On today’s episode of ReStructured, Melissa Terito sits down with longtime friend and fellow TPA owner, Shannon Edwards of TriStar, to talk about what it really looks like to build a boundary-first business.

Shannon shares how she went from 300+ hours of overtime in a CPA firm and hauling bankers’ boxes on girls’ trips to closing her office at noon on Fridays, guarding her weekends, and actually unplugging on vacation (yes, with a real out-of-office that she honors).

They get into the mindset shift from “I have to be available24/7” to “my team and my network can handle this,” why hobbies like golf and pickleball are non-negotiable for high performers, and how leaders unintentionally hold their people back by doing everything themselves. If you’re a firm owner, partner, or ambitious professional who struggles to step away from your inbox, this conversation will give you permission and practical ideas to protect your time without sacrificing growth.

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What happens when setting a boundary means completely starting over?

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Restructured, I sit down with my friend and fellow boundary advocate Jennifer Wiczynski, an ERISA attorney who made a life-changing decision to rebuild her life from the ground up.

Content note: This episode includes discussion of an unsafe relationship and may be difficult for some listeners. Please take care while listening and skip ahead a few minutes if needed.

We talk about the moments that push us to draw the line, the difference between setting rules and setting real boundaries, and how both of us have learned to protect our peace while running businesses in a demanding industry.

It’s a conversation about courage, change, and choosing yourself — even when it’s hard.
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In this heartfelt and relatable episode, Melissa reconnects with her cousin and longtime friend, Paige Muller, for an honest conversation about the evolution of work, motherhood, and personal boundaries. Paige shares her journey from running a thriving aesthetics business to realizing that “success” wasn’t feeling the way it was supposed to.

Together, they unpack the hard lessons of entrepreneurial burnout, the power of saying no, and the courage it takes to step off the hamster wheel when life feels unsustainable. From navigating clients’ expectations to learning that “you get what you tolerate,” Paige and Melissa explore how to protect your time, energy, and peace at work and at home.

They also share practical tips on using technology to set healthy boundaries, reflect on the balance between obligation and expectation, and share a few laughs about family, books, and learning to let go of the pressure to do it all.

If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, people-pleasing, or finding contentment in your season of life, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in to ReStructured with Melissa Terito, a podcast about redefining boundaries, business, and balance on your own terms.

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In this episode, I sit down with our very first guest and the podcast’s producer, Amanda Dixon, to talk about one of the toughest (and most important) boundaries we can set: the ones that protect our health.

Amanda opens up about living with multiple sclerosis and how learning to honor her body’s limits has reshaped the way she works, rests, and leads. We dive into the guilt that comes with slowing down, why rest can feel harder than work, and how pushing past your limits—physically or emotionally—always comes with a cost.

I also share my own experience with stress-induced hearing loss and how that moment forced me to reexamine the stories I tell myself about productivity and success. Together, we talk about what it really means to listen to your body, communicate your needs, and give yourself and others grace.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for resting or worried that stepping back means falling behind, this episode is a reminder that protecting your health isn’t selfish; it’s sustainable. Because when you set boundaries around your well-being, you’re not quitting the work—you’re making sure you can keep showing up for it.

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In this episode, I’m talking about one of my favorite topics—delegation—and how it connects directly to boundaries. Too often we hold back from delegating because we’re afraid someone else will “mess it up” or won’t do it the way we would. But here’s the truth: by refusing to delegate, we overload ourselves, limit our growth, and block our team from stepping into their potential.

I share insights from a recent presentation I gave at the Louisiana Society of CPAs Women’s Conference, along with real examples of how delegation has shaped my own career. You’ll hear why fear is the wrong reason not to delegate, how to reframe it as a boundary-setting tool, and why empowering others is key to being a stronger leader.

If you’ve been hesitating to let go of tasks—even the ones you know you shouldn’t be doing—this episode will help you flip the script and start small. Because setting boundaries through delegation isn’t just about your workload, it’s about creating space for everyone to grow.

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In this first official episode of ReStructured, I’m sharing one of the earliest boundaries I ever set as a leader — taking one remote day a week — and how it completely shifted my work, my mindset, and my energy. 🧠⚡

Long before remote work became the norm, I struggled with the fear of being judged, questioned, or seen as less committed. But what started as a small schedule change turned into a powerful leadership decision — one that helped me stop running on fumes and start showing up with intention.

If you’ve ever felt behind, burned out, or stuck in the cycle of “being available 24/7,” this episode is for you. It’s not just about remote days — it’s about taking back control and redefining what it really means to lead. 💼✨

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✨ New beginnings! In this intro to ReStructured with Melissa Terito, Melissa shares why she’s rebranding from Louisiana Ladies and how her own journey with stress, therapy, and leadership led her to a powerful discovery: boundaries change everything.💡

This episode sets the stage for honest conversations about workplace culture, leadership struggles, and building a life you actually enjoy. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck in the “busy Olympics,” or unsure how to say no, this is for you. 🚪➡️💪

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On this week’s episode, Melissa is joined by Karen McCord to hear the amazing story of Carley Ann McCord. Carley unfortunately passed away after a terrible accident in 2019, but her memory lives on through those who loved her and through rainbows and signs that she sends to those she loves. Ms. Karen has written a book in her memory, “Only Rainbows,” about Carley’s legacy – her ambition, her laughter, and her unwavering determination to be a force oflight in the world. We thank Ms. Karen for joining us for this amazing episode and for sharing her story with us.

To buy a copy of “Only Rainbows,” please click here: Only Rainbows by Karen C. McCord  

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March fiction book of the month: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros
Q1 nonfiction book: The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey
Listener support! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Louisiana Ladies • A podcast on Anchor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Catch up on Louisiana Ladies on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Follow Louisiana Ladies on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Support this podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/louisianaladies/support

Before the ice storm, we got together to catch up oneverything that has happened since the new year. Lainey has important life updates, Kate is reflective about the past, and Melissa has made some self-discoveries! We hope you enjoy hearing about the journey’s we’ve been on.

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January fiction book of the month: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Housemaid by Freida McFaddenQ1 nonfiction book: The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey
Listener support! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Louisiana Ladies • A podcast on Anchor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Catch up on Louisiana Ladies on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Follow Louisiana Ladies on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Support this podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/louisianaladies/support

We’ve got a New Year’s Eve treat for you: a new episode ofLouisiana Ladies! Today we’re joined by an amazing group of women: Theresa Conti APR, QKA, ERPA, CPFA and Ivana Polonijo, Ph.D., AIF of Step Into the Pivot! These two incredible women join Melissa over video call to discuss working in the retirement plan space, handling life transitions, the ways that working on our inner psychology can benefit us, and how we deal with imposter syndrome.Be sure to follow Step Into the Pivot to hear Melissa’s episode there when it drops!

Step Into the Pivot Website

Step Into the Pivot Spotify

Step Into the Pivot Apple Podcasts

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December fiction book of the month: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Holiday Romance by Catherine WalshQ4 nonfiction book: Everything Is Figureoutable a book by Marie Forleo (bookshop.org)⁠
Listener support! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Louisiana Ladies • A podcast on Anchor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Catch up on Louisiana Ladies on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Follow Louisiana Ladies on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Support this podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/louisianaladies/support