Rise To More

When we see public figures, we rarely see the human being. We see a policy, a headline, a viral moment. What we don’t often glimpse is the person—the father fixing his daughter’s tiara, the husband leaning on his wife, the runner who finds peace by railroad tracks after a long day.

In my recent Rise to More conversation with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, I set aside politics entirely. I wanted to know the man behind the title.

We live in polarized times. Outrage is the easiest currency to spend. Nuance is rare, compassion rarer. So I wanted to create a different kind of room. A room where we listen for humanity, not ammo. Where we remember we’re far more alike than different. And where transformation—individual and collective—still feels possible.

What unfolded was a raw and deeply human conversation about fatherhood, resilience, and the quiet costs of leadership.

Jacob spoke openly about being a father of two young girls and how they changed everything: the way he values time, the city he hopes to shape, the example he wants to set.

We don’t talk enough about the toll of being known. The loss of breath and private space. The reality that when he steps outside, he is “the mayor” within seconds—no matter if he’s running alone by the railroad tracks or holding his four-year-old’s hand.

He also spoke of hardship—moments when he stood firm in his decisions, was publicly shamed, and yet slept peacefully knowing he had done what he believed was right. From those experiences, he described something profound: post-traumatic growth—the ability to not just endure crisis, but to grow from it.

We talked about the echo chambers, the easy blame, the brittle certainty. He said something simple and brave: when we’re unhappy, it’s seductive to assign our pain to an “other.” It’s also the beginning of dehumanization.

The antidote? Burst your bubble on purpose. Seek people who think, pray, vote, and work differently than you. Have coffee. Share stories. Discover you actually like each other. It’s not naive—it’s necessary. Our nervous systems heal in proximity, not in posts.

Topics we covered in this episode:

* The perspective shift of fatherhood and raising daughters

* How resilience is built in crisis and why “post-traumatic growth” matters

* Running as both meditation and emotional release

* Jewish tradition and the teaching of the “36 righteous people”

* Keeping a soft heart in a hard, polarized world

* His personal mantra: Find a way—to lead, to serve, to keep moving forward

* What greatness and legacy mean to him

What I found most moving was Jacob’s candor. He admitted flaws. He spoke of the weight of criticism, the freedom of authenticity, and the small, grounding rituals that keep him human.

In the end, this wasn’t an interview about a mayor. It was a conversation with a man navigating the complexity of public life while striving to remain whole.

And perhaps that is the lesson for us all: whatever our role, we must find a way. To love, to lead, to soften, to rise. And for the love of God, to see humanity in one another regardless of our differences.

Please watch, listen or share.

With gratitude,

Jasna

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Discover Minneapolis Podcasts That Go Deeper.If you’re searching for a Minneapolis podcast focused on personal growth, leadership, and intentional living, Rise To More is a Twin Cities podcast rooted in meaningful conversation and real transformation. Recorded in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this self-development podcast offers thoughtful dialogue for listeners who want clarity, confidence, and depth—not hype. Explore one of the most intentional Minneapolis podcasts for leaders, entrepreneurs, and seekers ready to rise.

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I believe love is the most powerful force in the world. It steadies us. It expands us. It’s the one thing success can’t replace.

That’s why today’s story matters.

I brought my dear friend and now business partner, Julie Spangler, onto Rise to More because she’s quietly changed thousands of lives—with a craft most people dismiss until they’re exhausted enough to admit they need it: high-end matchmaking.

Julie spent 20+ years in corporate America (HR and marketing at major financial institutions), always with an eye for people. Connecting wasn’t a job; it was her reflex. In 2012, she did the unthinkable: walked away from the safe path and built a matchmaking firm grounded in values—privacy, discernment, and real care.

Years later, I joined her as co-owner of Selective Connections because what she does is rare—and it works.

Why apps are failing serious people

Dating apps had their moment. For many professionals, that moment is over. The swipe culture rewards speed, not sincerity. It’s instant gratification dressed up as connection. It leaves people lonelier and more guarded than before.

The clients we serve can’t risk their privacy, their reputation, or their time. They outsource everything that matters—legal, finance, health. Why wouldn’t they bring in an expert for the most important decision of their life?

What makes this different

Julie’s approach isn’t a numbers game. It’s deeply personal and fiercely intentional.

