In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Peopling Podcast, Kristi Nowrouzi sits down with Michelle Harmon-Malone—author, speaker, coach, and transformational leader—to explore parenting, identity, resilience, and faith-driven leadership.From her small-town roots in southwest Louisiana to serving in the United States Air Force, to nearly 30 years leading middle and high school communities, Michelle shares how her lived experiences shaped her mission: helping parents, educators, and women leaders move from confusion to clarity and from burnout to breakthrough.This conversation is honest, faith-filled, and practical—especially for parents of teens and preteens.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why middle schoolers care most about friends and fairnessHow parenting requires a vision beyond the baby showerThe difference between punishment and purposeful correctionHow burnout shows up—and how to recognize it earlyWhat it means to “leave clean” when God is calling you forwardHow childhood wounds can shape adult leadership (and how to heal)Why sustainable leadership requires marginOne simple challenge to immediately improve connection: Lean InMichelle explains why parents must have a clear vision for who they’re raising—not just hopes, but intentional systems that build character, responsibility, and identity.Leadership Requires MarginWithout balance, even strong leaders falter. Michelle shares how recognizing her own signs of burnout led her to resign (not retire) and recalibrate her calling.Relationships Are the Currency of ImpactRaised in a small Louisiana town where “listening was leadership,” Michelle believes connection always precedes correction.Healing Shapes LeadershipMichelle vulnerably shares about early loss, father wounds, resilience, and how faith became her anchor. Her lived experience now fuels how she mentors women and parents.Be the Change ChallengeMichelle’s actionable takeaway:Lean in.Get curious. Ask better questions. See the person in front of you—not the label, group, or assumption.Connection begins when we move toward understanding instead of judgment.Get your subscription to Growth Day, like having World-Class Coaches in your pocket! https://www.growthday.com/referrals?via=h6l0rtAbout Michelle Harmon-MaloneMichelle Harmon-Malone is a transformational school leader, Women’s Ministry leader, and CEO of Better Twogether LLC. She is the bestselling author of The Parenting Playbook: Beginning With the End in Mind, a Certified Parent Empowerment Coach, and a sought-after speaker equipping parents, educators, and women leaders with practical systems that create clarity, confidence, and margin.With nearly 30 years serving middle and high school communities, Michelle has led schools, coached leaders, mentored teachers, and partnered with families to strengthen the bridge between school and home.Before founding Better Twogether, Michelle served in the United States Air Force and dedicated her career to public education. Today, she leads a thriving Women’s Leadership Development Institute through her church, discipling women to grow in faith, leadership, and identity in Christ.Her leadership is rooted in four enduring values:RelationshipsBalance (Margin)HonestyCommitmentGuided by Colossians 3:23, Michelle’s mission is simple and powerful:Help people live, lead, and parent on purpose—beginning with the end in mind and anchored in Christ.Connect With Michelle:https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-michelle-malone/Buy her Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0jdY6HitAbout the HostKristi Nowrouzi is a communication expert, author of Peopling, and host of the Peopling Podcast—helping people build deeper connection, stronger communication, and more meaningful relationships in work and life. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinowrouzi/Buy the Peopling Book: https://a.co/d/08Dzh6T1

