No More Mondays

There's a leadership skill that rarely gets talked about, but it shows up in work, life, and leadership every single day:

Decision acceptance.

We spend a lot of time talking about how to make better decisions — analyzing options, gathering information, weighing risks. But what often gets overlooked is what happens after the decision is made.

The real skill is accepting the decision and moving forward.

Too often we:

• second-guess ourselves

• replay the decision repeatedly

• stay stuck wondering if there was a better option

• burn mental energy revisiting something that's already been decided

In this episode of Midweek Momentum, Angie explores why decision acceptance is an underrated leadership skill and how learning to move forward confidently — even when outcomes aren't guaranteed — creates momentum in both work and life.

Because leadership isn't just about choosing the path.

It's about committing to it once you've chosen.

In this episode of No More Mondays, Angie Callen sits down with leadership coach Kent Murawski to explore the essential role of rest and resilience in effective leadership. Far from being a luxury or a reward, rest is a foundational practice that helps leaders perform sustainably and make courageous decisions.

Kent shares his personal journey from burnout to recovery and introduces his rhythmic approach to rest, which encompasses relational, emotional, spiritual, and tangible elements. They discuss common myths around rest, how to recognize burnout early, and practical steps leaders can take to reclaim their energy, clarity, and focus.

In this episode, we explore: - Why rest is critical for leadership and not just a luxury - The seven types of rest and their unique roles - How burnout depletes leaders physically, mentally, and emotionally - Real-life stories of leaders reclaiming their time and sanity - The relationship between clarity, courage, and rest - Practical strategies for leaders to advocate for healthier work rhythms - The power of delegation to support rest and performance - Using energy audits and journaling to identify productive patterns - The concept of Sabbath and stopping to reset - How future work demands a human-centered approach

This conversation matters because today's leaders are expected to do more than ever—and without intentional rhythms of rest, they risk losing their edge and well-being. Embracing rest is a form of values-driven leadership that keeps humans at the heart of work.

Guest Bio: Kent Murawski is a performance and leadership coach who helps high-achieving CEOs and business owners grow without sacrificing what matters most—their health and sanity. He developed the Rest Assessment, a tool that identifies burnout levels and guides leaders toward sustainable high performance.

Where to connect with Kent: Visit kentmurawski.com to take the Rest Assessment and learn more about his coaching work.

Remember—humans still matter, and this episode is a timely reminder that your leadership is fueled by your ability to rest, recover, and stay connected to yourself and others.

We often plan our lives and careers based on what we think the "season" should be.

The season to push. The season to grow. The season to slow down.

But what if the season you expected doesn't match the conditions you're actually in?

In this Midweek Momentum episode, Angie shares a simple lesson from life in Colorado: sometimes the smartest move isn't following the season — it's reading the conditions.

That same mindset applies to leadership, career decisions, and how we navigate change.

Instead of forcing the plan we expected, we might be better off asking a different question:

What do the conditions call for right now?

A short reflection on adaptability, awareness, and making the most of what's in front of you.

Burnout, fear of failure, and the pressure to stick to a single career path are challenges many face in modern work. In this episode, Michael Newborn shares his journey from 18 years in tech to launching a podcast about second acts and building a platform connecting people with professional coaches through AI.

Why this conversation matters: As careers stretch longer and job loyalty diminishes, reinvention ceases to be a bug and becomes a feature of the evolving work landscape. Learning how to embrace curiosity, accept imperfection, and design work and life intentionally is essential.

In this episode, we explore: - How burnout sparks the need for a second act - The power of choosing design over default - Embracing fear and failure as learning tools - Finding your voice through experimentation - Managing identity beyond job titles - Cultural differences in business and relationship-building - The magic of small, consistent progress - Using AI as a human-centered coaching matchmaker - The need for creativity and adaptability in future work - Diversifying skills and pursuing multiple passions

Modern work is no longer a linear path; it demands agency, creativity, and values-driven leadership. Michael's story reminds us that reinvention is not only possible but necessary.

Michael Newborn is an entrepreneur, podcast host of The Second Act, and co-founder of Try Sam AI, a platform that connects individuals with professional coaches using AI technology. His mission is to empower people to explore new paths, find purpose, and embrace their next chapter fully.