* White-glove, not wild guesses. Every client goes through a thorough, human process. Interviews. Coaching. A bespoke profile crafted with professional photography. Alignment on values, lifestyle, non-negotiables.

* Curated candidates. She meets, screens, and runs background checks on everyone in the ecosystem. Many arrive by referral. No randos. No mystery motives.

* You choose. She presents a slate of excellent fits with the why behind each one. Both people opt in. No blind collisions.

* Intuition with data. This is where she shines. The strategy is tight. The instincts are world-class. I’ve watched her connect two people before their paperwork was finished—and they were on a plane together a week later.

And then there’s the part you won’t see on a website: men crying on the phone because someone finally helped them find their person. Widows in their 50s who thought love had passed them by—now planning a second act with a partner who gets it. Those calls matter.

The thing no one tells you about “chemistry”

We’ve been sold a movie montage. Fireworks. Sparks. Epic grand gestures. Here’s the truth: many of Julie’s strongest matches started as “meh” first dates.

Sparks fizzle. The slow burn endures.

First dates are awkward. Nerves can masquerade as “no spark.” The best relationships often come from a second or third date—where two people relax long enough to show who they really are. Compatibility, kindness, shared values, similar pace of life—these are the building blocks of a relationship that survives career pivots, illness, kids, and ordinary Tuesday nights.

What men and women get wrong

* Women: a 50-item checklist and a demand for instant fireworks. The right man may not arrive with cinematic flair. He might arrive as stability, respect, and consistent pursuit.

* Men: underestimating how much warmth and kindness matter. The trait men consistently name as most attractive inside our process? Kindness.

Both: stop trying to win the first hour. Learn if this person can be your friend, your sanctuary, your mirror—over time.

Readiness matters more than resume

A lot of our clients have crushed every other area of life. That doesn’t mean something’s “wrong” because love hasn’t landed yet. It often means they built the career first and finally made space for the relationship.

Readiness looks like this:

* Willing to be seen and to listen.

* Open to being coached.

* Willing to date with curiosity, not cynicism.

* Clear on values; flexible on packaging.

If you’re resigned and bitter, that’s a different project. Hope is not naïve. It’s the door you walk through.

Integrity is the line

This industry, like coaching, attracts both healers and hustlers. We see the damage from the latter. Here’s where we stand:

* No clients who are separated or married. Period.

* We pass on people who don’t align with our values—even if they can pay.

* We protect privacy like a sacred trust.

* We say the hard thing when it’s the right thing.

That’s why clients from twelve years ago still refer their friends. We sleep well at night.

Two ways to work with us

1) Private, one-to-one matchmakingWhite-glove, bespoke search. We build your profile, recruit precisely for you, present curated matches you approve, and even arrange first dates. High-touch and highly effective.

2) VIP DatabaseA database membership with one guaranteed match drawn from our vetted community, plus the opportunity to be considered for our private clients. It’s $5,000, and for many, it’s the perfect starting point. You only need one right match.

If you’re single and serious

Stop burning energy on apps that drain you. Stop pretending you don’t care. You do. We all do.

Choose the path that aligns with the life you say you want: private, intentional, grown-up, and hopeful.

Selective Connections is where we do this work—with discretion and heart. If you’re ready, we’re here.

Love is out there. Not the cinematic kind—the real kind. The kind that steadies your nervous system, makes you braver, and turns ordinary into holy.

If you felt this, share it with the friend who’s quietly given up. And if you’re ready to be considered for our database or to explore one-to-one, reach out. We’ll treat your story with the dignity it deserves.

—Jasna

P.S. For the record: I didn’t join this company because it’s trendy. I joined because I watched Julie do the right thing when no one was looking. That’s who you want handling your heart.

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We love to watch people rise.

We cheer for the underdog, admire their grit, and celebrate their early wins. But the moment they cross into real success—the kind that sets them apart—something shifts. Suddenly, we start picking them apart. We look for cracks, mistakes, scandals. We whisper, “Who do they think they are?”

Elon Musk is maybe a tricky example—because let’s face it, the man is as controversial as they come. But here’s the truth: people were tearing him down long before politics, Twitter wars, or hot takes. And this isn’t about him—it’s about us (I had to get your attention somehow. hello?). If you find yourself triggered by every little thing and unable to hold a rational conversation, that’s exactly why you need to keep reading. Because what we hate in others often reveals the very thing we’re avoiding in ourselves.

