Rise With Diana

Burnout. Generational trauma. Feeling stuck in a system that doesn’t value your creativity or authenticity. Sound familiar? In this episode of Rise with Diana, we dive into the life and story of Dr. Aurora Chang, a powerhouse who uplifts and amplifies the voices of others through editing, coaching and ghostwriting---But she’s also got her own story to tell. Born in Guatemala, a naturalized U.S Citizen at 19, and now a voice for transformation, Dr. Chang shares how she walked away from burnout to embrace her creative power and help others do the same.She uses Her GIFT to make the gift of others come ALIVE. I don’t know about y’all, but to me---THAT, is what it’s all about. To live a life where you recognize and use your gift to keep on GIVING. Tune in to this week’s episode and be inspired and reminded of your gift, how you can embrace your narrative and turn your mess into your message!🎧You can listen on Apple, Spotify and or WATCH on YouTube.Time Stamps:2:02 Guest Introduction4:26 Trusting myself 5:30 Immigration9:40 Superpowers11:42 Gifts that come from need 14:30 Mentorship Story17:00 Even in the face of risk18:27 A Critical turning point 21:38 Happiness is a practice 21:50 The root of an authentic life 23:53 What’s real and what’s fake? 27:20 Reframing 28:49 Transform your Mess into your Message32:23 You are not alone

What brings you joy? ✨

---and as a follow up question; Have you been filling your days and weeks with more of that?

This week on The Rise with Diana Podcast, we’re diving deep with the inspiring Sarah Jankowski. Sarah isn’t just a phenomenal leader and mentor; she’s living proof that you can craft a life you love—starting with one brave decision at a time.

The thing about these lives is that we have A CHOICE in how we live it! 

In the midst of our busy Corporate worlds, Sarah reminds us that in order to wake up and love what you do every day, you have to BUILD your days with things you LOVE.💖 Big and small, at work AND at home! 

It’s not rocket science…it’s a decision. 

So how will you choose to live? 

Tune in to this episode and be inspired through conversation. 

🎧You can listen on Apple, Spotify and or WATCH on Youtube.

Link in Bio.

Time Stamps:

1:40 Guest Introduction

2:30 About Sarah 

4:30 What brings you joy?

9:00 Superpowers 

12:15 “It wasn’t a good fit” 

13:18 Authenticity 

17:24 “Life is in Session”

18:04 Finding things OUTSIDE of work 

21:12 Don’t get caught up in other peoples’ perceptions of you 

22:16 “It’s a bad day, not a bad life”

References: 

The Four Agreements Book 

Linked In: Sarah Jankowski

“I’d rather see myself fail than see myself fake…”

Let’s take a moment to sit with that word from this week's guest on the Rise with Diana podcast.

Do y’all feel that?

That realization that nothing in this world is worth obtaining if you’ve got to lose yourself to do it? The idea that the only real failure lies in the failure to honor who you are and stand true to your values. 

This one is for the bold disruptors, the quiet yet powerful leaders, and anyone who's ready to step into something bigger. 

Once labeled a “disruptor” for standing firm in her values, Ashley King, founder of Team Rising, shares how she went from thriving in the background to making a difference on the frontline. 💥 Ashley’s story is all about release—finding freedom in alignment and courage to lead with purpose as her MOST authentic self. 

Ashley’s journey proves that when you move in alignment with who you are, you ignite a 🔥 fire that pulls you toward your calling. 

Are you ready to show up as your truest self?

🎧 Tune in and let this conversation guide you to your own breakthrough!

You can listen on Apple, Spotify and or WATCH on YouTube.

Time Stamps:

1:30 Guest Introduction 

2:20 About Ashley King 

6:00 From the background to the frontline 

7:25 Childhood superpowers 

8:15 Team Rising 

8:58 Leadership

9:30 Turning Point 

12:45 Athletics 

13:43 Get clear on your values 

16:00 Learning Authenticity 

17:20 Balance 

20:15 Hard Diagnosis 

21:31 Plan and live for today 

23:45 A funeral and a birth 

25:45 It’s within you 

29:05 “I’d rather see myself fail then see myself fake”

29:16 Show up how you’re supposed to show up in your spirit

References: 

Follow Teamsrising on Instagram 

Ashley King on Linkedin 

You and you ALONE are in control of your life…so will you be a victim or a victor? 

