Life + Leadership

Have you created a Brilliance Margin in your life?

The Brilliance Margin is a self-perceived measure of difference between your brilliance and capabilities to that of someone else. Where a Brilliance Margin exists, so does some kind of paralysis or inaction on our part because we are waiting for someone to give us permission to step into our own power and take action. The goal is to narrow the margin and be the master of our own fates!

Today we will explore the characteristics of the Brilliance Margin and what we can do to remedy it.

Themes explored in this week's episode:

• What is The Brilliance Margin?
• Why was the term coined and why is it important to know about it?
• Relationships where The Brilliance Margin commonly exists.
• Causes of the resulting inaction.
• How to narrow The Brilliance Margin and move forward.

Resources:

• Forbes Blog: The Narrowing Brilliance Margin: A Wake-Up Call For First-Time Executives
• Bright Arrow Blog: The Brilliance Margin: What it Means to Stand in Your Personal Power
• Bright Arrow Blog: What if You're the Only Obstacle
• Bright Arrow Blog: 5 Ways to Awaken Your Personal Power
• Ray Dalio TED Talk: How to Build a Company Where the Best Ideas Win

Our Powerful Questions:

• Where in your life have you created a Brilliance Margin?
• What do you need in order to narrow that margin? (Ex: Giving yourself permission, acknowledgment, approval, and/or taking action?)

We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for a podcast or a question you want us to address? Interested in additional support, resources and workshops. Here are all the ways you can interact with us!

• Tweet us! @tegantrovato and @TeamAwesomeMKE
• Email us: [email protected] and [email protected]
• Follow us on Facebook @BrightArrowCoaching @TeamAwesomeCoaching
• Follow us on Instagram @TeganTrovato, @BrightArrowCoaching, @Katie_Rasoul
• Connect with us on LinkedIn: Tegan Trovato and Katie Rasoul
• Download free tools, sign up for our newsletters, events and workshops by visiting: BrightArrowCoaching.com and www.TeamAwesomeCoaching.com

Women Entrepreneurs and Technologists with Nicole Yeary

In this episode we are talking about women entrepreneurs and technologists. Our guest, Nicole Yeary has some amazing stories about how getting laser focused yields real results and how saying yes more often could be a game changer. She shares her High-5 model for success with us. Nicole has led Ms.Tech, a Chicago-based company focused on seeing more women start and scale technology, and tech enabled companies, as the founding President since 2014.

Nicole also guides the next generation of startup companies through a strong partnership between Ms.Tech and 1871 as the co-facilitator of WiSTEM, a curriculum-based program that connects women to capital, community, and technology resources.

Since 2010, Nicole has made it her mission to see more women capture the resources needed to build scalable startup companies. In just under a year, Ms. Tech was recognized in "Crain's Guide to Networking" as one of "Six Great Tech Groups, practically guaranteed to commune with the scene's best and brightest!" Nicole is also a sponsoring member of the United Nations, UN Women, Social Enterprise Alliance, Internet Society and OpenID.

Most recently Nicole was recognized as one of Chicago's "Top 100 Innovators" by Tribune, awarded "Prominent Woman in Tech" by the Illinois Technology Association, 35 Under 35 Making an Impact, among the 100 Most Inspirational Women by Today's Chicago Woman, recognized as 2017 YWCA Promise Leadership Award, MAFA Masters Honoree as an "Industry Entrepreneur Emerging Leader," recognized as a 2016 Women Tech Leader by Chicago Woman Magazine, and among Huffington Post's "Women In Tech."

Themes explored in this week's episode:

• Learn about Ms. Tech - a group of tech women in business and business women in tech.
• Be inspired by Nicole's background and how a tweet from Jeffrey Gitomer, famous author, helped ignite her path
• Why getting laser focused and letting everything else go can be a key to success
• The importance of tech incubators The Yin and Yang of women in tech
• Why its not all about the founders (hint: it takes a village and every role is important)
• Nicole's unique "high 5" approach How saying "yes" more often is a game changer Just jump!
• Why we don't give up "when it gets messy"

In this episode, we talk about Financial Planning, and not just about the nerdy math parts of it, but what really matters to people are growing their careers, their families, and their wealth in the current world. Emily breaks down the components of managing money, including the emotions and varied personal goals that are attached to financial management.

