Leading With Heart

What if the key to staying motivated wasn’t pushing yourself harder, but treating yourself kinder? In this mini episode of Leading with Heart, we flip the script on traditional “tough love” approaches and explore the transformative power of self-compassion. Inspired by Dr. Kristin Neff’s groundbreaking work, we’ll look at why gentler, more supportive inner dialogue can actually help you reach your goals—without the anxiety, shame, and burnout that come with self-criticism.

In this episode we will:

• Uncover how to harness self-compassion as a powerful motivational tool, one that activates your mind’s soothing system and allows you to think clearly, take healthy risks, and embrace challenges with patience. 
• You’ll learn practical techniques—like reframing negative self-talk, celebrating progress over perfection, and using simple mantras—to stay committed and confident, even when the journey gets tough.

If you’re ready to break free from the cycle of pushing yourself into action out of fear, and instead cultivate a growth mindset built on understanding and care, this episode is for you. 

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 (https://www.leadingwithheartpodcast.com/)

SHOW NOTES:  https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode58

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.

Let’s have a tough conversation about grief. Grief is one of the most difficult and vulnerable experience we will ever have. Navigating your own or the grief of others can be incredibly difficult, so it’s important to TALK ABOUT IT. This week’s guest, Christina Stiverson is talking with me about how showing your human side can inspire empathy and connectedness in your team. From Christina's personal journey through grief to the ongoing cultural shift in the military, this episode is packed with insights on vulnerability and working through grief.

Listen in to challenge your perspectives on leadership, embrace the strength in authenticity, and discover the impact of grief and vulnerability on building resilient teams. Christina's wisdom, shaped by her own experiences, makes for a heartfelt conversation that sheds light on how our deepest pains can transform into powerful connections.

In this episode, we cover:

• The power of vulnerability in leadership
• Encouraging empathy and connectedness within teams
• Shifting military culture towards integrating personal and professional lives
• The impact of grief on personal growth and leadership
• Building resilient teams with gratitude and trust
• Creating positive work environments through mindfulness and celebration

RESOURCES:

Connect with Christina Stiverson:
Website: https://www.graduategrief.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christina.stackstiverson

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

SHOW NOTES: https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode57

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.

Wondering why high-achieving women seem especially susceptible to burnout? You're in the right place. In the latest episode of Leading With Heart, we are wrapping up the insightful conversation with the remarkable Winnie Odiambo. We are talking about the complexities of burnout among high-achieving women and explore Winnie's holistic approach to healing through her expertly crafted seven-part RENEWAL system.

In this episode we cover:

• How burnout impacts high-achieving women
• The societal pressures contributing to burnout
• An introduction to the RENEWAL system for holistic healing
• The second and third-order effects of prioritizing self-care
• Winnie's personal story and how her wellness journey transformed her family life
• Practical advice for overcoming burnout and embracing self-care

RESOURCES:

Connect with Winnie:

Website: https://www.vitalizedwellbeing.com/

Instagram: @vitalized_wellbeing (https://www.instagram.com/vitalized_wellbeing)

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

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

SHOW NOTES: https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode56

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.

Feeling burnt out? You're not alone. In today's episode, we're talking about burnout, especially for high-achieving women juggling the demands of military life. Join us for part one of an eye-opening two-part interview with Winnie Odhiambo, the founder of Vitalized Wellbeing. Winnie's unique blend of functional medicine and holistic health practices offers a fresh perspective on how to tackle fatigue and stress. Hear her personal battle with burnout, how she found her way to healing, and discover why self-care is crucial—and far from selfish.

In this episode we cover: 

• Understanding burnout on multiple levels: physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual 
• The significance of listening to your body and recognizing the signs of burnout 
• What is functional medicine and how it complements conventional medicine Winnie's journey from deployment stress to founding 
• Vitalized Wellbeing Insights into preventing and recovering from burnout through functional medicine 
• Practical tips on balancing high achievement with well-being

RESOURCES:

Connect with Winnie:

Website: https://www.vitalizedwellbeing.com/

Instagram: @vitalized_wellbeing (https://www.instagram.com/vitalized_wellbeing)

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

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

SHOW NOTES: https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode55

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.

Struggling with avoiding your feelings? Today, I’m talking about a topic that we've all grappled with: emotions and their avoidance as a coping mechanism. In this compact, bite-sized episode, we’ll explore how suppressing emotions can lead to unhealthy and unproductive behaviors, and why facing your feelings head-on is crucial for both mental and physical health.

I emphasize the significance of identifying and addressing these compartmentalized emotions by breaking down practical steps and sharing insightful research. You'll learn how to start tuning into your feelings without overwhelming yourself and the transformative power of mindful curiosity instead of judgment.

In this episode we cover:

- The dangers of suppressing emotions

- How repressed emotions manifest physically

- Practical steps to face your feelings

- The importance of an emotions log

- How to cultivate curiosity towards your emotions

RESOURCES:

The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD

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

www.leadingwithheartpodcast.com (https://www.leadingwithheartpodcast.com/)

SHOW NOTES:  https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode54

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.

Ready to redefine leadership? In this heartfelt episode of the Leading with Heart Podcast, we dive deep with Navy Chief Petty Officer Candy Franklin, a seasoned Navy leader whose story is nothing short of inspirational. Candy's leadership philosophy, centered around CARE—Communication, Accountability, Respect, and Empathy—breaks the mold of traditional military hierarchy and brings a refreshing approach to guiding teams.