Derek Lott is an executive and leadership coach, two-time author, and podcaster who helps individuals and organizations grow by building better systems for how they think, work, and relate. His work is grounded in a simple truth: goals don’t fail—people run out of energy, systems break down, and support structures fall apart. Drawing on 15 years of negotiation experience, Derek emphasizes collaboration over control, win-win outcomes over transactions, and long-term trust over short-term gains. His message is clear: when people communicate intentionally and grow together, they don’t just achieve better results—they become better humans.In this episode of the Peopling Podcast, Derek shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a successful speaker and coach. Derek emphasizes the importance of resilience, learning from failures, and the need for clear communication and collaboration in achieving personal and professional goals. He discusses the significance of understanding blind spots in communication, the value of receiving feedback, and strategies for navigating difficult workplace dynamics. The conversation culminates in Derek's call to find inspiration in life and work from a place of motivation rather than desperation.TakeawaysDerek emphasizes that goals don't fail; systems and support structures do.Resilience is essential for success, and learning from failures is crucial.Understanding one's blind spots is vital for effective communication.Receiving feedback is a key component of personal growth.Navigating difficult bosses requires a personal strategy and understanding their needs.Collaboration is often more beneficial than competition in business.Effective communication involves understanding the other person's perspective.Inspiration should drive our actions rather than desperation or perspiration.Being committed to a cause or goal is more valuable than mere compliance.As the CEO of your life, you have the power to shape your path. Get your subscription to Growth Day, like having World-Class Coaches in your pocket! https://www.growthday.com/referrals?v...Sound bites"Defensiveness leads to silence.""Put people first, you serve.""What inspires you?"Chapters00:00 Introduction to Derek Lott and His Work04:15 Derek's Journey: From Struggles to Success09:59 The Importance of Resilience and Learning from Failure15:28 Goal Setting: The Challenges and Systems Required19:30 Understanding Blind Spots in Communication23:31 Receiving Feedback: The Key to Growth26:50 Navigating Difficult Bosses and Workplace Dynamics29:45 Collaboration vs. Competition in Business39:19 The Power of Communication and Mutual Understanding46:48 Finding Inspiration: The Path to a Fulfilling Life
#communicationskills #communication #communicationtips #peoplingpodcast #listening#understanding #emotions #clarity #clarityandconfidence #clarityincommunication #response #engagement #peoplingbook #peoplingwell #dereklott

In this episode of the Peopling Podcast, host Kristi welcomes Catherine McClure, an online wellness coach from England. Catherine shares her personal journey from a toxic relationship to discovering her passion for health and wellness. She specializes in helping women, particularly those who have experienced abusive relationships, to transform their lives through mindset work and holistic approaches to fitness and nutrition. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding one's motivation, overcoming mindset barriers, and navigating relationships that may hinder personal growth. Catherine emphasizes the significance of self-care and the need for women to prioritize their well-being to better support others. The episode concludes with a challenge for listeners to connect more deeply with themselves and their surroundings by putting down their phones and being present.Get your subscription to Growth Day, like having World-Class Coaches in your pocket! https://www.growthday.com/referrals?via=h6l0rtTakeawaysCatherine's journey began with overcoming a toxic relationship.Mindset work is crucial for lasting transformation.Understanding your 'why' can reignite motivation.Women often struggle with self-criticism and negative self-talk.Taking time for self-care is essential for personal growth.Support from partners and family is vital for success.Communication about personal goals can foster understanding.Small changes can lead to significant transformations.Being present in the moment enhances well-being.Connection with others can be fostered through shared experiences.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Catherine McClure01:42 Catherine's Journey to Wellness Coaching04:04 Specializing in Female Transformations08:22 Finding Motivation and Understanding Your Why12:41 Overcoming Mindset Barriers27:10 Navigating Relationships and Support Systems34:33 Be the Change Challenge: Connecting with Yourself37:57 Outromindset, wellness, coaching, female empowerment, motivation, health, personal growth, relationships, self-care, transformation

