isn’t about becoming perfectly stress-free, it’s about navigating life’s chaos with grace, intention, and self-compassion.

And here’s the best part: this episode is just the beginning! I’m thrilled to announce my 5-Day Mindfulness Challenge, where we’ll explore practices like these to bring mindfulness into your everyday life. PLUS, I’ll be sharing more about my upcoming course, Girl Calm Down, launching in March 2025.

If you’re ready to start the new year with tools to transform your stress into strength, this is your moment. Listen in, take a deep breath, and join me on the journey to calm.

Let this episode be the first step toward a calmer, more centered you.

RESOURCES:

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art - James Nestor

5 Day Challenge Sign Up: https://fabulous-pioneer-9504.ck.page/e443dd0d5f

Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themilitaryyogi

Podcast Website: www.leadingwithheartpodcast.com

SHOW NOTES:https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode62

Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen), or on Instagram @themilitaryyogi

More about Christina Mattison and the Leading with Heart Podcast
Hey there! I'm Christina Mattison, an Air Force Officer, yoga teacher, dedicated wife, and proud mother of two. But most importantly, I'm here as a wellness and leadership coach for women in the military. I want you to know something: It doesn't have to be this way.

I've walked in your combat boots, and I understand the chaos that often accompanies military life. But I'm here to share a powerful truth with you: You have the innate ability to transform your own life. I've personally experienced this transformation, and I've witnessed it in the lives of countless clients I've had the privilege to guide.

Welcome to the Leading With Heart podcast your ultimate resource for discovering how to infuse joy, peace, and true success into every facet of military life.

**The views and opinions expressed within this podcast episode are those of the individual, and do not necessarily represent those of the Department of Defense or its components.

What if your story could change lives?

In episode 61 of Leading with Heart, I’m joined by Sarah Doran—Army aviation veteran, military spouse, and author—whose mission is to authentically represent military families through powerful storytelling. Sarah shares how her journey as a military child, veteran, and mother inspired her to write children’s books that not only entertain but also foster understanding and connection.

We dive into the process behind her books, The Peppered Sky and Sleeping Giants, and explore the transformative power of writing as a way to heal, connect, and create meaningful change.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why authentic representation in literature matters for military families.
• How storytelling can be a tool for healing and connection.
• The value of sharing your story, even if it’s just for yourself.

Whether you’re part of the military community or looking to turn your experiences into something meaningful, this episode is your call to action.

Listen now and discover the power of your story!

RESOURCES:

Connect with Sarah Doran:

www.authorsarahdoran.com

https://spouse-ly.com/store/Author-Sarah-Doran/

Instagram: @author_sarah_doran

Facebook: @author.sarah.doran

Join the Strong and Resilient Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/336774597179247

SHOW NOTES: https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode61

Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen), or on Instagram @themilitaryyogi

More about Christina Mattison and the Leading with Heart Podcast
Hey there! I'm Christina Mattison, an Air Force Officer, yoga teacher, dedicated wife, and proud mother of two. But most importantly, I'm here as a wellness and leadership coach for women in the military. I want you to know something: It doesn't have to be this way.

I've walked in your combat boots, and I understand the chaos that often accompanies military life. But I'm here to share a powerful truth with you: You have the innate ability to transform your own life. I've personally experienced this transformation, and I've witnessed it in the lives of countless clients I've had the privilege to guide.

Welcome to the Leading With Heart podcast your ultimate resource for discovering how to infuse joy, peace, and true success into every facet of military life.

**The views and opinions expressed within this podcast episode are those of the individual, and do not necessarily represent those of the Department of Defense or its components.

As we step into a new year, it’s tempting to dive headfirst into resolutions, to-do lists, and ambitious goals. But what if there’s a better way to create lasting change—one that starts from the inside out?  

In this mini-episode of the podcast I’m challenging the traditional “task-based” approach to goals and invite you to explore a powerful mindset shift: Instead of asking “what must I do to be happy, healthy, and at peace”, ask “who must I become?”  

This episode is a reflective, action-packed exploration of identity-based change, where I walk you through

- Why starting with your identity—not just habits—creates real transformation.  

- How to align your goals with your values and the person you want to become.  

- The importance of letting go of external pressures and embracing what truly matters.  

RESOURCES:
Sign up for OPLAN January 14: https://fabulous-pioneer-9504.kit.com/507d0c37e1

Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themilitaryyogi

Podcast Website: www.leadingwithheartpodcast.com

SHOW NOTES:  https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode60

Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen), or on Instagram @themilitaryyogi

More about Christina Mattison and the Leading with Heart Podcast
Hey there! I'm Christina Mattison, an Air Force Officer, yoga teacher, dedicated wife, and proud mother of two. But most importantly, I'm here as a wellness and leadership coach for women in the military. I want you to know something: It doesn't have to be this way.

I've walked in your combat boots, and I understand the chaos that often accompanies military life. But I'm here to share a powerful truth with you: You have the innate ability to transform your own life. I've personally experienced this transformation, and I've witnessed it in the lives of countless clients I've had the privilege to guide.

Welcome to the Leading With Heart podcast your ultimate resource for discovering how to infuse joy, peace, and true success into every facet of military life.

**The views and opinions expressed within this podcast episode are those of the individual, and do not necessarily represent those of the Department of Defense or its components.

What if the greatest strength you could show wasn’t pushing through the pain, but learning to pause, slow down, and seek support? 

In this impactful episode of “Leading with Heart”, I sit down with entrepreneur, Army Reserve officer, yoga teacher, and mother of four, Roshonda Thomas. She’s a living testament that “doing it all” doesn’t have to mean running on empty. Instead, it can mean caring for your mental health, setting priorities, and giving yourself permission to recalibrate—even when it feels like the world expects otherwise.

Roshonda opens up about her journey in the military, her family life, and her entrepreneurial ventures—all while managing a demanding schedule and a spouse with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Through it all, she’s learned the art of honest self-evaluation, boundary setting, and prioritization. She shares her strategies for making white space on a packed calendar, the importance of shifting out of “superwoman” mode, and why it’s okay to seek help, rest, and stillness.

If you’ve ever felt like you should be able to handle it all on your own, or if the idea of taking time for yourself feels like an indulgence you can’t afford, this conversation will challenge those beliefs and offer tools to guide you toward a more sustainable, balanced, and fulfilling path.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Roshonda Thomas:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Diva_becomethedifference

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royoga7

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/youmatterauthor?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa6eEKLqfc_05cQQPrJ1CDZ_Rwbk-gJeeBCOV1If7QilC_G8YBpDIkjyDE_aem_l2tbBCYKgS7XKMMZVeqAYw

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3ARoshonda+Thomas&s=relevancerank&text=Roshonda+Thomas&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1

Join the Strong and Resilient Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/336774597179247

SHOW NOTES: https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode59

Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen), or on Instagram @themilitaryyogi

More about Christina Mattison and the Leading with Heart Podcast
Hey there! I'm Christina Mattison, an Air Force Officer, yoga teacher, dedicated wife, and proud mother of two. But most importantly, I'm here as a wellness and leadership coach for women in the military. I want you to know something: It doesn't have to be this way.

I've walked in your combat boots, and I understand the chaos that often accompanies military life. But I'm here to share a powerful truth with you: You have the innate ability to transform your own life. I've personally experienced this transformation, and I've witnessed it in the lives of countless clients I've had the privilege to guide.

Welcome to the Leading With Heart podcast your ultimate resource for discovering how to infuse joy, peace, and true success into every facet of military life.

**The views and opinions expressed within this podcast episode are those of the individual, and do not necessarily represent those of the Department of Defense or its components.