From Candy’s journey of independence at just 14 years old to her remarkable 20-year career in the Navy, this episode shares her growth and the priceless wisdom she's gained. We discuss the importance of mentoring, how to effectively communicate within teams, and the essential role of self-awareness in leadership.

Listen in as Candy shares the challenges she faced in a male-dominated environment, her struggle to balance personal life with duty, and her transformational leadership style that positions empathy and respect at the forefront. Whether it’s leveraging the ‘Do Not Disturb’ function for better work-life boundaries or embracing failures as learning opportunities, there’s a takeaway for every listener.

In this episode we cover:

- Candy Franklin’s CARE leadership philosophy

- Overcoming personal and professional obstacles

- The importance of mentorship and self-awareness

- Strategies for effective communication and setting boundaries

- Embracing and learning from failure

- Post-retirement plans and maintaining lifelong connections

RESOURCES:

Connect with Candy:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candy.franklin.7/

Instagram: @candys_side_quests 

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

SHOW NOTES: https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode53

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.

It’s ok to not be ok.

Join us as Alison Calfee, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran shares her compelling story of overcoming severe mental health struggles and the pivotal moments that led her to embrace self-care over societal expectations. We'll unpack the challenges she faced, from confronting suicidal ideations to discovering the healing power of therapy and community support through trauma-sensitive yoga. 

This episode is rich with insights on how to navigate and normalize mental health struggles, offering practical advice on the importance of seeking help and rejecting the facade of being 'okay.' Alison's experiences highlight the necessity of addressing mental health proactively, the cultural shifts within the military, and the critical need for a supportive community.

In this episode, we cover:

• Embracing self-care beyond societal judgments
• The pivotal role of honesty in mental health recovery
• The journey through different therapy styles and resilience training
• Normalizing mental health conversations within the military
• Comeback Yoga and its impact on veterans' well-being

 ** Trigger warnings: references to sexual assault, suicidal ideations 

RESOURCES:

Comeback Yoga

Website: https://comebackyoga.org/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuvuNTWkrTuniIydOa9Nc0g

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

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

SHOW NOTES: https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode52

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.

Want to become the best leader you can be? Today, we're diving deep into the world of self-care with the inspirational Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Pelkowski. As a dedicated squadron commander at Hurlburt Field and a seasoned Air Force officer, Amanda knows firsthand the pressures of leadership. From juggling high-stakes responsibilities to maintaining work-life balance, she’s here to share her actionable strategies for thriving, not just surviving, in demanding roles.

In this episode:

- The significance of self-care in leadership

- The reminder that you are not alone

- Reframing self-care: letting go of the all-or-nothing mentality

- Time management tips: setting up for success and preparing the night before

- Amanda’s journey through challenging deployments and command responsibilities

- Balancing physical, mental, and emotional health

- Practical self-care tips: 15-minute workouts, hydration, and meal prepping

- The importance of setting clear priorities and small self-care routines

RESOURCES:

Connect with Amanda:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/amanda.pelkowski

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

SHOW NOTES: https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode51

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.

Setting boundaries can be challenging, especially in high-pressure environments like the military. In this powerful episode, Lt Col Danele Richardson shares her personal journey of overcoming fears, navigating grief, and learning to prioritize her well-being. Through her experiences, she discovered the importance of understanding the deeper motivations behind our actions and the transformative power of setting healthy boundaries.

We are diving into the heart-wrenching story of Lt Col Richardson's loss and how it taught her the value of giving grace during life's messiest moments. She offers practical advice for military personnel and beyond, encouraging everyone to unapologetically prioritize their personal lives and combat negative thoughts with positive affirmations.

In this episode, we cover:

- Exploring the underlying fears that drive overworking and strained relationships

- Navigating grief and learning to give grace in the face of tragedy

- The importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing personal well-being

- Practical tips for disconnecting, seeking support, and finding joy in hobbies

- Empowering yourself to set boundaries, regardless of your marital or family status

RESOURCES:

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

SHOW NOTES:  https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode50

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.

Setting boundaries might be the most powerful act of self-care you can do for yourself. In this episode of Leading with Heart Podcast, I am breaking down the essential practice of setting boundaries to manage your workload effectively, ensuring you protect your evenings and weekends. Listen in as I share actionable examples like checking emails only twice a day and scheduling meetings versus allowing impromptu interruptions, to help you guard your time fiercely.

Hear my personal journey and the lessons I wished I had known earlier in my career. I share the power of "I statements" for clear, non-accusatory communication and the impactful Brene Brown quote, "clear is kind, unclear is unkind," to help you set boundaries kindly yet firmly. Discover my three pivotal tips for maintaining effective boundaries at work: regulate emotions, use "I statements," and be clear and firm.

I also touch on the various types of boundaries—mental, material, social media, and more—illustrating each with personal anecdotes and useful insights. Whether you're in a customer service role or working 24-hour missions, this episode provides something for everyone. Reflect on your personal takeaways, build resilience, and learn why setting boundaries is indispensable for effective leadership.

Tune in to learn:

- How to effectively set communication boundaries

- Strategies for protecting your personal time

- The value of interruption-free focus time

- Practical tips for different work environments

RESOURCES:

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

www.leadingwithheartpodcast.com (https://www.leadingwithheartpodcast.com/)

SHOW NOTES:  https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode49

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.