In this week’s episode of the Rise with Diana Podcast, I get the opportunity to introduce y’all to one of the most inspiring VICTORS we've had on the podcast yet; Kathryn Phillips. 

Kathryn’s story is inspiring not because she created a path around her trauma, but because she grabbed her shovel, her gloves, dug her way THROUGH it, and said this ain't how my story ends. 

Kathryn shares her powerful story of how she had to overcome, evolve and create a new path for herself. She speaks openly about self-medicating with alcohol to cope with the pain of her trauma, and the turning point that led her to break free from limiting beliefs. 

SIS, Kathryn chose to be a victor…she chose not to settle for anything less than she knew was possible. A life she could look forward to waking up to every day. 

You can make that choice too.

She reminds us that at some point, our trauma drive will break down, and we must decide: Do we want to survive, or do we want to thrive?

Kathryn is a walking testament of what it is to be a Rise advocate. She’ll be the first to tell you! 

You won’t want to miss this conversation. So Tune in!

You can listen on Spotify, Apple, and or WATCH on YouTube. 

If you need help in turning your victim story into a victory, consider signing up for the next Rise Advocates Academy. The decision is yours… so what will you choose? 

Time Stamps:

1:40 Guest Introduction

2:30 Kathryn’s background 

4:43 Memento Mori 

6:20 Kathryn’s journey 

7:05 Victim to Victor 

8:39 Hitting a wall - Trauma drive 

12:00 The turning point 

15:00 Kathryn’s authentic self 

17:40 Shrinking down 

21:36 Young people 

22:42 That’s not lazy, that’s smart 

23:00 You need boundaries 

25:00 Partner with people 

25:30 The challenge to speak up 

28:35 Get to Chicago! All Rise Live Global Summit

29:00 Do you want to survive or do you want to thrive? 

References: 

www.sophistikatedadvisors.com 

Have you ever looked at your life --- like really sat back and looked at all of your accomplishments--- your job, your family, your house, every moment and decision that has led you to where you are now…and had this feeling of “this can’t be it”?

An internal realization that your life ‘doesn’t fit’ the desires, purpose and calling that you KNOW is on your life. 

If so, you’re in good company. 

In this week's episode of Rise with Diana, we sit down with the inspiring LaTanya Wilson, who is no stranger to making change where life doesn’t ‘fit’. As a VP of Advocacy at the Shriver Center of Poverty Law, LaTanya is a woman who embodies service, faith, and purpose. 

From the age of 14, she heard a divine calling to become a lawyer, graduating high school by 16, and pursuing her passion to love people right where they are. LaTanya speaks powerfully on her purpose to bring love and kindness into spaces where they’re often lacking. 

Her story is one of courage—answering God’s call, realizing that every room she steps into is a purposeful placement, and that her true power lies in being authentically herself. She reminds us that change starts with a decision, and no one can make that change for you but YOURSELF.

I don't know about y’all, but I needed to hear this one!

Tune in to hear how LaTanya listens, obeys, and transforms through faith and service.

You can listen on Apple, Spotify, and or WATCH on YouTube.

ALSO…

If that whole feeling of ‘something is missing’ in your career and or life resonates with you…then Sis, you’re not alone. The Rise Advocates Academy was designed to help you fill in the blanks of what you need to feel like you’re doing your GREATEST work. To learn more visit www.riseadvocates.com or insert new link if needed

Time Stamps:

2:35 LaTanya's background 

7:16 LaTanya's work 

9:41 A Highschool graduate at the age of 16

12:16 LaTanya's superpowers

15:40 LaTanya's authentic self 

17:06 How? 

17:19 #IAmTheOnlyOneWhoCanShowUpAsMe

20:24 Critical turning points

21:29 “It didn’t fit”

26:56 You can’t heal in the same environment that you’ve been hurt in 

27:31 P.A.S.S.I.O.N

30:58 Are you doing your greatest work?