It doesn’t matter if they’re creating jobs, donating millions, or solving real problems. We’ll still find a reason to drag them down.

And here’s the truth no one likes to admit: that criticism says more about us than it does about them.

Why We Tear People Down

Psychologists call it status inconsistency resentment—the discomfort we feel when someone climbs the social or financial ladder faster than we think they “should.” We love when people are scrappy and struggling, because it makes us believe we could do it too. But when they’re wildly successful? We stop seeing them as one of us, and start seeing them as above us.

That comparison stings. Because if they made it, maybe it’s not luck. Maybe it’s choices. And sitting with that reality is uncomfortable.

So instead of facing our own lack of progress, we attack. We discredit. We gossip. We convince ourselves they were lucky, connected, or corrupt. That way, we don’t have to ask hard questions like:

* Why haven’t I taken more risks?

* What’s stopping me from building something greater?

* Where am I still playing small?

Here’s the pattern I’ve noticed again and again:People attack what they secretly wish they had.

Envy is the ego’s shield. Think about it:

* The person mocking a billionaire’s spending often struggles to pay their own bills.

* The person tearing down an author’s bestseller hasn’t written a single page.

* The person criticizing someone else’s confidence usually wishes they had more of their own.

We critique what we crave. And every minute we spend doing that is a minute we’re not building, creating, or rising.

But we can actually do something about this

If you’re tired of wasting your energy tearing others down, here’s how to redirect it:

1. Catch yourself.The next time you feel the urge to criticize someone’s success, pause. Ask: Am I really analyzing their choices—or just projecting my frustration?

2. Study instead of dismiss.Every successful person knows something you don’t. What mindset did they adopt? What risks did they take? What can you learn from their story?

3. Use discomfort as a mirror.If someone’s wealth, boldness, or confidence makes you uneasy, ask: Why? That’s your clue. The trigger often reveals what you actually want for yourself.

4. Take one bold action.Instead of gossiping about what others have accomplished, write down one uncomfortable, needle-moving step you can take today toward your own rise.

Here’s the Bigger Truth:

When you get close to highly successful people, you see what it really takes: mindset work, risk-taking, relentless effort, resilience. Nothing magical. Just one step at a time.

And once you see that, envy fades. You realize they’re not untouchable—they’re proof that it’s possible.

And I am not talking we should we looking up to ALL successful people - people that we don’t like, sociopaths or world leaders who love to play war. Think more generally about instances in which we are triggered for no reason…..by friends and associated who suddenly pass you by….

The question is: will you let their rise inspire you or threaten you?

Because envy will keep you small. But turning frustration into fuel? That will change everything.

So my challenge to you is simple:Stop tearing others down. Start building yourself up.

You’ll be amazed at what happens when you trade bitterness for boldness.

Because when you rise to more, you don’t just elevate yourself—you give others permission to rise too.

Make sure you subscribe to RISE TO MORE podcast on audio platforms so you never miss an episode.

Today’s guest on Rise to More completely blew my mind. Dr. Simone Xavier isn't just another entrepreneur—she is one of the most remarkable minds behind one of the world’s biggest makeup brands, Sigma Beauty.

When I first heard her story—a veterinarian, infectious disease researcher, and professor who pivoted into beauty—I was fascinated. How does someone go from vaccines and bacterial diagnostics to building a global cosmetic brand?

As Simone revealed to me, it began very simply: with curiosity, intuition, and solving a problem. Simone and her engineer husband René had zero experience in beauty, yet found themselves bringing makeup brushes from the US to their friends and family in Brazil. René, noticing he could make better brushes himself, said, “I can do this better, cheaper.” And that’s how Sigma Beauty was born.

Seventeen years later, Sigma Beauty is everywhere—from Nordstrom to Neiman Marcus, from boutiques to Sephora shelves. But Simone didn't start by setting out to build a multi-million-dollar brand. She started by wanting better tools for herself. The first set of Sigma brushes—which Simone meticulously researched from YouTube makeup tutorials—sold out immediately, catapulting the brand overnight.

What moved me deeply during our conversation was Simone’s gentle yet powerful wisdom. She said simply, yet profoundly:

“I don't try to beat anyone. I want to inspire myself, inspire others. Everything I do is service, solving problems, bringing beauty and simplicity.”