Find Michael on LinkedIn at Michael Newborn and explore TrySam.ai to start your own journey toward clarity and growth.

Humans still matter. And so does your second act.

This week's Midweek Momentum was inspired by a conversation I just wrapped up with two fellow coaches during a session called "How to Job Search Right(er)."

One theme kept surfacing again and again: A lot of people are incredibly busy in their job search — but they're not actually making progress.

And the more I thought about it, the more I realized this isn't just a job search problem. It's a modern work problem.

Today we have endless ways to stay active:

• tweaking resumes

• rewriting LinkedIn profiles

• responding to emails

• experimenting with AI tools

• reading productivity advice

• preparing for the next step

But activity isn't the same as momentum.

Real progress comes from the actions that actually move something forward — starting conversations, asking for introductions, following up, making decisions, and putting things out into the world.

In this episode, Angie explores:

• why activity often feels productive

• why real progress can feel uncomfortable

• how modern work rewards visible busyness

• and one question that can help you refocus on what truly moves things forward

If you've been feeling busy but stuck, this one is for you.

Because busy isn't the same thing as moving forward.

Monday has become shorthand for dread, but what if we reclaimed it as the best day of the week? In this episode, Ron Monteiro, author of Love Mondays, joins me to explore how leaders can build human-centered cultures that spark joy, engagement, and real growth.

This conversation matters because we still spend the bulk of our lives at work—more than we sleep—and the way we approach those hours impacts everything: our health, our fulfillment, our productivity. Ron and I dig into how to shift from a culture of burnout and transactional leadership to one that values people first and thrives sustainably.

In this episode, we explore: - The cost of work culture that prioritizes profit over people - Why investing in your team's growth builds trust and performance - The danger of the 'annual review surprise' and why ongoing feedback matters - How to foster connection in high-pressure environments - Practical leadership tips to balance productivity with personal fulfillment - The power of recognition and positive feedback - The personal responsibility each of us has to lean into what lights us up - Stories from Ron's career transition and journey to coaching - How AI and automation highlight the need for authentic human connection - The future of work and the role of values-based leadership - Why loving Mondays starts with knowing your superpowers

As leaders, the way we cultivate culture shapes the very fabric of modern work. And as individuals, choosing to advocate for ourselves and lean into what energizes us offers a path beyond the Sunday scaries.

Guest bio: Ron Monteiro is a speaker, facilitator, coach, and author of Love Mondays. Drawing from over 20 years in finance and accounting, Ron now helps leaders build healthier, high-performing teams through practical training and immersive workshops. His mission is to reconnect people with purpose and joy in their work.

You can find Ron's book Love Mondays on Amazon and Audible, and follow his insights on LinkedIn.

Remember: Humans still matter. Investing in people is not just good ethics—it's smart business.

We've all felt the pressure to push harder, do more, and never slow down—but what if true success meant something else? In this episode, Angie Callen talks with Cheree Sauer, coach and CEO of Success Without Sacrifice, about the hidden costs of relentless hustle and how to create sustainable achievement that honors your well-being.

They explore how burnout sneaks in gradually, the mental and physical toll it takes, and the powerful mindset shifts needed to reclaim your energy and joy. Cheree shares practical strategies drawn from her experience in sports psychology and coaching high performers to build businesses and lives aligned with their values.

In this episode, we explore: - The slow build-up and subtle signs of burnout - Why traditional definitions of success often fail us - The psychological roots of fear, apathy, and resistance to change - How to clarify what success truly means to you - The connection between internal fulfillment and external achievement - Listening to your body's stress signals - The importance of intentional rest and recovery cycles - Setting boundaries and creating yes/no zones for focus - The role of mindset and neuroplasticity in lasting change - Modeling healthier work-life rhythms for teams and families - Practical steps for escaping the martyr mindset - Looking toward the future of work with humanity intact

This conversation matters because sustained success isn't about sacrifice and suffering—it's about values-first leadership and honoring the human at the center of your work. Cheree Sauer is a coach with a background in sports psychology and decades of entrepreneurial experience. She works with high-achieving leaders, business owners, and parents to build sustainable success without burnout and create intentional, freedom-rich lives. You can find her at Success Without Sacrifice Coaching across social media.

Remember: humans still matter, and your well-being is the foundation of your success.