Emily has a diverse background that spans management consulting, technology, the creative/digital industry to the world of finance, economics and global markets. Emily is currently a partner and financial advisor in the Drosner Phillips Group; a wealth management team serving high net worth and high net worth tracked clients at Baird, based in Milwaukee. In addition to running a practice, she helps recruit talent, mentor next generation associates and is actively involved in the Diversity and Inclusion initiative at the firm. Emily serves as the Treasurer for the Executive Women's Golf Association board of directors, Director at Large for NEWaukee's board of Directors and is President-elect on the Board for Professional Dimensions. Which is all evidence of her commitment to making Milwaukee an incredible place to live, work and play. Emily is a 2017 Milwaukee Business Journal 40 under 40 award recipient, a 2016 UWMilwaukee TEDx speaker, and a proud UW-Milwaukee Alum.

Themes explored in this week's episode: * Strategies for knowing when to save or spend * Common mistakes people make financially as they are growing their careers, families, or wealth * Myths and truths about women investors and risk tolerance * Socially responsible investing * Sifting through all of the "noise" to hire good advisors and make quality investments * #WD4G: Emily's ideas about "World Domination For Good"

What does it mean to be personally powerful?

The generic definition goes something like this: the ability to do something or act in a particular way. Yet we have so many different definitions, ways, and thoughts around power. There's the internal demonstration of power, which focuses on thoughts, feeling, and emotions. The external demonstration of power revolves around voice, body language, and the ability to influence or persuade.

Here's the tricky part: there isn't a formula for which has to come first. In fact, it isn't unusual to work on both at the same time. Some find it easiest to do the internal work first (which as a coach, I fully believe in). Others like to "fake it until they make it" and can more easily demonstrate their power externally even if they don't yet fully believe in themselves (or have to deal with their imposter syndrome).

Themes explored in this week's episode:

• What does it mean to be personally powerful?
• Is power granted or assumed?
• How does personal power impact leadership prowess?
  • As leaders directly impacts our ability to influence or persuade
• The power of asking - Formulating a Masterful Ask
• Internal demonstration of power and how to develop it
• External demonstration of power and how to develop it
• Resilience
• Gender talk: reactions to powerful women
• Unconscious bias

In this episode, we talk about Money Mindset! This is different than managing your money, this is really about managing your mindset around money. We are also going to talk about career transformation and finding the bravery and confidence to believe that every next step leads to the right thing on your journey. Our guest, Erin Coupe, shares her background and personal experience with money mindset, particularly as she made some key career transitions.

As a solopreneur with more than 15 years of diverse professional experience, Erin Coupe analyzes a company and its workplace objectives to deliver measurable, positive results via real estate initiatives. She works with key decision makers from established startups to the Fortune 1000. She translates business drivers such as growth or contraction goals, existing workplace (in)efficiencies, and occupancy costs to a creative, strategic plan that results in an engaging, fun experience. With an unyielding drive to succeed, Erin has worked for companies like Thomson Reuters, Goldman Sachs, and CBRE. Her career evolution to commercial real estate was born from those varied experiences, where she lives and breathes outside of her comfort zone (and instead finds herself consistently in the learning zone).

Themes explored in this week's episode:

• Money mindsets including, "ask and receive" and "stability vs. commission"
• The value of networking and gathering information to make big career decisions
• Preparing to leave an organization
• Common fears people have regarding money, and where they come from
• Having the confidence to negotiate your worth in salary negotiations
• Male dominated fields, and what women supporting women looks like
• Methods to approach sales and business development as the rare woman in your industry

Episode 8: Hidden Brilliance: A High-Achieving Introvert's Guide to Self-Discovery, Leadership and Playing Big

In this episode, we dig into co-host Katie Rasoul's newly published book! Our previous episode about Katie's TEDx Talk, "Uncovering the High-Achieving Introvert" was a popular one and so we are digging into the book that expands on that same topic and experience.

Hidden Brilliance: A High-Achieving Introvert's Guide to Self-Discovery, Leadership and Playing Big is a compelling story of how anyone can re-write their definition of success and regain the self-trust to make bold moves. Part personal experience, part lessons on how to improve the way we live and work; this book provides a blueprint for high-achievers to approach fear in a way that's meaningful and helpful so they can unlock potential for total greatness. The book recently launched on April 3, 2018.