We talked openly about her transition from a respected academic career to entrepreneurship. Simone admits the pivot felt natural, not fearful—she followed excitement, trust, and flow. Her research background empowered her to innovate in beauty, resulting in over 60 patents. From waterproof brushes to specialized cleaning tools, every Sigma product is deeply intentional—crafted with science, innovation, and love.

But what truly sets Simone apart isn’t just her trailblazing business savvy or her 60+ patents in the beauty space.

It’s her soul.

There was something deeper we discussed, too—Simone’s spiritual awakening. Her voice softened as she confessed, “I've never talked publicly about this.” She revealed that 2020 marked a profound shift, deepening her understanding of connectedness, quantum physics, and the power of visualization. She shared something I've always felt in my bones:

“I believe everyone is a mirror of myself. My energy matters. What I visualize manifests. I truly believe we create our reality.”

When I asked what “Rise to More” meant to her, Simone smiled gently:

“It means showing up authentically, consciously. Inspiring others, but staying humble, present, and true.”

Our conversation went beyond makeup and patents. We touched upon what it means to truly live authentically, consciously, and intentionally in a rapidly changing world.

Simone reminds us all that great success isn't about recognition or money—it's about fulfillment, genuine service, and staying deeply connected to our truth. Her brilliance, creativity, and heart are evident in everything she creates.

I hope Simone’s story lights something within you today—the possibility to pivot, innovate, and trust in your innate genius. We don’t have to chase success blindly; instead, let’s create joyfully, solve meaningful problems, and live consciously, intentionally connected.

Because when we rise consciously, the world rises with us. Simone, that was a moment I will never forget. That day in the studio, I met a new friend. Thank you for your heart.

Check out Sigma Beauty: https://sigmabeauty.com

Follow Dr Xavier on LinkedIn HERE

Lauren Bennett McGinty on Leading Explore Minnesota’s $25B Revival

When you think of transformative leadership, you might not immediately think of tourism. But Lauren Bennett McGinty is here to change that.

As the Executive Director of Explore Minnesota, Lauren has taken the reins of a $25 billion industry in a state recovering from global disruption, cultural shifts, and long-standing misconceptions. Her work isn’t just about promoting lakes and cabins—it’s about elevating the spirit of a place. It’s about reminding us what joy, belonging, and visibility can do for an entire state’s identity.

This conversation reaffirmed how blessed I am to be living in Minnesota and why I love it here so much.

Minnesota attracts nearly 90 million visitors every year, bringing nearly $25 billion into our economy. From our incredible arts and culture scene to our award-winning chefs, pristine lakes, and endless forests, Minnesota quietly holds everything the soul needs to reconnect and recharge. And that matters as Lauren tells us that we are the least stressed state in the country!!

Lauren's role isn’t just a marketing job—it’s a mission. After COVID brought an economic loss of billions, her team stepped in to revive hope and connection, promoting local businesses, state parks, and hidden gems. But at the heart of it, Lauren reminded me, "It's about inviting people into what we already know is special. It's about feeling at home wherever you go."

What touched me most about our conversation wasn’t just the incredible statistics or Lauren’s undeniable passion—it was her heart and humility. When I asked her how she manages criticism, she paused and said quietly:

“When someone’s upset, I first ask myself: Why? What pain or fear might they be feeling? If I can start from empathy and understanding, we both rise.”

Lauren shows us the kind of leader we need more of—one who listens deeply, leads compassionately, and seeks common ground, even in polarizing times.

Toward the end, I asked Lauren, "What does Rise to More mean to you?" Her eyes sparkled as she said:

“It means stepping beyond expectations others have of you—especially if you're underestimated. It means showing up again and again because you believe in something greater.”

I left our conversation deeply inspired, feeling lucky not just to call Minnesota my home, but to know someone like Lauren is advocating for it with passion, grace, and vision.

So, my friends—perhaps Minnesota has never crossed your mind as a must-visit spot. But perhaps it’s time it did. Take Lauren’s challenge—discover it for yourself, invite your friends, share the hidden beauty.

As Lauren put it beautifully:

“Travel is more than seeing new places—it’s discovering who we are and what connects us.”

And Minnesota? It turns out, it's exactly where many of us have been longing to go all along.

Time to explore MN at https://www.exploreminnesota.com and follow Lauren on Linkedin HERE.