Layoffs are often treated as mere logistical issues — a quick notice, the severance package, and then the scramble for the next job. But what gets lost in this framing is the profound emotional and psychological impact job loss has on our identity, self-worth, and mental health. Steve Jaffe, author of "The Layoff Journey: From Dismissal to Discovery," joins Angie Callen to explore how layoffs mirror the stages of grief we experience with loss and how embracing these stages can lead to resilience and renewed purpose.

In this episode, we explore: - The deep connection between professional identity and self-worth - How layoffs trigger grief stages like denial, anger, and depression - Why skipping emotional processing hurts job seekers during interviews - The seven stages of grief applied to career transitions - Common emotional roadblocks and how to move past them - Practical advice on self-care and structuring your days after job loss - The critical role of networking and community in the job search - Understanding layoffs as a growing, new normal in modern work - The importance of separating your identity from your job title - How to future-proof your career through transferable skills and diversification - The rise of AI and the value of creative human thinking

This conversation matters because layoffs are no longer rare events, and the future of work demands that we view career disruption through a human and emotional lens—not just tactics and resumes. By acknowledging the pain and giving ourselves space to grieve and grow, we can transform career setbacks into opportunities for clarity, reinvention, and leadership.

Steve Jaffe is a marketing veteran with over 25 years of experience and has lived through four layoffs himself. He now shares his unique blend of personal insight and professional expertise to guide people through the emotional landscape of job loss. His book, "The Layoff Journey," offers a practical roadmap to navigating grief and emerging with renewed confidence and purpose. Connect with Steve through his website stevejaffe.com, LinkedIn, or find his book on Amazon.

At No More Mondays, we believe humans still matter — especially when work feels uncertain. Steve's story reminds us that with space to grieve and a values-centered approach, we can rise from disruption stronger and more authentic than ever.

--> Get Steve's Book: https://thestevejaffe.com/

You can live with losing.

It's much harder to live with not trying.

This week's Midweek Momentum is inspired by the Olympics — and Lindsey Vonn's decision to ski at 41 without an ACL. She knew the risk. She knew the odds. It didn't end the way she hoped.

But she would have regretted not going for it more than she regrets going for it.

That's not recklessness. That's resoluteness.

In this episode, Angie explores:

• The difference between reckless and resolute

• Why regret lingers longer than failure

• How modern grit isn't about grinding harder — it's about staying engaged

• Why fear of "fail" keeps us stuck in mediocrity

• One small move you can make this week to stop avoiding and start trying

Failure is data. Regret is emotional residue.

If you've been playing it safe, staying comfortable, or putting something off because you're afraid of losing — this is your nudge.

Humans still matter. And that starts with showing up.

Building a business with your spouse can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging adventures you'll face. In this episode, Robert Fukui, business coach and co-author of "Tandem: The Married Entrepreneurs' Guide to Greater Work-Life Balance," joins Angie Callen to share lessons learned from navigating a business and marriage simultaneously.

This conversation matters because the boundary between work and home life often blurs when you're married to—or working with—your spouse. The stress, communication challenges, and decisions about priorities can affect both your business and your relationship deeply.

In this episode, we explore: - How Robert and his wife unintentionally found themselves working together and thriving - Why communication style differences create friction and how to navigate them - The importance of setting intentional boundaries around business talk and personal time - How a supportive spouse plays a critical role even when not directly involved in the business - Shifting the entrepreneurial mindset from "more sales at all costs" to prioritizing margin and quality of life - Understanding core values and aligning business decisions with your life priorities - The critical role of trust between spouses in business and life - Practical tactics to avoid burnout and create sustainable growth - How adapting to change, including new tools like AI, is essential for the future of work

This episode reminds us that modern work isn't just about hustle or money—it's about building a life and business that honors your values and relationships.

Guest bio: Robert Fukui is a seasoned business coach and co-founder of i61 Business Development. He is co-author of "Tandem, The Married Entrepreneurs' Guide for Greater Work Life Balance," which he wrote with his wife Kaylee. Together, they help couples build thriving businesses without sacrificing their marriages. You can find them at marriedentrepreneur.co.

At its heart, this episode reinforces a timeless truth: humans still matter. No business success is worth losing the people you love along the way.

Want to hear more from Robert?

Check out his new book: Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. Click here