32:48 What keeps you centered and balanced? 

35:31 You are not alone…

Your journey in this life will not be a straight shot… 

But that’s what makes it so beautiful. 

In this episode of the Rise with Diana Podcast, we sit down with Candice Harrison, who shares her inspiring journey of navigating a winding road full of unexpected turns and challenges. 

From becoming a single mother while still in college to overcoming barriers in her career, Candice has always stayed focused on her goals. She opens up and shares insights about the power of perseverance, and the lessons she’s learned on how to take up space and embrace every step of her journey.

Candice's story is a testament to the belief that no experience is wasted and that every twist and turn ultimately prepares us for where we are meant to be. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to be inspired by a journey of resilience, determination, and purpose!

🎧Tune in! Link in bio.

Time Stamps:

1:35 Guest Introduction 

2:57 About Candice 

11:43 Life has been good 

14:28 Candices Mentor 

16:55 Candices current position 

17:28 Humble yourself 

25:03 What brings Candice joy 

25:50 Privilege 

27:30 How do you utilize your privilege?

29:40 Joy outside of work: family and fun  

34:50 What helps you to not shrink down and to Be YOU

44:56 Candice’s greatest work 

46:45 If you are in the room, you are meant to be there 

References: 

SSOE.com

Follow Candice on LinkedIn: Candiceharrison

When doors close, windows open—but it’s up to us to have the courage to fly through them.

This week’s podcast guest, Natalie Benamou, founder of Her C-Suite and a passionate advocate for women's empowerment, embodies what it is to fly through windows. 

Natalie’s journey is a testament to what it means to lead with purpose and serve with heart. She shares how her career has always been about putting others first, creating spaces where women can truly rise, and forming communities where we lift as we climb.

In this episode, we explore the importance of making your OWN seat at the table and why we don’t need an invitation to start making change. Natalie delves into the art of being an empathic problem solver, the strength that comes from trusting your gut, and the transformative power of stillness and curiosity. 

She shares her advice on navigating the intersections of our lives with authenticity and intention, ensuring our voices are never silenced or diminished.

Tune in to discover how Natalie’s superpowers can inspire you to rise, lead, and thrive in every area of your life.

And don’t miss her at the All Rise Live Global Summit, where she will continue to inspire us all to rise higher, live authentically, and create a world where women don’t just have a seat at the table—but BUILD the tables altogether.

You can listen on Apple, Spotify and or WATCH on Youtube.

Time Stamps:

0:30 Guest Introduction 

1:00 About Natalie

3:13 “Doors close, windows open its up to us to fly through”

5:06 Her C-Suite 

5:12 We don’t need an invitation  

7:07 What do you love most about what you do now? 

10:10 Natalie’s superpowers

11:40 The power of being still 

13:38 Book reference 

13:50 Curiosity is essential 

15:45 A life Altering event and pivotal moment 

17:31 Have you ever been gaslit? 

21:40 Don’t quiet your inner voice 

23:00 Your Voice Matters 

25:45 Natalie’s advice for authenticity 

29:13 What Natalie will Share at the Summit

32:00 You’re not Alone 

References: 

Women Leaders On The Move | By HerCsuite® Radio

Blue Ocean Book by W. Chan Kim 

(13) HerCsuite®: Posts | LinkedIn

www.hercsuite.com 

I am SO excited to introduce the phenomenal Dr. Gwendolyn Oglesby-Odom as this week’s guest on the Rise with Diana Podcast!

Y’all want to talk about inspiring? 

A Chicago native, nurse by trade, and a healthcare executive with a fierce passion for community engagement--- Dr. Gwendolyn is one BAD MAMAJAMA🔥. 

In this episode, Dr. Gwendolyn shares her journey of finding her life purpose through education, imagination, and self-discovery.

Her insights on understanding your assignment, overcoming imposter syndrome, and knowing your worth will leave you feeling more motivated and empowered than EVER.

Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, motivation, and ACTIONABLE advice on how to imagine and create the life you desire!