What if church health wasn’t measured by attendance… but by engagement, unity, and love in action?In this episode of the Peopling Podcast, Kristi sits down with Peter Swanson, CEO of Love Serves International, to talk about leadership, burnout, and what it truly means to build healthy, missional communities—inside and outside the church.Peter shares his personal journey into ministry leadership and opens up about the quiet weight many pastors carry: isolation, exhaustion, and the pressure to do everything. Together, they explore how empowering people—not overworking leaders—creates sustainable growth, deeper connection, and real impact.This conversation is honest, hopeful, and deeply human. Whether you lead a church, a team, a family, or simply want to show up better for others—this episode will challenge how you define success and connection.About Our VIP Guest: Peter SwansonPeter Swanson is the CEO of Love Serves International, a faith-based organization dedicated to coming alongside local churches to equip believers for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12).His mission is simple but powerful:to help churches become the hands and feet of Jesus—meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their communities so the Kingdom of Christ can flourish.Through coaching, leadership training, and peer support, Love Serves International helps pastors move from burnout and isolation to joy, clarity, and sustainable impact. To date, they’ve supported over 4,100 churches worldwide.🔗 Learn more about their work:👉 https://loveserves.org/four12-group/What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy so many pastors feel isolated—and how community changes everythingThe hidden cost of leaders carrying 90% of the loadWhat healthy church leadership actually looks likeWhy empowerment beats exhaustion every timeHow to measure church health beyond numbers and budgetsThe transformational question: “How do I desire the good of the other?”How meeting felt needs opens hearts and builds trustPractical ways to build connection and compassion in everyday leadershipGet your subscription to Growth Day, like having World-Class Coaches in your pocket! https://www.growthday.com/referrals?via=h6l0rtKey TakeawaysBurnout doesn’t come from serving—it comes from serving aloneHealthy churches multiply leaders instead of depending on oneSpiritual growth matters more than metricsDesiring the good of others is a leadership skillCommunity is not optional—it’s essentialLove and compassion are powerful tools for transformationSmall, intentional steps can lead to deep connectionSound Bites Worth Replaying:“Burnout happens from working alone.”“Desiring the good for the other.”“How do I desire their good?”Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Love Serves International01:40 – Peter’s Journey into Leadership02:52 – The Mission of Love Serves International05:31 – Challenges Pastors Face Today07:48 – Why Community Is Essential in Ministry10:25 – Measuring Church Health & Growth13:24 – Empowering Leadership vs. Overworking Leaders15:52 – The Power of Love and Compassion18:32 – Actionable Steps for Deeper Connection45:51 – Outro#LoveServesInternational #churchlife #leadership #churchleadershipresources #pastoralburnout #churchhealth #peoplingpodcast #faithbasedleadership #empoweringpastors #communitybuilding #missionalchurch #compassion #compassioninaction #peoplingbook

Better Work Environments Start with Better Communication, Clearer Expectations, and Real Curiosity.

What happens when someone who’s participated in thousands of hiring decisions tells the truth about why people struggle at work? Welcome to this week's incredible episode!Kristi sits down with HR consultant and talent strategist Dawn Sipley, whose story starts with grit: growing up in a single-parent home, becoming emancipated at 16, navigating early work environments fast, and eventually building a career that spans real estate, retail, nonprofit, recruiting, and staffing.But the heart of this conversation isn’t just her backstory — it’s what she’s learned: most workplace friction isn’t about skill… it’s about personality conflict, unclear expectations, and communication breakdowns. Dawn shares how employers can create cultures that don’t drain people dry, and how employees can level up fast by bringing curiosity, solutions, and measurable value to the table.If you’ve ever thought: “Why does work feel so exhausting?” or “How do I navigate a boss I don’t click with?” — this episode is your playbook.What You’ll Learn:Why the best leaders clarify expectations upfront instead of correcting people after the factHow to “people” better at work by leading with curiosity over assumptionsWhat to ask in an interview to uncover the real culture (hint: bathrooms and break rooms don’t lie)The #1 mindset shift for raises/promotions: the position is compensated, not the person. WOW- that one got me! Incredible insight!How to ask for a raise without cornering your boss into a yes/no trapWhy bringing solutions (not just problems) makes you recession-proofHow to avoid “cheap conversation” (gossip, polarized drama) and protect your reputationA simple life philosophy that lowkey slaps: “Make a bunch of really good Tuesdays.”Key Takeaways:-Culture isn’t what’s written — it’s what’s tolerated.-Most job issues are communication/personality problems, not ability problems.-Interview like a detective: ask for a tour; look at break rooms + bathrooms; ask why the role is open.-Curiosity builds trust faster than charisma. Ask better questions, then ask follow-ups.-Raise conversations should be framed around impact: money made, money saved, time saved, systems improved.-Don’t ask “Can I get a raise?” Ask: “What do I need to do to earn a raise here?”-Be the employee who brings solutions, not just complaints.-Your reputation follows the rooms you stand in. Skip gossip and “cheap conversation.”Quote-Worthy Lines:“Assumption is the thief of understanding.”“The position is compensated, not the individual.”“Your success will come from how you make people feel.”“The good stuff is usually around question three or four.”“Don’t cultivate a life with a destination. Make a bunch of really good Tuesdays.”Be the Change Challenge:This week, practice non-participation: When gossip, negativity, or polarized conflict shows up, opt out with calm confidence.Try lines like:“I’m not fully educated on that, so I don’t have an opinion.”“I haven’t talked to them directly, so I’m not comfortable discussing it.”About our Guest Dawn Sipley:Dawn is the founder of Sipley the Best HR Consulting, where she helps companies hire smarter, lead better, and build cultures that don’t drain people dry. Her approach blends real-world recruiting expertise with practical leadership clarity — and a whole lot of truth.Connect with Dawn:👉 Website https://www.sipleythebest.com/👉 Instagram: instagram.com/sipleythebest👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnsipley/Want More Peopling? Buy the book: https://a.co/d/gi1g0p4If this episode helped, share it with a friend who:hates awkward work convos, is job hunting, wants a raise, or needs to stop fighting in Facebook comments like it’s a sport.Get your subscription to Growth Day, having World-Class Coaches in your pocket! https://www.growthday.com/referrals?via=h6l0rt