Sometimes, the most powerful voices are the quiet ones. The people who don't speak to be heard—but to serve. Today's Rise to More guest, Nick Engbloom, is exactly that kind of quiet powerhouse.

Nick is Senior Director of Development at the University of Minnesota Foundation, and just this year - he was recognized as part of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal (MSPBJ) 40 Under 40. He’s quietly raised hundreds of millions of dollars for life-changing causes like the Masonic Children's Hospital and created attention behind Special Olympics coming to Minnesota. But it isn't the money or the big numbers that set him apart—it's the heart behind it.

From a young age, Nick learned advocacy through necessity. Growing up with a brother who has Down syndrome, he saw firsthand how the world often overlooks or underestimates people who deserve to be seen. What began as love and protection for his brother grew into a lifelong mission: giving voice to the voiceless.

And he does this not through "fundraising," but what he calls "friendraising"—the simple, powerful act of creating genuine human connections. Nick doesn't start with the ask; he starts with understanding. Curiosity. Real relationship-building. He leads with his heart, trusting that generosity naturally follows connection.

Listening to him reminded me of something so profound: change isn’t transactional. It’s relational. The biggest impacts often come from quietly cultivating trust, empathy, and genuine partnership. Nick shared powerful stories of moments when major donors pulled away, yet deeper partnerships emerged—creating even greater impact than he first imagined.

Even his personal love story is woven through giving—he met his wife while giving her a tour of the children’s hospital. Because true generosity has a way of bringing the right people together.

What struck me most was Nick’s perspective on legacy. He doesn't want titles or acclaim. He simply hopes people remember him as someone who "did good," who served wholeheartedly and left every interaction a little kinder, stronger, better.

He asked us all one simple yet profound question:

"How can I be of service?"

Because rising to more isn’t about ambition alone—it's about generosity. It’s about lifting others as you climb, creating ripples of kindness and humanity that long outlive your name.

This conversation felt like a gentle, powerful invitation to examine how we show up every day. It left me wondering: How can each of us quietly, consistently, powerfully serve our communities and build connections that matter?

If you're seeking a reminder of what true leadership and heart-centered impact look like, this conversation with Nick is it.

Here's to “friendraising”, heart-leading, and quietly changing the world, one meaningful connection at a time.

And Nick and I talk about Special Olympics coming to MN and how we all need to show up and help to make it a success.

And lastly, Nick is a creative entrepreneur with many interests and one of those is auctioneering - so he did his best and put RISE TO MORE podcast appearance up for bids live on the show:)

Follow Nick on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-engbloom-52303b10/

Nick’s Auction Crasher website: https://www.auctioncrasher.com

Support Special Olympics: https://2026specialolympicsusagames.org

Recently, I recorded an episode of Rise to More that tackles something I've noticed again and again among incredibly talented, driven people: the unconscious habit of sabotaging their own success.

We all know someone (maybe even ourselves) who wants so badly to succeed that every interaction becomes transactional. It becomes all about "me": my job, my promotion, my next opportunity. They reach out only when they want something. The doors they're banging on somehow stay locked.

Here's the truth, my friends: Success doesn't flow toward those who only take—it flows toward those who give.

And this isn't just a feel-good cliché—it's proven science. The brilliant Adam Grant, in his groundbreaking research, showed unequivocally that the most successful people across every industry are not the takers, nor even the matchers—they’re the givers. They’re the ones who consistently and authentically help others rise. But there's an important nuance: these givers aren't naïve. They practice what Grant calls strategic generosity.

The Real Power of Giving

When you make the shift from taking to giving, you're working in alignment with the universal law of reciprocity—the fundamental, scientifically proven principle that humans feel compelled to return kindness, generosity, and help.

But this isn't about manipulating outcomes. It’s about genuine generosity. I deeply believe generosity is spiritual: it connects us to a force greater than ourselves. When my husband and I chose service as our way of life, our world changed dramatically. We didn't always get back directly from where we gave—but blessings returned abundantly, from unexpected directions, multiplied tenfold.

Four Simple Ways to Become an Intentional Giver:

* Lead with Value:Always ask yourself, "How can I make someone else's day easier or brighter?" Offer your skills, insights, or encouragement first, before ever making an ask.

* Notice Needs:Pay close attention to those around you. Who needs support, guidance, encouragement, or connection? Become the one who notices and acts.