Link in Bio, or You can Listen on Apple, Spotify and or WATCH on YouTube. 

NOTE: The views expressed by Dr. Gwendolyn Oglesby-Odom are that of her own and are not in any way associated with Advocate Health.

Time Stamps:

1:33 Guest Introduction

2:32 About Gwendolyn 

5:20 Life shifts

6:00 A seat at the table 

7:23 The Line in the Sand 

8:03 Imagination 

9:05 Leadership and Mentorship

11:10 You can only give, what you give yourself

11:30 Know who you are and stand on that 

12:23 Never give up who you are 

13:15 Imposter syndrome

15:05 Carve out time for you 

15:13 Miracle Morning book - Hal Elrod

18:03 Your network is your net worth 

18:30 Mentorship 

21:10 Advice from Dr. Gwendolyn 

References: 

(1) Gwendolyn Oglesby-Odom Ed.D., MSN,BSN,RN-BC,NEA-BC | LinkedIn

The Miracle Morning, Hal Elrod

At some point in time in everyone's life, career, and journey, there needs to be a REVIVAL of self. 

A decision to learn how to trust your authentic self and step out on her behalf. A decision to HEAL --- and more times than not, your calling, your purpose, and your ‘next’ are all found on the other side of that self trust and healing. 

That was certainly the case for this weeks’ Rise with Diana podcast guest, the amazing Jennifer Pestikas, founder of Brave Women at Work.

Join us for a fun and powerful conversation as Jennifer shares her personal journey, wisdom and her INFECTIOUS energy. 

Jennifer will also be at the All Rise Live Global Summit! So if you want to learn more about how we’re shifting corporate America one woman at a time make sure to get your ticket! 

Tune in and be inspired to pursue your calling with courage and authenticity!

Link in bio. OR You can listen on Apple, Spotify and or WATCH on YouTube. 

Time Stamps:

1:35 Guest Introduction

2:25 Jen’s background 

3:53 Why Brave Women at Work?

6:45 The therapy thing 

8:08 What you seek is seeking you 

10:55 Jen’s superpowers 

13:56 Revival of trusting myself 

16:23 We all have to go through our own revival 

19:08 How to start? 

20:50 “The world will beat you down if you let it” - Rocky (Movie) 

22:30 Thrive25

24:45 Why thrive25? 

26:08 Collaborating 

27:00 Parting words from Jen 

28:37 “No one is going to see your light unless you open your mouth and get visible” 

29:13 It’s important to find your tribe 

References: 

Brave Women at Work - Helping you take braver action at work

Brave Women at Work podcast 

Have you ever been in a room or a space where you just felt like you didn’t belong?

You found yourself looking around, comparing and over-thinking as you slowly started to shrink within yourself? 

Sis, trust me when I say you’re not alone. 

But when you get to know who you really are, what you stand for and all that you're worthy of, you realize that there is no space you can walk into where you “don’t belong”. 

This journey of self awareness and self acceptance is an absolute MUST for us today, and no one knows this better than this week’s Rise with Diana Podcast guest, Sharon Shi. 

Tune in to hear Sharon Shi’s inspiring story and her advice on navigating the complexities of self-worth and belonging. Her words will motivate you to take an active role in your own journey towards self-acceptance and to stand up for what you believe in.

Sharon will ALSO be speaking at the All Rise Live Global Summit! Make sure to get your ticket. 

Don’t miss this enlightening episode—listen now and be inspired to embrace your true self!

Link in bio! Or You can listen on Apple, Spotify and or WATCH on YouTube! Depends on platform

Time Stamps:

1:37 Guest Introduction

2:40 Sharon’s background

5:30 Sharon’s superpowers

8:00 False perception and judgment 

8:26 An evolving authentic self 

9:15 Advocacy

14:52 Dialogue and communication

15:17 Take an active role 

18:40 Self-awareness and self-love 

21:07 Imposter Syndrome 

24:36 Advice and motivation 

27:32 A word for corporate America 

References: 

Sharon Shi 

www.eastsummitlegal.com