Themes explored in this week's episode:

● Defining "High-Achieving Introvert" and how it differs from simply being one part or the other

● The internal "Board of Directors", or your committee of inner critics, and the trash-talk they tend to give you

● Rewriting your definition of success to be something that is actually true for you

● Staying present in the moment versus focusing on fear of what "might" happen in the future

● Experimenting in bold moves – what stepping out of the comfort zone looks like

● Staying friends with your inner child – finding what brings you into flow

● Focusing on things that are a "hell yes" and doing less of everything else

● The process of writing your first book

Resources from this episode:

● Buy the book Hidden Brilliance: A High-Achieving Introvert's Guide to Self-Discovery, Leadership, and Playing Big on Amazon in e-book, paperback, or hardcover

● If you are listening to this episode right when it comes out, you can go to Amazon RIGHT NOW and download the e-book for FREE (available through April 7)

● Watch Katie's TEDx Talk, "Uncovering the High-Achieving Introvert"

● Download a free workbook on Redefining Success at Katie's website, www.teamawesomecoaching.com on the "Book" tab

We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for a podcast or a question you want us to address? Interested in additional support, resources and workshops. Here are all the ways you can interact with us!

● Tweet us! @tegantrovato and @TeamAwesomeMKE

● Email us: [email protected] and [email protected]

● Follow us on Facebook @BrightArrowCoaching @TeamAwesomeCoaching

● Follow us on Instagram @TeganTrovato @BrightArrowCoaching

● Connect with us on LinkedIn: Tegan Trovato and Katie Rasoul

● Download free tools, sign up for our newsletters, events and workshops by visiting: www.BrightArrowCoaching.com and www.TeamAwesomeCoaching.com

Episode 7: Consciousness, with Guest Reverend Lola Wright Show

Welcome to the Life & Leadership Podcast, where we share ideas, real life stories, and inspiration for powerful people to level up. Tegan Trovato and Katie Rasoul are recovering HR executives and professional life & leadership coaches. In each episode, they'll help you tap into your personal power and take your life and career to the 'next level'. Tegan & Katie are committed to helping others discover their inner mission and rise to their highest potential. And they are working on it every day themselves. Are you ready to transform how you lead and live?

Have you ever felt a stirring in your soul? Have you suddenly found yourself unable to fit into the small box that is your life or the dream career you thought you always wanted? Are you feeling startled by what you are seeing on the news and wondering what all the recent events really mean for us and about us? This is your consciousness raising! If you aren't quite sure what consciousness is, you will after this loving education from Reverend Lola Wright. Lola is a subject matter expert on consciousness. She is the Spiritual Director at Bodhi Spiritual Center, a preeminent mindfulness-based community organization in Chicago (who streams their talks and services live across the world). A wife, mom, coach, speaker, teacher and hip-hop enthusiast, Lola's fresh and upcoming voice reminds us of our shared humanity.

Download free tools, sign up for our newsletters, events and workshops by visiting: www.BrightArrowCoaching.com and www.TeamAwesomeCoaching.com Post-production editing services provided by [email protected]

Personal branding is how we show up focused and ready to use our talents and gifts to serve the world. Our guest, Jessica Zweig, is a foremost expert on building and maintaining a purpose driven personal brand. This interview is authentic, deep and inspiring. Jessica didn't hold back in answering our questions. In addition to speaking her Truth (capital 'T'), she also explains what personal branding is, how your brand supports your leadership efforts and gives us 3 tips anyone can use to build their personal brand. As the CEO of The SimplyBe Agency, her biggest passion (and humble genius) is seeing the potential, the power, and the magnificence in other people. She firmly believes that the world does NOT need another app, gadget, widget, or fancy coffee drink. What we do need is more humanity, more unapologetic authenticity, and more people 'showing up' to their lives and businesses fully expressed. Before SimplyBe. began supporting the personal brands of dozens of esteemed clients in the leadership space, Jessica founded CheekyChicago.com, Chicago's leading lifestyle magazine for women for seven years strong, reaching 100,000 readers locally and partnered with over 100 national brands as clients. She was named one of the Top Digital Marketers to Watch by INC. and a Top Entrepreneur to Follow on social media by the Chicago Tribune.