* Think Like a Connector:Introduce people, opportunities, and resources to each other without expecting immediate return. Connect good people to good opportunities—just because you can.

* Play the Long Game:True success comes from genuine relationships cultivated over time. Invest in people. Trust in the process. Generosity pays off, often when you least expect it.

The Challenge

Here's my simple challenge to you today: Give without expectation. Reach out, not because you need something, but because you can help. Call someone to ask how you can support them. Offer advice, resources, or encouragement freely.

When you truly embody generosity, your whole perspective shifts. Doors open naturally—not because you kicked them down, but because people genuinely want to open them for you.

Because at the end of the day, rising to more is never just about you. It's about all the people you lift and inspire along the way.

With love,

Jasna

There’s this story we tell about visibility: Build something amazing. Gather a big following. Get celebrated. Feel fulfilled.

But what happens when the story turns?

In one of the most raw, vulnerable conversations I've had on the Rise to More podcast, creative entrepreneur Sarah Edwards pulls back the curtain on what success and public visibility can truly cost.

If you’ve lived in Minneapolis, you've probably heard Sarah’s name. She created the beloved I AM MPLS and co-founded Fashion Week Minnesota, crafting spaces for creativity, inclusivity, and vibrant connection. From the outside, it looked glamorous, inspiring—effortless.

But what most didn't see was the human behind the brand. Sarah’s truth is much messier, more beautiful, and more complex than a polished highlight reel.

When Sarah began, she didn't set out to be an influencer or a public figure. She simply saw connections others didn't and followed her heart. She championed inclusivity and brought people together with genuine intention. But visibility brought expectations—and eventually criticism.

In our conversation, Sarah bravely confronts the darker side of public life. She shares about the relentless people-pleasing, the overwhelm of endless demands, and the loneliness of feeling profoundly misunderstood. She admits to mistakes openly—acknowledging moments when ambition moved faster than intentionality, leaving some hurt in its wake.

And she holds nothing back about the brutal experience of public backlash. A Star Tribune article meant to highlight her new chapter sparked a flood of online negativity, judgment, and harsh criticism online. Comments tore into her character, reputation, and intentions. In a matter of hours, Sarah faced the very real human toll of being both visible and misunderstood.

But here's the thing about Sarah: where many would shrink or disappear, she chose to look inward. To listen. To learn.

She emerged from the criticism with surprising clarity:

“I realized that through all of this, I actually learned how to love myself. Real self-love—not the fluffy kind. The kind where you know you’ve made mistakes, yet you hold your own humanity gently. And that changes everything.”

Sarah now sees this moment not as punishment, but as an invitation. A chance to redefine boundaries, intentionality, and leadership. To be less “Sarah the influencer” and more “Sarah the thoughtful founder.” To embrace her introversion, sensitivity, and depth as strengths—not weaknesses.

Her story isn't just about surviving public scrutiny—it's a roadmap for rising through it. For taking ownership, finding your voice again, and moving forward with more clarity, grace, and intentionality than before.

Today, Sarah’s building new ventures like Little Big, a platform designed to empower local connection and creativity without needing to be at its center. She's creating from a place of quiet strength rather than noisy visibility. And she's finally embracing her brilliance without apology.

Sarah Edwards reminds us that:

* Growth doesn't happen in comfort—it often happens in chaos.

* True leadership isn’t perfection—it’s forged through vulnerability.

* Visibility isn't the endgame—real impact is.

We live in a world quick to judge, quick to criticize, and slow to forgive. Maybe Sarah’s story can help us pause. Maybe it can remind us that behind every public image—good or bad—is a deeply human heart. A heart deserving of compassion, empathy, and second chances.

Let's give each other that.

Let’s choose grace more often than gossip. Forgiveness more often than judgment. Because as Sarah beautifully reminded me:

“We’re all struggling. Kindness matters.”

Here’s to Sarah—and to all of us—choosing to rise again, with humility, wisdom, and fierce self-compassion.

With love,Jasna

📸 Follow Sarah Edwards: https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahedwards

Sarah’s website: https://www.iamsarahedwards.com

Little Big: https://www.instagram.com/littlebigconnect/

Today on the podcast, we talk about the amazing single women and why it’s becoming harder and harder to find a true partnership. There’s a conversation I keep having with brilliant, independent, wildly accomplished women. They’ve checked off all the boxes—careers they’re proud of, finances handled, lives beautifully curated. But there’s one area they feel stuck in, frustrated by, even a little heartbroken about:

Finding a true partner.