In this powerful episode of The Peopling Podcast, Kristi sits down with Troy C. Smith, servant leader, TEDx speaker, and author of Value Driven Leadership, to unpack what it really means to lead with heart, clarity, and purpose.Troy shares his journey from growing up in the Bronx to becoming the #1 sales manager nationwide at GEICO, not through authority or fear—but through compassion, emotional intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to developing people. After retiring from corporate leadership in 2023, Troy launched HOPE Inspirational Speaking, where he now equips leaders and organizations to reduce burnout, elevate culture, and create teams people actually want to follow.This episode dives deep into communication blind spots, the power of being truly heard, and why once you taste significance, success alone no longer satisfies.Key Takeaways:Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about influencePeople don’t leave companies; they leave how they’re treatedBeing curious beats being critical (every. single. time.)Validation fuels performance more than pressureYou get what you demand—and you encourage what you tolerateResults follow culture, not the other way aroundOnce you taste significance, success stops being enoughDang- SO many powerful takeaways!Powerful Concepts Discussed:Teach, Model, Coach (TMC) — Troy’s leadership framework that transforms culturesWhy “Good job, but…” kills motivation instantlyEmotional Intelligence as a leadership requirement, not a “soft skill”The THINK method before speaking:TruthfulHelpfulInspiringNecessaryKindWhy most leaders were promoted without ever being trained to leadHow words literally change brain chemistry (dopamine, fight-or-flight, trust)The Be the Change Challenge (This Week’s Action Step)Give 60 seconds of undivided attention in your next conversation.No phone. No multitasking. No rehearsing your response. Just presence.Listen to understand—not to reply.Pause.THINK.Then respond.That one habit alone will change how people experience you.Resources & Links📕 Value Driven Leadership by Troy C. Smith, get your copy here from Amazon: 👉 https://a.co/d/czxryjE🎤 Troy’s Speaking & Leadership Work👉 https://troycsmith-hope.com/📱 Follow Troy on Social Media👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@troycsmith👉 https://www.youtube.com/@troycsmith🚀 Sponsored Resource: Growth Day. It's like having World-Class Coaches in your pocket! 👉 https://www.growthday.com/referrals?via=h6l0rtGet your copy of my book, Peopling: https://a.co/d/28yNUJNFinal ThoughtsThis episode is a masterclass in human-centered leadership. If you’re a leader, parent, coach, business owner—or just a person who wants to people better—this conversation will stretch you in the best way.If it challenged you, share it.If it helped you, like it.If it changed you, live it.Until next time,Kristi#Leadership #Teamwork #Motivation #TroyCSmith #peoplingpodcast #peoplingwell #inspiration #leadingwithintegrity #leadingothers