Theme explored in this week's episode:

● What exactly IS personal branding and does everyone need one

● How, as a leader, you have a personal brand within your company's brand

● How your personal brand, as a leader, impacts company culture

● How personal branding differs from public relations (PR)

● 3 tips that anyone can use to build their own personal brand

● Mistakes many people make when it comes to personal branding

● An overview of who is doing personal branding really well

● The toughest/most valuable lesson Jessica has learned as an entrepreneur

Resources:

● www.jessicazweig.com

● www.simplybeagency.com

● @jessicazweig on Instagram

● @jessica_zweig on Twitter

● @SimplyBeJessicaZweig on Facebook

● Jessica Zweig on LinkedIn

● Jessica's Signature 1-Day LIVE Personal Branding workshop on March 9th! www.Simplybe-workshop.eventbrite.com

● SimplyBe Magic Masterminds

● https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/

● http://www.daniellelaporte.com/

We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for a podcast or a question you want us to address? Interested in additional support, resources and workshops. Here are all the ways you can interact with us!

● Tweet us! @tegantrovato and @TeamAwesomeMKE

● Email us: [email protected] and [email protected]

● Follow us on Facebook @BrightArrowCoaching @TeamAwesomeCoaching

● Follow us on Instagram @TeganTrovato @BrightArrowCoaching

● Connect with us on LinkedIn: Tegan Trovato and Katie Rasoul

● Download free tools, sign up for our newsletters, events and workshops by visiting: www.BrightArrowCoaching.com and www.TeamAwesomeCoaching.com

Post-Production/editing of The Life and Leadership Podcast provided by [email protected]

We each have a unique set of personal values that color the way we view the world and our relationships. Many of us are walking around in the world unaware of which values we ascribe to as we haven't sat down to identify them by name. While that is perfectly okay, getting clear on your core values makes your life (and arguably the lives of the people around you) easier and more enjoyable.

Regardless of what your top values are, coming to understand exactly which are most important to you helps you better navigate your career and personal life. When we are out of alignment with our values we can feel it in our hearts, minds and bodies. When we are in alignment, we are happy, healthy and serving a higher purpose in the world.

Themes explored in this week's episode:

• What exactly are personal values?
• Why knowing your values is important.
• Where do our values come from?
• Why it is important that leaders and people in career transition are in tune with their values.
• How to figure out your top five personal values.
• What it feels like when we are in alignment with our values.
• How to know when we are not in alignment with our personal values.
• Why Professional coaches often do values assessments with clients.
• The difference between company values and personal values.
• Why personal values alignment is important.

Resources:

• Email us to get a free copy of a Personal Values Assessment you can do on your own. Really, NO strings attached. We believe in the ripple effect this will create in the world.
• The first four people to email us get a complimentary coaching session to help them gain "next-level" clarity on what those values mean and how they are (and are not) being honored in their lives
• Email us at: [email protected] and [email protected]

Two Powerful Questions:

• Which of your values do you feel most in alignment with and how does that feel?
• Which of your values do you find yourself most out of alignment with right now, and how do you start to address that?

We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for a podcast or a question you want us to address? Interested in additional support, resources and workshops. Here are all the ways you can interact with us!

• Tweet us! @tegantrovato and @TeamAwesomeMKE
• Email us: [email protected] and [email protected]
• Follow us on Facebook @BrightArrowCoaching @TeamAwesomeCoaching
• Follow us on Instagram @TeganTrovato @BrightArrowCoaching
• Connect with us on LinkedIn: Tegan Trovato and Katie Rasoul
• Download free tools, sign up for our newsletters, events and workshops by visiting: www.BrightArrowCoaching.com and www.TeamAwesomeCoaching.com

In September 2017, podcast co-host Katie Rasoul shared her "idea worth spreading" in a TEDx Talk titled, "Uncovering the High-Achieving Introvert." Co-host Tegan Trovato does a deep dive interview with Katie about the TEDx Talk, some of the stories and experience that shaped the talk, and how this can be applied for others in life, leadership, and the workplace.

Haven't seen Katie's TEDx Talk yet? View it here on YouTube

View the complete show notes here