They tell me about men who seem intimidated, emotionally distant, or flat-out uninterested. They ask, genuinely confused, "What am I missing?"

Here’s the tricky, sometimes uncomfortable truth—and you might not like it, but you deserve honesty:

Without realizing it, many strong, independent women lead with an energy that says, loud and clear, "I don't need you."

Let me be very clear: I’m here for powerful women. I celebrate independence, financial security, ambition. These things are beautiful and essential. But I’ve also seen this pattern play out over and over again—women unknowingly pushing away the exact love they crave.

And it's not because you’re too powerful.It's not because men can't handle your strength.

It's because all humans crave connection and contribution—and when we lead with walls rather than warmth, when we inadvertently tell someone "there's no room for you here," we push away the very thing our heart longs for.

Dating isn't transactional. It's relational. Men, like us, want to feel useful, valued, and seen. And while it's true that none of us "need" a partner in the old-fashioned sense, it's equally true that wanting connection, wanting intimacy, wanting support, is beautifully human. It doesn't diminish your independence—it enhances your life.

The strongest, happiest, most fulfilled women I've seen in relationships understand something powerful: True independence isn’t doing everything alone. It's being secure enough in your power to make space for someone else to step in and add value.

And that doesn't compromise you—it elevates you.

P.S. If you’re serious about finding love and ready for professional support, my company Selective Connections pairs incredible singles with a thoughtful, personalized matchmaking experience. Consider joining our database or working with our expert team—because sometimes, a little support can go a long way.

Much love,Jasna

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When Loyalty Breaks: Betrayal, Self-Preservation & Rising Anyway

There’s a quiet kind of heartbreak that doesn’t come from a breakup or a layoff.

It comes from someone you trusted… choosing themselves over you.

That sting?

Yeah—it’s betrayal. And it happens to all of us eventually.

Even, apparently, to Taylor Swift.

Let’s talk about the rumored Taylor Swift and Blake Lively fallout.

Two women who were bestie goals. Seen at football games together, parties, red carpets.

Now? No birthday posts. No photos. No mention of each other. Just silence.

And while we’ll never know the full story, the speculation is a wake-up call:

Even the closest friendships can unravel when fear, pressure, or self-preservation kicks in.

🎙 This Week’s Episode: “They’ll Throw You to the Wolves”

In this new episode of Rise to More, I’m sharing something raw and personal:

A betrayal I didn’t see coming.

It wasn’t cinematic. It wasn’t explosive. It was quiet. Calculated. And devastating.

But it taught me something I needed to learn:

Most people won’t throw you to the wolves… until it benefits them.

Here’s what I dive into:

* Why betrayal almost always comes from someone close

Not enemies. Not strangers. Friends. Mentors. Business partners. The people you believed in.

* Self-preservation bias

When fear creeps in, most people will act in their own best interest—and justify it later.

* How to spot the signs early

(The silence, the distancing, the rewriting of history.)

* Why loyalty is beautiful—but leverage is essential

You can be a good person and still protect your position.

* Four strategies to protect your peace and integrity

From documentation to detachment, I lay it all out.

A Truth We Hate to Admit

People will protect their own reputation before they protect your relationship.

And when betrayal happens, the worst part isn’t the loss of the connection.

It’s that gut-wrenching voice that whispers,

“How did I not see this coming?”

You’ll question your instincts.

You’ll replay the last conversation over and over.

And if you’re not careful, you’ll start believing you can’t trust anyone again.

But here’s the thing: you can prepare without becoming paranoid.

You can be loyal without being naive.

You can build trust and still build a backup plan.

My Challenge to You

This week, take stock of your world:

* Are you too reliant on someone?

* Do you have leverage—or are you just hoping people do the right thing?

* If someone pulled the rug out tomorrow… would you be okay?

If the Taylor & Blake fallout taught us anything, it’s this:

Fame, success, and years of history don’t always protect you from disconnection.

So let’s stop pretending that loyalty alone will keep us safe.

Let’s start learning how to rise anyway.

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🔗 Share this with someone who’s rebuilding after betrayal.

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