WELCOME BACK!

SO excited to have such a powerhouse of a guest join me this week!

I welcome, Winn Claybaugh. 

Winn is the author of Be Nice (Or Else!) and has been called “one of the best motivational speakers in the country” by CNN’s Larry King, who wrote the book’s foreword. A business owner for more than 40 years, Winn is the founder, co-owner, and dean of Paul Mitchell Advanced Education, a franchisor of more than 100 cosmetology and barbering schools across the United States. The organization has earned national recognition for both franchise growth and franchisee satisfaction.

Since 1995, Winn has interviewed more than 325 leading beauty and business professionals, artists, educators, and mentors through his acclaimed MASTERS series. Today, MASTERS by Winn Claybaugh is available on all major podcast platforms and has surpassed 1 million downloads.

Winn’s leadership and philanthropy have earned him numerous honors, including the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Friendly House’s Humanitarian of the Year, Thirst Project’s Vision Award, the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking’s Visionary Leadership Award, and No Limits’ Ambassador and Champion of Children awards. He serves on the boards of Bright Pink, Beauty Changes Lives, and the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation, which he cofounded.

Recognized as an influential leader in the beauty industry, American Salon named Winn one of five “Industry Leaders Who Helped Revolutionize Education,” and the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) made him the youngest person ever inducted into its Hall of Leaders.

From 2004 to 2025, Winn led the Paul Mitchell School network in raising more than $27 million for charitable causes. Through the network and the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation, his philanthropic efforts have supported organizations focused on children, health care, cancer research, veterans, disaster relief, education, hunger, housing, and other critical causes, including Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Gary Sinise Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs, City of Hope, and the American Cancer Society.

Tune in for his story, leadership, entrepreneurship, family and overall life in general!

Contact & Follow Cindy!

Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.

Email at [email protected]

Welcome back!

It's hard to believe we're almost to the end of July.

I have another great episode for you this week as I welcome Kimberly Daley of Transcend Cruises.

What does it take to introduce an entirely new travel concept to the world? 

Kimberly is a hospitality executive leading the launch of Transcend Cruises, a revolutionary luxury European river cruise brand created exclusively for private charters, corporate events, incentives, and unforgettable celebrations. 

Kimberly shares the vision behind disrupting the traditional group travel model, what inspired the creation of this purpose-built "river yacht" experience, and how innovation, resilience, and bold leadership are shaping the future of meetings and incentive travel. 

Whether you're a travel advisor, meeting planner, hospitality professional, or simply fascinated by building a brand from the ground up, this conversation offers an inspiring look at redefining what's possible in luxury group experiences.

Tune in and get ready for another incredible guest!

XO, Cindy

Contact & Follow Cindy!

Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.

Email at [email protected]

Welcome Back & Happy Summer!

Tune in with just me today kicking things off on all things - my new book - My Secret to Stamina!

Many of you have already read it and I'm thrilled at the huge response and love it has received.

This is my 2nd book and has been a labor of love as I continue to be on the road making an impact in any way I can.  (Side note: if you never read my 1st book - Living with NO Balance & Loving It - you can also grab a copy of that!)

So the pod today - it's some of your burning questions so you can hear it from my voice!

Thank you ALL for your continued support - it truly means the world to me!

Both books available to purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Contact & Follow Cindy!

Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.

Email at [email protected]

Welcome back!

In this inspiring and honest conversation, Carole Yammine sits down with Cindy Novotny to explore the realities of balancing ambition, motherhood, and leadership in today’s world, particularly through the lens of growing up and building a career in the Middle East.

From childhood influences and cultural expectations to navigating “mom guilt,” evolving priorities, and redefining success, Carole shares a deeply personal perspective on what it truly means to be an independent woman, working mother, and business leader. Together, they unpack the stereotypes surrounding working mothers, the importance of strong support systems, and the untold realities many women silently carry while striving to succeed both professionally and personally.

This episode goes beyond career advice — it’s a candid conversation about resilience, identity, family, and the power of showing children what passion, purpose, and perseverance look like in real life.

Whether you’re a working parent, aspiring leader, entrepreneur, or someone navigating life’s changing priorities, this discussion offers meaningful insights, encouragement, and practical wisdom for building success on your own terms.

Can't wait for you to tune in!  

Contact & Follow Cindy!

Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.

Email at [email protected]

Welcome back - we're so excited to have you here!

During this episode I sit down with a my dear friend, Blake Danner who is an inspiring operations and sales professional and a crafter of iconic brands. 

His leadership has been instrumental in creating award-winning contemporary brands in the lifestyle hospitality space. Over his 25+ year career, he has worked with some of the world’s leading lifestyle visionaries, leaving a significant mark on the industry. 

Blake is currently the Chief Operating Officer of aka Hotels and aka Hotel Residences.  Previously, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Proper Hotels. Blake was the founding COO of The Sydell Group. He was instrumental in creating four new hotel brands: NoMad, The Line, Freehand, and Saguaro. While at Sydell, he oversaw the company's tremendous growth, opening eleven hotels in seven years. Fast Company named Sydell “one of the world’s top 10 innovative companies in style.” 