Fear is sneaky. It doesn’t always scream—it whispers. In this episode, Gina Hanson breaks down how fear quietly blocks action, drains confidence, and keeps us stuck in patterns we know aren’t serving us.This conversation is a mirror moment. There’s something you want to do. There’s also something you know you should stop doing. And the gap between knowing and doing? That’s where confidence either grows—or erodes.Gina walks through why inaction costs more than failure, how small, consistent moves rebuild trust in yourself, and why deciding is often the bravest step you’ll take. This isn’t about massive life overhauls. It’s about cutting off what’s holding you back and choosing forward—one honest action at a time.If you’ve been feeling stalled, hesitant, or quietly frustrated with yourself… this one’s for you.Get your subscription to Growth Day, like having World-Class Coaches in your pocket! https://www.growthday.com/referrals?v...Key Takeaways:There is something you want to do—but fear is in the wayFear of failure and fear of success can both keep you stuckEveryone has habits or patterns they know aren’t alignedClarity comes from pausing and processing, not avoidingConfidence fades when action is delayedSmall decisions compound into big life shiftsDeciding to change is a power moveConsistency builds self-trust faster than motivationGrowth requires confronting what you’ve been dodgingIf this episode gave you a clearer sense of how I think and how I build — and you know you want to grow this year— here’s what to do.Email Gina directly at [email protected] with OWN IT in the subject line.That puts you on the first-access list for The OWN IT Event. No public announcements. No early links floating around.If it’s a fit, you’ll take action.If you email, you’re first. Everyone else finds out after.#peoplingpodcast #personalgrowthjourney #confidencebuilding #mindsetshift #selfleadership #decisionmakingskills #growthmindset #actionoverfear #levelupyourlife #becomeyourbestself #FearToAction

If you’ve ever wished relationships came with a manual, this episode is the next best thing. Today on Peopling, we sit down with the incredible Colette Jane Fehr — a licensed psychotherapist whose journey from a deeply challenging marriage to becoming a relationship expert is nothing short of transformational.Together, we dig into the real stuff: why communication breaks down, how conflict actually works, and what emotional intelligence looks like in everyday moments — not just on paper. Colette brings the kind of honest, vulnerable wisdom that makes you exhale and think, “Oh… I’m not the only one.”You’ll learn why connection beats perfection every time, how to advocate for your needs without blowing up the room, and why vulnerability and assertiveness are a power duo in any relationship. And yes — she gives homework (the good kind).Whether you’re navigating love, friendships, family dynamics, or just trying to understand yourself a little better, this episode will help you communicate with more clarity, compassion, and confidence. Get ready to grow, laugh, feel seen, and pick up tools you can use today.Colette Jane Fehr is a licensed psychotherapist, relationship expert, TEDx speaker, co-host of the podcast Insights from the Couch: Real Talk at Midlife, and author of The Cost of Quiet—How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure Lasting Love. Her mission is to help people find emotional freedom by speaking and living their truth. Here is a link to purchase her book (release date is Feb 3, 2026): https://a.co/d/dVt12GaTakeawaysPeople matter more than things.It's less about the issues than the way people fight.You have to learn how to fight right.Identify what we're feeling at a given moment.You are going to be miserable if you don't speak up.We can't control our partner or anyone else.Listen with curiosity.Get your subscription to Growth Day, like having World-Class Coaches in your pocket! https://www.growthday.com/referrals?via=h6l0rtChapters00:00 The Importance of Connection Over Perfection02:59 Colette's Journey to Becoming a Relationship Expert05:52 Understanding Conflict in Relationships08:50 Tools for Effective Communication12:05 The Role of Emotions in Communication15:00 Navigating Difficult Conversations17:57 Empowerment Through Self-Advocacy20:47 Creating Change Through Connection23:39 Practical Steps for Better Communication26:57 The Ripple Effect of Kindness and Curiosity#relationships #communication #conflictresolution #emotionalintelligence #selfhelp #selfawareness #selfdiscovery #selfdevelopment #advocacy #connection #personalgrowth #therapy #vulnerability #assertiveness #relationshipgrowth #HealthyRelationships #relationshipskills #speakyourtruth #vulnerabilityisstrength #communicationskills #communicationmatters #ConnectionCulture#innerworkjourney #InnerHealingWork#HealingAndGrowing