Blake spent eleven years working under the guidance of the legendary Ian Schrager, of Studio 54 fame, at Ian Schrager Hotels/Morgan’s Hotel Group early in his career. 

As the Host of The Hotel Daddy Podcast, Blake enjoys sharing candid conversations that reveal how the best in the business became the leaders they are today. 

Blake and his husband, Nelson, reside in New York City and Miami.

Can't wait for you to tune in to this dynamic conversation and make sure to follow Blake's podcast, The Hotel Daddy as well!  Cheers!

Contact & Follow Cindy!

Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.

Email at [email protected]

So excited to be back with another incredible guest this week!

I welcome Sonya LaGrange, a small town entrepreneur in Swisher, Iowa where my husband grew up and where our farm is located.

Sonya spent 20 years in real estate before stepping into entrepreneurship, now owning a bar, boutique, Airbnb, and a newly renovated commercial building with event and tenant space. Her passion lies in creating welcoming spaces that support local business, connection, and community growth. 

Tune in to hear her story, advice and such a lovely organic chat with a badass woman in business!
 

Contact & Follow Cindy!

Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.

Email at [email protected]

Welcome back to the pod!

Really excited for this episode and to introduce you all to Michael Coldwell, CEO & Co-Founder of Braintrust.  A former professional stand‐up comic, a three-time published novelist, and former executive director of corporate communications for Caesars Palace, he brings more than 20 years of experience to the world of marketing.

Michael speaks at many global seminars and summits focusing on brand building and marketing. He has shut down Times Square for red carpet openings, arranged celebrity events, rang the bell on the New York Stock Exchange, and earned a client’s place in the Guinness Book of World Records on three occasions. He has negotiated original programming deals with networks such as NBC, CBS, and the Travel Channel, and has organized and executed marketing programs at the Toronto International Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, and the Academy Awards.

Living near Nashville, TN, with his wife, Michael serves his community as a volunteer firefighter and is a nationally registered emergency medical responder. He is an elected representative that serves many parts of his community.

Listen in to gain insights, perspectives and Michael's thoughts!

Contact & Follow Cindy!

Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.

Email at [email protected]

Welcome back to My Secrets to Stamina and Happy New Year!

To kick off the year, I’m welcoming a new friend I was introduced to by a dear friend, Cathy Schwartz-Shino, Founder of Edit Accordingly.  Edit Accordingly is The Style Clinic for Fashion and Cathy is an image strategist & certified personal stylist devoted to helping individuals reimagine their wardrobes, confidence & style identity. 

A former fashion executive & founder of the accessory brand HOUSE OF WANT, Cathy spent more than two decades building brands & shaping creative vision before choosing to pause & reinvent. She discovered her next EDIT-ion while volunteering with Bottomless Closet, where supporting women reclaim their presence in the workforce reignited her purpose & led to the creation of EDIT ACCORDINGLY. 

Cathy now blends editorial storytelling, personal styling & mindset-driven image strategy to help clients show up & show out, as their most #UniquelyYou selves.  I’m thrilled for her to share her story, insights and of course her secrets to stamina!  

Be on the lookout for some exciting news from me in the coming months!

Contact & Follow Cindy!

Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.

Email at [email protected]

Welcome back to my Secrets to Stamina!

It's the LAST EPISODE of the year!  So hard to believe!  A big thanks to all of you for listening in each month and supporting this podcast.

Big news!  My newest book will be out in early 2026 titled: My Secret to Stamina!  More to come on that.

For this episode, I'm joined by Mona Perschon who has truly one of the most incredible stories I've ever heard.  She is a trailblazer in wellness innovation, and extensive background in hospitality as a spa consultant & educator and Executive Wellness Director but her story is shaped by being a survivor of human trafficking, childhood abuse and champion of resilience and hope.

We will talk about the foundations of her journey, surviving and overcoming, healing and rebuilding, how she continues to champion resilience and of course, her secrets to stamina.

Can't wait for you to listen to her story.  Wishing you all a wonderful festive holiday season and New Year - see you in 2026!

Contact & Follow Cindy!

Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.

Email at [email protected]

Happy November!

Welcome back to My Secrets to Stamina—the show where we uncover what it really takes to thrive in high-performance careers without losing your spark.

Today’s guest is someone who defines global luxury, leadership, and lasting impact—Christina Deeny.  Christina has been a friend and client for many years and has so much insight to share with us all today.

Christina has led brand, commercial, and marketing strategies for some of the world’s most iconic names in hospitality—Aman, Belmond, Langham, and more. She’s lived and worked across continents, always bringing a deep sense of brand storytelling and innovation to the table.

Can't wait for you to tune into this one!

Contact & Follow Cindy!

Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.

Email at [email protected]