In this episode of the Peopling Podcast, host Kristi discusses with Robert and Kaylee Fukui the unique challenges faced by married entrepreneurs. They share their journey from corporate jobs to business consulting, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, boundaries, and intentional living. The Fukuis provide actionable insights for couples in business together, highlighting the significance of communication and connection in both personal and professional relationships. They encourage listeners to prioritize their well-being and relationships while navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.

Note worthy takeaways:

• It's a journey, not a destination.
• Work-life balance is essential for married entrepreneurs.
• I learned the importance of boundaries in business and personal life.
• Don't believe the hype about hustle culture.
• You can live a fulfilling life now, not just when you achieve success.
• Establish your priorities and schedule them first.
• Relationships are key to business success.
• You don't have to do everything yourself.
• Be intentional about connecting with others.
• It's never too late to reach out to someone.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Peopling Podcast

01:11 The Journey to Business Ownership

11:58 Transitioning from Corporate to Consulting

16:15 Identifying Trends in Married Entrepreneurs

21:02 Challenges Faced by Couples in Business

21:49 Navigating Boundaries in Business and Relationships

24:26 The Importance of Work-Life Balance

27:28 Challenging the Hustle Culture

32:25 Intentional Living and Time Management

36:34 Building Meaningful Connections

41:52 Resources for Married Entrepreneurs

In this episode of the Peopling Podcast, Kristi and Brian Bertges discuss the importance of connection, vulnerability, and personal growth, particularly in the context of mental health challenges like PTSD. Brian shares his journey with PTSD and how it has shaped his approach to empowering college students. They explore the impact of social perfectionism, the importance of effective communication, and the role of failure in personal development. The conversation emphasizes actionable steps for listeners to improve their connections with others and themselves, culminating in a 'Be the Change Challenge' to inspire positive action.Main Takeaways:Life improves when we truly see and connect with others.PTSD can manifest in unexpected ways, affecting daily life.Vulnerability is crucial for personal growth, especially for men.Empowering students to find their own path is essential.Social perfectionism can lead to anxiety and depression.Distractions hinder personal growth and fulfillment.Effective communication fosters deeper connections.Mindset shifts can lead to significant personal improvements.Failure is a necessary part of growth and learning.Encouraging children to fail helps them build resilience.Some of my favorite mic drop moments:"One word could shift somebody's entire life.""Pause, paraphrase, probe to connect deeper."Get your subscription to Growth Day, like having World-Class Coaches in your pocket! https://www.growthday.com/referrals?v...How to connect with Brian: email him at [email protected] and connect on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbertges1847/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Connection and Purpose01:53 Brian's Journey with PTSD05:34 The Importance of Vulnerability06:51 Empowering College Students08:25 Social Perfectionism and Its Impact10:54 Overcoming Distractions15:51 Benefits of Connection and Communication18:13 Mindset Upgrades for Personal Growth21:32 The Power of Accountability and Community26:23 Navigating Expectations: The Weight of Responsibility30:51 The Power of Failure: Embracing Growth37:34 Transforming Language: From Can't to Won't40:15 Be the Change: Actionable Steps for Connection#connection #vulnerability #ptsd #collegestudent #mentalhealth #personalgrowth #communication #mindset #failure #empowerment #peoplingpodcast #peoplingbook